The initial catch for this season is estimated at 267,900 tons, a decrease of 12% compared to the actual output of the previous season.
Due to the reduced catch, the supply of frozen scallops has tightened, driving prices to historic highs.
The Pacific saury longline and purse seine fishing operations for this season have officially commenced, with initial catches far exceeding expectations, bringing hope to Japanese fishermen after years of low production.
Since the fishing season began on August 10, the ports in eastern Hokkaido welcomed the first catches on August 15-16, with a total landing of nearly one thousand tons.
Most of the fish in the initial catch weighed between 130-140 grams, which is larger than the average weight of the previous season, leading to a significant increase in market prices, with the most expensive fish selling for 3132 yen per kilogram, more than four times the 2024 price.