Fishery
A - Overview
Fishery resources are an important source of animal protein for human beings. According to statistics published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), on average developing countries depend on fishery products for nearly 20% of the intake of necessary animal protein of their populations. It is expected that by the year of 2050 the global population will have reached nine billion, and in order to provide a stable food supply for future generations, sustainable management and utilization of fishery resources is vital. On the other hand, about 180 million people are engaged in fisheries worldwide, and it is clear that the industry is very important, not only in the context of food supply but also from the viewpoint of employment opportunities and as a source of cash income as well as means to earn foreign currency. The number of people engaged in fisheries is growing year by year, and particularly in developing countries, the industry, including fishery processing, is expected to be one which will enable women to play a more prominent role in society.
Fishery resources can reproduce themselves naturally. This makes sustained fishing possible, provided that the resources are managed properly. In developing countries, however, fishery development is taking place in a disorderly manner, leading to their depletion or exhaustion. The reduction of fishery resources has a significant effect on the livelihoods of people in developing countries who depend largely on fishery products for their animal protein requirements. The decrease of fishery resources has also aggravated poverty. In developing countries where worsening economic conditions and civil conflicts have led to a rise in unemployment, unemployed people sometimes move to and concentrate on the coast to survive, resulting in depletion or exhaustion of shellfish and shrimps.
These circumstances lead to a further depletion of fishery resources. A framework for a proper management of fishery resources that enables their sustainable utilization is required on a global scale.
B - Our Efforts
Under such situations, we conduct cooperation activities in accordance with the following four development strategies.
1. Effective utilization of fishery resources
It is necessary to create a fisheries infrastructure and improve fishing gear and methods so as to avoid catching fry (which would become a resource only later) with the aim of effectively utilizing fishery resources on a sustainable scale. Processing and quality- assurance technology must also be improved to enhance the safety of fishery products as food and at the same time promote the effective use of underutilized resources by raising the utilization ratio after catching or creating new values. Simple aquaculture as a stable source of animal protein also needs to be promoted.
2. Conservation and management of fishery resources
In order to prevent the exhaustion of fishery resources and carry out fishing activities continuously, it is necessary to develop appropriate fishing methods based on an accurate knowledge of the state of resources. In addition, steps must also be taken proactively to repair and maintain environments suitable for the nursing and spawning of various species of fish. Releasing artificially produced fry is also an effective means of promoting resource enhancement.
3. Poverty reduction in fishing communities
In order to raise the living standards of those engaged in fisheries and revitalize fishing villages, we work on organizing fishing groups, promoting cooperative operations, and establishing resource-management framework led by local residents. We will promote diversification of fishing households’ incomes in addition to the cooperative operations, and also add value to their products with the introduction of simple processing technology and promote extensive fish farming when necessary.
4. Capacity development
In order to realize sustainable utilization of fishery resources, it is important to improve laws and regulations, administration measures and systems, activities at community level, and awareness of individuals, in addition to fishery, processing, aquaculture, and surveys of fishery resources.
We make efforts to improve their problem-solving capacity and develop human resources so that the systems, society, organization, and individuals can play their own roles independently or jointly.