Government measures needed to support the survival of fisheries

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Government measures needed to support the survival of fisheries

Akahata, editorial (excerpts)

Seafood is essential to the eating habits of Japanese. However, fishermen will stop fishing due to fuel price rises as decided by 12 fisheries organizations, including the Japan Fisheries Association and the National Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations.

Fuel accounts for about 30-40 percent of fishing costs. Fishermen also need fishing gear, including fishnets, and other oil-related products, which are getting more expensive. They will be in the red if they keep on fishing. If oil prices continue to rise, about 30 to 40 percent of fishermen will go out of business.

Currently, the government provides financial support to fishermen’s efforts to adopt energy-saving fishing equipment and improve fuel tanks but does not provide direct assistance to fishermen to help pay for the rising cost of fuel.

Government regulation of speculative investment, the main cause of the rise of oil prices, is necessary. It is also necessary for the government to promote energy conservation measures and keep prices of fishery products stable. At the same time, it is called upon to take measure to help fishermen to keep their business going.

Like the European Union, Japan should not only continue but expand tax breaks and tax exemptions on purchases of heavy oil and light oil and help to pay part of the increasing cost for fuel. Fishermen also need to be financially supported while they temporarily discontinue fishing. - Akahata, June 18, 2008