Areas under common fishing rights (gyogyo-ken) nationwide

Coastal areas managed by local Fishery Cooperative Associations hold common fishing rights over designated species (shellfish, lobster, sea cucumber, certain seaweeds, etc.). Non-members, including all foreigners, may not harvest these species; doing so can be prosecuted under Article 195 of the Fishery Act (fine up to 1 million yen in Okinawa). These rights cover most productive nearshore reef areas.