To EDF, the proposed reforms could lead to a shift in the way other countries from the Asian-Pacific region will manage their fisheries.

National fishing reform represents significant progress for sustainable fishing, EDF states

JAPAN
Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) considers that the national fishing reform that Japan is planning to perform represents the most significant progress in the last 70 years in the country’s fishing legislation. 

The non-government organisation also notes that the new reforms will create higher sustainability in Japan's fisheries and has the potential to signal a meaningful shift in how other countries in the Asia Pacific region manage their fisheries in the future. 

“The world should take note of this moment because it signals a transformational shift in how countries are managing their fisheries for the long term, and if done right, has the potential to usher in a new era of sustainability in the region that will have far-reaching positive impacts,” said Katie McGinty, Senior Vice President, EDF Oceans.

The EDF considers that the passage of the reform legislation through the Japanese Diet (Japan’s bicameral legislature) marks a landmark moment in the nation’s efforts to reform its fisheries, which has been a high priority for Prime Minister Shinzō Abe as he continues to restructure Japan’s economy for long-term prosperity.

Japanese Parliament

For more than a year, EDF has provided expert scientific and policy support and advice to government officials, scientists and regulators to help lay the groundwork for the reform effort.

The legislation’s goal is to ensure long-term productivity of important fish stocks that are at the heart of the Japanese economy, culture and cuisine, and that impact seafood markets across the globe.

The reform package incorporates several recommendations from EDF including expanding stock assessments to cover all commercial stocks and increasing the percentage of catch managed with science-based catch limits. In addition, the reforms include requiring recovery plans for overfished stocks within 10 years and establishing a system of individual vessel quotas with some transferability.

Harbour landscape preparing for fishing in Hokkaido Otaru

While the reforms being passed by the Diet are a meaningful step forward on the road to creating sustainable fisheries in Japan, the implementation phase will be equally important.

During that crucial phase, regulations known as cabinet and ministerial ordinances will be drafted by Japan’s Fishery Agency and will shape how the legislation is put in place on the water.

In this regard, EDF said it is particularly focused on helping refine the reforms during the implementation phase to include a transition financing plan that does not undercut sustainability, including stakeholders more broadly in the management process and improvements in monitoring and accountability.



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