Population: 126,182,077  (July 1999 est.) Land Area: Total: 377,835 sq km Land: 374,744 sq km Water: 3,091 sq km note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) Coastline: 29,751 km (Source:  CIA World Factbook 1999)

Japan                                 ..........in this page Contacts Basic Data CSD Data Integrated Decision-Making Strategies, policies and plans Legislation, regulations, and policy instruments Capacity-building, education, training and awareness-raising Information     Contacts Environmental Agency http://www.eic.or.jp/eanet/en/index.html Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries http://www.maff.go.jp/eindex.html National Institute of Environmental Studies http://www.nies.go.jp/ Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council Secretariat http://www.affrc.go.jp/ Agenda 21 Oceans and Coastal Areas in Japan's Agenda 21   (Source:  CIA World Factbook 1999)   SUMMARY OF OCEAN  AND COASTAL PROGRAMS Many thanks are due to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, the source of the information below. The information was taken from Japan's submission to the 7th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (last update: January 1999). For further information on social and economic factors, natural resources, and institutional structures in Japan see the United Nations System-Wide Web Site on National Implementation of the Rio Commitments National Information for Japan at http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/japan/index.htm   OCEAN AND COASTAL AREAS Japan signed the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on 7 February 1983 and ratified it on 20 June 1996. Integrated Decision-Making Decision-making for issues related to integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development, including environmental impacts of activities affecting the coastal and marine areas, is the responsibility of the following organizations: Environment Agency Science and Technology Agency National Land Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Transport Ministry of Construction For marine environmental protection, decision-making is undertaken as follows: 1. Coastal sewage Environment Agency Ministry of Health and Welfare Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry of Construction 2. Agricultural waste and industrial effluents Environment Agency Ministry of Health and Welfare Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ministry of Construction 3. Discharges of ballast from ship Environment Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Transport 4. Oil spills Environment Agency Science and Technology Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ministry of Transport Maritime Safety Agency Ministry of Construction For sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources, the following are responsible for decision-making: Environment Agency Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Construction Overall coordination is provided through the Council of Ministers for Global Environment Conservation and the Conference on Environmental Pollution Control, both chaired by the Prime Minister, which have been established within the Government for decision-making of basic policies for environment conservation including marine environment conservation. Strategies, policies and plans Japan has adopted a number of policies and plans that relate to the various issues of relevance to oceans and seas. These are as follows: For integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development: 1. The Basic Environment Plan under the provisions of the Basic Environment Law 2. Basic Policy for Reclamation under provisions of the Law Concerning Special Measures for Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea 3. National Strategy on Biological Diversity 4. Comprehensive National Development Plan under the provisions of the National Land Comprehensive Development Law 5. Long-term Port Policy of Japan 6. Long-term Coast Protection Policy of Japan 7. Seven-year Program for Coastal Protection and Management For marine environmental protection, both from land-based activities and from sea-based activities: 1. The Basic Environment Plan 2. Basic Policy for Areawide Total Pollution Load Control and Areawide Total Pollutant Load Reduction Plan under the provisions of the Water Pollution Control Law (for land-based activities) 3. Basic Plan for the Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea under the provision of the Law Concerning Special Measures for Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea (for land-based and sea-based activities) 4. National Contingency Plan (for oil spills) 5. National Strategy on Biological Diversity For sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources: 1. National Strategy on Biological Diversity 2. Basic Plan for Conservation and Management of Marine Living Resources 3. Basic Policy for Development and Rational Use of Marine Fishery Resources For the preservation and sustainable use of fragile ecosystems: 1. Basic Policy on Conservation of the Natural Environment under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Law, and 2. Natural Park Plan under the provisions of the Natural Parks Law The following plans have also been established: 1. Basic Policy for Areawide Total Pollutant Load Control and Areawide Total Pollutant Load Reduction Plan 2. Basic Plan for the Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea 3. Comprehensive National Development Plan 4. Coastal Fishing-ground Enhancement Development Plan 5. The 9th Seven-year Fiscal Plan for Ports and Harbors 6. The 6th Seven-year Fiscal Plan for Coastal Protection 7. Coastal Environmental Program and Coastal Protection Program under the Seacoast Law In addition to the above plans and programmes, various measures have taken in Japan. Legislation, regulations, and policy instruments Legislation, regulations, and other standards or guidelines that have been developed in this area include the following: Foir integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development, including environmental impacts of activities affecting the coastal and marine areas. 