Japan Releases 2024 Squid Resource Assessment Report: Catches Continue To Decline And Resource Abundance Faces Challenges

The National Fisheries Research and Education Institution of Japan and local testing and research institutions recently released the 2024 Japanese Squid Resource Assessment Report, which conducted a comprehensive analysis of the status of squid resources distributed in the waters surrounding Japan. The report shows that both the autumn breeding population and the winter breeding population, their resource abundance and fishing volume are at the low point in recent years, and future recovery is still full of uncertainty.

Autumn breeding populations are mainly distributed in the western Sea of ​​Japan and the northern part of the East China Sea. They migrate northward in spring and summer and return southward in autumn. The catch of this stock reached a historical peak of 315,000 tons in 1996, but has gradually declined since 2005, with the catch in 2023 being only 28,000 tons. Resource abundance has declined significantly since 2016. Although it recovered slightly in 2020, it has declined again since 2021. The abundance of female fish in 2023 is only 90,000 tons, and is expected to further decline to 65,000 tons in 2024, which shows that the pressure on the recovery of this population is huge.

The winter breeding population inhabits the East China Sea and migrates to the Pacific Ocean, Sea of ​​Japan and other waters for fishing in autumn and winter. The catch reached a peak of 400,000 tons in 1996, but has declined sharply in recent years. The catch in 2023 is only 14,000 tons, of which Japan contributes 12,000 tons and the rest comes from South Korea and Russia. Since 2015, the abundance of this stock has declined significantly. The abundance of female fish in 2023 is estimated to be 42,000 tons. Although it is expected to rise to 135,000 tons in 2024, it is still sluggish compared with historical levels.

The report pointed out that the reasons for the decline of Japan's squid resources include climate abnormalities and overfishing. The El Niño phenomenon has affected the habitat and breeding environment of squid, while long-term, high-intensity fishing has exacerbated resource depletion. Although Japan and neighboring countries have taken some protection and management measures in recent years, resource recovery will take longer and more scientific planning. The current catch volume of fishing boats is difficult to meet domestic and foreign market demand, prices are high, and processing plants and exporters are facing greater operating pressure.

The recovery of Japan's squid resources in 2024 is still full of uncertainty. The assessment report provides an important basis for policymakers and fishery practitioners. Driven by improved climate conditions, reduced fishing intensity, and more scientific resource management measures, the resource situation may gradually improve, but this will take time and the joint efforts of the entire industry. As one of the most important economic fishery resources in the offshore waters of the Japanese archipelago, the future of Japanese squid is not only related to the sustainable development of local fisheries, but will also have a profound impact on the global squid market.