Welcome   Sponsored By
Subscribe | Register | Advertise | Newsletter | About us | Contact us
   


Unprecedented Decline Pushes Japanese Seafood Production to Historic Lows After Fifth Straight Annual Drop

Click on the flag for more information about Japan JAPAN
Tuesday, June 02, 2026, 05:20 (GMT + 9)

Marine Aquaculture and Sardine Catches Surge but Fail to Offset Collapsing Scallop and Tuna Markets Across Key Prefectures

On May 29, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries released a sobering report revealing that the estimated production volume of fisheries and aquaculture in 2025 plummeted to 3,577,400 metric tons. This represents a 1.6% drop from the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive year that the industry has hit record lows since the current survey framework was established in 1951. Even more striking, total production has now plummeted by 72.1% from its historic peak back in 1984.

Overall, the total sector volume decreased by 58,800 metric tons over the last 12 months, driven heavily by major losses in traditional wild catch species.

Marine Catch Reels from Steep Reductions in Scallop and Tuna

The wild marine fisheries sector bore the brunt of the decline, logging a total catch volume of 2,700,500 metric tons—a net loss of 85,700 metric tons (3.1%) compared to the previous year.

While certain species saw strong positive momentum, it wasn't enough to rescue the broader sector. The five largest wild-caught species experienced dramatically diverging paths:

  • Japanese Sardine: Reached 707,600 metric tons, fueled by an increase of 41,200 metric tons (6.2%), with notable gains concentrated in Chiba Prefecture.

  • Mackerels: Rose by 27,900 metric tons (10.9%) to land at 283,800 metric tons, with strong output reported out of Nagasaki Prefecture.

  • Japanese Scallop: Suffered a major blow, diving 17.0% (down 53,700 metric tons) to 263,000 metric tons, with significant losses occurring in Hokkaido.

  • Skipjack Tuna: Plummeted by 19.6% (down 47,400 metric tons) to 194,300 metric tons, heavily impacting fishers in Shizuoka Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture.

  • Pollock: Remained relatively stable at 124,300 metric tons, edging up by a minor 700 metric tons (0.6%).

Seaweed Surges as Marine Aquaculture Visualizes Mixed Results

In contrast to wild fisheries, the marine aquaculture harvest expanded by 29,000 metric tons (3.6%) to reach an overall volume of 831,900 metric tons. This growth was single-handedly salvaged by an incredible boom in seaweed farming, which offset falling volumes in farmed finfish and shellfish.

Finfish and Shellfish Contractions

Farmed finfish dropped 2.4% down to 244,300 metric tons. Within this category, Yellowtail dropped 9.2% (down 12,100 metric tons) to 119,300 metric tons, showing notable declines in Ehime Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture. Meanwhile, Red Sea Bream managed a slight boost of 1,100 metric tons (1.6%) to hit 69,500 metric tons.

Shellfish cultivation also took a hit, falling 7.7% to 247,400 metric tons. Oysters decreased by 9.3% to 134,400 metric tons due to losses in Hiroshima Prefecture, and farmed Japanese Scallops dropped 5.7% to 112,700 metric tons, hurting operations in Aomori Prefecture.

The Seaweed Boom

Seaweed aquaculture expanded by a massive 20.4% to hit 334,800 metric tons. Nori jumped 21.7% (up 42,300 metric tons) to 237,300 metric tons, driven by strong yields in Hyogo Prefecture. Wakame also enjoyed a 17.9% climb to 46,800 metric tons, with localized success in Miyagi Prefecture.

Inland Ecosystems Face Dwindling Wild Salmon and Clam Catches

Freshwater production also contracted, sliding by 2,035 metric tons (4.3%) to finish at 45,011 metric tons.

Wild inland fisheries suffered a painful 15.4% collapse, dropping to 15,149 metric tons. This was accelerated by a massive 42.0% loss in Salmon and Trout species (down 2,116 metric tons to 2,928 metric tons) primarily felt in Hokkaido, alongside a 5.0% dip in Freshwater Clams (Shijimi) to 8,993 metric tons in Ibaraki Prefecture. Ayu Sweetfish catches also eased down by 4.5% to 1,350 metric tons.

