Chinese Coastal Fishing Ports Classification Based on Remote Sensing Images

Fishing ports are important fishery production platforms, and the transformation of these has had a profound impact on the fishing industry. A reasonable classification solution is crucial for scientific understanding, development, and management of fishing ports. Current research on the use of spatial distributional characterization and the construction of a classification system for fishing ports to improve their management is limited. Therefore, in this study, a fishing port classification system was constructed using remote sensing images, with fishing port boundaries accurately extracted for classification. Using graphical summarization, fishing ports were classified into five types, including inland, estuarine, shoreline, gulf, and islands. A port type identification system was also constructed based on distance from the shoreline, water area, and circulation. Finally, fishing port characteristics and differences were investigated based on spatial superposition. The results demonstrate that shoreline and gulf types are the most prevalent fishing port types along the Chinese coast, accounting for 43% and 26% of the total number of fishing ports, respectively. This provides a strong foundation for China’s fishery production, processing, and trade. Through the establishment of a comprehensive scientific classification system, fishing port management can be modernized, supporting the sustainable development and utilization of coastal zones.