Poor eel catch in Japan leads to high prices, urgent calls for int'l resource management

News 08:13 26/06/2013 502
Broiled eel, a dish that is traditionally enjoyed throughout Japan on the Midsummer Day of the Ox, may again be out of reach for many people this year.

According to a Fisheries Agency announcement on May 30, the total amount of elvers (young eel) presently being cultivated in Japan dipped to around 12 tons by the end of April -- an additional 25 percent decrease over last year's already low figures.

As more than 99 percent of all domestically consumed eel are farmed, elver numbers have a direct impact on retail sales. While eel farmers' purchase price of one kilogram of elvers was around 300,000 yen in 2006, this year it rose to a staggering 2.6 million yen. The number of eel in circulation peaked in 2000 at 160,000 tons, dipping to 37,000 tons in 2012.

Due to rising farming costs coupled with the total shortage of eel, the wholesale price of live eel stood at 4,560 yen per kilogram during last year's shipping peak in July -- a 25 percent increase over the previous year's figures. The price hikes are being felt by consumers, who are now facing steeper eel prices both in specialty restaurants and at the supermarket. In some cases, grocery store prices for broiled eel have risen nearly threefold.

The consequence of such increases has been a reduction in consumption of the fish, with wholesale prices accordingly dropping from the high rate of nearly 5,000 yen per kilogram last May to 4,209 yen per kilogram this April -- although representing a 1.5-fold increase over figures from two years prior. In an effort to rebuild the existing stock of eel and hold down prices, the Fisheries Agency began conducting ecological studies and releasing farmed eel last year. Major fishing areas including Aichi, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures have accordingly implemented such measures as shortening the elver fishing season, and restricting the fishing of adult eel as they head downriver to spawn. In addition to continuing high purchase prices being paid by eel farmers, poor fish catches have also been continuing throughout the whole of eastern Asia.

As a result, the price of imported eel -- which represent some 50 to 60 percent of the total number in circulation -- has taken an inevitable upswing as well. In China and Taiwan, which supply more than half of Japan's total overseas imports, the total amount of elvers has stagnated -- resulting in expectations for the total circulation in Japan to decrease this year compared with last year's total. "We see nothing to suggest that this year's retail prices will be decreasing," commented Fisheries Agency executives on May 30.

The Fisheries Agency has been holding discussions with China and Taiwan since last September aimed at undertaking joint resource management of the eels. Talks have not progressed beyond sharing fishing and breeding-related data, however, leading to increasingly urgent calls for international resource management.

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

Ha Tinh expands high-tech red tilapia farming

 |  09:18 27/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.

Vietnamese tuna exports seek momentum from growth markets

 |  09:00 25/05/2026

(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.

Pangasius industry restructures from broodstock to enhance competitiveness

 |  08:59 23/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.

Pangasius exports in April 2026 rise 18%, U.S. market shows signs of recovery

 |  08:21 21/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.

Shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026: Stable demand from Asia, rising pressure from the US market

 |  08:55 19/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.

Vinh Tuy (Kien Giang): Bottom aeration system improves shrimp farming efficiency

 |  08:36 15/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.

Vietnam’s crab exports in Q1/2026: Strong growth, but caution remains necessary

 |  08:59 14/05/2026

(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.

Ca Mau shifts strongly toward high-tech shrimp farming

 |  08:34 13/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.

Amid competitive pressure, fish cake and surimi exports still have growth opportunities

 |  09:08 09/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.

Fisheries in Quang Tri show positive results

 |  08:52 07/05/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.

VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM

Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội

Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO

Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu

Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn

Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn

VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn

© Copyright 2020 - Mọi hình thức sao chép phải được sự chấp thuận bằng văn bản của VASEP

DANH MỤC