Rising Pacific Saury Costs in Japan Due to Decreased Catch Yields
In the vast expanse of the North Pacific, a familiar figure has been dwindling. The Pacific Saury, a staple of Japanese cuisine, has seen a significant drop in catch numbers over the past two decades.
According to data from the Fisheries Agency's FY 2024 report and the National Saury Fishery Association, Japan's Fisheries Agency has reduced the 2025 Pacific saury quota by 10% from the previous year, marking the first time since quotas were set in 1997 that the figure has gone below 100,000 tons. This decline is a stark contrast to the 200,000 tons of Pacific saury that were landed annually from 2001 through 2014.
The landing price for Pacific saury has also seen a dramatic increase, with prices around ¥6,000 per 10 kilograms in 2021 and 2022, compared to a previous price of roughly ¥1,000. Large Pacific saury, once sold for around ¥100 each in Japan, now typically sell for around ¥300 per fish.
The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted. Changes in the ocean environment, including rising sea temperatures, decreased resources due to overfishing, and the presence of foreign fishing fleets, are thought to be the main culprits.
In 2024, Japan had the largest catch and landing of Sanma (Pacific Saury) in the North Pacific. However, the ports of Kushiro, Miyako, Onahama, and Chōshi, which previously saw large Pacific saury catches, recorded landings of less than 100 tons in 2024. This change in fishing grounds has seen schools of Pacific saury migrate toward the international waters to the far east of Hokkaido, which takes fleets one to two days to reach.
This shift in fishing grounds has had a significant impact on international trade. A high proportion of Taiwan's Pacific saury catch is predominantly exported to South Korea, Japan, and China. In 2023, Taiwan caught the largest amount of Pacific saury in the North Pacific, with China coming in second place. Japan ranked third in Pacific saury catches in the North Pacific in 2023.
The actual volume of Pacific saury catches is expected to be lower than the 2025 quota, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain sustainable fishing practices in the face of environmental changes.
As we navigate these shifting tides, it's clear that the Pacific saury, once a mainstay of Japanese cuisine, is facing new challenges. The future of this humble fish, and the industries that rely on it, remains uncertain.
[Image Credit: Pixta]
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