Sustainable Fisheries Practices Highlighted at the Second Marine Direct Sale Summit
On February 28, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Second Marine Direct Sale Summit will be held at the Pal System headquarters in Higashi-Shinjuku, Tokyo. This summit aims to convene seafood producers and consumers from across Japan to discuss sustainable practices in fisheries management. The event comes as a significant occasion following the 15-year revision of Japan’s fisheries policy, prompting important dialogues about the future of the seafood industry and the preservation of fish-eating culture.
The summit will feature reports from stakeholders across five fishing regions, showcasing case studies on resource recovery, post-disaster rehabilitation, and the attainment of international certifications. Among these presenters will be representatives from the Onna Village Fishermen’s Cooperative in Okinawa, known for its original Pal System product, Onna Mozuku. They will share insights from their coral planting initiatives aimed at preserving coastal marine environments.
Additionally, the Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association will provide an overview of the current fish catch status and sustainable fishing efforts in Hokkaido, while the Okayama Prefectural Okku Town Fishing Cooperative will introduce their innovative approach to oyster farming that integrates international MSC certification with resource circulation through the use of used oyster shells as fertilizers. The Hyogo Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Association will present initiatives aimed at restoring the rich marine ecosystem of the Seto Inland Sea.
Furthermore, the Ishikawa Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative will discuss the impacts of disasters on their fisheries and their steps toward recovery, expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts in product development with producers across Japan's seafood regions.
All participants will confront challenges posed by climate change, such as changes in water temperature, fish species, and ecosystems, alongside rising resource costs that threaten sustainable practices. Through collaboration with consumers, they aim to spread awareness of these situations and promote fish consumption as a means of supporting local production.
The Pal System’s commitment to sustainability will be further outlined, particularly regarding their 2009-established fisheries policy that emphasizes environmental conservation and resource management collaboration. Since their first summit in 2019, this event has deepened understanding among consumers regarding the seafood industry's conditions and challenges.
As of this year, the fisheries policy has been updated to reflect present-day challenges, including species shifts due to climate change, declines in catch volumes, and increasing global demand for fish. Through the slogan “Let’s Eat Fish,” the Pal System pursues an inclusive movement that extends beyond mere consumption to encompass the conservation and recovery of local culture and environments, and improve self-sufficiency.
This summit serves as a vital forum for producers and consumers to engage directly, ensuring that the conversation around sustainability continues into 2026 and beyond.
- Fishing catch updates from the Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association
- International MSC certification efforts from Okku Town Fishing Cooperative
- Initiatives for restoring the rich sea of Seto Inland from the Hyogo Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative
- Recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake by the Ishikawa Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative
Pal System’s Ongoing Efforts to Sustain Fisheries:
1. Strengthening Sustainability Through Policy Revisions:
The Pal System combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promotes certified seafood under Marine Eco-Labels (MEL), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
2. Reports from Disaster-Affected Areas:
Participants will hear firsthand accounts of recovery and environmental efforts from producers in Ishikawa and Okinawa.
3. Consumer Action for Marine Conservation:
As seafood consumption declines in Japan, the Pal System encourages consumers to understand that eating fish represents significant support for local production and environmental preservation.
For further information, please visit:
The summit will feature reports from stakeholders across five fishing regions, showcasing case studies on resource recovery, post-disaster rehabilitation, and the attainment of international certifications. Among these presenters will be representatives from the Onna Village Fishermen’s Cooperative in Okinawa, known for its original Pal System product, Onna Mozuku. They will share insights from their coral planting initiatives aimed at preserving coastal marine environments.
Additionally, the Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association will provide an overview of the current fish catch status and sustainable fishing efforts in Hokkaido, while the Okayama Prefectural Okku Town Fishing Cooperative will introduce their innovative approach to oyster farming that integrates international MSC certification with resource circulation through the use of used oyster shells as fertilizers. The Hyogo Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Association will present initiatives aimed at restoring the rich marine ecosystem of the Seto Inland Sea.
Furthermore, the Ishikawa Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative will discuss the impacts of disasters on their fisheries and their steps toward recovery, expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts in product development with producers across Japan's seafood regions.
All participants will confront challenges posed by climate change, such as changes in water temperature, fish species, and ecosystems, alongside rising resource costs that threaten sustainable practices. Through collaboration with consumers, they aim to spread awareness of these situations and promote fish consumption as a means of supporting local production.
The Pal System’s commitment to sustainability will be further outlined, particularly regarding their 2009-established fisheries policy that emphasizes environmental conservation and resource management collaboration. Since their first summit in 2019, this event has deepened understanding among consumers regarding the seafood industry's conditions and challenges.
As of this year, the fisheries policy has been updated to reflect present-day challenges, including species shifts due to climate change, declines in catch volumes, and increasing global demand for fish. Through the slogan “Let’s Eat Fish,” the Pal System pursues an inclusive movement that extends beyond mere consumption to encompass the conservation and recovery of local culture and environments, and improve self-sufficiency.
This summit serves as a vital forum for producers and consumers to engage directly, ensuring that the conversation around sustainability continues into 2026 and beyond.
Event Details:
- - Date: February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Registration starts at 9:30 AM)
- - Venue: Pal System Headquarters, Higashi-Shinjuku, Tokyo
- - Target Audience: Stakeholders from seafood production regions, Pal System executives, member cooperative staff, and union members.
Main Program (Planned):
- - Panel Discussion: Discussing the future of seafood and the role of cooperation
- - Case Reports:
- Fishing catch updates from the Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association
- International MSC certification efforts from Okku Town Fishing Cooperative
- Initiatives for restoring the rich sea of Seto Inland from the Hyogo Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative
- Recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake by the Ishikawa Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative
- - Tasting Session: An interactive exchange with producers showcasing their seafood products.
Pal System’s Ongoing Efforts to Sustain Fisheries:
1. Strengthening Sustainability Through Policy Revisions:
The Pal System combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promotes certified seafood under Marine Eco-Labels (MEL), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
2. Reports from Disaster-Affected Areas:
Participants will hear firsthand accounts of recovery and environmental efforts from producers in Ishikawa and Okinawa.
3. Consumer Action for Marine Conservation:
As seafood consumption declines in Japan, the Pal System encourages consumers to understand that eating fish represents significant support for local production and environmental preservation.
For further information, please visit:
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