(JP) Fisheries Ministry Report Criticizes IWC

April 27, 2002

Sustainable sea resources promoted

The fisheries ministry calls for sustainable use of

marine resources in its first annual report under the

basic fisheries law that went into effect in June.

The fiscal 2001 white paper, issued Friday, says " not

a few species " of marine resources are declining both

in waters surrounding Japan and in global fishing

areas, largely due to a deteriorating environment and

overfishing.

Domestic regulations have been unable to prevent

excessive fishing and maintain an appropriate level of

resources, the report says, and poaching by foreign

fishing vessels has led to decreasing fish stocks.

Regarding sport fishing boats, it highlights data

showing that catches exceed those by professional

fishermen for some species and says this cannot be

ignored.

The report calls for a study on how " predation " by

marine mammals, including whales and sea lions,

affects resources.

On whale resources, the report criticizes the

International Whaling Commission, saying it " has

failed to function normally for a long period " because

it has many members that are " not related to the use

of whale resources. "

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tsutomu

Takebe presented the report at a meeting of the

Cabinet, which endorsed it.

The Japan Times: April 27, 2002

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