tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13244835952191169062024-03-19T20:03:10.109+09:00OPRT EDITOR'S BLOGoprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-7633513201689144632014-03-06T17:21:00.001+09:002014-03-06T17:21:36.282+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US">Far Seas Fishing Countries Are Pressed to
Change <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Western & Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission (WCPFC) adopted measures to address with special requirements of
Small Island Developing States and Territories (SIDs) in relation to the conservation
and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the Western and Central
Pacific Convention Area at its regular meeting held in Dec. 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Convention on the Conservation and
Management of Highly Migratory fish stocks in the Western and <st1:place w:st="on">Central
Pacific Ocean</st1:place> clearly states that WCPFC shall give full
recognition to the positions of islands countries, for which Tuna resource is
an important base of their economic developments and food security, and accepts
the special requirements for SIDs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, those points had been laid out only as in principles, and WCPFC
had not made any positive action to implement measures to meet with the
requirements of SIDs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through this adaptation, WCPFC members are
now required to address to the special requirements of the SIDs comprehensively
and specifically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This should gather
much attention as it drives changes on far seas tuna fishery by the developed
countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Ke</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">y points of the new measures adopted are WCPFC members to cooperate 1)
to enhance capacity for conservation and management of fisheries by SIDS and 2)
to increase further development of tuna fisheries and related industries of
SIDs The targets to improve and raise capabilities of SIDs to improve
management include gathering of statistics of catch data, analysis, and
training of experts on stock assessment.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is meaningful for all member countries
because those measures will result in to improve resource management capability
of WCPFC and to secure sustainable use of resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, supports for development
of tuna fishery by SIDs extend their fishing operations into the high seas have
different meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such cooperation would be made by developed
far seas fishing countries such as <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:country-region>, and <st1:place w:st="on">S. Korea</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
implementing such supports to SIDs would certainly bring about impacts to their
own far seas fisheries so that the developed far seas fishing countries need to
extend their cooperation while considering the future of their own fisheries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following
statement in the measure makes member countries to keep aware of the impacts
clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“WCPFC member countries make
effort so that SIDs’ Tuna fishery makes at least 50% of the total catch and
value of highly migratory fish stock in the western and central <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
achieve the goal, developed countries make supportive investments and
corporation to SIDs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This contains detailed objectives. The
objective, for example, includes “maintaining and increasing employment
opportunities for people in SIDs”, “promotion of landing, trans-shipment, and
processing of the products in SIDs,” and “promotion of purchase of fishing
equipments and supplies.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, the statement draws “developed
members shall endeavor to take appropriate action to eliminate barriers to
trade in fish and fisheries products. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moreover, developed countries are required
to report to WCPFC how they implement the measures every year, and the WCPFC
reviews the progresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The system has a
mechanism not to leave the adopted measures as simply as an object to be
focused on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the progress is
reviewed every year, it would be just a matter of time that the objectives are
to become binding requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trend to develop tuna fishery of SIDs
is to be strengthened further on the background of ever-increasing desires from
SIDs, and there seems to be no avenue left open to escape from the trend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Developed countries should cope with a
challenge to reduce their excessive fishing effort but to increase that of
SIDs. There are limited options left for developed countries to choose. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going under such progress, it seems that
far seas tuna fishery by developed countries cannot help but to be
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some countries have been
shifting their operation from large long-line vessels to smaller vessels, and
they appear to do so as considering the trend pushed by SIDs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(This is a translation from a column in
Minato Fisheries Daily of Japan.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-79669158502555044912013-12-16T10:18:00.000+09:002013-12-16T10:18:06.493+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US">Australia</span></st1:country-region></st1:place><span lang="EN-US">
Postpones Stereo Video Usage </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In mid.
