## (2) Various forms of participation in resource management

☐ Further measures need to be implemented to prevent illegal fishing, such as promoting people's understanding about conservation and management of fishery resources, and, in cooperation with distributors, preventing the distribution of illegal catches.

☐ Efforts are also being made to enhance the understanding of recreational fishers about resource management and the conservation of the marine environment. A total of 211 fisheries cooperatives nationwide carry out activities in cooperation with recreational fishing-related organizations concerning marine use, such as protection and enhancement of resources and conservation of fishing ground environments.

☐ There have been cases throughout the nation where fishers' resource management efforts are driving the revitalization of the local economy.

## V illage revitalization taking advantage of achievements of yellow goosefish resource management

In Kazamaura Village in the Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori Prefecture, the Kazamaura Village Yellow Goosefish Resource Management Council was established in 2009. The council engaged in such efforts as (1) re-releasing small fish that weigh less than 2 kg, (2) establishing a no-fishing period, and (3) shifting the operation period to winter, when demand for goosefish dishes rises. As a result, the landed value of yellow goosefish increased.

The village uses yellow goosefish as a local resource for revitalizing the village, by holding a Shimokita Amusing Village Goosefish Festival and developing processed products.

Tag and release survey conducted by the Mutsui Fishery Office, Aomori Prefecture

## (Summary: For the sustainable use of fishery resources in waters around Japan)

○ Appropriate management of fishery resources in waters around Japan and their sustainable use are issues that involve not only fishers, but also processors and distributors who handle fishery products, and consumers who eat fishery products. These are challenges that should be addressed by all citizens also from the viewpoint of ensuring food security.

○ In order for all citizens to support the sustainable use of fishery resources, it is important for all citizens to put in practice what they can do in their respective positions in cooperation with each other.

☐ With an aim to link citizens' interest in fishery resources to actual actions, fishers, fishery organizations, processors, distributors, administrative organs, and research institutes should cooperate with each other in transmitting information to consumers, and in carrying out dissemination and awareness-raising activities for consumers, so as to get more and more people to join in the collaborative efforts.

Examples of efforts by the relevant sectors

## Sustainable use of fishery resources

## Processors/distributors

○ Information provision/awareness-raising activities for consumers

○ Active sales of fishery products caught by sustainable methods etc...

## Fishers/fishery organizations

○ Appropriate use of fishery resources based on scientific knowledge

○ Passing on fishing skills to future generations

○ Response to consumer needs

○ Enhancement of citizens' understanding through active transmission of information etc...

## Consumers

## Administrative organs/research institutes

○ Accurate understanding of the resource status

Active purchase of fishery products caught by sustainable methods

○ Provision of information concerning resources

○ Appropriate/strict application of resource management systems

○ Regulation of illegal operations

○ Awareness-raising of consumers etc...

○ Consumption behavior of eating seasonal fish (in-season production and consumption)

○ Activities to directly feel the importance of sustainable use of fishery resources, such as conservation of sato-umi (coastal areas where biological productivity and biodiversity has increased through human interaction)