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 NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS 
 
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 SEPTEMBER 1993 
 
 JAPAN'S SQUID MARKET 
 
 Sunee C. Sonu 
 
 NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWR-028 
 
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
 National Marine Fisheries Service 
 Southwest Region 
 
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS 
 
 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). organized in 1 970. has evolved into an 
 agency which establishes national policies and manages and conserves our oceanic, coastal, and atmo- 
 spheric resources. An organizational element within NOAA. the Office of Fisheries is responsible for 
 fisheries policy and the direction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 
 
 In addition to its formal publications, the NMFS uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum series to issue 
 informal scientific and technical publications when complete formal review and editorial processing are 
 not appropriate or feasible Documents within this series, however, reflect sound professional work and 
 may be referenced in the formal scientific and technical literature 
 
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS 
 
 .apgjjOS^. 
 
 ^M E mof^ 
 
 SEPTEMBER 1993 
 
 JAPAN'S SQUID MARKET 
 
 Sunee C. Sonu 
 
 Southwest Region 
 
 National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA 
 
 Long Beach, California 90802 
 
 NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWR-028 
 
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
 
 Ronald H. Brown, Secretary 
 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
 D. James Baker, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmospheric 
 National Marine Fisheries Service 
 
 Rolland A. Schmitten, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries 
 
LIST OF TABLES 
 
 Page 
 
 1. World squid catch by major countries, 1966-1990 
 
 (1,000 metric tons) 4 
 
 2. Total world squid catch 1966-1990, and Japan's squid 
 catch, 1966-1992 (1,000 metric tons) 7 
 
 3. Japanese catch of Ommastrephes bartrami, 1974 - 1992 
 (metric tons) 8 
 
 4. World squid catch in major areas, 1966-1990 
 
 (1,000 metric tons) 9 
 
 5. Squid catches in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean by 
 Japan, Republic of Korea, and China, 1989 and 1990 
 
 (metric tons) 10 
 
 6. Five-year average squid catch by major countries, 
 1986-1990 11 
 
 7. Japan's catch of Nototodarus sloani and Illex argentinus . 
 1980 - 1992 13 
 
 8. Volume of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus imported 
 
 by major countries in 1990 (metric tons) 14 
 
 9. Value of imports of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus 
 
 by major countries in 1990 (U.S. $1,000) 15 
 
 10. Japan's imports of squid and cuttlefish by product form, 
 1991 and 1992 16 
 
 11. Japan's imports of fresh and frozen squid by 
 
 selected countries, 1978-1992 (metric tons) 17 
 
 12. Polish catch and exports of squid, 1990 - 1992 
 
 (metric tons) 18 
 
 13. Argentine catch and exports of squid, 1988 - 1992 
 
 (metric tons) 18 
 
 14. Japan's import quotas for squid and cuttlefish, 
 
 1971 - 1992 (1,000 metric tons) 19 
 
 15. Allocation of Japanese squid and cuttlefish import quotas 
 for recipient groups (metric tons) 20 
 
 li 
 
LIST OF TABLES 
 
 Page 
 
 16. Japanese supply and apparent consumption of squid, 
 1984-1993 (1, 000 metric tons) 22 
 
 17 . Japanese annual per household consumption of fresh and 
 frozen fish and shellfish by major species or groups, 
 1990-1992 23 
 
 18. Utilization of squid by major species in Japan, 1992 
 (1,000 metric tons) 23 
 
 19. Japan's year-end cold storage holdings of frozen squid, 
 1981-1992 (1, 000 metric tons) 25 
 
 20. Japan's monthly cold storage holdings of frozen squid, 
 
 1986 - 1992 (1,000 metric tons) 25 
 
 21. Average Japanese exvessel prices of squid by species, 
 1980-1992 (yen per Kg. ) 26 
 
 22. Exvessel prices by size for Nototodarus sloani and 
 
 Illex araentinus . 1986-1992 33 
 
 23. U.S. commercial squid landings and value, 
 
 1989 - 1992 35 
 
 24. California market squid landings by district, 
 
 1976-1992 (metric tons) 35 
 
 25. U.S. and foreign catch of Loliqo pealei . 1963 - 1992 
 
 (metric tons) 3 6 
 
 26. U.S. and foreign catch of Illex illecebrosus . 
 
 1963 - 1992 (metric tons) 38 
 
 27. U.S. squid exports to leading destinations by volume, 
 
 1982 - 1992 (metric tons) 40 
 
 28. U.S. squid exports to leading destinations by value, 
 
 1982 - 1992 (U.S. $1,000) 41 
 
 29. U.S. squid exports of Lolicro opalescens and other 
 
 squid to Japan by volume, 1981-1992 42 
 
 30. U.S. squid exports of Lolicro opalescens and other 
 
 squid to Japan by value, 1981-1992 42 
 
 in 
 
LIST OF FIGURES 
 
 Page 
 
 1 . Annual total world and Japanese squid catches and 
 world catches of Todarodes pacif icus 
 
 (Ommastrephidae) , 1966 - 1990 2 
 
 2. Squid catch by Republic of Korea, U.S.S.R, Spain, and 
 Poland, 1966-1990 10 
 
 3 . Annual landings and average exvessel prices of Todarodes 
 pacif icus in Japan, 1980 - 1992 27 
 
 4 . Annual landings and average exvessel prices of 
 Ommastrephes bartrami in Japan, 1980 - 1992 30 
 
 5. Annual landings and prices of Nototodarus sloani in 
 
 Japan, 1982 - 1989 31 
 
 6. Annual landings and average wholesale prices of Illex 
 arqentinus in Japan, 1980 - 1989 32 
 
 LIST OF APPENDICES 
 
 Page 
 
 1. Japanese major squid import quota holders 47 
 
 2 . Japanese ma j or seafood importers 48 
 
 IV 
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
 
 World squid catches have nearly tripled during the past two 
 decades. Imports of cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, and octopus) 
 by the world's nations have also increased dramatically. From 1980 
 to 1990, world-wide imports of cephalopods rose nearly 130 percent 
 in volume and well over 200 percent in value. The U.S. squid 
 industry has room for growth depending upon how successfully it can 
 capitalize on world-wide expansion of squid import markets. Market 
 squid ( Loliqo opalescens ) on the west coast, and longfin squid 
 ( Lolicro pealei ) and shortf in squid ( Illex illecebrosus ) on the east 
 coast, are the three principal U.S. species for which opportunities 
 exist for expanded overseas sales. 
 
