Signing of a Subsidiary Agreement Between Japan and Australia concerning Japanese Tuna Longline Fishing

June 4, 1997

1. A subsidiary agreement between Japan and Australia concerning Japanese tuna longline fishing was signed on June 4 (Wed.) in Canberra between Mr. Akio Suda, Japanese Minister to Australia, and Mr. John W. Parer, Minister for Resources and Energy of Australia.
   
   
2. The new agreement, like that concluded in 1996, is based on the Japan-Australia Fisheries Agreement (Head Agreement), which came into effect in October 1979. It stipulates detailed procedures up to October 31, 1997 for fishery operations by Japanese tuna longline fishing vessels in Australia's 200-nautical-mile fishery zone, including the issuance of fishery licenses for up to 250 vessels by the Australian Government and permission for these vessels to enter Sydney and seven other Australian ports, upon the payment of 3,400,000 Australian dollars (about 306 million yen).
   
   
3. The new agreement comes into effect simultaneously with its signing and will be effective till October 31, 1997.
   
   
4. In order to secure continued fishery operations by Japanese tuna longline fishery vessels in Australia's 200-nautical-mile fishery zone, the Japanese Government has been negotiating with the Australian Government for a new agreement since July 1996, as the previous agreement, which was concluded in 1996, expired on October 31, 1996. As a result, accord was reached recently on the final draft text, which was then signed.
   
   
5. Japan's fish catch in Australia's 200-nautical-mile fishery zone during the last three years is as follows:
   
   1994, about 5,500 tons
   1995, about 5,500 tons
   1996, about 2,800 tons
   (of tuna and other fish)