1. The Basic Environment Law (1993) 2. Law Concerning Special Measures for Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea (1983) 3. Natural Parks Law (1957) 4. Nature Conservation Law (1972) 5. Seacoast Law (1956) 6. Environmental Quality Standards related to the conservation of the living environment on coastal waters (1971) under the provisions of the Basic Environment Law 7. Tentative guideline(1990) under the provisions of the 4th Comprehensive National Development Plan(1987) For marine environmental protection, both from land-based activities and from sea-based activities: 1. Basic Environment Law (1993) 2. Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster (1970)* 3. Water Pollution Control Law (1970) 4. Environmental Impact Assessment Law (1997) 5. The Law Concerning the Examination and Regulation of Manufacture, etc. of Chemical Substances (1968) 6. Agricultural Chemicals Regulation Law (1948) 7. Sewerage Law (1958) 8. "Johkasou" Law (1983) 9. Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law (1970) 10. Nature Conservation Law (1972) 11. Natural Parks Law (1957) 12. Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1992) 13. River Law (1964) 14. Law Concerning Special Measures for Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea (1983) 15. Fishery Resources Protection Law (1951) 16. Mine Safety Law (1949) *One of the purposes of the law is to implement the following international conventions. Stipulations of those conventions are reflected in the articles. 1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto 2. Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 3. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea For sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources: 1. Nature Conservation Law (1972) 2. Natural Parks Law (1957) 3. Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law (1918) 4. Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1992) 5. Fisheries Law (1949) 6. Fishery Resources Protection Law (1951) 7. Law concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Living Resources (1996) 8. Law concerning the Exercise of Sovereign Rights concerning Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (1996)** 9. Law for Regulation of Fishing Operations by Foreign National (1967)** 10. Coastal Fisheries Grounds Enhancement and Development Program Law 11. Marine Fisheries Development Promotion Law (1971) 12. Tentative guidelines for development of prefectural comprehensive seashore-utilization plan (1990) **The measures based on these laws aim to ensure the obligations stipulated by the UNCLOS, to avoid deterioration of marine living resources and to avoid detrimental effects on Japan's maritime fishermen under the circumstances that depreciation of marine living resources is widely observed in Japan's coastal fishing areas. Environmental Quality Standards on coastal waters mentioned above are established by the Government as an administrative goal. Various measures including regulations shall be taken to achieve these standards. The tentative guideline referred to above was decided by sixteen ministries and agencies concerned. They are voluntary. With respect to marine living resources, the voluntary regulation measure by the local fishermen's organization is ordinarily performed besides the legal regulation by the Government or the local authority. Involvement of Major Groups in the decision-making process The councils have been established as an advisory body for the ministers concerned, based on the wide public opinion in the process of deciding national policies. These councils are composed of members who have various backgrounds and experiences, including scholars, businessmen, officials of quasi-government organizations and so on. The councils conduct surveys to obtain public opinions, when necessary. The result of the council's deliberation is submitted to the minister concerned, and would be considered in the development of national policy. The Central Environment Council and the like are established for environmental conservation. The Council for Ocean Development was established for survey and deliberation of basic and comprehensive matters concerning marine development. Status As one of the developed marine states, Japan has contributed much to the conservation of the seashore areas, marine environment, marine living resources, and improvements of sewage systems. The major current uses of the coastal areas are for major population centers, fishing, leisure, industrial zone including location of electric power plants, reclamation site. The price of total catch by Japanese fishing vessels (coastal and in high seas) comes to about 2.2 trillion yen (0.5% of GNP, 0.43% of GDP). There is a tendency that the catching effort becomes superfluous compared with the estimated allowable catch amount of marine living resources. The control over catching effort has been implemented in accordance with related laws and regulations, such as a licensing system and restriction on fishing-gear and fishing method. Furthermore, restriction on the amount of catches has been introduced for the primary fishery resources by employing TAC system. The impact of shipping on the sustainable management of coastal zones includes the following: Pollution caused by illegal dumping of oil, wastes, etc. from ships Pollution of and influence on coastal ecology caused by oil spill incident, solution of harmful anti-fouling paints in to the sea Air pollution by emission of exhaust gas from ships Competitive use of coastal zones by fisheries (fishing operation, aquaculture, etc.) and ship navigation The impact of other coastal- and marine-based industries (including tourism) on sustainable development of coastal areas is as follows: Disappearance of natural coastline: As a result of reclamation along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, one-half of the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea has become artificial, most of which is in the form of vertical seawall. Competitive use of coastal area: With the recent expansion of tourism and the marine leisure industry to the coastal areas, competitive use of coastal area by fishery and marine leisure industries has emerged. An investigation shows that the amount of catches attained by omnibus recreational fishing boats alone is about 30,000t (about 2% of that of coastal fishery industry). Disappearance of habitat of marine organisms: Coastal reclamation results in the loss of habitat of marine organisms, which may cause adverse effect on marine living resources. The major land-based sources of marine pollution are liquid or solid