Tuna long‐line fishing I: Historical aspects

The history of the tuna long‐line fishing industry, starting from the seventh century, is introduced. Early fishing methods, fishing gear, fishing boats etc. are given in brief and also the factors behind their development up to the present time. The place of the tuna long‐line fishing industry in the entire fishing industry is also discussed with reference to historical records. It should be pointed out that Japanese boats quite recently started to go out to distant fishing grounds but only after fishing vessels, navigation equipment etc. had improved considerably. Development of overseas fishing grounds by the Japanese fishing industry is also discussed. The period since the war includes problems faced by the industry, government policies, development, and current status as well as future prospects for the industry. Interesting and useful information from well‐known skippers who have had first‐hand knowledge of the industry over the last 50 years is also included.