Revitalizing Fishing Communities through “Umigyo” as a New Fisheries Policy in Japan

Abstract

In recent declining regional vitality such as decreasing human population and aging fishers in fishing villages in Japan, the “umigyo” new policy has been promoted by the Government of Japan aiming to secure local income and employment opportunities by maximizing the use of local resources in harmony with utilization of fisheries and other maritime industries, that are mutually complementary with fisheries. The current Fisheries Basic Plan includes a fisheries policy, “umigyo” which is defined as a project to utilize the value and attractiveness of local resources of the sea and fishing villages, and various efforts are currently underway by fisheries cooperatives, local governments, private companies and so on throughout Japan. This article outlines the new fisheries policy “umigyo” for revitalization of fishing communities and introducing two examples of “umigyo” initiatives in Japan.