Japan's Hokkaido scallop production season is at its peak, yet processing costs remain heavily burdensome.

The Rieducho area, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, faces the southern end of the Nemuro Strait, which opens to the Sea of Okhotsk, and is Hokkaido's third-largest scallop production area, second only to the Sea of Okhotsk coast and the southwestern part of Hokkaido's Uchiura Bay. This year's scallop fishing plan is expected to reach more than 16,000 tons, covering operations from January to April and December. According to a person from Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association—JF Notsuke, this year's fishing season began in December of last year, with an average daily catch of about 170 tons, showing a relatively stable fishing situation. As of January 24, the cumulative catch has increased by about 40% compared to the same period last year, reflecting improved fishing conditions. Despite the increase in production, the fishing price has fallen compared to last year's historical high. As of the end of January, the price of large scallops (with shells) from nearshore ...