Conversely, inland aquaculture grew 2.5% to 29,862 metric tons. The expansion was driven entirely by the highly valued Japanese Eel, which jumped 5.3% (up 883 metric tons) to 17,557 metric tons, seeing prominent growth in Miyazaki Prefecture. This surge successfully mitigated losses in farmed Trout (7,224 metric tons), Ayu Sweetfish (3,449 metric tons), and Common Carp (1,560 metric tons).

Separately, the companion market saw a minor downturn, as ornamental fish sales fell 4.0% with 2,386,000 fish sold during the year.


🇯🇵 Japanese (日本語)

記録的な5年連続減少で日本の水産・養殖業生産量が過去最低に落ち込む

海面養殖業やイワシ類の漁獲量は急増するも主要都道府県におけるホタテ貝やマグロ類の市場暴落を相殺できず

5月29日農林水産省は、2025年の漁業・養殖業の概算生産量が3,577,400トンにまで激減したという深刻な報告書を発表した。これは前年比で1.6%の減少を意味し、現行の調査が始まった1951年以降、5年連続で過去最低を更新したことになる。さらに衝撃的なことに、総生産量は歴史的なピークであった1984年から現在までに72.1%も落ち込んでいる。

過去12ヶ月間で、水産部門の総生産量は、伝統的な天然漁獲物の大幅な減少に大きく引っ張られる形で、58,800トン減少した。

ホタテ貝とマグロ類の急減により海面漁業が打撃を受ける

天然の海面漁業部門は減少の直撃を受け、総漁獲量は前年比で85,700トン3.1%)の純減となる2,700,500トンを記録した。

一部の魚種では強いプラスの勢いが見られたものの、広範な部門を救い出すには至らなかった。漁獲量の上位5魚種は、極めて対照的な動きを見せている。

  • マイワシ: 主に千葉県などで漁獲量が増加したことにより、41,200トン6.2%)増の707,600トンに達した。

  • サバ類: 長崎県などで漁獲量が増加し、前年比27,900トン10.9%)増の283,800トンとなった。

  • ホタテ貝: 大きな打撃を被り、17.0%減(53,700トン減)の263,000トンへと急落し、北海道などで大幅な減少が見られた。

  • カツオ: 19.6%減(47,400トン減)の194,300トンへと落ち込み、静岡県宮崎県などの漁業者に重い影響を与えた。

  • スケトウダラ: わずか700トン0.6%)の微増にとどまり、124,300トンと比較的安定して推移した。

海藻類が急増するも海面養殖業は一進一退の結果に

天然漁業とは対照的に、海面養殖業の収穫量は29,000トン3.6%)拡大し、全体で831,900トンの規模に達した。この成長は、魚類や貝類の養殖量が減少する中で、海藻類養殖の驚異的な好況によって単独で救われた形となった。

魚類・貝類養殖の縮小

魚類養殖は2.4%減少して244,300トンとなった。このカテゴリー内では、ブリ類愛媛県鹿児島県で顕著な減少を示し、9.2%減(12,100トン減)の119,300トンへと落ち込んだ。一方で、マダイ1,100トン1.6%)のわずかな増加を確保し、69,500トンに達した。

貝類養殖も打撃を受け、7.7%減少して247,400トンとなった。マキキ(カキ類)広島県などでの減少により9.3%減の134,400トンとなり、養殖のホタテ貝5.7%減少して112,700トンとなり、青森県の事業に影響を与えた。

海藻類養殖の好況

海藻類養殖は20.4%の大幅な拡大を記録し、334,800トンに達した。ノリ類兵庫県などでの旺盛な生産に支えられ、21.7%増(42,300トン増)の237,300トンへと跳ね上がった。ワカメも宮宮城(宮城県)での局地的な成功を伴い、17.9%増の46,800トンへと上昇した。

