Japan to Allow Certain Pollution Levels in Tokyo Bay and Other Areas to Revive Fisheries

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government plans to change its policy to allow a certain level of pollution in some waters, including Tokyo Bay, in order to revive the fishing industry.

According to Kyodo News on the 26th, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment is reportedly considering a plan not to pursue water quality improvements beyond the current level in three areas, including the Seto Inland Sea, which encompasses Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay, and Osaka Bay.

Until now, administrative regulations have been used to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus, which cause water pollution, but plankton and seaweed that use these nutrients have decreased, leading to a decline in fisheries.

The Japanese government has been implementing pollution reduction measures in the three waters, including Tokyo Bay, since the 1970s and has been revising the basic policy every five years.

The basic policy includes regulations that set limits on pollutant emissions from factories and sewage treatment plants located in 20 relevant metropolitan and prefectural governments around the waters.

Thanks to this policy, water quality in the areas has improved, but nutrient deficiency in the water has caused a significant decrease in the catch of clams and anchovies, which were previously abundant.

Additionally, the quality of farmed gim (seaweed) has noticeably deteriorated in various regions due to bleaching.

Accordingly, the Japanese government plans to revise the basic policy based on the Water Pollution Control Act by this fall to allow a certain degree of pollution.

Kyodo News reported, "Once the basic policy is revised, the 20 relevant metropolitan and prefectural governments will modify their pollutant emission reduction plans to align with the new policy," adding, "Since some waters near urban areas already have poor water quality, the Ministry of the Environment's stance is to consider measures tailored to local conditions rather than uniformly relaxing regulations."