Oct., the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT)
decided to increase the total Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) quota for 2014 to
12,449 tons, up by 13% year on year, at its annual meeting in Adelaide,
Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2014 TAC is based on an
advice from the Scientific Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This certainly shows a fruitful result of strict catch managements
implemented so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the stock
recovery is confirmed, there could be possibility to further ease of fishing
management, and that would be a good news for a fishing industry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">In order
to assess the stock condition of SBT, it is essential to improve accuracy of
catch data submitted by tuna farming industr</span><span style="font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-ascii-font-family: Century; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Century;">y</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> in
Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The country takes 42% or 5,151
tons out of the total quota, and majority of the catch is for farming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SBT caught
for farming is kept alive in a net and put into farming cages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of fish caught and the total
weight are not counted accurately but are estimated based upon the sample catch
regime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">This
method makes stock assessment uncertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sample-based estimation also causes a doubt if the fishery
management is practiced </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">rigorously</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the Fisheries Agency (JFA)
has established a strict management system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Length and weight of each SBT caught is individually measured and
weighed on board, and fishermen are obligated to record such data into their catch
reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further more, landing ports are
designated, and at such ports, agents of the JFA verify the SBT and the catch
reports.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scientists
are claiming that stereo video cameras make it possible to precisely count the numbers
and weights of SBT put into the cages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also improves quota management for farming fishery which currently
remains opaque.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CCSBT has
been discussing on introduction of this video for a long time, and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>
finally committed at the 2012 annual meeting to implement it from this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">However, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>
announced to postpone it at the annual meeting this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with the change of the government, “</span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Australia</span></st1:country-region></st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> explained that </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">th</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">e newly elected <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>government was concerned that unautomated
stereo video monitoring would impose an excessive regulatory and financial
burden on the industry. The government had therefore decided to postpone the
implementation of stereo video monitoring until an automated solution coulld be
developed,” a disclosed report noted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on">New
Zealand</st1:country-region> expressed dissent against it but failed to
reverse the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s
stand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It might not be
meaningful to discuss if this excuse by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place> is right or wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, it draws a doubt on the stand taken
by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
disregarding the promise committed by a result of long lasted discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2009, paying
out of the national treasury, Japan scrapped 87 long-liners in order to abide with
her commitment to reduce quotas of SBT, Bigeye in Central and Western Pacific
Ocean, and Bluefin in East Atlantic Ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It certainly was heavy economic burdens on the nation, but more burdens were
imposed upon fishermen and fishery industries that had no other choice but to terminate
their fishing activities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region></st1:place>
implemented what it committed with each international tuna fisheries management
organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being as a responsible
nation, Japanese industries also committed themselves, along with the
government, to take stifling heavy economic and social burdens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An international
society was disappointed with the stand taken by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region> against this stereo video
monitoring issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place> as a responsible fisheries
management nation, should implement her commitment to regain the international
trusts without any delay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(This is a translation from Minato
Fisheries Daily of Japan)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-28846978649529764562013-11-07T17:03:00.000+09:002013-11-07T17:06:54.406+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">On-Board Observers Can Be Robotized?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">The
Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) require all tuna fishing vessels
to carry observers on-board to watch their fishing operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Sept., the Association of Professional
Observers (APO, headquartered in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:place></st1:country-region>) and an environmental
conservation group jointly called on the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission (WCPFC), urging to take the measures to improve working conditions
and to secure safety of observers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">Fisheries
observers play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of fisheries
resources for the future generations through the extensive information they
collect on the harvest of fish stocks, including impacts on marine habitat and
sensitive bycatch species,” the <st1:place w:st="on">APO</st1:place> said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">The <st1:place w:st="on">APO</st1:place>
further stated as a concrete example that “They also perform an extremely
important monitoring function that helps deter and prosecute IUU fishing. Six
tuna purse-seiners operated in the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place>
were charged for violation of regulations imposed by the WCPFC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evidence provided by the observers was
the decisive factor that helped to conclude the final judgments and heavy fines
against the vessel owners, and the fishing masters of the vessels were imposed.”
