The Fisheries Agency held the 2nd National Conference for Promoting the Maritime Industry at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Second National Conference on Promoting the Maritime Industry from Fishing Ports

JAPAN
Thursday, February 06, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Key Themes: Maritime Promotion Policies, Blue Economy, Strategic Use of Fishing Ports, and Digital Transformation (DX)

The Fisheries Agency held the 2nd National Conference for Promoting the Maritime Industry on February 3rd, with both in-person and online attendance at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The event aimed to stimulate regional development by harnessing the potential of fishing ports, featuring policy discussions, expert lectures, and case studies.

Opening Remarks

Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Shoji Kenichi, highlighted the diverse appeal of fishing ports and fishing villages, emphasizing their scenic value and role beyond seafood production. He expressed hopes that promoting inbound tourism would contribute to the government's "Regional Revitalization 2.0" initiative, fostering unity and development among local communities. He also introduced the official mascot of the maritime industry.

Policy Overview

Koji Watanabe, Director of the Planning and Maritime Policy Division, discussed the importance of maritime industry promotion amidst declining populations in fishing villages. He shared examples, including initiatives at Nemuro City's Habomai Fishing Port, and explained amendments to the Fishing Port and Fishing Ground Development Act.

Key government measures include:

• Maritime Industry Support Projects: National and local projects to launch and sustain maritime activities.
• Infrastructure Development: Supported through the beach vitality revitalization and fisheries growth promotion subsidy.
• Integrated Support: A comprehensive package spanning multiple ministries, with a dedicated consultation office (Maritime Industry Promotion Concierge) at the Fisheries Agency.
• District Participation: So far, 54 districts have been selected to promote the maritime industry, with additional selections expected in March.

Keynote Address

Professor Takafumi Kudo from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology delivered a keynote speech titled The Significance and Challenges of Promoting the Maritime Industry in a Society with a Declining Population. He highlighted differences between traditional and modern maritime industries and addressed key challenges, such as:

• Strategic use of fishing ports
• Harnessing agglomeration effects
• Integrating digital technology (fishing port DX)

Special Lecture

Masanori Kobayashi, Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, presented examples from Japan and abroad on fostering a Japanese version of the blue economy. He stressed the importance of nurturing "motivated and cooperative human resources" as a vital component for the maritime industry's success.

Case Study Presentations

Several experts shared real-world experiences:

• Nishiizu Town's Harmonious Approach: Matsuura Jotaro, section chief of Nishiizu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, discussed their integrated maritime initiatives.
• Uozu-Maru Project: Hiroyuki Hamazumi, Chairman of the Uozu Fisheries Cooperative in Toyama Bay, highlighted a fishery cooperative-led maritime industry project.
• Himaka Island’s Innovation: Katsuhiko Nakayama, advisor at Himaka Tourist Hotel, explored maritime industry advancements on the remote island in Mikawa Bay, Aichi Prefecture.
• Involvement-Based Maritime Industry: Yuriko Kawamura, representative director of Yuiya, emphasized the importance of community-driven maritime projects.

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