On November 19, the Blue Book of China’s Maritime Culture: Annual Report on the Development of China’s Maritime Culture (2024), compiled by Fuzhou University, was officially released at the 9th Global Mazu Culture Forum. This marks the sixth installment in the Blue Book of China’s Maritime Culture series.

　　Launched in 2019, the Blue Book of China’s Maritime Culture is the first publication series in China centered on maritime culture. It was jointly developed by the Fujian Maritime Culture Research Center of Fuzhou University and the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources. By 2023, five editions had been published consecutively. The Blue Book consolidates expert academic perspectives and delivers annual thematic reports that analyze and summarize advancements in academic research and industry development of the maritime culture. From building China’s maritime culture system to enhancing national ocean awareness, and from the exploration and preservation of maritime heritage to fostering international cooperation in maritime affairs, the Blue Book provides a comprehensive record of China’s achievements and progress in the development of maritime culture. Recognized multiple times as an outstanding national publication on ocean studies, the Blue Book boasts significant academic and social influence. It also serves as a reliable platform for Fuzhou University to showcase its think tank contributions to maritime culture.

　　The Annual Report on the Development of China’s Maritime Culture (2024), released at this event, takes the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the “Maritime Fuzhou” initiative and the 40th anniversary of China’s polar expeditions to review and summarize the development of China’s maritime culture in 2024. The report covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of China’s maritime history research, maritime literacy education and development, the maritime culture industry, Chinese maritime literature, and the growth of the National Maritime Museum of China. It lays a solid foundation for constructing a theoretical framework for maritime culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The report further highlights that the future development of the “Maritime Fuzhou” initiative should fully harness the empowering potential of maritime culture. This includes accelerating the growth of marine tourism, driving advancements in the maritime sector through science and technology, and fostering the development of emerging marine industries. Additionally, efforts should focus on establishing a comprehensive cultural brand system centered around the “Maritime Fuzhou” international brand.