 Japan, the world's largest consumer of squid, has the most 
 important market potential for U.S. squid. Japan's imports of 
 squid and cuttlefish in 1992 were approximately 115 thousand metric 
 tons (mt) valued at 487 million dollars, an increase of 3 percent 
 in quantity and 4 percent in value over 1991 imports. Imports of 
 foreign squid into Japan are regulated. The government decrees not 
 only the amount of annual imports but also the recipients of import 
 quotas. Annual quotas have been maintained at around 53,000 mt or 
 less. Because quotas are limited, importers seek items which fill 
 special niches in the Japanese market and assure good return on 
 investment. One such item may be U.S. market squid prepared in 
 small packages to be sold at supermarkets. Since this is a product 
 for direct consumption, this product form commands higher prices 
 than when market squid is sold in bulk to processors, and it also 
 offers the possibility for partnership with Japan's $40-billion per 
 year supermarket industry. 
 
 The future market for sales of U.S. squid depends to a large 
 extent on squid production from traditional producing areas, 
 particularly the waters off New Zealand and the Falkland Islands. 
 In 1990, landings in these waters were below normal, and as a 
 result, carryover supplies of squid in cold storage in Japan 
 dropped sharply, which in turn has prompted increased sales of U.S. 
 squids. With indications that the squid stock may be declining off 
 the Falkland Islands and with the implementation of Japan's 
 moratorium on squid driftnet fishing, U.S. squid export potential 
 appears favorable. 
 
 With a growing freezer trawler fleet, the United States has 
 the capability to produce high quality frozen squid products. 
 Additional strategies which could contribute to expansion of U.S. 
 squid exports may include, but are not limited to, the following 
 actions: 
 
 Develop a stable domestic market for squid in the United 
 States to nurture a viable squid fishing industry at 
 home ; 
 
 v 
 
Improve overseas sales efforts by recruiting services 
 of local experts; 
 
 Cultivate a high quality image in U.S. squid products 
 through improved quality control for catching, handling 
 and processing procedures. 
 
 VI 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 The objective of this study is to identify markets for U.S. 
 squid products with special emphasis on the export potential for 
 squid species available to U.S. fishermen. 
 
 The squid fishery is one of the fastest growing fisheries in 
 the world. World squid production has nearly tripled during the 
 past two decades, and is still growing in order to keep pace with 
 the continuing rise in demand. The success of squid industries in 
 the United States depend upon their ability to capitalize on 
 expansion of export markets, especially in the Mediterranean 
 countries and Japan. In 1992, sales of U.S. squid to Italy 
 surpassed those to Japan. Still, Japan, the world's largest 
 consumer of squid, has the most important market potential for U.S. 
 squid. 
 
 In preparing this report, various reports and data were 
 reviewed, and a special effort was made to provide current 
 statistics on squid supply (e.g. catch, imports, cold storage 
 holdings) , and consumption (markets) . Furthermore, efforts were 
 made to ascertain characteristics unique to the Japanese squid 
 market. Recommendations on strategies to expand U.S. squid sales 
 to Japan are also presented. 
 
 WORLD SQUID FISHERIES 
 
 Between 1966 and 1990, the world squid catch nearly tripled, 
 from 62 thousand metric tons (mt) to about 1.8 million mt. Figure 
 1 and Table 1 show the annual world squid catch during this period. 
 The world squid catch climbed to 1-million mt in 1979, and has 
 steadily increased since, reaching a level of 2.1 million mt in 
 1989. 
 
 To place the current state of world squid fisheries in proper 
 perspective, it is useful to divide the history into three distinct 
 periods. The first period which ran to about 1968, represented a 
 period in which world squid fisheries were virtually dominated by 
 one nation, Japan, and one species, Todarodes pacif icus . For 
 instance, the 1968 catch of T. pacificus which totaled 668,000 mt, 
 an historical high for this species, comprised 73 percent of the 
 total world landings of squid for that year (Table 2) . Japan's 
 share of the world catch for 1968 was nearly 83 percent. 
 
 The next six years, 1969 through 1974, was characterized by a 
 precipitous drop in the catch of T. pacificus in Japanese waters. 
 New fishing activity for a different squid Ommastrephes bartrami in 
 the Northwest Pacific Ocean began in 1974 (Komrin Sha 1989) , when 
 the catch of 0. bartrami was only 17,000 mt. By 1978, the catch of 
 0. bartrami had reached 152,000 mt (Table 3). 
 
