This comes as rising sea temperatures and workforce shortages intensify pressure on the sector.
In his New Year’s address, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Suzuki Norikazu said fisheries policy will increasingly rely on technology to adapt to rapid environmental change.
“We must adapt to drastic changes in the marine environment, such as sea surface temperature rises in waters around Japan exceeding twice the global average. To this end, we will secure management entities and personnel who will lead the future of the fisheries industry and implement bold reforms to strengthen the industry.”
The ministry highlighted automated seawater temperature monitoring and enhanced data collection as key tools to improve resource assessment and long-term fisheries management.
MAFF also signalled a shift towards new operational models, including the introduction of next-generation fishing vessels designed to improve working conditions while boosting profitability.
These vessels are expected to support automation, reduce labour requirements and help attract new entrants into a sector facing acute demographic decline.
“Through bold reforms, we will secure future fisheries operators and personnel and implement measures to strengthen the fisheries sector,” said Norikazu.
Alongside offshore technology upgrades, MAFF emphasised initiatives to revitalise coastal communities and protect marine ecosystems.
“Additionally, we will promote the revitalization and regeneration of coastal areas by promoting marine industries that utilise local resources and by promoting fishermen’s activities to preserve the fishing village environment.”
Norikazu said the ministry will continue to invest in environmental monitoring and sustainable resource management to ensure the long-term viability of Japan’s fisheries sector.
An increasingly fragile sector
Japan’s fisheres sector has contended with several high‑profile setbacks recently, most notably the mass mortality of oysters, allegedly due to rising seawater temperatures.
Mortality rates reported as high as 80 to 90 per cent in parts of Hiroshima Prefecture, prompting government investigations and emergency support measures for affected farmers.
Norikazu said the authorities will continue to support those affected.
“Regarding the recent mass mortality of oysters, including in Hiroshima Prefecture, we will swiftly implement the policy package addressing oyster mortality caused by high water temperatures, compiled through the full mobilisation of relevant ministries.
In close coordination among national, prefectural and municipal governments, we will ensure that affected oyster farmers can resume shipments without undermining their motivation to keep operating.”
Japan pleased about CITES proposal rejection
The minister also commented on international eel trade, welcoming the rejection of a proposal to regulate all eel species at last December’s CITES conference.
If the proposal was accepted, countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China would have been subjected to an international trade restriction on eels.
Norikazu affirmed Japan’s commitment to the sustainable management of eel stocks.
“We also welcome the rejection, at last December’s CITES Conference of the Parties plenary session, of a proposal to regulate international trade in all eel species, thereby avoiding impacts from a proposal lacking scientific basis. We will continue to firmly pursue resource management towards sustainable fisheries.”