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">The
observers involved in the recent prosecution should be commended for their
courage and commitment to the resource. However, coming forward to testify
against the IUU fishing vessels they were working on could have been a great
personal risk,” <st1:place w:st="on">APO</st1:place> said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Faced with deployments on board of fishing
vessels that last weeks or even months, these observers are potentially subject
to bribes, harassment, threats, intimidation, and even injury or death at the
hands of captains and crew who fail to appreciate and to respect the observers
monitoring and oversight role.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">To utilize finite resource sustainably, it
is necessary for fishing managers to properly control the fishery and to work
to prevent illegal fishing activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also highlights the necessity of monitoring by observers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with it, it may be unavoidable to
increase the costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it should
also be unavoidable to eliminate conflicts and emotional entanglement between
crews and observers because an observer is also a human being. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">Is it appropriate to keep depending on
observers for monitoring?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot help
but doubt it. We may have to start developing new technology to robotize
monitoring operations instead of by human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such thoughts came up to me when I read about
the earnest request forwarded by the <st1:place w:st="on">APO</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";">Actually,
new technology is being developed for a vehicle to travel to destinations by
itself without any human touch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
should also be possible to develop a robot observer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, limiting the monitoring function
of the robot observers and combining it to catch reports which each vessel
submits, effects of monitoring can actually be more improved.</span><br />
</span></span><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS ゴシック"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">(This
is a translation from Minato Fisheries Daily of Japan.) </span></span> </span><br /></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-44419262784617167442013-11-07T15:25:00.000+09:002013-11-07T15:25:01.933+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seafood Ecolabel and Tuna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seafood Eco-label aims to ensure the sustainability of seafood through consumers' purchase decision. Many eco-labels compete with one another, asserting their own advantages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />It is an acceptable intent to promote sustainably managed fisheries through eco-label scheme, but it is inappropriate to apply the scheme to all fisheries. It is quite clear if we take tuna as an example. Highly migratory tuna is caught in many countries through various fishing methods. Even if a specific tuna fishery is certified as an eco-label candidate, the sustainability of this specific tuna resource can not be secured if other tuna fisheries do not observe the required international management measures for the specific tuna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />To conser ve and manage tuna resources for sustainability, all related countries and industries utilizing the resources need to cooperate to implement managing measures, and only by doing so, effective result should be attained. The sustainability is not attained through partial efforts by a single tuna fishing country or tuna fishing industry. This is why the Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) is established in each ocean and takes responsibility on conservation and management of tuna resources.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furthermore, tuna caught by Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fisher y should be kept out from all markets of the world all together. IUU fishery undermines the management measures implemented by the RFMOs and disturbs stock sustainability. Even if only a part of markets in the world keep out such illegal products, IUU fisher y can use the markets without any regulations to eliminate IUU products. Then, it is impossible to eliminate IUU fishery completely.<br />
<br />The use of seafood eco-label is left in the hands of distributors; therefore it is impossible to keep out all IUU tuna out of the world markets all together by the ecolabel. On the other hand, the RFMO identifies an IUU fishing nation when such country does not implement the management measures adopted by the RFMO. Then, the harvests by such country can be kept out of the markets of the world. If this mechanism is definitely functional, the sustainability of tuna resources can be secured.<br />
<br />The problem occurs when the RFMO loses or weakens its management capacity. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) was once held in doubt with regard to its capability to manage Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, but it has successfully recovered its capability by implementing strict management measures.<br />
<br />Currently, the management capability of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is in question. Due to the difference of opinions between the distant water fishing countries and coastal island countries, the WCPFC has failed to stop overfishing of bigeye tuna stock.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />At the upcoming annual meeting in December, the WCPFC needs to adopt an effective management plan to secure sustainable tuna resources in the areas it manages, while overcoming the difference of opinions among member countries. (This is an excerpt from the article in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minato Fisheries Daily.)</span></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-45846581697892836942013-09-13T10:47:00.001+09:002013-09-13T10:47:15.444+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wave seeking “High Seas Governance” is rising.<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:tosak" datetime="2013-09-13T09:26"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Jun. 2012, the United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development called Rio+20 took place in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rio de Janeiro</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 40,000 participants were joined from
governments, business enterprises, and non-governmental organizations from 188
countries across the world and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
regarding to environmental conservation, poverty eradication, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regarding to the Oceanic sector, High Seas Alliance
(HSA) took this meeting as an opportunity to promote their activities while
focusing onto high seas management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its
goal is to have a legally binding international agreement to manage high seas.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HSA’s members include most of the world’s
leading environmental conservation groups such as Greenpeace, The Pew
Environment Group, and WWF, and the members seem to be increasing even
