Japan’s fishing associations have agreed to hold a one-day strike to protest at rising fuel prices which they say are threatening to put thousands of members out of business. It is for sure that the Japan’s fishing industry will grind to a halt next month. It is said that nation wide strike will affect supplies to restaurants and prompt a sharp increase in seafood prices.
According to the National Federation of Cooperative Fisheries Associations all 230,000 of its members would take part in the day of action on July 15. Akira Takahama of the federation’s international affairs division, told that with fuel prices at their current levels, even if our members go out and catch fish they can’t make any money. He refused to rule out an increase in prices, saying that consumers could support the industry by eating bigger quantities of locally caught fish.
Takahama further said that the protest will for a day so it’s difficult to say what will happen. But he confirmed that the main aim of the strike isn’t to raise prices or disrupt distribution. Just before this the squid fishermen staged two-day protest in an attempt to draw public attention to their plight.
According to the federation the government is expected to expand a fund set up late last year to help fisheries introduce energy-saving measures such as fuel-efficient engines, but has reportedly ruled out direct help with rising fuel costs.
