History of Illegal Fishing Resource Exploitation - From the 1990s to the 2020s

History of Illegal Fishing Resource Exploitation - From the 1990s to the 2020s

**1990s: The Emergence of Illegal Fishing Issues**
In the 1990s, illegal fishing began to garner attention both domestically and internationally in Japan. High-value coastal resources such as abalone and sea urchins in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region became targets for poaching, impacting fisheries and local economies. Additionally, overfishing and illegal operations on the high seas increased, leading to declines in tuna and salmon stocks. Internationally, the need for fisheries management grew, and movements toward sustainable fishing gradually began.

**2000s: Escalation of Illegal Fishing Issues**
In the 2000s, illegal fishing became a prominent problem in Japan. Poaching of abalone, salmon, and tuna intensified in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region, with cases of organized poaching emerging. In 2006, approximately 200 violations were uncovered through patrols by Japan's fisheries surveillance vessels, with many illegal activities involving Chinese and South Korean fishing vessels.
In 2008, Japan implemented tuna quota reductions in line with international agreements, reinforcing domestic and international monitoring against illegal operations. During this period, enforcement efforts advanced alongside growing environmental awareness.

**2010s: Global Cooperation and Enhanced Measures**
The 2010s saw a strengthening of global responses to illegal fishing. In 2013, the Japanese government enhanced collaboration between the Fisheries Agency and the Japan Coast Guard, deploying satellite and drone technologies for surveillance. Abalone and tuna remained problematic targets in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region. By 2015, over 1200 violations of fisheries laws were recorded annually in Japan.
Globally, the 2014 entry into force of the FAO's Port State Measures Agreement restricted the use of ports for illegally caught fish. This curbed the distribution of illegally sourced products. Measures to restore tuna stocks through stricter quotas were also implemented in 2018. Regionally, citizen-participatory monitoring activities increased, with educational programs on sustainable fishing introduced in schools in places like Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture.

**2020s: Advances in Surveillance Technology and Remaining Challenges**
Illegal fishing continues into the 2020s, particularly targeting abalone and turban shells in Hokkaido and the Sanriku region. In 2020, 1426 violations of fisheries laws were recorded nationwide. Advanced surveillance systems using drones and satellites have been introduced by the Japan Coast Guard, with companies like PASCO providing satellite imagery analysis. Traceability systems have been adopted to manage the distribution routes of seafood products.
Efforts to strengthen penalties and promote public awareness have been intensified. Local fishermen also conduct voluntary patrols, expanding community-based monitoring efforts.

**Lessons from History and Future Challenges**
From the 1990s to the 2020s, illegal fishing has remained a significant barrier to sustainable fisheries. These activities harm local economies and disrupt ecological balances. Strengthening international cooperation, enforcing stricter penalties, and educating consumers are critical tasks for the future.
Harnessing technological innovations and international collaboration is essential for further progress toward sustainable use of fishery resources.