JAPAN DEFENDS POSITION ON CONSERVATION OF

UNCLAS TOKYO 000422

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

OES/OA FOR GBISBAL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIS SENV KSCA JA
SUBJECT: JAPAN DEFENDS POSITION ON CONSERVATION OF
FISHERIES IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

REF: STATE 8292


1. (SBU) Summary: EST Chief and LES Environment Specialist
delivered demarche in ref to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Fisheries Division Officer Daisuke Kiryu and Fisheries Agency
of Japan International Affairs Division Officer Wataru Tanoue
February 5. In response, Kiryu said Japan sees no reason for
100 percent scientific observer coverage on krill fishery
vessels at the moment. While the GOJ recognizes the
importance of observers, he said 50 percent coverage is the
fisheries industry standard and cited U.S. tuna fisheries
coverage as an example. Kiryu added the GOJ is aware of the
disagreement with the U.S. and others on this issue, but,
since it does not see a scientific necessity, "cost
performance" would be the GOJ's guide. End summary.


2. (SBU) Tanoue noted the current total take of krill is
only around 100,000 tons, which is well below the 620,000 ton
trigger, and is not endangering the stock. He also cited the
past increase in observers from 30 percent to 50 percent as
progress. EST Chief responded that the vast majority of the
Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR) members believe the science supports 100
percent coverage, especially for an initial period to gather
data, and added the USG hopes Japan will engage in a
forthright scientific dialogue on the subject.


3. (SBU) Regarding the designation of Marine Protected Areas
(MPA),Tanoue said the GOJ believes the existence of the
Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA),other Specially
Protected Areas (SPA),and other conservation measures in the
Southern Ocean are sufficient, and does not see the need for
the MPA. He said the GOJ wants a balance between
conservation and reasonable use. As opposed to a new
framework, Japan wants to follow existing methods, but he
added they would participate in any discussion on the issue.


4. (SBU) Moving to the issue of methods to subdivide the
krill catch among small scale management units (SSMU),Tanoue
said the SSMU calculation method is still being developed.
When the scientific committee has decided on a method, he
said Japan would follow it. He added that the GOJ is
interested in how the discussion in the scientific committee
progresses.


5. (SBU) Post is following up with industry and media
contacts on the issue and will report those findings septel.
ZUMWALT