Japan is advancing discussions on increasing the catch quota for Pacific bluefin tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more by 25% from next year onward, and will hold renewed talks with relevant countries online on the 18th. Attention is focused on the course of future discussions over expanding the catch quota.
Mexico opposed an expansion at an international conference last month on the Pacific bluefin tuna catch quota, preventing an increase from being agreed. In response, the Fisheries Agency announced that it would convene another online meeting on the 18th.
At previous meetings, Japan had been discussing increasing the catch quota for large Pacific bluefin tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more by 25% from this year's level from next year onward. On 30th last month, Yamashita (山下), State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, visited Mexico, and following the talks, Mexico expressed its support, reversing its previous position.
It is unclear whether a formal agreement will be reached at the upcoming talks, but coordination among the relevant countries is expected to resume around Japan's policy of expanding the quota. The schedule for future discussions and the specific quota allocations will be key points of focus.