ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the post-conflict period in Japan following World War II. It considers the unintended consequences of the occupation-era fisheries policies and a comparative perspective of the conduct of other states during this period. The chapter provides an overview of the occupation command's objectives and associated sustainability goals with respect to Japan's fisheries. It continues by looking back to the Japanese economy preceding the war, including Japan's dependence on fisheries and the maritime lifestyle as an essential component of Japanese culture and economy. While the Japanese fishing industry exceeded its pre-war strength by the end of the peacebuilding process, when the peace treaty was concluded and the occupation ended in 1952. Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAP) reforms sought to reduce the environmental and cross-border political costs of excessive overfishing in coastal waters by instituting a variety of limitations upon the operation of coastal fishing vessels.
