Can environmental regulation promote the improvement of the ocean carbon sink capacity? Evidence from China

Purpose This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic impact mechanism of ocean carbon sink capacity improvement from the perspective of ocean governance. Design/methodology/approach Based on panel data from 11 coastal provinces in China (2008–2022), this study introduced three types of environmental regulation tools as moderating variables. This study considered ocean governance as the mediating variable to explore the socioeconomic mechanisms of the improvement of ocean carbon sink capacity under the background of multiple environmental regulatory policies. Findings Ocean financial support was the main factor promoting ocean carbon sink capacity, and ocean governance played an intermediary role in the positive relationship between ocean financial support and carbon sink capacity. Heterogeneous environmental regulation significantly positively moderated the impact of ocean financial support on ocean carbon sink capacity and the relationship between ocean financial support and ocean governance. Originality/value This study utilized ocean governance and heterogeneous environmental regulation to explore the multidimensional paths for the enhancement of ocean carbon sink capacity. This study recommended establishing a dynamically balanced and coordinated environmental regulation policy system by combining different types of environmental regulations, thereby optimizing the long-term mechanism of ocean governance and promoting the stable growth of ocean carbon sink capacity.