Can environmental regulation promote the green output bias in China’s mariculture?

The green output bias of technological progress is the key factor driving the green transformation of mariculture. This study considers whether environmental regulation can promote the green output bias. Utilizing data envelopment analysis (DEA), we decomposed the green output biased technological progress index (OBTC) and constructed the index to measure the output bias between output value and pollutant emissions. The results show spatial and temporal differences in the green output bias, with different bias values for three major Chinese coastal regions during the study period. As the bias value mainly fluctuates around the zero value, the degree of green output bias must be enhanced. Considering the heterogeneity of environmental regulation, we empirically study the relation that exists between environmental regulation and green output bias. Our findings indicate a U-shaped relation between two categories of environmental regulation and the green output bias. Green technology partially intermediates the mechanisms by which these environmental regulations influence green output bias. Our results have implications for policymakers and other stakeholders for strengthening environmental regulation, promoting green technological innovation, and the scientific planning of the species and scale of mariculture to promote sustainable development.