Adapting Science-Based Fisheries Improvement Mechanisms in Japan ~ Insights from MSC Certification Assessments ~

This research examines how Japan’s declining coastal fisheries can be revitalized to meet global demands for sustainable fisheries through globally- recognized certification and improvement programs. Despite numerous Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) pre-assessments, no coastal finfish fisheries in Japan have achieved certification. Based on an analysis of MSC assessment results, this study summarizes the identified management measures that must be strengthened for Japanese fisheries to meet international standards. Also, the study further performs in-depth institutional analysis to identify the root causes of these management gaps, revealing structural weaknesses in Japan’s co-management system. Four critical institutional issues were identified as barriers to effective management implementation: the absence of precautionary, coordinated stock-based management objectives; non-inclusive decision-making; weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; and misaligned incentives to drive resource depletion. These findings underscore the need to update the co-management framework and extend technical and financial support to coastal fisheries. To advance reform and complement government efforts, locally adapted Fisheries Improvement Program (FIP) or pathway program, supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration can provide a stepwise, cost-effective mechanism to drive the necessary environmental recovery. Certification systems and FIPs can play a central role in this process, but only if localized to embrace coastal and small-scale fisheries, which comprises 70% of Japanese fisheries. Localizing certification and improvement criteria without compromising scientific rigor can enhance feasibility and inclusiveness.