Ukraine war in the way of fishing deal between Moscow and Tokyo
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan and Russia must agree on cooperation fees for Japanese fishermen to be allowed to fish salmon and trout in Japan’s own exclusive economic zone. This year, negotiations have been delayed by political considerations and Japan’s fishing industry is in danger of collapse, especially in Hokkaido.
Tokyo (AsiaNews) – Since the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, relations between Japan and Russia have deteriorated rapidly, reaching one of the lowest points in decades, with consequences that have begun to be felt by ordinary Japanese.
Despite the deep mutual distrust, the two countries are keeping open one diplomatic channel, as they did during the darkest moments of the Cold War, namely fisheries.
Seafood is an essential part of Japanese cuisine and plays an important role in the local population’s diet. Salmon and trout are particularly popular. However, to catch these two species within its own exclusive economic zone, Japan needs a deal with Russia.
Salmon and trout eggs hatch in Russian freshwaters, and Tokyo and Moscow must agree on a cooperation fee and an upper limit on the catch in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This allows Japanese fishermen to catch the fish during their migration in Japanese waters.
An agreement was reached in 2021 setting the figure of 260-300 million yen (US$ 2-2.3 million) depending on the quantity of fish, with an upper limit of 2,050 tonnes.
This year, negotiations started last week but are heavily impacted by the tensions caused by the Ukrainian conflict.
Normally, the fishing season begins on 10 April when the fish are at their most abundant. In the past, talks would be over by late March and a deal struck. But this year, they were considerably delayed.
At present, it is not clear whether the two countries can conclude the negotiations. According to a source from the Japanese fisheries agency, Moscow's position has hardened.
Japan’s fishing industry is very concerned and for good reasons. Last month, Russia put Japan on the list of hostile countries and five days ago the Japanese parliament revoked Russia’s most favoured nation status.
The coast of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is dotted with scores of fishing villages that are heavily dependent on cooperation with Russia.
Now locals are very worried. “If we can't fish, we can't live here,” said one fisherman in the coastal town of Nemuro. “It's a matter of survival for us.”
The issue transcends trout and salmon, since Japan’s fishing industry depends on other yearly agreements that have not yet been signed.
Last week, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said that every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of Japanese fishermen.
Although Tokyo does not intend to budge from its position of firm condemnation of the war in Ukraine, at the same time it must meet the expectations of the local population who rely on working with Russia.
.png)
