Offshore trawls in Hokkaido have been operated with a pattern of production on a large scale since the end of World War n. However, due to the 200 mile exclusive economic zone set by Russia (Old U.S.S.R) in 1976, and the serious deterioration of the domestic economic situation in 1990's, it has became more difficult for the fishermen and fishing firms to continue the pattern of production on a large scale. The purpose of this paper is to devise a new style of management strategy of offshore trawls in Hokkaido. In this study, I interviewed the fishermen and also individuals from relevant organizations. Further more, I examined several sources of statistical data concerning fisheries production. In conclusion, necessary conditions for a new management strategy of offshore trawls in Hokkaido are to curtail the labor cost that accounts for the greater part of the fishing cost, and to improve the financial structure. I propose two schemes that meet these two conditions as follows: (1) to change from onboard to on-a-wharf fish sorting work that needs a large crew; (2) to start joint management or just joint contorol of production facilities. When these schemes are implemented, it is desirable that as many firms as possible should join the project.
