ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF JUVENILES FISHERIES

The annual Mojako stocks are estimated to be greater than 100 million specimens and current regulations limit harvest to 25 million. In order to enhance this natural resource and reduce impacts on the wild stocks, a number of actions have been taken over the years which included the establishment of suitable algal grounds to encourage yellowtail reproduction, release of artificial drifting seaweeds and artificial propagation.

During the fishing of Mojako, non-targeted species bycatch is reported to the designated Prefectural Fisheries Station. Some valuable bycatch species are handled with care and may be retained, while other species are released back to the sea along with the drifting seaweed.
Following capture of the Mojako, the fishing vessels return to port within two days to minimize cannibalism, and if transportation time exceeds 3 days artificial granulated feed is provided to the fish in holding tanks. Since the early days, the traditional Mojako fishing technique has improved considerably, ensuring that the young fish remain in good health. Proper handling and feeding during these early stages will ensure almost complete survival of the wild fingerlings during subsequent farming (<2 percent mortality).