Government regulations concerning the use of chemicals in aquaculture in Japan

Abstract

In Japan, fisheries research activity is of a very diversified nature and is overseen by the national and prefectural governments. Regarding the use of chemicals in aquaculture, various regulations exist to protect the safety of cultured aquatic animals intended for human consumption. Under Japan’s Drug Laws, certain materials are designated as “medical products” for use in humans and animals, and their usage is strictly regulated. This paper introduces aspects of this legislation as relevant to the aquaculture industry and discusses how they are actually applied on the level of operation. Prefectural fish disease centers and extension services engage in the actual supervision of the use of such designated chemicals. In reference to government research structure, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries maintains 29 national research institutes, nine of which are fisheries institutes directly under the Fisheries Agency. The prevention and treatment of fish disease is an important research theme, and programs are being implemented, especially at the National Research Institute of Aquaculture. An auxiliary organ of the Fisheries Agency, the Japan Fisheries Resource Conservation Association operates educational and training programs for employees of prefectural centers and extension services whereby individuals receive certification as fish health specialists.