4. Discussion
Taking two fishing villages at Long Islands as an example, this study examined relationships between island livelihoods and Yujiale tourism with a focus on livelihood sustainability.
Tourism, fishing and mariculture are highly seasonal and vulnerable livelihood activities that are also affected by changes in socio-economic, political and climatic environments. Although tourism may seem to be a convenient and effective livelihood opportunity for island fishing communities, it would be more beneficial to incorporate tourism into existing livelihood strategies rather than to replace the latter entirely. Emphasizing the experience of fishing culture and island lifestyles for consumption by tourists, Yujiale tourism has been associated with a re-evaluation and redeployment of resources originally associated with traditional fishing and mariculture, to form a new link between tourism and traditional island livelihoods. There is potential to establish a reciprocal relationship between fishing, mariculture and tourism through Yujiale ( Fig. 4). Enhancement in fishing and mariculture can also benefit Yujiale tourism. The latter can also offer opportunities to expand the market and increase the value of fishing and mariculture products. Therefore, traditional livelihood strategies should be retained for island communities and connections between them and other livelihood activities, such as tourism, should be established to reduce potential risks. The development of an integrated livelihood portfolio in which varied activities are mutually supportive, is a way to enhance and sustain island communities.