Finding Harmony with Japan’s Waves

With its rich marine biodiversity and deep cultural ties to the sea, Japan offers a unique example of community-based marine conservation through the concept of “satoumi.” This approach promotes sustainable interactions in coastal areas by giving local communities a direct role in managing marine resources, ensuring that conservation measures maintain ecological balance while still aligning with their livelihoods. Such an approach leverages local knowledge for natural resource management and distributes decision-making power among those directly affected, often resulting in policies that are more sustainable and equitable.

In contrast to Western conservation frameworks that emphasize a separation between humans and the natural world, Japan’s traditions take a different approach. As William Cronon describes, Western conservation often envisions nature as “wilderness”—a place untouched by humans. In Japan, however, cultural and spiritual traditions integrate humans with nature. This perspective draws from Shintoism and Buddhism, where humans are portrayed as integral parts of a holistic and dynamic ecosystem rather than separate from or in opposition to the natural world.

Japan’s geographical location further deepens this integration with nature. The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons has instilled a deep respect for the power of natural forces. In response, Japanese society has cultivated resilience, adaptability, and a profound awareness of the delicate balance between humans and their environment.

Japan’s emphasis on the connection between humans and nature extends to marine conservation, where satoumi blends traditional practices with modern frameworks such as Marine Protected Areas, Territorial Use Rights for Fisheries (TURFs), and World Heritage Sites. By weaving these frameworks together, satoumi exemplifies how community involvement can maintain ecological balance while sustaining local economies and cultural traditions.

What is Satoumi?

Satoumi incorporates Japanese cultural and spiritual values with marine conservation, focusing on the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and coastal ecosystems. Defined as a seascape where human-ecosystem interactions enhance biodiversity and productivity, satoumi aims to “conserve habitats and create a desirable relationship between human and nature concurrently with economic production,” blending traditional ecological knowledge and local decision-making.

Satoumi principles have deep historical roots in Japan’s community-based fishing approach. The term itself was introduced by Tetsuo Yanagi in 1998, but Japanese marine conservation dates back 250 years to the samurai era. Long before satoumi’s official recognition, fishers depended on marine resources through self-governance and stewardship to protect nearshore environments. This approach balances cultural heritage and environmental sustainability with economic goals, employing tools like exclusive property rights to align conservation with livelihoods.

Active conservation—human interventions to restore and improve ecosystems rather than simply preserving them—is a cornerstone of satoumi. Planting trees to reduce sediment runoff, harvesting seaweed to remove excess nutrients in waterways, and using artificial reefs to enhance marine biodiversity are some examples of satoumi. These practices are tied to local livelihoods, as fishers invest in conservation through collective ownership, ensuring long-term benefits from sustainable ecosystems while directly bearing the responsibility for environmental stewardship. Community participation in collective stewardship, environmental monitoring, and effective management of natural resources contribute to its success.

Community-Based Marine Conservation in Japan

Fishing villages relied on an intimate understanding of marine ecosystems to sustain their way of life long before satoumi became a formalized concept. Rather than viewing the ocean as a resource to be managed, it was seen as a living system requiring reciprocity. This perspective shaped informal conservation practices like seasonal bans, gear restrictions, and designated fishing territories. These methods were passed down through generations to maintain fish stocks and ensure abundance from the ocean. 

The Japanese government has implemented various policies emphasizing the importance of community involvement and traditional ecological knowledge. The Fisheries Act of 1949, still in effect today, created Fishery Cooperative Associations: groups of fishers who manage fishing rights within coastal communities under the authority of prefectural governments. These associations regulate fishing areas, gear, quotas, and seasons using management systems like TURFs.

This collaborative framework emerged as a response to worsening overfishing and the need to protect fishers’ livelihoods in an ever-changing marine environment. Granting local communities a direct role in decision-making inspired a sense of responsibility and long-term investment, as fishers have a stake in maintaining healthy fish stocks. Unlike more rigid top-down regulations, this approach allows fishers to adapt to environmental changes while balancing sustainability with economic gain.

One example is collective research on Giant Yesso Scallops, which integrates science with local monitoring. A Hokkaido Association initiated research projects with scientific institutions and the government, combining analysis with fishers’ firsthand experience to provide a more comprehensive understanding of scallop movement, breeding patterns, and environmental conditions.

Fishers contributed detailed knowledge of local waters, seasonal changes, and scallop habitat conditions that might not have been evident through scientific surveys alone. Their active participation in data collection, monitoring, and training on ecological and policy issues ensured that management strategies were both scientifically informed and practically applicable, leading to more effective conservation measures. 

Changing Tides

Japan’s approach to community-based fisheries management strengthens its commitment to localized marine conservation. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, collaborative groups known as Fisheries Management Organizations were established within Fishery Cooperative Associations. Fishers helped set rules on catch limits, protect against pollution, and restore habitats, empowering fishing communities to take charge of managing their local waters. This system gained quick traction—by 1993, forty-three percent of Japan’s fishing households were participating. 

Fishers have embraced Management Organizations, particularly for their ability to stabilize catches. By managing fishing areas collectively, fishers can stabilize catches by better anticipating seasonal variations and prevent depleting fish stocks due to overfishing. Stability allows them to rely on a steady supply of fish, reducing pressures and creating a sense of security for communities that rely on local waters. Giving communities exclusive rights to their fishing areas also drives a sense of ownership and responsibility, further strengthening a connection between people and the sea.