The third period, 1975 to 1990, is characterized by a sharp 
 climb in squid landings by countries other than Japan, whose 
 traditional fishing grounds were in the Northwest Pacific. The 
 fast pace of growth in squid fisheries during the past decade is 
 generally attributed to the development of squid fisheries in 
 several regions, particularly in the Southwest Atlantic around the 
 Falkland Islands and off Argentina; in the Southwest Pacific around 
 New Zealand and Australia; and in the Western Central Pacific off 
 Thailand (Table 4). From 1975 to 1989, squid landings in these 
 three regions increased by more than 13 fold, while landings in all 
 other regions increased by only 43 percent. In 1989, combined 
 squid landings in the three regions were about 1.1 million mt, or 
 52 percent of the world catch, surpassing the catch of 766,000 mt 
 in the Northwest Pacific. The increase in squid catch in the 
 Southwest Atlantic was especially impressive. In 1990, however, 
 catches in this region declined sharply as the three major fishing 
 countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China caught only 
 217,600 mt, a decline of about 43 percent from 1989 (Table 5). 
 This sharp decline was due to poor fishing as well as to a shorter 
 fishing season decreed by the government of the Falkland Islands. 
 
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 Figure 1. Annual total world and Japanese squid catches and world 
 catches of Todarodes pacificus (Ommastrephidae) , 
 1966 - 1990 
 
In 1990, squid catches in the Northwest Pacific accounted for 
 44 percent of the world squid harvest (FAO 1992a) . Approximately 
 48 percent of this was taken by Japanese vessels. Catches in the 
 Southwest Atlantic, the second most productive area, made up 31 
 percent of qlobal squid landings. The Republic of Korea, Russia, 
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 producing area with about 6 percent of global squid landings. The 
 area was heavily fished by fleets from Thailand, the Philippines, 
 Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Southwest Pacific accounted for about 
 5 percent of world squid landings. New Zealand landed 39 percent 
 of squid in this area, and Russia, the Republic of Korea, and Japan 
 caught most of what remained. Australia made less than 2 percent 
 of the landings from this area (FAO 1992a) . 
 
 A number of nations are actively engaged in squid fisheries, 
 seeking increased export earnings as well as increased domestic 
 food supplies (Japan External Trade Organization 1993) . The number 
 of nations with more than 20,000 mt in annual squid catch rose from 
 two in 1966 to 12 in 1990 (Table 1) . During the same period, 
 combined landings by nations other than Japan increased more than 
 eight fold, from about 150,000 mt in 1966 to about 1.25 million mt 
 in 1990. 
 
 Increases in squid landings by the Republic of Korea, U.S.S.R., 
 Poland, and Spain were particulary noteworthy during the past 
 decade (Figure 2) . Combined squid catches by these four nations 
 rose from about 18 percent of the world total in 1981 to 3 6 percent 
 in 1990. Table 6 lists nations with an average annual squid catch 
 greater than 20,000 mt from 1986 through 1990. Japan's share of 
 the world catch was about 3 6 percent, and no other nation exceeded 
 15 percent. The United States ranked 9th at 2 . 8 percent, amounting 
 to about 47,700 mt annually. 
 
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Table 2. Total world squid catch 1966-1990, and Japan's squid 
 catch, 1966-1992 (1,000 metric tons) . 
 
 Year 
 
 T. pa 
 
 cif icus 
 
 Total 
 
 Comparison (%) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Japan 
 
 World (A) 
 
 Japan (B) 
 
 World (C) 
 
 A/C 
 
 B/C 
 
 1966 
 
 383 
 
 383 
 
 470 
 
 620 
 
 62 
 
 76 
 
 1967 
 
 477 
 
 477 
 
 581 
 
 697 
 
 68 
 
 83 
 
 1968 
 
 668 
 
 668 
 
 758 
 
 915 
 
 73 
 
 83 
 
 1969 
 
 478 
 
 478 
 
 544 
 
 710 
 
 67 
 
 77 
 
 1970 
 
 412 
 
 484 
 
 48.8 
 
 697 
 
 69 
 
 70 
 
 1971 
 
 364 
 
 402 
 
 447 
 
 647 
 
 62 
 
 69 
 
 1972 
 
 465 
 
 518 
 
 564 
 
 785 
 
 66 
 
 72 
 
 1973 
 
 334 
 
 378 
 
 452 
 
 710 
 
 53 
 
 64 
 
 1974 
 
 315 
 
 346 
 
 439 
 
 707 
 
 49 
 
 62 
 
 1975 
 
 370 
 
 411 
 
 508 
 
 796 
 
 52 
 
 64 
 
 1976 
 
 280 
 
 326 
 
 466 
 
 826 
 
 39 
 
 56 
 
 1977 
 
 208 
 
 226 
 
 460 
 
 845 
 
 27 
 
 54 
 
 1978 
 
 216 
 
 234 
 
 494 
 
 975 
 
 24 
 
 51 
 
 1979 
 
 213 
 
 239 
 
 505 
 
 1,155 
 
 21 
 
 44 
 
 1980 
 
 330 
 
 360 
 
 670 
 
 1,181 
 
 30 
 
 57 
 
 1981 
 
 197 
 
 259 
 
 509 
 
 977 
 
 27 
 
 52 
 
 1982 
 
 182 
 
 248 
 
 543 
 
 1,191 
 
 21 
 
 46 
 
 1983 
 
 192 
 
 231 
 
 531 
 
 1,169 
 
 20 
 
 45 
 
 1984 
 
 174 
 
 220 
 
 505 
 
 1,192 
 
 18 
 
 42 
 
 1985 
 
 133 
 
 192 
 
 512 
 
 1,302 
 
 15 
 
 39 
 
 1986 
 
 90 
 
 143 
 
 449 
 
 1,211 
 
 12 
 
 37 
 
 1987 
 
 183 
 
 264 
 
 748 
 
 1,800 
 
 15 
 
 42 
 
 1988 
 
 156 
 
 231 
 
 654 
 
 1,731 
 
 13 
 
 38 
 
 1989 
 
 212 
 
 287 
 
 720 
 
 2,111 
 
 14 
 
 34 
 
 1990 
 
 209 
 
 298 
 
 552 
 
 1,800 
 
 17 
 
 31 
 
 1991 
 
 242 
 
 NA* 
 
 530 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 1992 
 
 352 
 
 NA 
 
 626 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 * NA - Not available 
 
 Sources: FAO 1969, 1972, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1992a 
 
