Pelagic Fish Resources Division

Migratory small pelagic species, such as Japanese sardine, Japanese jack mackerel, chub and blue mackerels, Japanese amberjack, and Japanese flying squid, are widely distributed in the sea areas around Japan. Those species are caught using various fishing gears, including purse seine, set net, and squid jigging. The Pelagic Fish Resources Division conducts stock assessments on these species by collecting and analyzing fishery and biological data. The division also conducts research on the factors that cause resource variations and develops management measures that accomplish sustainable use. The knowledge and information serves as the basis for international negotiations on fisheries, enabling the mutual use of the high seas in the North Pacific and adjacent waters of countries such as Russia, China, and South Korea.