Local News

A total of 22 fishing and nori cooperatives affiliated with a federation for Ariake Sea fishing industry cooperatives in Fukuoka Prefecture and other organizations are moving ahead with plans to merge by the end of business year 2009, it was learned. The individual cooperatives have been weakened by declining membership. The merger will also promote efficiency in the mainstay nori industry through the management and maintenance of equipment, as well as reducing fuel costs.