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the International
Union for Conservation of Nature, the largest global conservation network which
includes more than 200 governments, is also a member of the HSA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, it becomes a substantially
powerful pressure group.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">HSA claims that it facilitates international
cooperation in order to establish high seas protected areas and to strengthen high
seas governance Then, why do they make campaign for high seas, especially?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is indicated in their claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to HSA, “</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">High sea areas make up nearly 50% of the surface
of the Earth and include some of the most environmentally important, critically
threatened and least protected ecosystems on our planet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the current
management of high seas, “regional and sectoral management mechanisms have
failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The existing framework of
governance is not fit for the purpose,” it mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, it claims that making an
international High Seas Biodiversity Agreement is the only way to address the
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be difficult to oppose
against its claim when seeing the current situation of Western Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission which “is now facing difficulty to address the overfishing capacity
in the region..<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, HSA’s “high
seas protected areas” includes an idea to ban fishing activities in the areas completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For tuna fishery which pursues highly
migratory species swimming high seas freely, it might mean the denial of
fishing activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“</span><span class="st1"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext;">Global environment
conservation</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN;">” and “</span><span class="st1"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext;">maintaining
biological diversity</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN;">” are important for the future, but we should not forget
another global issue for the future how we can secure food, given the world
population is foreseen to</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">
increase from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050. Setting protected areas which
would unreasonably block sustainable use of food resources can not be simply
justified under such situation. As a consequence, the only solution is to find
a way to solve both issues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">HSA urges an
international society and government to begin negotiation immediately to
establish a new binding agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hereafter, their movement for “high seas management” may become a big
wave and surge to high seas fishing countries and industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult for them to escape from
surging waves which has an agenda of </span><span lang="EN-US">the United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development in its context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to face it seriously and pull
through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do so, it is at least essential
for Regional Fishing Management Organizations to improve and to exert its
management capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, RFMOs
need to be turned into truly responsible and capable organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is obviously important for them to
implement effective stock management measures. Moreover, from now on, it will
be necessary for them to dedicate their energy to measures for oceanic
environmental conservation as well as for biological diversity.</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(This is a translation from the article published
by Minato Fisheries Daily of Japan.)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-72564178438190087542013-08-22T15:08:00.000+09:002013-08-22T15:11:45.546+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overcapacity--WCPFC Must Overcome</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is going to hold a working group meeting Aug. 27-30th in Tokyo in order to develop a draft for a multi-year management program to be implemented between 2014 and 2017. The program will be established at the WCPFC annual meeting in December.<br /><br />
The annual meeting in 2012 decided to establish the upcoming working group meeting this year. In the report of the 2012 meeting, the WCPFC frankly acknowledged its failure on the Tuna stock management. It said that "since the foundation of the WCPFC, a number of resolutions and Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) were developed to mitigate the overfishing of bigeye and yellowfin tuna and to limit the growth of fishing capacity in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and that these measures have been unsuccessful in either restricting the apparent growth of fishing capacity or reducing the fishing mortality of bigeye or juvenile yellowfin tuna."<br />In addition, it noted clearly the current urgent stock condition, saying that "the Scientific Committee has determined that the bigeye stock is subject to overfishing, and that yellowfin stocks are currently being fished at its capacity, reductions in fishing mortality are required in order to reduce the risks that these stocks will become overfished."<br /><br />
As long as the WCPFC recognized the current situation so severely, I bet the working group meeting can't make the program to be simply a formality with little effectiveness. However, to halt on sharply increasing fishing capacity of large-scale purse-seiners and newly emerging small-scale long-liners as well as limitation of FADs based operation are painful measures for many related fishermen. As such, then, can those measures be smoothly adopted into the new program? As watching how the WCPFC has been performing so far, it seems not to be easy.<br /><br />
The OPRT held its members' meeting regarding these issues in Tokyo with its members in Japan and abroad at the end of June. A member stated that "the tuna fishery in the Central and Western Pacific Ocean will be extinct if the issues keep standing as they are," while others said "unless actions are taken to freeze the number of large-scale purse seiners globally, the increase will never be stopped under agendas of the industrial countries and developing countries. The developing islands countries seemingly desire to develop the tuna fishery by inviting purse-seiners from overseas while developed countries try to justify increasing the number of vessels by taking advantage of such island countries." Such harsh opinions made me recognize the seriousness of the current situation and the depth of these issues.<br /><br />
Even if the working group meeting comes out with highly ef fective program to recover and stabilize the stock condition, will it be adopted as it is at the annual meeting? Especially, under the principle of not to entrench legitimate rights of developing countries, there might be no room left for any people to raise disagreement on such principle. Being as such, at the conclusion of the discussion, the program may become mutilated as it may include measures to approve an exception for island developing counties to increase the number of fishing vessels, which may eventually nullify the effectiveness of the program. I have a deep and endless apprehension over the outcome.<br /><br />
