History of Illegal Extraction of Fishery Resources - 1990s to 2020s

History of Illegal Extraction of Fishery Resources - 1990s to 2020s

1990s: The Emergence of the Illegal Fishing Problem
In the 1990s, the problem of illegal fishing began to attract attention in Japan and abroad. High-value isorune resources such as abalone and sea urchins were targeted for poaching in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region, affecting fishermen and the local economy. In addition, overfishing and illegal operations in the high seas increased, and bluefin tuna and salmon stocks declined. Internationally, the need for fisheries management increased, and a move toward sustainable fisheries gradually began.

2000s: Illegal Fishing Problem Revealed
In the 2000s, illegal fishing in Japan became more prominent. Overfishing of abalone, salmon, and tuna in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region became more serious, and poaching was organized in some cases. 2006 saw a crackdown by fishery surveillance vessels that led to the detection of about 200 cases of illegal fishing, many of which were identified as being conducted by Chinese and Korean fishing vessels.
In 2008, Japan implemented a reduction in the catch of bluefin tuna in accordance with an agreement reached by the International Fisheries Management Organization. Monitoring of illegal operations in Japan and abroad has been strengthened, and the crackdown has progressed along with heightened awareness of environmental protection.

2010s: Global Response and Deepening Efforts
In 2013, the Japanese government strengthened cooperation between the Fisheries Agency and the Japan Coast Guard, and established a surveillance system that utilizes satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Illegal harvesting of isorune resources and tuna continued to be a problem in the Hokkaido and Sanriku regions, and in 2015, there were more than 1,200 domestic fisheries law violations detected annually.
Internationally, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Agreement on Port State Measures came into effect in 2014, restricting the use of ports for illegal fishery products by member countries, including Japan. This has helped to curb the distribution of illegal fishery products. In addition, in 2018, catch limits were strengthened with the aim of restoring bluefin tuna stocks, and global cooperation in cracking down on illegal fishing has progressed.
Furthermore, citizen-participatory monitoring activities have expanded at the local level, and sustainable fishing has been incorporated into school education in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, among others, to raise awareness among the next generation.

2020s: Advances in Monitoring Technology and Challenges
Illegal fishing continues to be a problem in the 2020s. Poaching of abalone and turban shells in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region in particular has become more sophisticated, and in 2020, 1,426 cases of violations of the Fishery Law were uncovered nationwide. The Japan Coast Guard has strengthened its surveillance system using the latest technology, including the introduction of drones and satellites and the use of satellite image analysis technology by PASCO Corporation. In addition, a traceability system has been introduced to manage distribution channels for seafood.
At the same time, penalties are being strengthened to deal with illegal operations and consumer education activities are being promoted. Community-wide efforts are expanding, including voluntary patrols by fishermen themselves.

Lessons from History and Future Challenges
From the 1990s through the 2020s, the issue of illegal fishing has remained a challenge to achieving sustainable fisheries. Illegal fishing not only hurts local economies and fishermen, but also causes imbalance in the ecosystem. Going forward, strengthening international cooperation, stricter penalties, and consumer awareness are important issues.
We need to further deepen our efforts to achieve sustainable use of fishery resources while utilizing technological innovation and international cooperation.