Meet the fishers

Meet the Tosakatuso skipjack tuna fishers

The Tosakatuso skipjack tuna fishery uses the pole and line fishing method in which fish is caught one by one with a lure. This is a traditional fishing technique used in Japan, which is passed down from generation to generation and is based on the spirit of ‘Mottainai’, meaning ‘a pity to waste’.

The selective fishing method ensures only fish of a certain size are caught as the size of the lure is too big for juveniles, leaving juveniles to mature. This ensures that the stock is sustained and also means that there are almost no discards during the harvesting process.

Mr Myojin, President of the Tosakatsuo Suisan fishery says “During Japan’s post-war economic boom, rural fishery and agriculture businesses suffered as urbanisation resulted in underpopulated and aging rural societies. Adding value to our seafood products, for example, through internationally-recognised certification such as the MSC ecolabel, allows our rural societies flourish and maintain their traditions.”