For 2024, the expected catch of iwasi sardine in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is 579 thousand tons. The fishing season allows for adjustments in catch volume. Both Russia and Japan operate pelagic fishing fleets, with the majority of the catch coming from the Russian exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The iwasi migration to Russian waters is occurring earlier each year, with the main fishing activity set to begin in summer. The record-breaking catch of 544 thousand tons in the Kuril waters in 2023 is a post-Soviet era high.