THE CONTEMPORARY SOVIET-JAPANESE FISHERIES ISSUE 
FROM CONFLICT TOWARD COOPERATION 
(By Pamela Houghtaling ') 
SUMMARY 
Normalization of Japanese-Soviet relations occurred on May 14, 
1956 when both nations signed the “Convention on Fishing on the 
High Seas in the Northwest Pacific Ocean’”’. Although no formal peace 
treaty followed, and diplomatic relations were not immediately 
resumed, a trend toward cooperation existed at that time. In com- 
parison to 1956, the contemporary state of Soviet-Japanese fishing 
relations is characterized by a greater degree of cooperation, perhaps 
more from necessity than a genuine resolution of differences. Both 
sides appear more willing to discuss the non-controversial issues, at 
least in general terms. With respect to the problematic issues, no 
substantive progress has been realized since the inception of this post- 
war relationship. Over time, this fisheries relationship has developed 
around two crucial issues: regulation of fish resources and safe fishing 
operations. Both issues illustrate the inherent tension in this relation- 
ship, as each side continues to oppose the other. However, both 
sides have tacitly recognized the need to reach an accommodation 
in light of the political and economic dimensions of the fishing rela- 
tionship, which have come more sharply into focus with the passage 
of time. 
The fisheries issue is a mix of Oceanic, economic, and political 
factors, changing over time. At the end of World War II, the Soviet 
Union secured a powerful international position for itself and was 
thus able to assert its control over the disputed territory and also 
demand regulation of fishing in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. 
Today, Soviet military power is still a formidable presence to the 
Japanese. In contrast to its position after the war, Japan now stands 
aS a major economic power with the financial, industrial and 
technological capability to offer assistance in Soviet internal develop- 
ment programs. This gives Japan leverage in its dealing with the 
Soviet Union by enhancing its value as an economic partner. Aside 
from the broader political and economic aspects of this bilateral rela- 
tionship, conservation concerns also influence the Soviet posture in 
the negotiations. This case study of the Soviet-Japanese fisheries issue 
presents an analysis of the subject chiefly as it relates to the disputed 
territory and the Asian power struggle. 
'The author was at the time of drafting, a researcher with the Congressional Research Service, 
Library of Congress. 
The author wishes to acknowledge the generous assistance, as well as access to his extensive files, 
offered by Mr. Milan R. Kravanja of the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, and also Dr. Young C. Kim of George Washington University for helpful discussions 
when the paper was being developed. 
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