Pacific saury stick-held dip-net fishing has opened, with this year's abundance estimated at 429,000 tonnes, about 60% below the previous year and expected to be at a record-low level.
Pacific saury stick-held dip-net fishing opened at midnight, and fishing vessels departed for offshore waters. The year's main stick-held dip-net fishery is now getting fully underway.
A total of 93 vessels put out to sea from ports in eastern Hokkaido, including Hanasaki Port. Of these, 37 departed from Hanasaki Port in Nemuro, while 56 departed from other ports in eastern Hokkaido.
According to research by the Fisheries Research and Education Agency, a national research institution, the abundance in waters near Japan is expected to be 429,000 tonnes, down 60% from the previous year and the lowest level since surveys began.
Landings from the stick-held dip-net fishery are expected to begin as early as this week, and landing trends ahead will be closely watched.