The future of tuna resources and sustainable fishing hooks

Introduction: The challenges facing tuna, a bounty of the sea, and our responsibilities

Tuna is deeply rooted in Japanese food culture and is loved all over the world. This bountiful food is an essential part of our diets, but past overfishing has put tuna resources in serious danger. The sustainability of this precious marine resource is one of the most pressing issues that modern society must address.

Against this backdrop, Komatsu Keisaku Shokai Co., Ltd., which has a history of 150 years since its founding, has mainly manufactured fishing hooks for tuna and other large fish during the period of rapid economic growth. The "longline fishing" method in which the company's hooks are used is highly regarded as a "resource-friendly fishing method that catches only the targeted fish," demonstrating that Komatsu Keisaku Shokai has a clear philosophy of contributing to the realization of sustainable fishing. We will explore the possibilities of how traditional techniques can contribute to solving modern marine environmental problems.

Global tuna resources: Signs of recovery and remaining challenges

The introduction of international conservation and management measures has led to some signs of recovery in the world's tuna stocks. For example, as a result of strict management, the stock of Atlantic bluefin tuna has recovered significantly, and its status on the IUCN Red List has improved. Southern bluefin tuna, albacore tuna, and yellowfin tuna are also showing similar trends of improvement.

However, not all tuna species are recovering smoothly. Despite improvements in Pacific bluefin tuna stocks, they remain at low levels of less than 5% of their original abundance. Bigeye tuna remains Vulnerable (VU), and Japan's catches are also on a downward trend. As one of the world's leading fishing nations, Japan bears a significant responsibility. While international frameworks exist, issues such as illegal fishing and overfishing remain, making continued strict management and international cooperation essential.

Resource status of various tuna species

• Atlantic bluefin tuna: Stocks are recovering thanks to strict management.

• Southern bluefin tuna: Currently recovering from past overfishing.

• Albacore tuna: The resource status is relatively good among tuna species.

• Yellowfin tuna: Global catches are on the rise, but concerns remain in some regions.

• Pacific bluefin tuna: Showing signs of recovery but still at low levels.

• Bigeye tuna: Stock status remains low.

International conservation efforts and Japan's role

Because tuna migrate over a wide area, international cooperation is essential for resource management. There are five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) in the world that determine catch amounts, size, fishing seasons, and other factors based on scientific resource assessments. As a major fishing nation, Japan, led by its Fisheries Agency, is working to strengthen management based on international agreements. Specific measures, such as reducing catches of small fish, are being implemented.

Challenges of longline fishing: Selectivity and the path to reducing bycatch

Longline fishing, the main method of tuna fishing, involves attaching numerous branch lines and fishing hooks to a single long main line, which is then baited and cast into the sea.The main feature of this fishing method is its selectivity, which allows you to choose the species and size of fish you are targeting by adjusting the size and shape of the hook, the type of bait, and the depth at which the line is set.

However, longline fishing also faces a major challenge: bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species (sea turtles, seabirds, sharks, etc.). Bycatch places a heavy burden on ecosystems, and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of marine animals are killed each year.

What is selectivity in longline fishing?

Longline fishing is a highly accurate fishing method that efficiently catches targeted fish species and sizes by understanding the characteristics of the fishing gear and using it appropriately. In particular, the use of large hooks is expected to reduce the catch of small, immature fish, thereby achieving both economic viability and resource conservation.

Bycatch issues and innovative solutions

Many effective solutions to the bycatch problem have been reported, including changes to fishing gear design and fishing methods.

• Circle hooks (sleeping hooks): These hooks have a rounded shape with the tip facing inward, making them difficult for sea turtles and other fish to swallow, reducing bycatch.

• Weighted branchlines: Weights are attached to the hooks, allowing the baited line to sink faster and deeper, significantly reducing seabird bycatch.

• Night-time setting: Lines are set at night to avoid bycatch of diurnal seabirds.

• Selecting the right hook size: Using a larger hook size will prevent small immature fish from getting caught, protecting the next generation of stocks.

• Other measures: A wide range of techniques have been developed and implemented, including the use of fish bait and the prohibition of wire leaders.

These measures may have an impact on other species if they prioritize certain species, so an "integrated approach" is needed that combines the most appropriate measures depending on the fishing ground, target species, and bycatch species.

Craftsman's Philosophy: Komatsu Keisaku Shokai's Fishing Hooks Open Up the Future

Scientific evidence shows that the size and shape of fishing hooks directly affect the size and type of fish caught. Well-designed hooks are essential to sustainable fishing by increasing fishing efficiency, reducing bycatch and minimizing damage to fish.

Komatsu Keisaku Shokai Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing a wide variety of fishing hooks for tuna and bonito for 150 years since its founding. The company's fishing hooks are used in oceans around the world, and their technology and quality are internationally recognized.

Komatsu Keisaku Shokai clearly states that the longline fishing that uses their hooks is "resource-friendly fishing that catches only the targeted fish" and "a job that helps balance resource conservation." This demonstrates the company's strong belief that its products are not simply tools for catching fish, but environmentally friendly tools for realizing sustainable fishing. Their skilled techniques and research suggest that they are also working on technological innovations to address the challenges that modern fishing faces, such as resource management and bycatch reduction.

Our choices shape the future: for sustainable fishing

The future of tuna resources depends not only on the choices of international organizations and fishermen, but also on the choices of everyone involved in the supply chain and us, the consumers.

• Knowledge: The first step is to take an interest in the current state of tuna resources and the challenges facing the fishing industry.

• Make a choice: By actively choosing seafood caught from sustainable fisheries, such as those with MSC certification (an eco-label for the sea), you are taking action to protect the ocean.

• Support: Supporting companies like Komatsu Keisaku Shokai that use traditional techniques to solve environmental issues is also an investment in the future.

Recognizing that each of our choices affects the state of fishing and the health of marine ecosystems, choosing trustworthy companies will be the first step towards building a prosperous future for our oceans.