ABSTRACT
With the development of leisure time and tourism, as well as transport facilities easing access to remote areas of the country, illegal fishing has become a frequent phenomenon in Hokkaido as well as in other parts of Japan. In several areas, even the term ‘illegal fishing season’ has come into use. For some people, intentionally engaging in unlicensed fishing activities has become an exciting game, while others still try to ignore the legal restrictions imposed on amateur angling. Professional fishermen, on the other hand, doubtless regard it as a threat to their income. Obviously, the leisure and pleasure of some people is regarded as a serious problem by others.
