816 



not engage in the future in intentional catching of lobster. The said 

 representative stated further that Japan will take appropriate pro- 

 cedures to reduce and control incidental catches of lobster by its fisher- 

 men, that is, catches taken unintentionally in the course of conducting 

 specialized fisheries for other species. Under such procedures, in- 

 structions will be provided to the masters of Japanese vessels to avoid, 

 especially with respect to areas where incidental catches indicate the 

 presence of concentrations of lobster, fishing with gear capable of 

 taking lobster, and to return the lobsters caught incidentally in the 

 course of directed fisheries for other species to the sea immediately 

 with a minimum of injury. 



The Japanese representative further stated that information con- 

 cerning the unintentional catch of lobster would be collected by the 

 enforcement officials of the Fishery Agency of Japan on board the 

 trawl vessels when these vessels are operating in the areas concerned. 



