Importation of aquaculture seedlings to Japan

Japan is one of the largest consumers of fishery products in the world. Importation of various fishery commodities - including larvae and eggs for aquaculture - is increasing due to high consumer demand. Elvers of Anguilla anguilla have been imported from Europe since the late 1960s. Eyed eggs of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are imported from North America. During the last decade, over-production caused the price of Japanese amberjack (or 'yellowtail') (Seriola quinqueradiata) and Japanese seabream (Pagrus major) to drop, forcing farmers to venture into the culture of other species. A variety of marine fish seedlings are now imported from Asian countries. Almost all aquaculture production of coho salmon, greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus), rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and groupers (Epinephlus septemfaciatus, etc.) depends on imported seedlings. These species accounted for approximately 9% by value of marine finfish production in Japan in 1993. Apart from ubiquitous or endemic pathogens, a considerable number of exotic microorganisms and parasites are suspected to have accompanied fish eggs and larvae imported for aquaculture purposes. On a voluntary basis, 80-90% of imported salmon eggs are being examined for bacterial kidney disease and salmon viruses by semi-governmental organisation. Voluntary inspections are also being conducted on some other fish species imported from foreign countries. No legislation exists, however, for the control of exotic fish pathogens.