Overview
- A May research cruise by the Hakodate Fisheries Experiment Station reported zero catch of surumeika (Japanese common squid) in the Sea of Japan, a result the station says is the first zero since its surveys began in 2001.
- The survey used the station’s vessel Kinboshi-maru but was limited to two observation points after instrument failures and bad weather prevented work at three usual sites, which narrows the sample for comparison with past years.
- Survey catches per hour at the two sampled sites averaged zero and were below last year’s level and the five-year mean, leading researchers to flag a low larval supply in the main production areas as a possible cause.
- Researchers noted squid were still being taken off the Noto Peninsula, which suggests a delayed northward migration and means fishing grounds near Hakodate may not be readily accessible to local boats in early June.
- Fisheries groups face economic uncertainty with the June 1 season opening approaching, and officials say additional surveys and early-season catch reports are needed to clarify whether the low result reflects a true stock shortfall or the limited sampling.