Japan Proposes 25% Increase in Pacific Bluefin Tuna Quotas

Japan's Fisheries Agency is proposing a 25% ^[1] increase in the catch quota for large Pacific bluefin tuna starting in the 2027 fishing year ^[1].

The proposal comes as Japan seeks to balance the economic viability of its fishing industry with the long-term sustainability of a species that once faced collapse. The adjustment focuses specifically on large fish weighing 30 kilograms and above ^[1].

The proposal is being presented at an international conference in Nagasaki City that began July 9 ^[2]. Representatives from 12 countries and regions are participating in the talks to determine the future of the species' management ^[2].

Japan's push for higher limits follows a significant biological recovery. The bluefin tuna stock fell to historic lows in 2010 ^[2], but subsequent management efforts led the population to exceed targets by 2021 ^[2].

Despite the recovery, some local fishers argue that current international treaty restrictions are too tight. Akihito Osawa, president of Osawa Fisheries, said that the Pacific coast has not been allocated enough catch volume under current regulations ^[2].

Osawa described the frustration of fishermen in areas like New Hidaka Town, Hokkaido, who must release caught tuna back into the sea ^[2]. He said that because they cannot keep the fish, the tuna are effectively like stones. He said that only after they are caught do they become like diamonds with actual value ^[2].

Osawa also noted a potential ecological imbalance caused by the abundance of large tuna. He said that the presence of so many tuna might be preventing other fish from being caught because the tuna are depleting the smaller fish they use for prey ^[2].