A subcommittee of the Fisheries Policy Council discusses squid catch quotas and other matters

Fisheries Agency Boosts Japanese Flying Squid Quotas in Six Prefectures

JAPAN
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 09:00 (GMT + 9)

National Council Approves Allocation of 2,485 Tonnes from Reserve to Support Local Fleets

The Fisheries Agency, through a subcommittee meeting of the Fisheries Policy Council, an advisory body to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, presented and secured approval for a new allocation plan for this season's Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) fishing quota on the 8th. While the overall fishing quota will remain unchanged, the plan reallocates an additional 2,485 tonnes from the national government's "reserved" quota, which is typically set aside for adjustment purposes. This newly allocated tonnage will be distributed across specific fishing methods and six prefectures.

Allocation Details

Under the ministerial management category, new allocations include 499 tonnes for offshore bottom trawl fishing and 200 tonnes for squid jigging fishery with ministerial permission. Notably, no new allocations were made to small-boat fishing, which has faced a mandatory suspension of operations from November until March next year after its catches exceeded its assigned quota.

Jigger fishing vessel at Toyama Port

Governor-Managed Quotas and Prefectural Increases

In the category managed by prefectural governors, Hokkaido and Toyama prefectures, which account for a large proportion of the total catch, are subject to quantity control. Hokkaido will receive a significant allocation of 1,049 tonnes.

Furthermore, five prefectures that requested additional quota have been added to the allocation list this season, joining Hokkaido to make a total of six prefectures receiving the increase. Nagasaki prefecture is set to receive 503 tonnes. Yamagata prefecture will be allocated 96 tonnes, while Hyogo, Tottori, and Yamaguchi prefectures will each receive an additional 46 tonnes, exceeding their previous target quantities.

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also reportedly urged Aomori squid fishermen to improve their catches following the announcement.

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