内水面生態系は天然サケ・マス類やシジミの漁獲減少に直面

淡水(内水面)生産も縮小し、2,035トン4.3%)スライドして、最終的に45,011トンで引けた。

天然の内水面漁業は15.4%の痛烈な崩壊を喫し、15,149トンにまで落ち込んだ。これは主に北海道で感じられたサケ・マス類42.0%という大規模な減少(2,116トン減の2,928トン)と、茨城県などでのシジミ(淡水産シジミ類)5.0%の減少(8,993トンへ減少)によって加速された。アユの漁獲量も4.5%緩やかに減少して1,350トンとなった。

逆に、内水面養殖業は2.5%増加して29,862トンとなった。この拡大は高価値なウナギ(ニホンウナギ)によって単独で牽引され、宮崎県などで顕著な成長を見せて5.3%増(883トン増)の17,557トンに達した。この急増により、養殖のマス類7,224トン)、アユ3,449トン)、コイ1,560トン)の減少が見事に緩和された。

これとは別に、観賞魚市場はマイナスの転換を見せ、通年で2,386,000匹が販売され、前年比4.0%の減少となった。


🇨🇳 Simplified Chinese (简体中文)

史无前例的连续第五年产量下滑将日本海鲜产量推至历史新低

海水养殖与沙丁鱼捕捞量虽大幅激增但仍未能抵消关键县份扇贝与金枪鱼市场的全线崩溃

5月29日农林水产省发布了一份令人揪心的报告,透露2025年渔业和养殖业的预估生产量已暴跌至3,577,400公吨。这标志着较上一年减少了1.6%,也是自1951年开展现行调查框架以来,该行业连续第五年创下历史新低。更令人震惊的是,总产量与1984年的历史巅峰时期相比,目前已暴跌了72.1%

在过去的12个月中,受传统野生捕捞物种大幅减少的严重拖累,整个水产行业的总产量净减少了58,800公吨

野生捕捞遭受重创:扇贝与金枪鱼产量剧烈萎缩

野生海水渔业部门承受了本轮下滑的主要冲击,录得总捕捞量为2,700,500公吨——与前一年相比净减少了85,700公吨3.1%)。

尽管某些特定鱼种展现出了强劲的增长势头,但这仍不足以拯救整个行业的颓势。捕捞量最大的五大野生鱼种经历了截然不同的走势:

  • 日本沙丁鱼: 达到了707,600公吨,这主要得益于41,200公吨6.2%)的增长,其中增长显著的区域集中在千叶县

  • 鲭鱼: 增长了27,900公吨10.9%),最终达到283,800公吨,其中长崎县上报了强劲的产出。

  • 日本扇贝: 遭遇沉重打击,暴跌17.0%(减少53,700公吨),降至263,000公吨,其中北海道的减产情况最为严重。

  • 正鲣(金枪鱼类): 骤降19.6%(减少47,400公吨),至194,300公吨,严重打击了静冈县宫崎县等地的渔民。

  • 狭鳕: 保持相对稳定,为124,300公吨,微幅上升了700公吨0.6%)。

海藻养殖异军突起:海水养殖呈现错综复杂的局面

与野生渔业形成鲜明对比的是,海水养殖收获量扩大了29,000公吨3.6%),总产量达到831,900公公吨。在鱼类和贝类养殖产量双双下滑的背景下,这一增长全凭海藻养殖业的爆发式繁荣才得以独力挽回。

鱼类与贝类养殖的萎缩

人工养殖鱼类产量下降了2.4%,至244,300公吨。在此类别中,鰤鱼类爱媛县鹿儿岛县出现明显下滑,暴跌9.2%(减少12,100公吨),降至119,300公吨。与此同时,真鲷成功实现了1,100公吨1.6%)的微幅增长,达到69,500公吨

贝类养殖同样受到冲击,下降7.7%,至247,400公吨。由于广岛县等地的减产,牡蛎产量下降了9.3%,至134,400公吨;而人工养殖的日本扇贝则下降了5.7%,至112,700公吨,对青森县的养殖业务造成了不利影响。

