The Association has recently received an increasing number of inquiries from Members regarding measures to prevent contact with fishing gear and the recurrence of such incidents by vessels navigating in major coastal waters of Japan, including areas where the Maritime Traffic Safety Act applies.

In this connection, we would like to introduce the "Fisheries Operation Maps" provided by The Japan Association of Marine Safety to ensure safe navigation. These maps are highly useful for gathering preliminary information, as they illustrate the types of major fisheries, operation periods, operation areas, and points of caution in the waters to which the Act applies.

The maps (in PDF format) for each area are available for download at the following links:

・Tokyo Bay: https://www.nikkaibo.or.jp/pdf/gyogyousougyou-e.pdf

・Ise Bay: https://www.nikkaibo.or.jp/pdf/gyogyousougyouisewanle.pdf

・Eastern Seto Inland Sea (South of Osaka Bay): https://www.nikkaibo.or.jp/pdf/gyogyousougyouoosaka_eng.pdf

・Eastern Seto Inland Sea (Bisan Seto - Akashi Strait): https://www.nikkaibo.or.jp/pdf/gyogyousougyousetonaikaitouhoue.pdf

・Western Seto Inland Sea: https://www.nikkaibo.or.jp/pdf/gyogyousougyousetonaikaiseihoues.pdf

Source: "Fisheries Operation Maps" by The Japan Association of Marine Safety

(*The above map is an image created by the Japan P&I Club based on the original map. The English text is a provisional translation.)

Please note that these maps highlight the characteristics of primary fishing operations in each area and do not cover all fishing activities.

When navigating these areas, we recommend that crews utilise these materials for thorough prior information gathering (Passage Planning) and hold pre-arrival briefings as a part of BRM to share anticipated risks among the bridge team. We hope that this information, along with maintaining a strict lookout, will be of assistance to Members and their crews.