YAMAGUCHI MUROTSU SUSTAINABLE SET NET FISHERY PROJECT

Overview

The Murotsu area of Kaminoseki Town in Yamaguchi Prefecture is home to rich fishing grounds supported by extensive seagrass beds, such as Zostera marina, and has a long history of small-scale set net fishing. In recent years, however, the sustainability of local fisheries has come under threat due to the decline of seagrass beds, a shrinking fishing population, and changes in the marine ecosystem. In response to these challenges, the Set Net Division of the Murotsu Branch of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative has partnered to launch the Murotsu Sustainable Set Net Fishery Project.

This project focuses on six key species that are central to the Murotsu fishery—striped beakfish (Ishidai), red seabream (Madai), flounder (Hirame), black seabream (Kurodai), brown sweetlips (Koshoudai), and Japanese sea bass (Suzuki). Fishers take the lead in recording and analyzing catch data, working with the prefectural government to conduct stock assessments and revise release sizes and fishing methods accordingly. In addition, by actively harvesting herbivorous species such as rabbitfish (Aigo), which feed on seagrass, the project also contributes to the protection of seagrass habitats and the maintenance of ecosystem balance.

Through activities such as fish release events, fresh fish sales, branding, and market development, the project also aims to strengthen community connections and improve the profitability of the fishery by enhancing the value of local seafood. UMITO Partners supports the initiative through project design, the introduction of scientific approaches, facilitation of stakeholder alignment, and assistance with urban market expansion and public outreach. Looking ahead, fish landed in Murotsu will be marketed as “UMITO SEAFOOD” to restaurants and other outlets in the Tokyo metropolitan area to help improve fishers’ incomes. In parallel, the project will be shared nationwide through “UMITOBA,” a digital platform for fishers. By combining sustainable fisheries with environmental restoration, the initiative aspires to serve as a leading model for coastal revitalization across Japan.

Project Information