Fisheries Improvement in the Far East: Case studies from Japan

Japan is known worldwide as a major seafood consumer and importer. Domestic seafood production is also substantial, but about 50% of Japanese fisheries are considered overexploited or collapsed. Thus sustainability issues clearly need to be addressed, and there has been significant growth in the engagement of Japanese fisheries, including small-scale fisheries, in certification and improvement efforts over the last several years. However, globally recognized schemes such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification program and fishery improvement projects (FIPs) were largely developed in western countries and have in some cases struggled to influence change in the unique cultural context of Japan. Ocean Outcomes has long-standing and newly developed relationships with several Japanese fisheries and is actively working to establish local FIPs using a culturally-appropriate, community-based approach. We will explore opportunities, challenges and lessons learned in establishing successful FIPs in Japan.