Japan aims to expand its catch quotas for large Pacific bluefin tuna next season. The Fisheries Agency has presented its draft to raise limits for domestic fishers.

The agency seeks to increase the quota for offshore fishing by 9 percent from the current season, which would bring the total to just over 4,820 tons. The quota for coastal fishing is seen rising slightly to 1,745 tons.

Delegates at an international conference in July agreed to raise the catch limit for Pacific bluefin tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more, and reduce it for smaller ones.
Conference members will discuss the proposal when they gather next month.

The Fisheries Agency will then officially decide on its distribution plan based on the outcome of the meeting.