[Changes in the global import trade volume and value of fish and fishery products]

(3) Global trade of fish and fishery products

O Amid the growing demand for fish and fishery products worldwide, the global trade of fish and fishery products has been on an increase, both in volume and value.

The global import trade value in 2011 was 35.93 million tons in volume and 131.7 billion dollars in value. Looking at the global import trade value for the same year by fish species, shrimps and prawns account for the highest value at 18.9 billion dollars (14.4% of the total), followed by salmons and trouts at 18 billion dollars (13.7% of the total), bonitos, tunas and billfishes at 13.9 billion dollars (10.6% of the total), and cods at 12.4 billion dollars (9.4% of the total). The import trade value of these fish species combined constitutes approximately 50% of the total import trade value.

The global trading price of fish and fishery products temporarily dropped in 2009, but turned to an increase in 2010, and continued to rise in 2012.

Source: FAO, Fishstat (Commodities production and trade)

(4) Japan’s relations in international fisheries

### A. Bilateral fishery relations

O Japan has concluded bilateral fishery agreements with South Korea, China and Russia, gaining mutual permission to fish within each other's waters under certain conditions. Under these agreements, the coastal state permits and regulates the operations of fishing vessels of the counterparty state. Also, under the bilateral fishery agreements with China and with South Korea, waters that are free from such measures by the coastal state have been designated.

In relation with China, there are concerns about adverse effects on resources resulting from the activities of Chinese fishing vessels without permits or tiger net fishing vessels in Japan-China provisional waters, etc. In addition, the taking of coral by Chinese vessels in waters surrounding Okinawa has become a problem. Regarding these problems, Japan held discussions with China at the Japan-China Joint Fisheries Committee in August 2013, and agreed on countermeasures.

In April 2013, Interchange Association, Japan (IAJ) and the East Asia Relations Commission of Taiwan agreed on a Japan-Taiwan private sector fisheries arrangement for constructing a fisheries order between Japan and Taiwan and for conserving and rationally using living marine resources. At the meeting of the Japan-Taiwan Fishery Committee under this arrangement, an agreement was reached in January 2014 on the operation rules to be observed by both Japanese and Taiwanese fishers.

Japan’s far-seas fishing vessels such as far-seas tuna longline fishing vessels operate in the exclusive economic zones of various countries including Pacific island countries and African countries. In order to secure such operations, Japan concludes and maintains intergovernmental arrangements or private-sector contracts with countries concerned.

### B. Multilateral fishery relations

O Japan has made contribution both in the fields of science and administration in the respective regional fisheries management organizations, such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Japan has pushed forward international fishery resource management of bonitos, tunas and other species. Successful achievements have been made, such as bluefin tuna resources in the East Atlantic, which is part of the area managed by ICCAT, showing signs of recovery.

O While negotiations for the establishment of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (mainly targeting saury, etc.) having competence over the high seas area of the North Pacific had been under way, the convention was adopted in February 2012 and Japan ratified it in July 2013.

O At the International Whaling Commission (IWC), it is currently almost impossible to make decisions on conservation and management of whale resources.

With regard to the second phase of the Japan’s Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Antarctic (JARPA II), Australia filed an action with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a cessation of the research. In March 2014, the court issued a judgment that the special permits granted by Japan in connection with JARPA II do not fall within the provisions of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Based on its general policy that whale resources should be used in a sustainable manner, and a spirit of mutual understanding is indispensable for recognizing dietary habits and cultures, while canceling JARPA II, Japan will conduct whale research in the North Pacific in FY2014 with a limited purpose and scale until FY2016 when a new research program would be examined. With regard to the research in the Antarctic in FY2015 onward, in accordance with ICJ’s advices, an earnest review of the designs of whale research programs will be conducted through the cooperation among related ministries, with the aim of submitting a new program to the IWC Scientific Committee by autumn 2014.

O Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations was formally decided on July 23, 2013. In addition to lowering or eliminating tariffs, Japan has been requested to adopt a uniform policy with other countries concerning such matters as the business environment and environmental conservation.