If such exception, regardless of to what extent, is approved, the catch capacity will never effectively be controlled. Even if any small exception is admitted, the new plan needs to show security that it will not harm the effectiveness of catch capacity control. Otherwise, the WCPFC will end up by exposing how incapable it is in managing relevant issues to the world.<br /><br />
Will the WCPFC be able to regenerate its ability as the stock management organization? The working group meeting being held in this month will be a key to see whether or not such revitalization can be attained.<br /><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(This is a translation from Minato Fisheries Daily in Japan.)</span></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-29358395660519307642013-05-15T11:08:00.000+09:002013-05-15T11:08:14.296+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RFMOs’
efforts needed to effectively control FADs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0mm 0mm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-ascii-font-family: Century; mso-hansi-font-family: Century;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">Aware that approximately half of the global tuna catch comes from
fisheries that employ Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), but the information on
the exact number of FADs deployed and their locations is generally not shared
with fisheries scientists and managers”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-ascii-font-family: Century; mso-hansi-font-family: Century;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">Concerned about the impacts from the unconstrained use of FADs
including, inter alia, large increases in fishing mortality of juvenile
Yellowfin and Bigeye, differences in<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sizes
and ages of target catch compared with free-school caught tuna, increased
difficulty of properly assessing the status of individual tuna populations…”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above
statements are excerpts from the preamble of the resolution adopted by the IUCN
in the World Conservation Congress (WCC) held in the Republic Korea, 6-15
September, 2012. It explains the fundamental problem concerning the use of FADs
to catch tunas. The resolution called on Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations
(RFMOs) to establish har vest control rules. It further called on tuna RFMOs
and governments to take steps to improve the traceability of tuna catch, as well
as to minimize illegal, unregulated and unreported tuna fishing. It goes
without saying that the tuna RFMOs and their member governments, being
responsible for ensuring sustainable tuna resources and fisheries, should establish
rules to control FAD use.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
present situation in the Western and <st1:place w:st="on">Central Pacific Ocean</st1:place>
in terms of FAD use seems to be posing a serious and real problem causing
overfishing. Namely, the total fishing days by using FADs increased to 21,500 days
in 2011 from 13,032 in 2010 in the region against the introduction of a 3-month
period banning the use of FADs. The measures were apparently not effective. The
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and its member
governments are required to give serious attention to such a fact and make
their best efforts to introduce more effective measures. Sustainable tuna
fisheries in the region would become just a dream unless virtually ef fective
measures are implemented. Differences in interests between advanced nations and
developing nations should be overridden in dealing with this problem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-1634899708761445162013-03-01T13:33:00.000+09:002013-03-01T13:33:16.886+09:00CITES To Hold COP16 From Mar.3rd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Minato Newspaper (internnet news) carries OPRT’s view.</span><br />
<br />
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oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-4555686887797126962013-02-25T14:23:00.000+09:002013-08-22T15:12:15.437+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Record price has no relationship to bluefin tuna conservation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The record price of USD1.76 million paid for one 222 kilo Pacific bluefin tuna during the New Year's first auction at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo has captured the world's attention. However, the price paid for this single tuna has no relationship whatsoever to the market price for bluefin tuna in Japan or the current biological status of bluefin tuna resources.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first auction of the year at Tsukiji fish market, the largest in the world, brings higher bidding as a traditional business ceremony in the fisheries industr y circle to celebrate the New Year. In our view, however, such record price this year was brought about by a sense of national pride by the winning Japanese bidder who is the owner of a Japanese restaurant chain. The competing bidder is the owner of a Hong Kong sushi restaurant chain. Reportedly, once the bidding, which started at a much lower level, began to exceed each other's expectations, neither could give up easily. Thus, the hard bidding occurred. Our view may be confirmed by a statement of the winning Japanese owner of the restaurant chain who provided the tuna sushi at a regular cheap price saying, "The tuna was harvested off the Japanese coast. One piece for each one guest so that many Japanese people can share the happiness".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fish is a major food for the Japanese people and tuna is one of the popular fish because it is historically consumed as traditional sushi and sashimi cuisine. Naturally, the Japanese people want the sustainable use of tuna resources and therefore support their conservation and management by regional tuna fisheries management organizations established for all the oceans because of the highly migratory nature of tunas.</span></div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-66049223691482043282012-12-26T11:31:00.000+09:002013-08-22T15:12:43.629+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Excess fishing of bigeye tuna still prevails in the Western Central Pacific Ocean</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wester n and Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission strengthened the restrictive
management measures for FADs operation by purse
seine fisheries for next year by simply extending the
closure period one month. Apparently, it did not follow
the scientific recommendation to rectify the situation.
Moreover, the most effective measures to stop excess
fishing was not discussed at all in the meeting, according to observer who participated the meeting.
Neither freezing nor reducing fishing capacity
of large scale purse seine fishing vessels was put on the
table of the discussion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
What is the meaning of the recommendation adopted in
the joint meeting of tuna regional fisheries management
organizations last July? Is it just a propaganda without
any follow-up? Where have gone responsible advanced countries
which supported the recommendation?
