Middle East tensions spill into Japan's fishing industry: Fear in 'life-or-death' situation

Middle East tensions spill into Japan's fishing industry: Fear in 'life-or-death' situation. (DDN) Japan's crude oil imports have sharply declined due to the Middle East situation, leading to fuel shortages for fishing vessels and severely impacting the fishing industry. Many fishermen lament that Japan's fishing industry is at a "critical juncture" — if fuel supplies are cut off, they will be unable to operate at sea — and are calling on the Japanese government to take countermeasures. According to Japanese media reports on April 19, fishermen in Wakayama, Yamaguchi and Chiba prefectures are concerned about whether fuel supplies for their vessels can be guaranteed, as well as the high prices. Some regions have already begun restricting the number of days fishermen can go to sea. An official from a fisheries cooperative in Wakayama Prefecture said that over the past month, procuring fuel for fishing vessels has been difficult. To save fuel, fishermen have reduced their weekly operations from five days to two days. In May, the region may face a complete depletion of fishing vessel fuel, which would force operations to cease. According to this official, Japan's fishing industry is now facing a "life-or-death" situation. Fisheries cooperatives in Yamaguchi Prefecture also share a sense of crisis. A cooperative official said that the prices of heavy oil and light oil used as fishing vessel fuel have risen about 30% compared to January this year. Paints and thinners used for coating fishing vessels have also become difficult to obtain due to a shortage of the raw material naphtha. In addition, materials such as styrofoam, ropes and wrapping paper used for shipping have also increased in price, adding to the cost burden on fishermen. If catches are insufficient, local fishermen will choose not to go out to sea. Earlier this month, the National Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Japan submitted a petition to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, requesting that the government take measures to secure fuel supplies for fishing vessels and maintain appropriate prices for fishery-related petrochemical products. According to the petition, if the current situation continues, Japan's fishing industry may become unsustainable, which would severely affect the country's supply of seafood products. Related News: Japan officially eases arms export rules Japanese citizens rally against Takaichi govt's dangerous militarization push: 'Uphold Constitution!'