The state of fisheries and marine species in Fukushima: Six years after the 2011 Disaster

Abstract

The recovery of Fukushima fisheries remains sluggish 6 years after the disaster. The Fukushima Fisheries Cooperative Association (FCA) decided to allow limited fishing in June 2012 (known as the trial operation). Total landing value of fish and fishery products from the trial operation has been gradually increasing due to the increased number of catchable target species and increased fishing areas. But the landing value in 2016 was only 5% of the value recorded in the pre-disaster years. Safety of the products has been demonstrated by various surveys conducted by the government authorities and independent researchers. Several studies indicated that the population of key fish species in Fukushima waters showed a tangible increase after the 2011 disaster reflecting low fishing pressures in this period. Weak consumer confidence would have contributed to the extremely slow recovery of Fukushima fisheries. In addition to the consumers' attitudes, fish distributors' risk-averse attitudes could have brought additional adverse effects against the recovery of Fukushima fisheries. This situation could continue for several more years. Continued support for fishers in Fukushima is needed for the foreseeable future to sustain the livelihood of small fishing households as well as maintain societies, traditional knowledge, and other human or social capital in the region.