海藻养殖的繁荣

海藻养殖大幅扩张了20.4%,达到334,800公吨。受到兵库县等地强劲产量的拉动,条斑紫菜(海苔类)飙升21.7%(增加42,300公吨),达到237,300公吨裙带菜也凭借在宫城县的局部成功,实现了17.9%的增长,达到46,800公吨

内陆生态系统承压:野生鲑鳟鱼与河蚬捕捞量持续走低

淡水(内陆)生产同样出现萎缩,下滑了2,035公吨4.3%),最终以45,011公吨收尾。

野生内陆渔业遭遇了15.4%的惨烈溃败,跌至15,149公公吨。这主要是由于北海道地区的鲑科鱼类(鲑鱼和鳟鱼)产量发生了42.0%的大规模滑坡(减少2,116公吨,降至2,928公吨),以及茨城县等地的河蚬产量出现了5.0%的下滑(降至8,993公公吨)。香鱼的捕捞量也小幅回落了4.5%,至1,350公公吨

与此相反,内陆养殖业增长了2.5%,达到29,862公吨。这一扩张完全是由高价值的日本鳗鲡单核驱动的,该物种在宫崎县等地增势喜人,激增5.3%(增加883公吨),达到17,557公公吨。这一爆发式增长成功缓解了人工养殖鳟鱼7,224公吨)、香鱼3,449公吨)和鲤鱼1,560公吨)的减产损失。

另外,宠物伴侣市场出现轻微下滑,全年共售出2,386,000尾观赏鱼,同比减少了4.0%

[email protected]
www.seafood.media


 Print


Click to know how to advertise in FIS
MORE NEWS
Argentina
Jun 2, 05:10 (GMT + 9):
Opinion Article | Maritime Paraguay: the impact of Argentine policies on fluvial and fishing sovereignty
Peru
Jun 2, 05:00 (GMT + 9):
Artificial Intelligence: The Threat No One Foresees
China
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Turning Waste to Wealth: Company Converts Discarded Oyster Shells into Eco-Products
Japan
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Japan's Bluefin Tuna Hauls Surge to Record Levels in April
India
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Vietnam and India Forge Powerful New Alliance to Dominate Global Seafood Markets
Norway
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 22
Brazil
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Brazilian Biodiversity Commission Delays Highly Anticipated Verdict on Tilapia Classification
China
Jun 2, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Global Feed Market Fractures as Supply Crunches Push Fishmeal to Record Highs While Soybean Meal Plummets
Denmark
Jun 2, 00:00 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Baltic Sea Fish Stocks Diverge: Herring and Plaice Surge as Cod Collapses
Malaysia
Jun 2, 00:00 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Two Boats Held for Suspected Fisheries Offences
Argentina
Jun 1, 00:30 (GMT + 9):
Shrimp Harvest Begins with Key Regulatory Changes and Vessel Concentration in the North
Spain
Jun 1, 00:20 (GMT + 9):
The artisanal fleet warms up for a good 'bonito del norte' campaign marked by abundance and a new commercial model
Japan
Jun 1, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - 2026 Miyagi Prefecture Farmed Coho Salmon Market Trends | 22-29 May
Norway
Jun 1, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Massive Surge in Mussel and Tunicate Farming Sparks Call for Smarter Coastal Management



Lenguaje
FEATURED EVENTS
  
TOP STORIES
Historic Milestone as Peruvian Eel Fishery Clinches Prestigious Global Sustainability Certification
Peru A collaborative multi-year overhaul transforms the nation's marine management and opens lucrative new doors to eco-conscious global markets In a landmark achievement for South American fisheries, Per...
Squid drives historical growth in Argentine fish exports during the first four months
Argentina The spectacular performance of the harvest in the South Atlantic compensated for the early closure in the north and consolidated China as the main destination for shipments Exports from Argentina...
Frozen Seafood Surge Triggers Massive Recovery in Norwegian Fisheries | Norges Råfisklag Week 21
Norway Increased sales of frozen-at-sea products narrow the revenue gap compared to last year as deep-sea vessels pivot to new fishing grounds Increased sales of frozen-at-sea raw materials during week 21 c...
The Federal Fisheries Council approved the entry of 18 jigger vessels for squid exploitation despite the resounding opposition of Buenos Aires
Argentina The controversial measure authorizes a sharp increase in fishing effort within the Exclusive Economic Zone amid severe criticism over the lack of detailed scientific reports and port discrimination T...
 

