Sakaiminato Port marks start of Benizuwai crab season

The red snow crab (Benizuwai) fishing season has officially commenced at Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Following a two-month resource protection period, the fishing ban was lifted on September 1.

On September 5, the season's first landing saw approximately 14.8 to 15 tons of crab brought in by the vessel ‘Dai-68 Kagami Maru’. During the first auction, which involved about 30 companies and 50 brokers, the highest price recorded was 89,900 yen per box, matching last year's peak.

Local officials expressed optimism for the season, noting that the allowable catch limit has been increased by approximately 400 tons compared to last season due to recovering resources. The Benizuwai crab fishing season is expected to continue until late June next year.