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Japan white paper promotes fish farming amid supply fears

A Japanese government white paper is recommending that the country reduce its dependence on imported seafood and rely more on fish-farming.

The report cites the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Japan's fisheries. It's the first time for the annual "fisheries white paper" to mention effects from the war.

Japan imported about 40 percent of its salmon and cod roe as of 2021. Around a third of its sea urchin was sourced from Russia.

But the products' prices have since risen.

Japan scrapped preferential tariff rates for seafood imports from Russia as part of sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine.

Another cause of the higher prices is supply-chain disruptions caused by the war.

The white paper recommends a boost in sustainable aqua-culture to ensure the nation's food security.

It says the government will also diversify the range of suppliers and increase assistance for domestic seafood production.

The annual report was approved by the Cabinet on Friday.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230602_13/