wastes from household, industry, and other human activities. In addition, illegal dumping, accidental spills of oil or chemical substances, and natural disasters may cause water pollution. According to the recent statistics on the COD load into sea areas, the contribution of each sector is as follows:       Household   Industry   Other activities   Tokyo Bay   68.9 %   20.6 %   10.5 %   Ise Bay   54.5 %   33.7 %   11.8 %   Seto Inland Sea   48.9 %   41.4 %   9.7 % (FY1994) Among the major projects and activities underway or planned to address the relevant issues cited above, are the following: Research and development on environmental restoration/mitigation technology such as artificial seaweed beds and artificial tidal flats Development of a regional master plan based on a basic concept to promote maintenance and restoration of fishing ground and marine environment with due consideration on marine ecosystem ("MARINE-ECOTOPIA 21") Water pollution control project to conserve and improve coastal waters by removing contaminated sludge Coastal environmental project to restore beautiful coastal landscape with white sand and forest Eco-coast project to conserve coastal ecosystem of littoral fauna and flora and to protect shorelines Participation in the International Coral Reef Initiative and promotion of activities related to the conservation of coral reef in Japan including the establishment of the International Coral Reef Research and Monitoring Center in Okinaw. Capacity-building, education, training and awareness-raising A meeting of public officials has been organized aiming at enhancing consciousness and knowledge to realize "fishery based on a rational resource management system." Participants of the meeting exchange information and views on continuous use and the conservation of marine living resources. In addition, meetings aimed at training core groups of fishermen are held to exchange information and experiences about "fishery based on rational resource management system". The meetings, fora, etc., are organized to raise awareness among public officers concerned and persons engaged in fishery industry about sustainable use and the conservation of marine living resources. Moreover, activity to disseminate knowledge by the government, the fisheries organizations, etc. is widely performed for the general public. Every year, the month of June is observed as the "Seto Inland Sea Environmental Conservation Month" to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about environmental issues of the Seto Inland Sea. An environmentally-friendly programme around the coastal zone is performed with public participation to enhance understanding of the importance of seacoast as natural heritage . The Japan Pavilion at the Marine Expo '98 in Lisbon was exhibited. And the director-level meeting of national and local governments is held every year to discuss policies and to exchange information on oceans and sea. Constraints When newly introducing a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system in 1997 based on the Law concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Living Resources, the following potential problems were raised in relation to the sustainable use and the conservation of marine living resources: Enhancement of a research organization which undertakes research activities needed in the determination of TAC; Distribution method of TAC, especially among the fishermen using different fishing methods; Construction of a system for obtaining quick and exact catch information; and Anxiety of occurrence of fish abandonment and its prevention. Technology Research and development of environmentally-sound technology is carried out by government research institutes, universities and the business sector. The followings are some examples of the results of recent R&D activities. energy-saving and resources protection type fishing gear and method; turbine engine with low-NOx emission; oil recovery systems practical in rough seas; and offshore floating wave power device When selecting a technology, the following attributes are considered: effectiveness in abatement of environment pollution, ecologically sound, cost-effective, safe, and convenient for wider use. Information The following kinds of national information are available to assist both decision-makers and planners working in coastal areas: Of relevance to sustainable management of fishery resources: Annual report on fishery industry and the culture production statistics Annual report on marine-product circulation statistics Research report of Regional Fisheries Research Laboratories Reports of various survey or researches undertaken TAC-related information Of relevance to marine pollution: 1. The Environment Agency has the following information: Data on the distributions of tidal flats, seaweed beds and coral reefs, and present state of natural environment along coast lines (Biodiversity Center of Japan, Nature Conservation Bureau); Data on dissolved oxygen and nutrient salts in the ocean (Water Quality Bureau); and Data of the salinity and chlorophyll in the ocean (Center for Global Environmental Research, National Institute for Environmenta Studies). 2. The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture has the following information: CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) data (Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University); Atmospheric data during cruises, data of CTD and the dissolved oxygen (Ocean Research Institute, the University of Tokyo); Data of sea waves (Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine); Data of sea waves and data of the speed and direction of the wind (Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University); Data of the plankton density and species (Faculty of Applied Biological Science, Hiroshima University); Current data (Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University); and Temperature data and current data (Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University). 3. The Japan Oceanographic Data Center (JODC), Japanese Maritime Safety Agency, collects oceanographic observation data from many national institutions to manage them. 4. The Japan Meteorological Agency owns oceanographic observation data and background marine pollution observation data by research vessels, and collects marine meteorological data from many merchant ships by the Marine Meteorological Logbook to manage them. 5. The National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has been developing the satellite observing technology and obtained data of the land uses, the land geology, the sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration, the marine productivity and the others (the population, etc.). 