 Suisan Keizai Shinbun Sha October 12, 1992; June 1, 1993 
 Suisan Tsushin Sha June 1, 1993 
 
Table 3. Japanese catch of Ommastrephes bartrami , 1974 - 1992 
 (metric tons) 
 
 Year Driftnet Jig Total 
 
 17,000 17,000 
 
 41,164 41,164 
 
 84,180 84,184 
 
 121,768 121,768 
 
 NA 151,307 
 
 NA 124,692 
 
 NA 144,000 
 
 NA 120,000 
 
 55,000 163,000 
 
 36,000 148,000 
 
 27,000 100,000 
 
 36,000 135,000 
 
 23,000 108,000 
 
 21,000 132,000 
 
 15,000 101,000 
 
 21,500 120,000 
 
 33,000 136,000 
 
 11,500 81,700 
 
 2,600 70,100 
 
 * NA - Breakdown is not available 
 
 Sources: Zen Gyoren 1988, 1993 
 Kohrin Sha 1989 
 
 1974 
 
 
 
 1975 
 
 
 
 1976 
 
 
 
 1977 
 
 
 
 1978 
 
 NA* 
 
 1979 
 
 NA 
 
 1980 
 
 NA 
 
 1981 
 
 NA 
 
 1982 
 
 108,000 
 
 1983 
 
 112,000 
 
 1984 
 
 73,000 
 
 1985 
 
 99,000 
 
 1986 
 
 85,000 
 
 1987 
 
 111,000 
 
 1988 
 
 86,000 
 
 1989 
 
 98,500 
 
 1990 
 
 103,000 
 
 1991 
 
 70,200 
 
 1992 
 
 67,500 
 
Table 4. World squid catch in major areas, 1966-1990 
 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 Northwest Southwest Southwest Western Central 
 Year Pacific Atlantic Pacific Pacific 
 
 1966 
 
 528.6 
 
 1.4 
 
 * 
 
 11.4 
 
 1967 
 
 594.5 
 
 2.9 
 
 
 
 29.5 
 
 1968 
 
 817.0 
 
 4.1 
 
 
 
 47.6 
 
 1969 
 
 603.6 
 
 1.5 
 
 0.2 
 
 37.6 
 
 1970 
 
 533.3 
 
 1.3 
 
 0.1 
 
 40.3 
 
 1971 
 
 486.7 
 
 1.8 
 
 . 
 
 43.0 
 
 1972 
 
 614.9 
 
 1.8 
 
 0.1 
 
 59.7 
 
 1973 
 
 492.2 
 
 4.1 
 
 15.1 
 
 59.8 
 
 1974 
 
 450.3 
 
 5.0 
 
 19.7 
 
 70.0 
 
 1975 
 
 547.4 
 
 4.6 
 
 7.9 
 
 69.8 
 
 1976 
 
 552.5 
 
 9.2 
 
 19.7 
 
 66.8 
 
 1977 
 
 509.5 
 
 3.3 
 
 55.5 
 
 79.6 
 
 1978 
 
 549.2 
 
 74.6 
 
 92.2 
 
 82.2 
 
 1979 
 
 600.4 
 
 124.0 
 
 42.6 
 
 87.2 
 
 1980 
 
 757.4 
 
 30.8 
 
 80.0 
 
 82.9 
 
 1981 
 
 564.3 
 
 53.8 
 
 63.2 
 
 92.3 
 
 1982 
 
 639.1 
 
 208.1 
 
 70.9 
 
 84.5 
 
 1983 
 
 574.3 
 
 205.0 
 
 107.1 
 
 123.8 
 
 1984 
 
 581.2 
 
 251.3 
 
 122.4 
 
 100.7 
 
 1985 
 
 630.1 
 
 269.0 
 
 122.6 
 
 103.8 
 
 1986 
 
 498.5 
 
 351.2 
 
 100.6 
 
 109.5 
 
 1987 
 
 618.4 
 
 744.9 
 
 112.2 
 
 95.7 
 
 1988 
 
 612.6 
 
 689.5 
 
 101.9 
 
 100.8 
 
 1989 
 
 766.4 
 
 749.7 
 
 228.1 
 
 112.2 
 
 1990 
 
 783.0 
 
 550.4 
 
 95.8 
 
 110.9 
 
 * - Less than 50 metric tons 
 
 Sources: FAO 1969, 1972, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1992a 
 
 
Table 5. Squid catches in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean by 
 
 Japan, Republic of Korea, and China, 1989 and 1990 
 (metric tons) 
 
 Country 
 
 1989 
 
 1990 
 
 Percent Change 
 
 Japan 
 
 Republic of Korea 
 
 China 
 
 157,500 
 118,800 
 108,000 
 
 81,700 
 70,900 
 65,000 
 
 -48 
 -40 
 -40 
 
 Total 
 
 384,300 
 
 217,600 
 
 -43 
 
 Source: Nikkan Shokuryo Shinbun Sha, August 8, 1990 
 
 700 
 
 600 
 
 c 
 o 
 
 -t— ' 
 
 o 
 
 500 
 
 0) 
 
 E 
 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 400 
 
 I 300 
 
 O 
 
 200 
 
 100 
 
 Poland 
 Spain 
 lu.S.S.R. 
 Rep. of Korea 
 
 J_ 
 
 J L 
 
 J L 
 
 \ I I 
 
 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 
 
 Year 
 
 84 86 88 90 
 
 Figure 2. Squid catch by Republic of Korea, U.S.S.R., Spain and 
 Poland, 1966 - 1990 
 
