A Study on the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement for Fisheries Co-management: Insights from International Law and Practice

Abstract Fisheries governance in overlapping maritime areas is shaped by resource distribution, legal frameworks, and domestic management systems. This study examines the Taiwan–Japan Fisheries Agreement as a provisional arrangement under UNCLOS, integrating an oceanographic analysis, fishing-ground formation, fleet behavior, and relevant domestic regulatory measures. Drawing on official data, interviews, and legal-institutional review, the findings show that while the Taiwan–Japan Fisheries Agreement helps reduce operational conflicts and stabilize fishing activities, its management approach remains primarily input-based and lacks a systematic scientific coordination. A broader comparison with other bilateral fisheries cooperation cases suggests that the Taiwan–Japan framework is less institutionalized, particularly in scientific support mechanisms and resource-focused management tools. Nonetheless, the Taiwan–Japan Fisheries Agreement provides a stable platform for dialogue and practical cooperation. The study contributes to understanding how provisional arrangements function in practice and identifies enhanced data exchange and scientific collaboration as essential steps for strengthening co-management in the future.