## Chapter II: Review of Japan’s Fisheries since FY2012

## Section 1: Management of fishery resources in Japan

(1) Status of fishery resources in waters surrounding Japan

According to the results of resource assessment in FY2013, among the major 84 stocks of 52 species, the resource level was high for 12 stocks (14%), medium for 36 stocks (43%), and low for 36 stocks (43%). In recent years, the percentage of low-level stocks has declined, and that of medium-level stocks has risen, generally shifting in a stable manner overall.

Current resource levels in waters surrounding Japan and changes in the resource levels

Source: Fisheries Agency and Fisheries Research Agency, Assessment of Fishery Resources in Japan's Surrounding Waters, and others FY

## [Column: Relationship between whale and other fishery resources]

[Estimated amount of predation by Northwest Pacific whale]

In order to collect biologically important data on whales, Japan has been carrying out research on whale resources employing lethal methods.

O The research results have revealed that whale prey on an enormous amount of marine organisms. The Institute of Cetacean Research estimates that whales around the world eat marine organisms that are three to five times larger in volume than the global annual catch volume of about 90 million tons.

O In waters surrounding Japan, important species subject to fisheries, particularly sardine, saury, cod, salmon and squid, are eaten by whales, and fisheries and whales are in a competitive relationship.

Source: Compiled by the Fisheries Agency based on the results of whale research conducted in the Northwest Pacific by the Institute of Cetacean Research

Notes: 1) The target whale species are minke whale, sei whale and Bryde's whale.

2) The figures are eight-year average values of data for May to July of 2000 to 2007.

3) The figures in parentheses are Japan's catch volumes (eight-year average values for 2000 to 2007).

## (2) Framework for implementation of resource assessments

O Resource assessments are conducted by classifying 52 species of major fishery resources in the waters surrounding Japan into 84 stocks.

OOceanographic observations and fisheries surveys are conducted by research vessels and a status of landing fish at port markets is assessed. Analysis reports for the status of each fish stock are open to discuss among researchers including external experts and finally compiled as a stock assessment and evaluation reports. The results of stock evaluation are used for appropriate stock management, such as serving as a scientific basis for setting total allowable catch (TAC).

## (3) Necessity of resource management

O If fishery resources are appropriately managed so as to prevent over-exploitation, they can be harvested in a sustainable manner.

OThe United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides that the living resources in the exclusive economic zone should be conserved and managed by the coastal State and those in the high seas should be conserved and managed by the countries concerned in cooperation with other countries.

(4) Characteristics of Japan’s fishery management (Characteristics of Japan’s fisheries)

O The Northwest Pacific encompassing the waters surrounding Japan is one of the major fishing grounds in the world. The living resources in the waters surrounding Japan are highly diverse, and a variety of species of fishery resources can be caught.

Japan's fisheries, which have been operated from ancient times under such characteristics of the sea area, involve a considerably larger number of fishers and fishing vessels and an extremely higher share of small fishing vessels compared to other countries. It is important that Japan's resource management is suited to the actual conditions of Japan.