Umios Corporation  (formerly Maruha Nichiro Corporation)
Nichirei Corporation - Headquarters
Pesquera El Golfo S.A.
Ventisqueros - Productos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A
Wärtsilä Corporation - Wartsila Group Headquarters
ITOCHU Corporation - Headquarters
BAADER - Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH+Co.KG (Head Office)
Inmarsat plc - Global Headquarters
Marks & Spencer
Tesco PLC (Supermarket) - Headquarters
Sea Harvest Corporation (PTY) Ltd. - Group Headquarters
I&J - Irvin & Johnson Holding Company (Pty) Ltd.
AquaChile S.A. - Group Headquarters
Pesquera San Jose S.A.
Nutreco N.V. - Head Office
CNFC China National Fisheries Corporation - Group Headquarters
W. van der Zwan & Zn. B.V.
SMMI - Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Co., Ltd. - Headquarters
Icicle Seafoods, Inc
Starkist Seafood Co. - Headquearters
Trident Seafoods Corp.
American Seafoods Group LLC - Head Office
Marel - Group Headquarters
SalMar ASA - Group Headquarters
Sajo Industries Co., Ltd
Hansung Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
BIM - Irish Sea Fisheries Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara)
CEFAS - Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
COPEINCA ASA - Corporacion Pesquera Inca S.A.C.
Chun Cheng Fishery Enterprise Pte Ltd.
VASEP - Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers
Gomes da Costa
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
NISSUI - Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. - Group Headquarters
FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization - Fisheries and Aquaculture Department (Headquarter)
Hagoromo Foods Co., Ltd.
Koden Electronics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S - Headquarters
BVQI - Bureau Veritas Quality International (Head Office)
UPS - United Parcel Service, Inc. - Headquarters
Brim ehf (formerly HB Grandi Ltd) - Headquarters
Hamburg Süd Group - (Headquearters)
Armadora Pereira S.A. - Grupo Pereira Headquarters
Costa Meeresspezialitäten GmbH & Co. KG
NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Headquarters)
Mowi ASA (formerly Marine Harvest ASA) - Headquarters
Marubeni Europe Plc -UK-
Findus Ltd
Icom Inc. (Headquarter)
WWF Centroamerica
Oceana Group Limited
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. - Headquarters
Friosur S.A. - Headquarters
Cargill, Incorporated - Global Headquarters
Benihana Inc.
Leardini Pescados Ltda
CJ Corporation  - Group Headquarters
Greenpeace International - The Netherlands | Headquarters
David Suzuki Foundation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada -Communications Branch-
Mitsui & Co.,Ltd - Headquarters
NOREBO Group (former Ocean Trawlers Group)
Natori Co., Ltd.
Carrefour Supermarket - Headquarters
FedEx Corporation - Headquarters
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. - Group Headquarters
AKBM - Aker BioMarine ASA
Seafood Choices Alliance -Headquarter-
Austevoll Seafood ASA
Walmart | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Supermarket) - Headquarters
New Japan Radio Co.Ltd (JRC) -Head Office-
Gulfstream JSC
Marine Stewardship Council - MSC Worldwide Headquarters
Royal Dutch Shell plc (Headquarter)
Genki Sushi Co.,Ltd
Iceland Pelagic ehf
AXA Assistance Argentina S.A.
Caterpillar Inc. - Headquarters
Tiger Brands Limited
SeaChoice
National Geographic Society
AmazonFresh, LLC - AmazonFresh

Copyright 1995 - 2026 Seafood Media Group Ltd.| All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER