31-5-2023 (TOKYO) The fishing industry in Japan has been dealt a severe blow due to the impact of rising sea temperatures, resulting in a significant drop in fish catch. Local media reports reveal that Japan’s fish catch in 2022 plummeted by 7.5 percent from the previous year to a record low of 3.85 million tons, including farm-grown fish. This figure marks the lowest recorded since comparable data became available in 1956, signifying a second consecutive year of decline.
Citing data from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Kyodo News states that overfishing, coupled with global warming, has contributed to the poor catches. In response, the Japanese government is now seeking to strengthen regulations in order to save the struggling industry.
The report also highlights specific categories of fish and their catch, revealing a decline in saury catches by 5.6 percent from the previous year, amounting to 18,400 tons. Japanese flying squids saw an 8.3 percent decline, totaling 29,700 tons, while octopus dipped by 18.7 percent to 22,200 tons. However, salmon recorded a significant jump in catch, increasing by 55.0 percent to 87,900 tons, and anchovy saw a rise of 13.3 percent to 135,100 tons.
The fishing industry has long been a vital part of Japan’s culture and economy. However, the adverse effects of climate change and overfishing have posed significant threats to its sustainability, causing a ripple effect on the country’s food security and economy. The decline in fish catches has also led to soaring prices, making seafood less accessible to the average consumer.
The Japanese government has implemented measures to combat overfishing, such as limiting the number of fishing licenses and imposing stricter regulations on fishing methods. However, it appears that these efforts have not been sufficient to counteract the impact of climate change on the industry.
Rising sea temperatures have caused fish to migrate to cooler waters, making it increasingly challenging for fishermen to locate them. Additionally, warmer waters have led to an upsurge in harmful algal blooms, which can be toxic to fish and other marine life.
The decline in fish catch not only affects Japan but also other countries reliant on Japan’s fish exports. Japan is one of the world’s largest seafood exporters, and the decrease in fish catch has had a significant impact on the global seafood supply.
The record-low fish catch in 2022 serves as a wake-up call for Japan and other countries to take immediate action to combat climate change and overfishing. The fishing industry is not only crucial for food security and the economy but also for the preservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
