April 1951 



COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 



59 



The March I4 authorizations bring the EGA aid approved for the development of 

 fisheries in Indonesia to a total of $1,003,000. This sum includes the purchase of 

 60 majang-type fishing boats, 100 Diesel boat engines, and 15 tuna-fishing boats, 

 all manufactured in Japan. The initial shipment of majang boats is scheduled to be 

 delivered in Indonesia in April. 



Japan 



FISHERMEN FACING ECONQMIC CRISIS ; With an increase in operating costs and, in 

 many Instances, a decline in the prices paid to fishermen for their catches, the 

 Japanese coastal fisheries are facing a growing economic crisis, in spite of the 

 fact that physical rehabilitation has been encouraging. While fish production is 

 almost up to the prewar level, the number of fishermen is now about 40 percent 

 larger than before the war, according to the Weekly Summary of February I7, I95I, 

 issued by SCAP's Natural Resources Section. 



The total catch of all species for Japan proper is still slightly less than 

 that taken before the war because of the continued scarcity of sardines and her- 

 ring. The 1950 production of 3,540,000 metric tons (excluding aquiculture and 

 Antarctic whaling), is an increase over the I949 production, but remains below the 

 1935-39 average of 3,590,000 metric tons.i/ Supply scarcities rather than decreased 

 fishing effort is responsible for this decline in catch; 



With the removal of price controls in the spring of I95O, the free market 

 price of fish has dropped to about the I949 controlled price level. This indicates 

 that present production is about adeq^uate for Japanese current demand for food at 

 present price levels. Higher production as a result of increased consumption could 

 only result through further decreases in consumer prices or through marked improve- 

 ment in the quality of fresh and processed fish. 



Although the physical rehabilitation program is about complete, the growing 

 economic crisis becomes increasingly apparent. "Saa crisis has been caused by the 

 following factors: 



Flsbermsn operating in Japan's coastal fisheries 

 are now about 40 percentmore numerous than before 

 the war, as a result of repatriation of fiahennen 

 from Japan's colonies and the absorption of un- 

 employed persons from stagnant industries. 



Over-all fisheries production has not reached the 

 prewar level in spite of the larger number of fish- 

 eimen and boats because of the acarcityof sardines 

 and herring, and in some cases of overfishing and 

 decreased catches caused by too many fishermen and 

 boats. Itius, with about 40 percent more fishermen 

 and a smaller total production, the individual 



fisherman's share in the catch now is much less than 

 before the war. 



Operating costs for fishermen have increased, and in 

 many instances the price of his catch has declined. 

 The drastic rise in the cost of fuel oil, Manila fiber, 

 and cotton in the world markets has greatly increased 

 his cost of operations. The decrease in price of fish 

 received by the fisherman, since the spring of I950, 

 has reduced his income. For most coastal fishermen, 

 these two movements have wiped out ^^atever operating 

 margin they enjoyed in 1949. 



As a result of these developments, more and more coastal fishermen are unable 

 either to pay off their old loans or to obtain additional credit to finance further 

 operations, Soiind financing is impossible under such conditions and production in 

 some fisheries already is beginning to decline. Coastal fishermen in most areas 

 now are facing financial collapse. If this situation is allowed to continue, it 

 will make necessary great outlays of relief funds; serious declines in production 

 will be incurred; and it will seriously threaten the success of the orderly fishery 

 reforms which now are progressing favorably. 



i/SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW . JUNE 1950, P. 56. 



