Promoting the multi-dimensional governance of fisheries in Japan: Science, Policy and Market

Why are Japanese fisheries so unsustainable? The majority of its coastal stocks are overfished. TAC is set only for 7 species, often above sustainable levels. Without regulation, juvenile fish and spawning schools are... [ view full abstract ]

Why are Japanese fisheries so unsustainable? The majority of its coastal stocks are overfished. TAC is set only for 7 species, often above sustainable levels. Without regulation, juvenile fish and spawning schools are intensively harvested. Aquaculture is also problematic. Antibiotics, which are designated as critically important for human medicine, are widely used. In addition, there is no public system for monitoring the industry's environmental impacts, and feed sustainability is not recognized as an issue. What drives this unsustainability in Japan? To answer this question, we need to understand the multi-layered structure of dysfunction: a lack of policy innovation, an unethical seafood market and silent science.  

Firstly, concepts such as MSY and the precautionary approach have been ignored by Japanese fisheries management policies. Secondly, the market is so unethical that endangered bluefin tuna and eel are widely sold at supermarkets. In such a situation, the market cannot arouse bottom-up pressure on the government and fishermen/farmers. Thirdly, behind the outdated fisheries policies and unenlightened market, there is silent fisheries science, which keep media, politicians, fishermen, farmers, retailors, processors, and consumers uninformed. Under such a structure of multi-layered dysfunction, it has been difficult to progressively transform policy and/or the market toward sustainability. However, momentum is building in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with seafood sustainability attracting growing public attention. In response, the cabinet has begun to seriously consider the issue. This presentation will discuss key policy prescriptions that can help to maximize this opportunity.