In China strategic MSP has been developed under the framework
of Marine Principal Functional Zoning (MPFZ) by the State
Oceanic Administration (SOA) since 2009. MPFZ guides regional
development by prioritizing principal functions and selecting
development intensity (e.g. to be fully developed, moderately
developed or restrictedly developed) in accordance with carrying capacity of natural resources, current utilization, and prospective
development potential [21]. Although there are an increasing
number of studies investigating the theory and practice of MPFZ
in China, appropriate decision methods, particularly for the real
world cases, remain elusive [22–24]. Therefore, it is meaningful to
carry out research on decision analytical approach in the context
of MPFZ. This paper explores the applicability of environmental
input–output (EIO) approach to MPFZ in China. Using Xiamen as a
case study, the research conducts a comparative analysis of two
marine functional uses—marine transportation (port and shipping)
versus waterfront tourism. The research investigates (1) regional
economic impacts and (2) selected resource and environmental
implications, associated with these two marine industries in both
the base year (2007) and the planned year (2015), and then
provides necessary decision support.