Now, we only hope the multi-year recover y plan of
bigeye tuna be established next year as declared and
implemented, before it becomes too late.</span>
</div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-3393752694644704402012-10-17T16:59:00.003+09:002012-10-17T16:59:52.313+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Century; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span style="font-family: MS Pゴシック;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Oct.10<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> is the Day for Tunas</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Century; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Oct.10<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
is the Day for Tunas.” This was established by Japan’s Tuna Industry in 1986
based on the old poem in Manyoshu (A Collection of Myriad Leave, the oldest
existing anthology of poetry) compiled in Nara-era (A.D.710 to 794) in order to
promote domestic consumption of sashimi grade tunas. The Day was buried because
of the restructuring of the industry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The industry is
currently working on the revival of the Day in light of the fact that the fish
demands are decreasing in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country>
over all kinds of seafood including tunas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">When we look into the
current excessive catch of major tuna species, I believe that it has a significant
meaning to position “the Day for Tunas” from the global perspective as the day
to promote cooperation among international society to ensure the sustainable
use of the resource. How do you think about it?</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div>
oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-24595376582208717782012-08-10T16:02:00.000+09:002012-08-10T16:02:39.530+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch Quota of Eastern Pacific Bluefin <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the annual meeting of IATTC held at the end of Jun. in the <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:country>, the catch quota of Bluefin tuna in the <st1:place w:st="on">Eastern Pacific Ocean</st1:place> was set for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quota totals 10,000 tons over the 2 years, for 2012 and 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the annual meeting in 2011, the management measures for Bluefin tuna were not decided because <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Mexico</st1:country> opposed against the joint proposal submitted by <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Japan</st1:country>, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:country></st1:place>, Canada etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the catch quota seemed to be adopted without any conflicts of interests at this annual meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is uncertain why <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Mexico</st1:country></st1:place> changed her attitude, but I was impressed by how IATTC could manage to set the catch quota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The catch quota, if it is once set, possibly leads into the declining trend gradually unless the stock condition shows recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is natural for fishermen to believe that they eventually face the strict regulation and they want to avoid such management measures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bluefin tuna harvest in IATTC water recently remains at the level of 4,000 tons annually while the harvest had reached to 7,800 tons in 2010 and down to 3,200 tons in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, this catch quota does not cause any actual pain for fishermen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, most of the harvest is used for the farming business in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Mexico</st1:country></st1:place> which aims mainly to export the products to Japanese market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new quota is unlikely to reduce the supply to <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, this regulation does not force to re-arrange the production or distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this catch quota has a significant meaning as I noted below.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, it has brought about the establishment of the conservation management systems for all waters which Pacific Bluefin Tuna migrates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pacific Bluefin tuna is a highly migratory resource which widely migrates from the east to the west in the North Pacific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, IATTC which manages tunas in eastern Pacific and WCPFC managing western Pacific need to cooperate and work together in order to manage Pacific Bluefin effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over highly migratory species, it is not effective to manage the resource only in the limited area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The management measures need to cover the entire migratory area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2009, WCPFC adopted measures to ensure that fishing effort of Bluefin tuna in western Pacific shall not be increased from the level of 2002-2004 based on the advice from International Scientific Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, it adopted the measures to reduce the catch of immature fish from the level of 2002-2004, as well as expressed the need to promote cooperation with the IATTC over the resource management of Pacific Bluefin tuna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As IATTC set the catch quota this time, I expect that it stimulates the cooperation with WCPFC and establishes sufficient conservation measures for Pacific Bluefin Tuna. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">In 2010, </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was likely to adopt a proposal to designate the Atlantic Bluefin tunas as an endangered species and to ban the international trade completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the background, there were strong doubts from resource conservation groups against the management ability of regional fisheries management organizations.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IATTC failed to settle the management measures of Bigeye and Yellowfin tunas a few years ago, but this time, quota setting for Bluefin tuna could be said to show the improvement of its ability to manage the resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially in the past, catch <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>quota was set after the resource level was fallen to the endangered level, but this time, the quota was set well in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This approach would lead to restraint excessive increase of fishing capacity with no limitation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, what I am concerned is declining capability of WCPFC to manage the resource.