Rising Pacific Saury Prices in Japan Due to Declining Catch Yields
In the vast waters of the North Pacific, a significant change has occurred in the fishing industry, particularly with the Pacific saury, a small, oily fish that is a staple in many Asian cuisines.
In 2023, Taiwan took the lead as the largest catcher of Pacific saury in the region, surpassing Japan, which came in third. Interestingly, China followed closely as the second-largest catcher. This shift in landing volumes marks a departure from the past, where Japan was a dominant player in the Pacific saury fishing industry.
The main fishing grounds for Pacific saury have moved toward the international waters to the far east of Hokkaido, a change that has affected the landing volumes in Japanese ports. In 2024, the ports of Kushiro, Miyako, Onahama, and Chōshi recorded landings of less than 100 tons each, a stark contrast to the approximately 200,000 tons landed annually between 2001 and 2014. Since 2019, the landing volume has fallen further, dipping below 50,000 tons.
This decline in catches has been accompanied by a significant increase in prices. In 2021 and 2022, the landing price for Pacific saury was around ¥6,000 per 10 kilograms, a dramatic rise from the previous price of roughly ¥1,000. Even the price of large Pacific saury in Japan has increased significantly, now selling for around ¥300 per fish.
The reasons for these changes are thought to be linked to the ocean environment. Rising sea temperatures, decreased resources due to overfishing, and the presence of foreign fishing fleets are some factors that have contributed to the poor catches of Pacific saury.
Despite the challenges faced by Japan, the country remains a key player in the Pacific saury market. In 2023, Japan was still the largest nation by catch of Pacific sardines, a related species also known as Pacific anchovy or Pacific sardine.
It's worth noting that a high proportion of Taiwan's Pacific saury catch is predominantly exported to South Korea, Japan, and China. Meanwhile, Russia's catch of Pacific saury has significantly decreased due to the fishing grounds shifting beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone into international waters.
As the Pacific saury fishing industry continues to evolve, it's clear that changes in the ocean environment and international competition will play significant roles in shaping the future of this important fishery.
Read also:
- Emerging Investment Trends in China's Ethical Finance Sector for 2025
- Celebrated Title: Cheesemakers Blessed Upon
- Construction and renovation projects in Cham county granted €24.8 million focus on energy efficiency
- A power crisis prevails in the Middle East, with the Gulf region potentially offering assistance.
