As Alaska Sablefish Season Closes, Prices reach record levels in Japan
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] November 14, 2014
The Alaska Sablefish Season has closed as of November 7th, with 90% of the TAC taken for a total of 9631 tons. The shortfall was mostly in the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands, where far less fish was caught. Central and Southeast Alaska hit 100% of their quota. This has exacerbated price pressures, as already the total quota had been cut by 2508 tons (21%)
The catch this year was mostly smaller fish, leading to difficulties in Japan. The 7 lb. and up size, was only about 1/3 as plentiful as in more normal years.
So a greater portion of the landings were the 5-7 lb size, which is favored by the US market. In Japan, the 4/5 lb. size is most in demand...
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