Number 166
April 26, 1996


A weekly update of news from the Japanese
Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries

Public Relations Office,Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries
Kasumigaseki 1-2-1,Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo 100
Tel:81-3-3591-2874 Fax:81-3-3592-7697
Editor.Kazuyuki Tsurumi

Research Whaling Fleet Returns
On April 19, the Japanese research whaling fleet returned to Japan after five months at sea. In their comprehensive whale-related research, the vessels caught 440 minke whales in the Antarctic Ocean under a scientific permit authorized by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

The research incorporates both sighting and sample surveys of minke whales. A total of 2,587 minke whales were sighted, and further analysis on whale abundance will be made later on. The minke whales brought back will undergo thorough laboratory analyses to determine the stock structure and biological parameters of minke whales, as well as details on the Antarctic marine ecosystem and the effect of environmental changes on cetaceans.

This kind of research has been conducted since 1987 for the purpose of collecting data on minke whale biology, including facts and figures on genetics, reproductive status, age composition and pollutant accumulation. Japanese cetologists have submitted more than 50 scientific documents, based on research findings, to the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The high-quality studies have garnered compliments from the Scientific Committee of the IWC for contributing to information on minke whales.

According to IWC reports, the Antarctic minke whale population is estimated at 760,000. Ongoing research on whale biology is critically important to maintain acceptable conservation and sustainable fishing of cetaceans.

For further information, contact the Far Seas Fisheries Division of the Fisheries Agency at 03-3502-2443.

Supply and Demand Forecast for Industrial Wood in 1996 Unveiled
On March 29, the Forestry Agency published its 1996 supply and demand forecast for industrial wood. According to the forecast, demand levels for lumber and plywood are likely to remain on a par with the previous year, at 50.2 million cubic meters, down 0.1%, and 13.9 million cubic meters, down 0.9%, respectively. These results reflect lower demand for lumber and plywood, with the shift in preference toward substitute panel products outweighing the benefits of higher housing starts.

With respect to wood pulp and chips, demand in 1996 should rise 2.0% from the previous year's level, thanks to steadily expanding production of paper and paperboard. Consequently, total demand for wood in 1996 is expected to reach 112.18 million cubic meters, up 0.6% year-on-year.

Of this, domestic wood supply could climb to around 24 million cubic meters, thanks to steady demand for domestically produced timber. Log and lumber imports are expected to decrease from a year earlier, due to the current depreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar. However, imports of chips, plywood and veneer sheets should expand. Accordingly, total imports may hit 88.18 million cubic meters, up 0.2% from 1995.

Please note that the figures mentioned above are log-equivalent volume.

For further information, contact the Wood Distribution Division of the Forestry Agency at 03-3591-5794.

Notice of Amendments to the Japanese Agricultural Standards and an Addition to Quality Labeling Standards
The aim of the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) System is to officially guarantee the quality of food and forestry products. The standards are voluntary in the sense that application of the System to any given product is left to its producer.

Quality Labeling Standards, however, are compulsory for food products and oblige manufacturers or packers to indicate specific information, such as product category, ingredients and the corporate name and address on the product packaging. The purpose of these standards is to provide consumers with accurate information concerning the quality of food products.

MAFF has announced the imminent amendment of two JAS items and the addition of a quality labeling standard. The two amendments cover revisions to the special packaging of kamaboko, boiled fish paste, and flavored kamaboko. The quality labeling standard addition is the establishment of requirements for bread.

Reader comments and questions are welcome, as is the intention to join activities related to JAS and quality labeling standards. Please contact MAFF before May 24, 1996, at

STATISTICS

The following statistics are available from the Planning and Coordination Division of the Statistics and Information Department: Tel. (03) 3591-2657.

  1. Preliminary Statistical Report on the Marketing of Vegetables and Fruit, First 10 days of April 1996
  2. Commodity Price Indices in Rural Areas, March 1996
  3. Field Information on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Vol. 297
  4. Production and Shipment of Apples, 1995
  5. Production and Shipment of Unshu Mandarins, 1995
  6. Summary of the Survey on Trends of Fishery Work Force, 1995
Notes:

  1. All materials are in Japanese unless otherwise noted.
  2. The contacts may not be able to respond to inquiries in any language except Japanese.
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