Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Abashiri Autumn Salmon Catch Update: 8.76 Million Fish, Valued at U$D 182M

JAPAN
Monday, November 11, 2024, 06:40 (GMT + 9)

The annual autumn salmon migration along the Abashiri coast, which accounts for 60% of Hokkaido’s salmon fishing, has resulted in a catch of 8.76 million fish as of October 31, representing 80% of last year’s numbers for the same period.

The average price per kilogram has surpassed 1,000 yen (U$D 6.55), driving the total value to 27.9 billion yen—nearly a 30% increase over last year.

According to the Abashiri Sea Area Fisheries Adjustment Committee, the total catch of autumn salmon reached 8,755,431 fish, equating to 79.5% of last year’s volume. The total weight was recorded at 26,660 tons, and the catch value soared to 27.86 billion yen (U$D 182.5M), marking a 128.1% increase. Average price per kilogram was 1,045 yen (U$D 6.84), with fish averaging 3.04 kg.

Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Despite a slowing pace through October—2.14 million fish in early October, decreasing to 1.27 million by month’s end—the overall catch continues to support Hokkaido’s salmon yield. Last season saw an increase of 500,000 fish by mid-November, and this year’s total is on track to exceed 9 million.

Performance varied across cooperatives. Shari Daiichi, in eastern Okhotsk, achieved a strong yield with 2.84 million fish (105% of last year’s volume), followed by Abashiri at 2.02 million fish (81%), and Utoro at 1.53 million fish (108%). However, central Okhotsk and northern Monbetsu cooperatives have underperformed.

Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Coastal Salmon Catch Update (October 31): 14.52 Million Fish, Nearly 80% of Last Year, Valued at 44.9 Billion Yen (U$D 294M)

As November arrives, the autumn salmon fishing season is winding down, and some areas have begun to close. Despite this, eastern Okhotsk and northern Nemuro remain productive, with no signs of a significant decline.

Preliminary reports from the Hokkaido United Sea Area Fisheries Adjustment Committee indicate that the 2024 coastal salmon catch stands at 14.52 million fish, about 79.1% of the previous year. The average unit price is approximately 3,000 yen per fish, with a total catch value nearing 45 billion yen (U$D 295M).

Catch value per fish remains high at 3,093 yen, about 60% above last year’s rate. According to the Hokkaido Fisheries Federation, daily landings as of October 31 show a total of over 40,000 tons—80% of last year’s volume. Recoveries in key areas such as Shamami, Rausu, and Shibetsu suggest the final total could reach around 15 million fish and 45,000 tons.

Performance varied across regions. The Nemuro region exceeded last year’s volume with 2.57 million fish (114.6%), while the Sea of Japan region was down to 893,822 fish, just 60.8% of last year. Value comparisons show year-over-year increases in Okhotsk (31.5 billion yen, 119%), Nemuro (7.7 billion yen, 175%), and east of Erimo (2.6 billion yen, 113%). The Sea of Japan remained stable at 2.6 billion yen, the same as last year, while west of Erimo reported a lower value of 500 million yen, or 79% of the previous year’s value.

Catches also revealed significant regional disparities. Eastern Okhotsk recorded 6.46 million fish (95% of last year’s volume), northern Nemuro was up at 2.24 million fish (126%), and Funka Bay, west of Erimo, logged 30,000 fish (111%). In contrast, southern Hokkaido west of Erimo reported only 10,000 fish (21%), and the northern Sea of Japan fell to 350,000 fish, less than 50% of last year’s figures.

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