2005 年 9 巻 2 号 p. 167-174
The Ministry of the Environment has surveyed marine natural environments, such as tidal flats, seaweed beds, coral reefs, the situation of coastlines, the status of several marine animals, etc. However these surveys are highly limited compared with surveys of land areas. And the systems of National Parks, Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Protection Areas are not enough to contribute to marine ecosystem conservation. Under the circumstances that marine ecosystem conservation is one of the global environmental key issues, though each study of fishing resources has been made progress, marine ecosystem study or marine ecosystem conservation has not been enough in Japan.
Fishing has been performed from ancient times, and fishing rights have been intricately developed in marine areas around the Japanese coast. Therefore it is very difficult to designate marine protection areas where fishing is prohibited. The new measures that integrate marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable development are strongly expected. A community-based marine management plan is considered a realistic selection, taking into account the actual conditions of Japanese coastal fishing. The plan will be achieved in agreement with local fishermen, residents and organizations, marine recreational sectors, relevant official agencies and research institutions. I believe that marine ecosystem conservation under the plan can lead to sustainable fishing that maintains and cultivates fishing resources.
