Japan report on the assessment of the implementation of the National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries.

Japan adopted an effective and practicable National Plan of Action NPOA-Seabirds in 2001 after analyzing the impact of Japanese longline fishing on seabirds objectively and scientifically, and taking into account the FAO International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (IPOA-Seabirds) from the viewpoint to promote international cooperation toward reducing incidental catch of seabirds. In developing NPOA-Seabirds in 2001, Japan set a goal of action aiming to achieve full implementation of mitigation measures to reduce incidental catch of seabirds by 2015. In addition, whenever new mitigation measures were introduced by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) for reducing incidental catch of seabirds, it promptly introduced those mitigation measures through the revisions of the ministry ordinance. As a result, all the mitigation measures agreed by respective RFMOs have been introduced in Japan.
This document, prepared by the Fisheries Agency of Japan, reviews the progress and effectiveness of these efforts up to 2024. Japan has implemented various mitigation measures tailored to different regions and vessel sizes. These include using bird-scaring lines (tori lines), weighted branch lines to make hooks sink faster, night setting to avoid seabirds that forage during the day, and hook-shielding devices. Additionally, seminars and training programs are held to teach fishers and scientific observers about bycatch mitigation techniques and the importance of accurate report. Continuous research is conducted to improve bycatch mitigation technique. Japan has also focused on improving the breeding grounds of seabirds, particularly the short-tailed albatross. Conservation projects on islands like Torishima and Mukojima have helped increase the population of this once nearly extinct species. Monitoring the incidental catch of seabirds is a critical component of Japan’s NPOA. Scientific observer programs collect data on bycatch, while research on seabird ecology and feeding habits helps inform conservation strategies.