Japan Seafood Exports to Hit All Time High in 2015, as Companies Focus on Overseas Markets
A weak yen coupled with falling seafood demand domestically has helped boost Japan’s seafood exports to an all-time high in 2015. Data shows Japanese seafood exports up about 30 percent. Distributors noted higher seafood demand in foreign markets like China with global seafood consumption double what it was since the 1960s. Japanese seafood exports are lower-priced for many overseas buyers as the yen has lost 11 percent of its value compared to the dollar in the last year. Meanwhile, per capita seafood consumption is down in Japan and demand has fallen 20 percent in the last ten years.
We continue our coverage on the Congressional hearing about the use of Executive Orders to declare marine sanctuaries. Today a number of scientists, government administrators and NGO representatives speak to the necessity and benefits of the sanctuaries. “One of the most important attributes of Marine Protected Areas is that they provide a “hedge” against rapid increases in fishing pressure or the impacts of other activities including the ongoing effects of a changing climate. Parts of ecosystems that are largely intact, are far more resilient to the effects of a changing climate than those that are already heavily exploited,” said Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, the Director of the Center for Science and Democracy.
In other news shrimp farms in Shanghai are reporting mortalities as high as 85 percent in ponds inflicted with major disease issues. Losses have been more severe in farms outdoors compared with indoor “greenhouse” operations. Reports say poor management is to blame for the current disease problems and high mortalities.
Finally, sales were seasonally slow at NYC’s Fulton Fish market in September. The Post Labor-day hangover in sales is expected this time of year as consumers typically dine out less in an adjustment to back-to-school schedules. However, operators are optimistic for sales to improve with the holiday sales period right around the corner.
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