2024 Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Dr. Shelley Catherine Clarke

On August 1, 2024 (Japan Time), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2024. Dr. Shelley Catherine Clarke is among this year’s recipients. She will receive the Commendation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the promotion of public awareness regarding Japan’s foreign policy in the field of fisheries.

Dr. Clarke, who is mainly based in Japan, has researched sharks as a fisheries resource, and has been involved in data improvement, stock and fishery assessments, and the development of techniques to reduce unintended shark catches. In 2003, Dr. Clarke joined the National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries and later served as an editor of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. In these roles, she helped support the development of Japanese researchers who contribute to international forums. As a result, recognition and discussion on the sustainable use of shark resources by the international community was deepened. This has led to the promotion of both Japan’s policy of enhancing sustainable fisheries as well as supporting local fisheries where sharks are an important local resource.

Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.