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The revision of conservation management measure for Bigeye and Yellowfin tunas was shelved due to unsettled discussion at the last annual meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, it failed to restrain the increasing number of larger scale purse-seiners, drawing the abnormal situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WCPFC might need to settle this issue at the annual meeting to be held in Dec. this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be not such easy to overcome essential problems of WCPFC such as the conflicts between island nations in the South Pacific<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and distant water fishing nations. However, if these issues are not settled, there is no doubt that all relevant parties including industries eventually find out themselves in pain. (This article is a translation from Minato Fisheries Daily in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-19347518186205854192012-07-27T13:20:00.000+09:002012-07-27T13:20:32.419+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good old days when bluefin tuna abundantly captured by beach seine net </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have seen a picture depicting giant bluefin tuna caught by beach seine net flooded all over the beach. The picture was drawn in the medieval period in <city w:st="on">Cadiz</city>, a famous historic town located close to the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Strait</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">Gibraltar</placename></place>. Almost identical pictures can be seen in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Japan</place></country-region>. The pictures were actual photographs taken before the World War II in the <placetype w:st="on">beach</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">Sanin</placename> region in the western part of <country-region w:st="on">Japan</country-region> facing <place w:st="on">Sea of Japan</place>. In addition, I have heard of anecdotal story that southern bluefin tuna once captured by beach seine net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There could be two kinds of interpretation about this picture, one is that there used to be a plenty of bluefin but now this kind of fishing is impossible due to depleted stock level, the other is that this kind of fishing became impossible due to avoidance of bluefin coming to close to the beach because of hazardous noise, lights, degradation of general beach condition created by human being. I tend to agree the second interpretation because it is a well known fact that bluefin repeats a big fluctuation of stock size caused by natural environmental changes. Beach set net targeting bluefin tuna may return someday.</span></div>
</div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-40334866516400388222012-07-26T14:27:00.001+09:002012-07-27T13:21:06.141+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;">Repeated question - Is Atlantic bluefin at the brink of extinction?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My answer to this question frequently asked is “No”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seems to be supported by the recent information that the bluefin tuna is now full to the brim in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic, just one year after the dispute in CITES . You will recall the species was about to be designated as an endangered species for extinction at CITES COP 15 in 2010. The present situation also remind me of the ambiguity of the definition of “extinction” by CITES and IUCN. <span style="color: black;">Let us wait and see what kind of result will be provided this September by scientists who update stock assessment of the Atlantic bluefin</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Century; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Century;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">based on scientific analysis not by emotion.</span></span></div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-87793967351711104662012-07-04T15:35:00.001+09:002012-07-04T15:59:52.558+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Countermeasure to Confine PS Fleet Increase</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The world tunas catch is 4.4 million tons, of which 2.9 million tons or 65% were caught by purse-seiners according to the statistic as of 2009. Since 1980's, the catch has been rapidly increasing till now as the purse-seine fleets are becoming larger and their fishing efficiency has been improved. Unlimited increase of the purse-seiners' catch and by-catch of juvenile tunas would cause harm to sustainability of other tuna fisheries unless some immediate measures should be implemented. This concern is rapidly intensifying among the inter national community.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Jun. 8th, International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) released the measures as the resolution aimed to address excess fishing by the global large-scale tuna purse seine fleets. According to the release, there is a clear necessity to reduce excessive number of tuna purse seiners which cause negative impact over tuna resources, but the first step is to prevent additional new vessels from being introduced into the already over-crowded tuna fisheries. In details, by Jan. 1st 2013, all processors, traders, importers, transporters and others involved in the seafood industry must refrain from transactions in skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin tunas caught by large scale purse seiners that are not actively fishing for tuna December 31, 2012. This is not applicable for newly constructed vessels as replacement of older existing vessels and for those vessels under contract for construction.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main members of ISSF are from the <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">U.S.</place></country-region> canned tuna industry, thus this boycott measure would have effects if they actually take action. The fishing industry would not be able to survive if they lose the market. This boycott has high potentials to prevent additional new large purse-seiners. In fact, <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Japan</place></country-region> has already proved the efficacy of this boycott measure.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A total of 250 flag of convenience (FOC) large scale tuna long-liners, who operated fishery free of obligation from international resource management, were driven to withdraw because of the international embargo of FOC tunas which was supported by the Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). Tunas caught by FOC fleets had been concentrated into Japanese market, but the product was shut out when the measures to prohibit the international transaction of such tunas were strictly conducted. As a result, the FOC tuna long-liners were eliminated.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been some calls for preventing increase of large scale purse-seiners, but no one could actually stop the increase of the number. We expect that the measures ISSF resolved have their actual efficiency, if implemented globally. However, since there are markets for canned tunas worldwide such as the <country-region w:st="on">U.S.A.