A project in Okayama prefecture showcases the integration of satoumi and these legal systems’ practical applications. The Hinase Association led an initiative to replant eelgrass by using oyster shells. Recognizing a drastic decline in eelgrass beds vital for coastal ecosystems, fishers began replanting in 1983 using the recycled shells as a growing surface.

This has helped restore eelgrass coverage from twelve hectares in 1985 to 196 hectares by 2014, significantly improving habitats for fish and enhancing biodiversity. Partnerships among the local Associations, NGOs, and the Japanese government have sustained this ongoing project, demonstrating the integration of environmental stewardship with economic benefits inspired by satoumi.

As this model gains recognition, it offers insights into future global conservation strategies—particularly where traditional government protection falls short. Marine Protected Areas gained momentum in the 2000s, but in Japan, governance challenges at the time led to overlapping agency authority and lack of clear jurisdiction, resulting in confusion and inconsistent enforcement of regulations. To address these gaps, Japan integrated Marine Protected Areas with ecosystem-based approaches rooted in satoumi, allowing for adaptive and local management strategies.

Co-Management Restoration Efforts

Case studies from Okinawa and the Shiretoko World Heritage Site demonstrate how these satoumi efforts balance ecological sustainability with community livelihoods. Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, has rich marine life, including endangered species like green sea turtles and dugongs. It features both national and community-managed protected areas.

National Protected Areas such as Kerama Islands National Park prioritize biodiversity but often impose top-down restrictions on local activities that override the community’s needs. In contrast, community-based Marine Protected Areas align with the principles of satoumi, offering more flexibility and local engagement. This approach is hands-on in Okinawa, where fishers, dive shop operators, and other coastal residents actively manage marine resources. Fishers establish harvesting restrictions, while dive shops create no-take zones to reduce human impact and promote sustainable use. 

A survey of Okinawans revealed a strong preference for community-based management due to its perceived fairness, adaptability, and alignment with local needs, creating trust and compliance. However, achieving meaningful participation remains challenging.

For example, the WWF field research center located on Ishigaki Island faced local disinterest in coral restoration projects due to a cultural and economic disconnect. The project did not address the economic concerns of fishing, the primary livelihood of villagers. Viewing it as an external project, locals were less likely to engage, demonstrating the difficulties community-based Marine Protected Areas face when conservation efforts do not address local economic needs. 

Satoumi can bridge these gaps by integrating conservation within local livelihoods to generate broader support for marine protection. Traditional practices present potential pathways for deeper community engagement. The inkachi stone fishpond—a tidal fish trap incorporating sustainable fishing practices—aligns cultural heritage with ecological conservation. It supports education and ecotourism that provides supplemental income and reinforces community participation.

Similarly, the Sea Seed initiative writes messages from individuals on ceramic disks used for coral restoration, inspired by ema, which are small plaques for prayers in Buddhist and Shinto practices. By framing conservation efforts as acts of cultural and spiritual significance, this initiative creates stronger emotional connections to environmental restoration. These strategies highlight the potential of satoumi for integrating cultural practices to strengthen community-based marine conservation.

In Hokkaido, the Shiretoko World Heritage Site integrates co-management between local communities and scientific research, exemplifying satoumi principles. When the site was designated in 2005, local fishers initially feared that regulations would threaten their income. However, a co-management system involving the Rausu association eased concerns thanks to voluntary conservation efforts.

Fishers extended seasonal bans on pollock fishing, aligning with UNESCO’s conservation goals. This approach combined local knowledge and scientific research to best manage marine resources and economic livelihood. The “Shiretoko Approach” earned international recognition for its success and motivated similar efforts across Japan.

Despite its success, rising tourism challenges Shiretoko’s conservation efforts. Increased visitor numbers threaten species like the Blakiston’s fish owl, and prioritizing economic gains can undermine conservation goals. Community-based tourism, however, encourages local involvement. Lessons from places like Yakushima and the Ogasawara Islands show that community participation is key to balancing tourism with conservation, helping to maintain both Shiretoko’s ecological and cultural integrity.

Strengthening Japan’s Marine Conservation Model

Japan’s community-based approach to marine conservation blends cultural traditions, local involvement, and scientific knowledge. At the heart of this effort is satoumi, which empowers communities to manage their resources more sustainably. Examples from Okinawa and Shiretoko highlight the positive impact of combining conservation with community engagement—although not without its challenges. While community-led Marine Protected Areas in Okinawa have helped balance resource use and biodiversity, tourism in Shiretoko is putting pressure on delicate species. 

In response to modern challenges like declining fish stocks and an aging workforce, Japan revised its Fisheries Act in 2018. The updated law introduced measures such as individual allowable catch quotas and harsher penalties for illegal fishing. These reforms aimed to modernize fishery management while preserving the principles of sustainability and community involvement. Although satoumi is not always explicitly mentioned in these policies, its principles are reflected in the continued emphasis on community-based marine conservation.

To keep moving forward, it is crucial to continue involving local communities and honoring traditional ecological knowledge. The key will be staying flexible and adapting to new challenges, especially with climate change on the horizon. By focusing on how conservation benefits both the environment and the community, Japan’s model can continue to grow and inspire similar efforts around the world. 

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Featured Image: Coast in Tottori, Japan. Photo by ScottSimPhotography, 2015.

Erica Cherepko is a graduate student at American University’s School of International Service, studying Global Environmental Policy with concentrations in conservation, biodiversity, and ecology. Her main interests include Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing prevention, community-based fishery management, and marine protected areas. She is a co-author of the 2024 report Casting Light on the Deep, published by the Accountability Research Center. Contact.