Bluefin tuna, also known as the “black diamond,” fetches high prices and is currently being caught in abundance in Fukui Prefecture.
However… Toshiharu Uratani, chairman of the Fukui Prefecture Fixed Net Fishing Association, says, “We pray to God that the tuna don’t get caught in the nets.” This is not a happy problem. Social media posts also reflect this sentiment…
A fishing industry insider says, “We went from being overjoyed to seeing tuna in the nets to feeling disgusted when we see them…” Despite the abundant catch of the high-end fish, bluefin tuna, fishermen are in trouble… It’s because of the “fishing quota.”
Fukui Prefecture has one of the lowest “fishing quotas” in the country, and has already reached its limit. Even when large quantities of bluefin tuna are caught in the nets, they have to release them each time. Toshiharu Uratani, chairman of the Fukui Prefecture Fixed Net Fishing Association, says, “Each one is really big, like 24 to 25 kilograms.
Each person has to release 100 of them, which is a lot of work. They tear the nets because of their teeth, which makes lots of holes.” [TV Asahi NEWS]