 10 
 
Table 6. Five-year average squid catch by major countries, 
 1986-1990 
 
 5-Year Average (1986-1990) 
 Country (1,000 metric tons) (% of world total) 
 
 Japan 624.5 36.1 
 
 Korea, Rep. 258.8 15.0 
 
 U.S.S.R. 151.0 8.7 
 
 Thailand 64.6 3.7 
 
 Spain 61.9 3.6 
 
 China 61.5 3.6 
 
 Poland 58.0 3.4 
 
 New Zealand 50.1 2.9 
 
 U.S.A. 47.7 2.8 
 
 Argentina 27.7 1.6 
 
 Philippines 27.0 1.6 
 
 Total 1,432.8 83.0 
 
 World total 1,730.7 100.0 
 
 Sources: FAO 1989, 1990, 1992a 
 
 JAPANESE SQUID FISHERY 
 
 Japan is the world's largest squid harvesting nation (Table 
 1) . For more than two decades since 1966, Japan's annual squid 
 catch has exceeded 400,000 metric tons (mt) . Although Japan's 
 share of the world total gradually decreased during this period 
 Japanese squid fishing fleets today still account for about 31 
 percent of the total world production (Table 2). 
 
 The Japanese squid fishing industry pays special attention to 
 family Ommastrephidae, the most abundant and commercially important 
 squids. Four species of Ommastrephidae are important in the 
 Japanese market. These are Todarodes pacif icus , Ommastrephes 
 bartrami . Nototodarus sloani . and Illex arqentinus . In 1992, 
 catches of these four species accounted for 81 percent of Japan's 
 total squid catch (Zengyoren 1993) . 
 
 Todarodes pacif icus is the species most familiar to Japanese 
 consumers and, as such, sets standards for appearance and taste for 
 the entire market. The availability of this species essentially 
 dictates the extent of use of other squid species. When the catch 
 of this species is low, T. pacif icus goes to the high-value direct 
 consumption market. Conversely, when the catch is high, more of it 
 is used in processed form, at the expense of other species (Suisan 
 Keizai Shinbun Sha November 6, 1992) . 
 
 11 
 
The Japanese catch of T. pacif icus steadily declined from 1968 
 to 1986 (Table 2). In 1968, the catch of this species, all in the 
 Northwest Pacific, totaled 668,000 mt, a historical high, 
 representing 88 percent of Japan's total squid landings and 73 
 percent of the world squid landings for that year. The catch of T. 
 pacif icus was 84 percent of total Japanese squid catches in 1970, 
 but this dropped to 73 percent in 1975 and 20 percent in 1986. By 
 1986, Japanese production of T. pacif icus represented only about 7 
 percent of the world squid catch. In 1992, however, Japan's 
 catches of T. pacif icus increased substantially to 352,000 mt, 
 which amounted to 56 percent of the total Japanese squid catch, and 
 was the highest for that species in 18 years. 
 
 Following the sharp decline in abundance of T. pacif icus , 
 Japan developed fisheries for 0. bartrami in the North Pacific, 
 using jigging and drift gillnet techniques in 1974 and 1978, 
 respectively (Kohrin Sha 1993) . The catch of this species grew 
 rapidly from 17,000 mt in 1974 to a peak of 163,000 mt in 1982 
 (Table 3) . Between 1979 and 1990, the catch of this species in the 
 North Pacific fluctuated between 100,000 and 163,000 mt. However, 
 the catch decreased sharply in 1991 and 1992. Lower catches will 
 probably continue because starting in 1993, Japanese fishermen were 
 no longer permitted to catch 0. bartrami with driftnets on the high 
 seas in the North Pacific. This action complies with the United 
 Nations General Assembly Resolution 4 6-215 which mandated a global 
 moratorium on all large-scale driftnet fisheries by December 31, 
 1992. 
 
 Since the implementation of Japan's moratorium on squid 
 driftnet fishing in the North Pacific, greater effort has been made 
 by the Japanese fishing industry to find alternative sources of 
 supply of squid in other areas. In waters off Peru, Mexico, 
 Ecuador, and Chile the combined catch of giant squid Dosidicus 
 qiqas was 46,352 mt in 1992 (Suisan Tsushin Sha June 24, 1993) . At 
 auctions held by the Peruvian Government in April and June of 1993, 
 Japan received an allocation of 80,000 mt of D. qiqas and 36 
 licenses to fish in the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 
 a ten month period starting May 3, 1993 (Suisan Tsushin Sha April 
 12, 1993 and July 20, 1993). In April 1993, the Fisheries Agency 
 of Japan announced its approval of the operation of about 20 
 vessels in an experimental jig fishery in the area where driftnet 
 operations have been prohibited after January 1, 1993 (Nikkan 
 Shokuryo Shinbun Sha April 27, 1993 and Suisan Keizai Shinbun Sha 
 April 27, 1993) . 
 
 Japanese fishermen began to increase the harvest of N. sloani 
 off New Zealand in 1970 and I. arqentinus off Argentina in 1978 
 (Kohrin Sha 1989) . June through November constitutes the squid 
 fishing season for most jig boats in Japanese waters (Zen Gyoren 
 1993) . To extend the season, Japanese vessels fish squid from 
 December through May off New Zealand and from February through May 
 off Argentina (Suisan Tsushin Sha March 26, 1993 and June 24, 
 1993) . 
 
 12 
 
Annual catches of N. sloani and I. arqentinus fluctuated 
 considerably between 1980 and 1989 and reached records of 78,000 mt 
 in 1989 for N. sloani and 240,000 mt in 1987 for I. arqentinus , 
 (Table 7) . Since 1990, however, catches of these species have 
 declined sharply, due partly to reduced numbers of vessels 
 operating in waters off New Zealand and Argentina. 
 
