Number of saury fishing boats set to decline

Number of saury fishing boats set to decline（07/08 12:24） NEMURO KUSHIRO -- The ban on drift-net fishing for boats weighing less than 10 tons is to be lifted today for the start of the saury fishing season in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of eastern Hokkaido. However, the number of fishing boats sailing out on the opening day is expected to decrease significantly due to soaring fuel prices. According to four major fishery cooperatives in Nemuro City, approximately 100 boats sailed out on the opening day last year, but the number is expected to be only around 30 this year. The Ochiishi Fishery Cooperative has sent out more than 50 boats from the port annually, but this year will dispatch only around 15. The Kushiro Subprefectural Office says the number of boats that have undergone the inspection required for fishing in the... [read full story]