Japan's National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries, March 2009 (2016 version).

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.
Japan will strive to ensure through implementation of the NPOA-Seabirds, develop more efficient mitigation measures, and continue guidance, outreach and educational activities for proper implementation of those mitigation measures, in order to realize further reduction of incidental catch of seabirds. Mitigation measures shall be implemented thoroughly in the area under jurisdiction of RFMOs pursuant to their resolutions. In the areas outside the jurisdiction of RFMOs, efforts shall be made to encourage improvement and implementation of mitigation measures on a voluntary basis, giving due respect to many years of experience of fishers who have been implementing mitigation measures. As far as possible, efforts shall be made to develop selective and environmentally safe mitigation measures with high effects relative to costs. Due consideration shall be given to alleviate the burdens of fishers and ensure their safety.