 Table 7. Japan's catch of Nototodarus sloani and 
 
 
 Illex arqentinus, 1980 • 
 
 • 1992. 
 
 
 Year 
 
 
 N. 
 
 sloani 
 
 I. arqentinus 
 
 
 Catch 
 
 
 Number of 
 
 Catch 
 
 Number of 
 
 
 (Metric tons) 
 
 vessels 
 
 (Metric tons) 
 
 vessels 
 
 1980 
 
 63,000 
 
 
 NA* 
 
 38,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1981 
 
 40,000 
 
 
 NA 
 
 18,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1982 
 
 50,000 
 
 
 NA 
 
 35,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1983 
 
 49,000 
 
 
 112 
 
 25,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1984 
 
 65,000 
 
 
 125 
 
 55,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1985 
 
 50,000 
 
 
 116 
 
 77,000 
 
 NA 
 
 1986 
 
 40,000 
 
 
 101 
 
 95,000 
 
 107 
 
 1987 
 
 52,000 
 
 
 129 
 
 240,000 
 
 134 
 
 1988 
 
 53,000 
 
 
 83 
 
 203,000 
 
 119 
 
 1989 
 
 78,000 
 
 
 151 
 
 174,000 
 
 108 
 
 1990 
 
 8,680 
 
 
 54 
 
 83,900 
 
 99 
 
 1991 
 
 9,210 
 
 
 30 
 
 91,200 
 
 82 
 
 1992 
 
 7,800 
 
 
 10 
 
 76,000 
 
 64 
 
 * NA - Not available 
 
 Source: Zen Gyoren 1990, 1993 
 
 13 
 
WORLD SQUID IMPORTS 
 
 Squid is an important commodity in the international seafood 
 trade. Table 8 lists the major countries that imported cephalopods 
 (squid, cuttlefish, and octopus) in 1990 and Table 9 provides the 
 value of the imports. The 659 thousand metric tons (mt) traded in 
 1990 were worth 1.7 billion dollars. Japan led in total imports of 
 cephalopods, both in volume and value; almost all its imports were 
 in the form of frozen products. While imported volume made up only 
 32 percent of the world total, the value was approximately 47 
 percent. In imports of frozen cephalopods, Japan was followed by 
 Italy (18 percent in volume; 17 percent in value) , and Spain (18 
 percent in volume; 13 percent in value) . On the other hand, Spain 
 was the chief importer of fresh cephalopods, in volume as well as 
 value. In imports of prepared products, Honq Konq led in volume 
 (26 percent volume; 32 percent value) but Japan was the leading 
 importer in value (14 percent volume; 34 percent value) . 
 
 Table 8. Volume of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus imported by 
 major countries in 1990 (metric tons) . 
 
 Country 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Frozen 
 
 Prepared 
 
 Total 
 
 Japan 
 
 1,243 
 
 204,556 
 
 3,914 
 
 209,713 
 
 Spain 
 
 7,965 
 
 112,487 
 
 * 
 
 120,452 
 
 Italy 
 
 1,880 
 
 112,156 
 
 1,228 
 
 115,264 
 
 France 
 
 1,159 
 
 24,927 
 
 119 
 
 26,205 
 
 Korea, Rep. 
 
 
 
 25,668 
 
 
 
 25,668 
 
 Hong Kong 
 
 
 
 17,335 
 
 7,340 
 
 24,675 
 
 U.S.A. 
 
 1,472 
 
 19,174 
 
 
 
 20,646 
 
 Singapore 
 
 
 
 17,332 
 
 2,006 
 
 19,338 
 
 Portugal 
 
 
 
 12,419 
 
 
 
 12,419 
 
 Greece 
 
 
 
 11,299 
 
 187 
 
 11,486 
 
 Other 
 
 6,282 
 
 53,041 
 
 13,440 
 
 72,764 
 
 Total, World 
 
 20,002 
 
 610,394 
 
 28,234 
 
 658,630 
 
 * - Less than 0.5 metric tons 
 
 Source: FAO 1992b 
 
 14 
 
Table 9. Value of imports of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus by major 
 countries in 1990 (U.S. $1,000) 
 
 Country 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Frozen 
 
 Prepared 
 
 Total 
 
 Japan 
 
 7,069 
 
 750,949 
 
 42,545 
 
 800,563 
 
 Italy 
 
 7,327 
 
 262,633 
 
 2,714 
 
 272,674 
 
 Spain 
 
 28,582 
 
 205,509 
 
 * 
 
 234,091 
 
 Hong Kong 
 
 
 
 28,397 
 
 40,117 
 
 68,514 
 
 U.S.A. 
 
 4,338 
 
 51,776 
 
 
 
 56,114 
 
 France 
 
 1,990 
 
 47,889 
 
 646 
 
 50,525 
 
 Korea, Rep. 
 
 
 
 . 32,187 
 
 
 
 32,187 
 
 Greece 
 
 
 
 28,279 
 
 487 
 
 28,766 
 
 Singapore 
 
 
 
 16,922 
 
 10,249 
 
 27,171 
 
 Germany 
 
 3,965 
 
 18,752 
 
 872 
 
 23,589 
 
 Portugal 
 
 
 
 16,232 
 
 
 
 16,232 
 
 Other 
 
 6,941 
 
 76,230 
 
 26,266 
 
 109,437 
 
 Total, world 
 
 60,212 
 
 1,535,755 
 
 123,896 
 
 1,719,863 
 
 * - Less than 500 dollars 
 
 Source: FAO 1992b 
 
 JAPAN'S IMPORTS 
 
 Japan's imports of squid and cuttlefish in 1992 were 
 approximately 115 thousand metric tons (mt) valued at 487 million 
 dollars, an increase of 3 percent in quantity and 4 percent in 
 value over 1991 imports (Table 10) . Mongo-ika ( Sepia officinalis , 
 a cuttlefish) was the most important among imports. Frozen 
 products dominated in both years and represented as much as 88 
 percent in volume and 74 percent in value in 1992. Prepared and 
 preserved products accounted for about 8 percent in volume and 14 
 percent in value, followed by salted and dried products with about 
 4 percent in volume and 12 percent in value. Fresh products were 
 less than 1 percent, mostly mongo-ika, but squid and other 
 cuttlefish were imported fresh for the first time in 1992. 
 
