The Ecosystem Approach of the CBD and Fisheries Management in Japan

Abstract

　The Ecosystem Approach of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a social and holistic decision-making framework for ecosystem management. It links biological, social and economic information and aims to achieve a socially acceptable balance between nature conservation priorities and the use and sharing of benefits of resource. This article introduces this approach’s conceptual background as an alternative to conventional environmental policy concepts. Then, it examines institutional characteristics of Japanese fisheries management from the viewpoint of the Ecosystem Approach. The objective of the analysis is to define the advantages and shortcomings of Japanese fisheries management, and to derive logical foundations for policy responses necessary to achieve marine ecosystem management in Japan.

　As an environmental management institution, the Japanese fisheries management system has many advantages such as a decentralized management system, adaptive management process, use of local and scientific knowledge, multi-scale and interlinked management and promotion of sustainable resource use in economic context. On the other hand, conservation of ecosystem structures and functions falls basically beyond the scope of this management. Progress in scientific understanding should be promoted in order to achieve marine ecosystem management. Discussions should also be facilitated of appropriate characteristics of rights and licenses, ecosystem perspectives in formulating TAC and TAE, and the role of fisheries in marine ecosystem management. Also required will be wide-ranging stakeholder involvement, a watershed management viewpoint, identification of ecologically necessary data, development of long-term ecosystem indicators, and role-sharing in data collection and monitoring. The ‘term Marine Protected Area (MPA)’ is not synonymous with ‘no-take zone.’ An economically and ecologically meaningful MPA system can be devised and should be implemented where necessary.