6. The Japan Marine Science and Technology Center has been observing with vessels and buoys to get data of temperature, current and so on. Of relevance to living resources other than fish: The Biodiversity Center of Japan of the Environment Agency provides information on natural environment and biodiversity of Japan including the results of the National Survey on the Natural Environment through the Japan Integrated Biodiversity Information System (J-IBIS). Available information related to coastal areas is, for example, on distribution of shallow water areas, modification of the extent of the coast line and biota of these areas among others. Of relevance to critical uncertainties: Various global research programs on climate, climate change and El NiÒo events have been promoted in Japan including international joint research programs. The Japanese government provides the information such as Climate Change Monitoring Report, Global Warming Projection, Monthly Report on Climate System, Report on Recent Climate Change in the World, El NiÒo Monitoring Report, and coastal management statistics with users in and outside Japan. Other, basic information includes that collected and processed by the Numerical National Land Information the National Land Agency on coastal zone data. A study on comprehensive environmental indicators, including those related to oceans and seas is in progress. Financing This sector (oceans and seas) is financed by the national budget, fiscal investment and loansthrough various government-affiliated financial institutions and the tax system. Cooperation Examples of international agreements related to (a) integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development, (b) marine environmental protection and (c) sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources, to which Japan is a Party, include the following: 1. Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 2. International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties 3. Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 4. Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971 5. Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976 6. Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 7. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 8. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 9. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat 10. Protocol to Amend the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat 11. Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 12. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 13. Convention on Biological Diversity 14. International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling 15. International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 16. Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna 17. Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources 18. Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals 19. Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries 20. Convention between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 21. Convention on the Conservation and Management of Pollock Resources in the Central Bering Sea 22. Agreement for the Establishment of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission Examples of other related agreements, particularly regional or bilateral and sea-specific agreements, to which Japan is a Party, include: 1. Agreement of the Commission for General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean 2. Agreement for Establishment of the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission 3. Agreement Establishing the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre 4. Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Concerning Mutual Relations in the Field of Fisheries off Their Coasts 5. Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries 6. Agreement of Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada 7. Agreement on Fisheries between Japan and the People's Republic of China 8. Agreement on Fisheries between Japan and the Republic of Korea 9. Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Gilbert Islands Concerning Fisheries off the Coasts of the Gilbert Islands 10. Agreement on Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of Solomon Islands 11. Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Marshall Islands Concerning Fisheries off the Coasts of the Marshall Islands 12. Agreement on Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of Tuvalu 13. Exchange of Note on Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of French Republic 14. Agreement of Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of South Africa 15. Agreement on Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia 16. Agreement on Marine Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco 17. Agreement on Fisheries between the Government of Japan and the Government of Republic of Senegal 18. Convention for a North Pacific Marine Science Organization 19. Convention for the Conservation of Anadromous Stocks in the North Pacific Ocean Other bilateral, multilateral and international cooperation in which Japan participates in order to further activities related to (a) integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development, (b) marine environmental protection and (c) sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources include: 1. International Coral Reef Initiative 2. Although the Japanese Government is not involved, some private fishery agreements are concluded between the Japanese fishermen's organization and the government of other country in the Pacific, Africa or elsewhere. 3. Action Plan for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region 4. Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities 5. Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries    This information is based on Japan's submission to the 5th and 7th Sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: November 1998   (top)

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