 Table 11 shows major suppliers of squid (not cuttlefish) to 
 Japan (FAO 1992a) . Canada was the major supplier of frozen squid 
 to Japan until 1981, but this changed abruptly in that year, and by 
 1992 imports from that country had dwindled to zero. From 1981 to 
 1990, squid catches by Canadian vessels decreased sharply (Table 
 1) . From 1982 to 1990, Poland was the main squid supplier, but its 
 exports declined by half in 1991 and stayed near that level in 1992 
 due to poor catches off the Falkland Islands (Table 12) . Argentina 
 was the leading supplier in 1991 and 1992, when squid catches by 
 Argentine vessels increased sharply (Table 13). In 1992, 30 
 percent of Japan's import quota of fresh and frozen squid and 
 cuttlefish came from Argentina. Both Poland and Bulgaria also 
 
 15 
 
catch squid in Argentine waters and imports from these countries 
 together with those from Argentina represented 58 percent of 
 Japan's import quota for 1992. These countries are not substantial 
 consumers of squid but engage in squid fisheries in order to 
 increase export earnings (Japan External Trade Organization 1993) . 
 In 1992, United States' exports of squid to Japan remained stable, 
 while for the first time 66 mt of squid were exported from Peru to 
 Japan. 
 
 Other countries that exported squid and cuttlefish to Japan 
 during 1992 included Thailand, South Korea, Morocco, and Malaysia. 
 In all, 33 countries exported squid and cuttlefish to Japan in 1992 
 (Japan Marine Products Importers Association 1993) . 
 
 Table 10. Japan's imports of squid and cuttlefish by product form, 
 1991 and 1992 
 
 Product form 
 
 
 Volume 
 
 Value 
 
 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 
 
 (Metric 
 
 tons) 
 
 (U.S. 
 
 $1,000) 
 
 Fresh 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mongo ika * 
 
 
 98 
 
 66 
 
 544 
 
 372 
 
 Squid and 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 other cuttlefish 
 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 156 
 
 Frozen 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mongo ika 
 
 
 51,685 
 
 48,300 
 
 222,206 
 
 214,583 
 
 Squid and 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 other cuttlefish 
 
 
 46,236 
 
 52,891 
 
 126,519 
 
 144,446 
 
 Dried/salted 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (squid and cuttlefish) 
 
 2,923 
 
 4,598 
 
 35,480 
 
 58,981 
 
 Prepared/preserved 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (squid and cuttlef: 
 
 .sh) 
 
 10,259 
 
 8,858 
 
 81,967 
 
 68,895 
 
 Total 
 
 111,201 
 
 114,753 
 
 466,716 
 
 487,433 
 
 * Monqo ika - Sepia 
 
 off. 
 
 Lcinalis, a 
 
 cuttlefish 
 
 
 
 Source: Japan Marine Products Importers Association 1992, 1993 
 
 16 
 
Table 11. Japan's imports of fresh and frozen squid by 
 selected countries, 1978-1992 (metric tons) 
 
 Country 
 
 1978 
 
 1979 
 
 1980 
 
 1981 
 
 1982 
 
 Argentina 
 
 Poland 
 
 Bulgaria 
 
 U.S.A. 
 
 New Zealand 
 
 Canada 
 
 9,825 
 
 
 
 644 
 
 1,909 
 
 152 
 
 27,156 
 
 22,295 
 
 8,435 
 
 156 
 
 3,025 
 
 6,789 
 
 15,483 
 
 4,858 
 
 3,390 
 
 
 
 1,591 
 
 64 
 
 18,478 
 
 339 
 
 368 
 
 
 
 2,208 
 175 
 
 3,058 
 
 9,444 
 
 11,433 
 
 
 
 3,746 
 
 2,891 
 
 705 
 
 Total 
 
 39,686 
 
 56,18.3 
 
 28,381 
 
 6,148 
 
 28,219 
 
 
 Country 
 
 1983 
 
 1984 
 
 1985 
 
 1986 
 
 1987 
 
 Argentina 
 
 Poland 
 
 Bulgaria 
 
 U.S.A. 
 
 New Zealand 
 
 Canada 
 
 9,845 
 
 25,305 
 
 
 
 169 
 
 3,048 
 
 203 
 
 6,541 
 
 21,064 
 
 2,310 
 
 127 
 
 1,594 
 
 
 5,803 
 
 17,726 
 
 5,110 
 
 556 
 2,290 
 
 200 
 
 5,541 
 13,356 
 2,194 
 1,462 
 1,382 
 67 
 
 6,009 
 7,229 
 3,724 
 2,932 
 2,039 
 45 
 
 Total 
 
 38,570 
 
 31,636 
 
 31,685 
 
 24,002 
 
 21,978 
 
 
 Country 
 
 1988 
 
 1989 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 Argentina 
 
 Poland 
 
 Bulgaria 
 
 U.S.A. 
 
