At the next prefectural level, FCCs operate in each of the 47 prefectures in Japan. FCCs, established following the 1949 Fishery Law, are independent, juridical organizations that mediate between prefectural governments and fishers. Each FCC has 15 members, 9 elected fishers, 4 experts, and 2 public representatives (NPFMRI, 2012). An FCC reviews and decides on the allocation of fishing rights and licenses based on discussions of fishery management issues with fishers and the objective of rational and democratic use of fishery resources (NPFMRI, 2012).