Japan is set to step up its management of Pacific bluefin tuna resources following an international conference on the conservation of the species.
The meeting in South Korea laid the path for increasing catch quotas in the future. Delegates agreed to a Japanese proposal to raise the quotas once recovery of the stocks is confirmed. They also set a new target to increase tuna stocks more than 7-fold by 2034.
The agreement on quota relaxation is largely attributed to Japan’s acceptance of the new goal on tuna stocks.
Japan came under criticism after its catch of young bluefin tuna exceeded its annual quota earlier this year.
Tokyo is set to introduce penalties next year to tighten regulations on tuna resources.
One expert warns Japan could find itself excluded from international quota relaxations if it repeatedly fails to observe its catch limits. Professor Isao Sakaguchi of Gakushuin University says it’s important Japan boosts its fisheries management so that it can secure its quota.
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)