Local Shoreline Management Policy Implementation Bias Generation and Mitigation

Policy implementation bias is prevalent in policy scenarios such as inter-governmental interaction and grassroots governance. The decision-making autonomy and discretionary space held by the implementation subject are important sources of implementation bias. Coastal zone management, as an important part of China's strategy of ocean power, aims to achieve rational protection and development of marine resources and to promote the symbiotic development of the economy and society. However, there are certain deviations in the implementation of this policy, such as the continuous occurrence of illegal reclamation and the need to strengthen the regulatory link. Based on the practice of local governments in coastal zone management, this study suggests that the implementation bias of this policy is manifested in the weakening of social attributes, over-emphasis on economic attributes, and "fragmentation" of policy information. Cost-based resource provision, benefitbased field interactions, and regulatory power from the centre and the public are the root causes of the implementation bias. In this regard, we should strengthen the effectiveness of the central government's supervision of localities, enhance public participation and control, strengthen the integrated use of land and sea resources, and optimize the performance appraisal mechanism to help eliminate the implementation bias of coastal zone management policies and modernize local governance.