Estimated abundance in the Pacific saury stick-held dip-net fishery is expected to fall 60% from the previous year to 429,000 tonnes, a record low. A total of 51 fishing vessels sailed from ports in eastern Hokkaido, including Hanasaki Port.
The Pacific saury stick-held dip-net fishing season opened, and many fishing vessels sailed offshore. This season, prospects for a recovery in stocks, mainly off Hokkaido, are reportedly poor.
According to a survey by the Fisheries Research and Education Agency, estimated Pacific saury abundance in Japanese waters is 429,000 tonnes, down 60% from the previous year and expected to be the lowest since the survey began.
A trend toward smaller fish in the catch has also been noted, with each fish expected to weigh approximately 100 grams.
This year, a total of 51 vessels sailed from ports in eastern Hokkaido, including Hanasaki Port in Nemuro. Hanasaki Port recorded the highest landings in Japan for 16 consecutive years through last year, and attention is focused on conditions there this season.