明代海洋社会中的“报水”研究

The Study of Baoshui(Maritime Tax)in the Ming Dynasty

"报水"作为海洋社会权力的重要实践方式,常见于明代海洋文献中。明代海洋社会中的"报水"行为,也为中外研究海洋史的学者们所关注,但仍缺乏专文来整理与深入研究。本文通过梳理明代海洋社会中的"报水"行为,论证了"报水"在公私不同权力系统中存在的社会根源及其在海域控制中的实质作用,认为"报水"显示的是海洋活动群体对海域的控制力与利益分割,当官方能够控制海洋秩序时,收取"报水"的权力收归公家,反之则向民间下移,成为私人的权力。而且"报水"也可能成为控制海域的重要手段之一。

As an important practice in maritime control,the system of baoshui(a kind of maritime tax)was frequently mentioned in the maritime literature of the Ming dynasty.Although this practice has drawn the attention of both Chinese and foreign scholars who study maritime history,there is still a lack of in-depth studies.On the basis of relevant historical records,this article shows that the baoshui practice reflected different social groups’control of maritime activities and their interests.When the court had the maritime order under its control,baoshui would be handled by the official authorities.But if the court did not have full control of maritime activities,it would be decentralized to private interests.This system could also be a way to controlling the sea.