Pacific saury auction prices hit 25,000 yen per kg in Sapporo

The first catch of the season for large-scale Pacific saury pole-and-line fishing vessels was auctioned at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market on August 17. The fish, landed at Hanasaki Port in Nemuro, saw high auction prices, with a peak bid reaching 25,000 yen per kilogram.

Market participants noted that while the quality and shape of the fish are good, the size of the catch is a concern. A significant majority of the fish weighed between 40 and 50 grams, whereas in previous years, approximately 80% of the catch exceeded 100 grams. Experts suggest the smaller size may be due to a lack of sufficient food sources for the fish to grow.

Due to these smaller sizes and lower volumes, there are concerns that Pacific saury, once considered an affordable staple, is becoming a luxury item. Forecasts for the upcoming season suggest continued challenges regarding fish size and availability.