August 21, 2019 — New research published Aug. 19 in the journal Marine Policy suggests Japan’s fishing fleets could generate an additional $5.5 billion in annual profits while supporting a 30% increase in populations of fish in Japan’s waters by 2065, if they adopt policies that promote conservation and offer fishermen the right incentives.
Authored by scientists at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Iwate University, Norwegian School of Economics, and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, the study examines the potential effects of different approaches to managing Japan’s fisheries on catch, profits and the amounts of fish left in the water to support healthy ecosystems. The results suggest that adopting policies that incorporate science-based fisheries management into Japan’s current rights-based management system could increase profits compared to the status quo, the group said.
In December 2018 Japan passed the most significant reforms to its fisheries laws in 70 years. This new research could help shape the implementation of that law, EDF claimed.