</country-region>, Europe, Central and <place w:st="on">South America</place>, and so on, it would be not easy to elicit cooperation for the boycott measure from all relevant parties in the world who supply canned tunas.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are afraid that the effect would end up less effectively if the boycott was activated only in a specific market. As for the FOC tunas, only <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Japan</place></country-region> should have strong attitude because Japanese Sashimi market was the de facto only market in the world for them. From this perspective, to promote global boycott for the canned tuna should encounter many difficulties beyond any imagination.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, developing countries possibly introduce large scale purse-seiners as their tuna fisheries develop. The development of tuna fisheries in those countries is respected as a legitimate right, and therefore it would be not easy to take boycott action by denying their development. The idea has been discussing to allow the developing countries to increase the purse-seine vessels by reducing number of large scale purse-seine vessels owned by the developed countries. However, no international agreement has been concluded yet in order to carry the idea into effect. Without the international agreement, it seems difficult to stop increase of new large-scale purse seine fleet in the developing countries.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many difficulties of the task ahead in order to make the ISSF's resolution effective not as being just propaganda. We hope it continues its efforts for the greater cause, sustainable tuna fisheries in the world. (This article is a translation from the Minato, fisheries daily in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Japan</place></country-region>.)</span></div>
</div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-17697862752329445752011-08-18T16:18:00.000+09:002012-07-04T15:56:59.365+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Absence of management measures will cause detrimental impact to Pacific bluefin tuna<br />
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The last IATTC meeting held in July failed to adopt management measures for Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) despite of the recommendation by the Scientific Committee calling for decrease of the fishing mortality. The failure will not only cause detrimental impact to the stock but also raise serious concern to the management ability of IATTC. PBT in IATTC area is unregulated and uncontrolled at present, although it is not illegal to fish PBT in the area yet. But, no such semi- IUU fish should be allowed for transaction.</div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-75635802123895241372011-06-08T13:52:00.000+09:002011-06-08T13:52:18.464+09:00The Eastern Japan Great Earthquake on March 11, 2011 collapsed fisheries in the region completely. <br />
In the course of history, Japan has experienced numbers of natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, and, at each time, overcame the hardships brought about by such calamities. Given the size and scale of the disaster this time, it might take a considerable length of time for restoration, but I believe Japan will certainly overcome the difficulties -- and has no other way than doing so.<br />
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For the restoration of fisheries in disaster areas, we may have to aim at building up new fisheries using high technology developed in various fields in Japan, giving greater consideration than ever to sustainable utilization of fishery resources and conservation of the marine environment. That would be a way to respond to the goodwill of the people from many parts of the world who have conveyed their heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the disaster.oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-40735229949390450412011-04-13T13:27:00.000+09:002011-04-13T13:27:47.088+09:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will require 50 longline vessels in the Gulf of Mexico to use special hooks designed to avoid catching bluefin tuna incidentally. The hook is thinner than usual and bends under the weight of bleufin, whose average size in the Gulf is 485 pounds. I hope this measure can work to conserve the spawning stock. How about in the Mediterranean, another spawning ground of Atlantic bluefin tuna?</div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-52526372012242379952011-04-07T15:55:00.000+09:002011-04-07T15:55:26.752+09:00Fishermen got angry with emission of nuclear polluted waters.<br />
Representatives of Federation of fisheries cooperatives strongly protested Tokyo Electric Power Co.Ltd. (TEPCO) as it released waters polluted by radioactivity in the sea on April 4, without any advance notice to fishermen around the areas. TEPCO expressed apology, saying that release was an urgent resort to prevent explosion of the nucluear power plant.<br />
Fishermen around the areas are obliged to cease fishing. I am afraid if consumers would not buy fish for some time even after safety is guarateed by the authorities.oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-42911206303433695342011-04-01T14:30:00.000+09:002011-04-01T14:30:03.174+09:00Our President resigned on March 31 in order to devote to his duty as Chief of Headquarters to cope with damage to fisheries caused by Northern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. I feel as if our president was carried away suddenly by Tsunami. I expect he may do his best effort to reconstruct all sectors of fisheries devastated by the disaster. Police reported today that over 28,000 people were dead or missing as of now.oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-39230269750775231932011-03-31T09:57:00.002+09:002011-04-01T14:38:28.831+09:00I am concerned about the problems at Fukushima nuclear power plant caused by the earthquake and tsunami, in particular, the emission of radioativity. Fisheries Agency of Japan held a seminar on March 29 concerning the radioactivity and its impact on fish and shellfish. Experts explained that the amount of radioactive substances released from the reactor is small and there is no problem at present because sea water and sea currents make the impact of radioactivity extremely thin. <br />
I hope the emission should be stoppted soonest by all means.oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324483595219116906.post-65686727518387504532011-03-30T17:10:00.002+09:002011-04-01T14:41:05.074+09:00<div>On March 26, 2011, OPRT renewed its website in commemorating the 10th anniversary of its establishment. The need to promote responsible tuna fisheries is becoming even more important in view of the status of major tuna resources being excessively used. OPRT hopes the information provided in this website will be useful in ensuring the sustainable;use of important resources for the world.</div>oprthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02876377422234276145noreply@blogger.com0