The Sixth Assessment cycle of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has compiled evidence of worsening climate change impacts in the ocean. To reduce mounting losses, urgent action is required to make rapid, deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel, transformative adaptation is needed. The choices we make now will determine our future.

In order for human society to survive climate change, it will be important not only to take mitigation measures, but also adaptation measures such as the gradual maintenance of existing industries and the development of new industries. As for adaptation measures in the fisheries industry, resource management and the promotion of fisheries processing industries play important roles. This paper examines adaptation measures to the new environment facing the fisheries industry, using the Japanese common squid and yellowtail industries in Hakodate City, Hokkaido as case studies.

There is currently a global trend toward observing wild animals in a calm fashion while maintaining a certain distance from them. Meanwhile, whale swimming has suddenly become more popular in Japan, where harassment by people who profess to “love'' whales is rampant. What can we learn from whale watching, which has become a popular pastime for many people?