A fishing vessel is specifically used to catch fish and other aquatic resources in the ocean, lakes, or rivers.

It serves not only as one of the core tools of the fishery economy but also as an important means of developing and utilizing global marine and inland fishery resources.

The types, structures, and functions of fishing vessels are diverse due to the different fishing targets, fishing methods, operating environments, and technical levels. The development of fishing vessels can be traced back to the early days when humans began to develop water resources.

Most primitive fishing vessels were simple wooden boats. With the advancement of science and technology, the structure and power systems of fishing vessels have been greatly improved.

Modern fishing vessels not only possess stronger resistance to wind and waves but can also be equipped with advanced fishing equipment and navigation systems as needed, improving fishing efficiency and reducing operational risks.

Fishing vessels are generally classified into small, medium, and large categories based on their size, purpose, and fishing methods. Small vessels are typically used for coastal or inland fishing, while medium and large vessels are designed for deep-sea operations.

In modern fishery production, fishing vessels are not just simple tools; they also play multiple roles such as fishing, processing, storage, and transportation.

Many large fishing vessels are equipped with freezing and processing facilities to complete the initial processing of fish at sea, such as cutting, refrigeration, or processing into canned forms. The purpose is to maximize the freshness of the catch while reducing the waste of resources caused by long stays at sea. As the demand for seafood increases worldwide, fishing vessels play a vital role in the exploitation of global marine and fishery resources.

However, the development and popularity of fishing vessels are also accompanied by a series of environmental and resource challenges.

Overfishing, illegal fishing, and marine pollution are becoming increasingly serious, threatening the balance of marine ecosystems and directly affecting the sustainable use of global fishery resources.

Overfishing is particularly exacerbated by the abuse of large-scale fishing fleets and modern fishing techniques. The increasing fishing capacity of fishing vessels has put some fish species in the ocean at risk of extinction.

In response to this issue, some countries have begun to implement fishery management systems, such as quotas and closed fishing seasons, to limit the catch of fishing vessels and ensure the sustainable use of fishery resources.

The technical equipment on modern fishing vessels has greatly changed the way traditional fisheries operate. Sonar systems, satellite positioning systems (GPS), and fish detection technologies enable fishermen to more accurately determine the location of fish schools, thereby improving fishing efficiency.

At the same time, the application of automation technology has also made the operation of fishing vessels more intelligent. Compared with traditional manual operations, the automation system of modern fishing vessels can reduce labour intensity, improve work efficiency, and decrease the danger of personnel working in harsh sea conditions.

Despite the leaps and bounds in technology, modern fishing vessels still face far-reaching social and economic problems. The first issue is the livelihood of fishermen around the world.

In some developing countries, fishermen still rely on small wooden boats and traditional fishing methods, making it difficult for them to compete with large industrial fishing boats equipped with modern equipment.

With the proliferation of large fishing boats, the livelihoods of many small-scale fishery practitioners are threatened. Additionally, the modernization of fishing boats has led to changes in job dynamics.

The increase in automation has reduced the demand for manual labour, and some coastal communities that depend on fisheries are therefore facing unemployment and economic difficulties.

As an important tool for the development of global fishery resources, fishing boats play an indispensable role in modern society. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the design and functions of fishing boats are also constantly upgrading.

However, the rapid development and popularity of fishing vessels have also brought new challenges, especially concerning marine resource management and environmental protection.

Balancing the productivity of fishing vessels with the sustainability of marine ecosystems has become a crucial challenge in the global fisheries industry. Only through more scientific and reasonable management can the long-term sustainable development of fishing vessels and fishery resources be ensured.