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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Illegal Marine Wildlife Trade in Southern China

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new research study by Colorado State University has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has inadvertently contributed to the resurgence of the illegal marine wildlife trade in Southern China. The study, which examined the trade of sea turtles, giant clams, and corals, revealed a 17.06% decrease in the number of shops selling marine wildlife products, but a 32.72% increase in the number of items available for sale. This indicates a concentration of trade activity and a shift towards more illicit trade flows.

The study, which was conducted between 1979 and 2022, used a multi-method approach that incorporated policy and regulatory reviews, market and consumer surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The researchers found that sellers were exploiting short-term, top-down enforcement gaps to maintain illicit trade flows and meet persistent consumer demand. The findings underscore the resilience of illegal trade networks and the inadequacy of reactive enforcement strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has inadvertently contributed to the resurgence of the illegal marine wildlife trade in Southern China.
  • Market surveys revealed a 17.06% decrease in the number of shops selling marine wildlife products, but a 32.72% increase in items available for sale.
  • Consumer data indicate that the majority of potential buyers were aged 23-30 (38.93%) and 31-45 (24.83%), with 60% identifying as female.
  • Stakeholder interviews identified distinct supply chain nodes facilitating illegal trade across the region.
  • Despite policy reforms and intensified enforcement at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study finds that marine species remain vulnerable due to fragmented regulations and inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions.
  • Sellers continue to exploit short-term, top-down enforcement gaps, maintaining illicit trade flows and meeting persistent consumer demand.
  • The findings underscore the resilience of illegal trade networks and the inadequacy of reactive enforcement strategies.
  • A multi-stakeholder approach, grounded in inter-agency coordination and civic engagement, is essential to combat the illicit trade.
  • Sustained, community-driven enforcement mechanisms are necessary to prevent the exacerbation of illegal trade and biodiversity loss in China and the wider Global South.

Statistics:

  • 17.06% decrease in the number of shops selling marine wildlife products between 2020 and 2022.
  • 32.72% increase in the number of items available for sale between 2020 and 2022.
  • 38.93% of potential buyers were aged 23-30.
  • 24.83% of potential buyers were aged 31-45.
  • 60% of potential buyers identified as female.

Sources:

  • Before and Beyond the Pandemic: Dynamics of Illegal Marine Wildlife Trade In Southern China Amidst Policy Shifts and Enforcement Efforts. Global Ecology and Conservation, 2025;60.
  • Colorado State University, Dept. of Sociology, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States.
  • KuoRay Mao, Colorado State University, Dept. of Sociology, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States.
  • Wuying Lin and Xinyi Zhao, authors of the research study.

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