 New Zealand 
 
 Canada 
 
 2,151 
 19,298 
 2,533 
 2,051 
 1,201 
 398 
 
 3,725 
 
 13,406 
 
 10,359 
 
 1,823 
 
 4,777 
 
 
 
 7,227 
 
 11,941 
 
 11,291 
 
 1,321 
 
 3,438 
 
 37 
 
 11,064 
 
 5,942 
 
 10,757 
 
 3,742 
 
 156 
 
 31 
 
 16,129 
 7,376 
 7,310 
 3,744 
 1,735 
 
 
 Total 
 
 27,632 
 
 34,090 
 
 35,255 
 
 31,692 
 
 36,294 
 
 Source: Japan Marine Products Importers Association 1979-1993 
 
 17 
 
Table 12. Polish catch and exports of squid, 1990 - 1992 
 (metric tons) 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 Catch 
 Exports 
 
 25,000 
 22,000 
 
 17,000 
 15,000 
 
 13,000 
 10,000 
 
 Source: Japan External Trade Organization 1993 
 
 Table 13. Argentine catch and exports of squid, 1988 - 1992 
 (metric tons) 
 
 1988 
 
 1989 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 Catch 
 Exports 
 
 21,777 
 10,455 
 
 23,105 
 
 27,710 
 
 46,313 
 
 54,000 
 
 17,744 
 
 16,979 
 
 33,559 
 
 NA* 
 
 * NA - Not available 
 
 Source: Japan External Trade Organization 1993 
 
 Tariffs and Other Barriers 
 
 Japan presently maintains import quotas on 12 categories of 
 fishery commodities, including squid and cuttlefish (Hokkai Keizai 
 Shinbun Sha 1988) . Japan has traditionally included both squid and 
 cuttlefish under the common name squid ("ika") . This tradition 
 continues in its trade regulations, as both squid and cuttlefish 
 are combined in a single import quota. 
 
 A total of 7 product forms of squid and cuttlefish are listed 
 in Japanese import regulations. These are: live; fresh; chilled; 
 frozen; salted; brine-soaked; and dried. Product forms which are 
 exempt from import regulations include processed squid which has 
 been flavored, such as smoked and prepared or preserved products 
 (i.e. canned, boiled, seasoned, or fermented products). The 
 cuttlefish "mongo-ika" has been exempted from import quota since 
 1978, when the quota was removed from this highly prized species, 
 which is not caught in Japanese waters. 
 
 Squid and cuttlefish imports were previously not allowed 
 because domestic demand was satisfied by Japanese catches. When 
 landings of flying squid (T. pacificus) dropped sharply in 1969, 
 
 18 
 
however, Japan had to begin importing squid and cuttlefish in 1971, 
 in order to meet strong demand for this popular seafood. Import 
 quotas (Table 14) of squid and cuttlefish have increased several- 
 fold since then under a carefully administered quota system 
 because: (1) landings of domestic species have remained depressed; 
 (2) the Japanese fleet's direct access to foreign resources has 
 been reduced; (3) Japanese participation in overseas squid fishing 
 joint ventures has increased; (4) squid and cuttlefish remain 
 important seafood items in the Japanese diet. 
 
 Import quotas are set every six months, with new quotas 
 commencing on April 1 and October 1 (Table 14) . Imports generally 
 do not exceed 10 percent of total domestic consumption of squid, 
 and therfore are too small to influence domestic prices. 
 Interestingly, even with import quotas it appears that the volume 
 of imports is impacted by prices of domestic squid. When prices 
 are low, importers have little incentive to use their alloted 
 quotas. 
 
 Table 14. Japan's import quotas for squid and cuttlefish, 
 1971 - 1992 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 Fiscal Year 
 
 April-Sept. 
 
 Oct. -March 
 
 Total 
 
 1971 
 
 3.5 
 
 3.5 
 
 7.0 
 
 1972 
 
 4.5 
 
 5.5 
 
 10.0 
 
 1973 
 
 6.0 
 
 6.0 
 
 12.0 
 
 1974 
 
 7.2 
 
 7.7 
 
 14.9 
 
 1975 
 
 7.7 
 
 8.2 
 
 15.9 
 
 1976 
 
 8.2 
 
 10.0 
 
 18.2 
 
 1977 
 
 15.0 
 
 25.0 
 
 40.0 
 
 1978 
 
 25.0 
 
 35.0 
 
 60.0 
 
 1979 
 
 40.0 
 
 36.5 
 
 76.5 
 
 1980 
 
 
 
 18.0 
 
 18.0 
 
 1981 
 
 
 
 25.0 
 
 25.0 
 
 1982 
 
 16.0 
 
 25.0 
 
 41.0 
 
 1983 
 
 18.0 
 
 20.0 
 
 38.0 
 
 1984 
 
 18.0 
 
 23.0 
 
 41.0 
 
 1985 
 
 18.0 
 
 28.0 
 
 46.0 
 
 1986 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1987 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1988 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1989 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1990 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1991 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 1992 
 
 20.0 
 
 33.0 
 
 53.0 
 
 Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce 1989 
 Zen Gyoren 1993 
 
 While the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and 
 Industry (MITI) is the lead agency in administering the quota 
 system, it coordinates its actions closely with the Fisheries 
 Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. In 
 
 19 
 
addition to setting quotas for imports, the government also 
 controls the allocation among the following recipient groups: 
 
 A. Traders: Trading companies with past import history; 
 
 B. Users: Processors' associations, which usually hire traders to 
 perform import functions on their behalf; 
 
 C. Fishermen: Owner of fishing vessels operating within foreign 
 2 00-mile zones; 
 
 D. Joint venture: For Japanese joint venture participants in which 
 the Japanese equity exceeds 40 percent. 
 
 There is a great deal of variation in the amount of quota held 
 by individual importers, who are reported to number more than 200. 
 Lists of major Japanese trading firms and processors holding squid 
 import quota allocations are given in Appendix 1. Major Japanese 
 importers of seafood products are listed in Appendix 2. 
 
 The Japanese government does not publish the distribution of 
 import quota allocations of squid and cuttlefish. According to 
 data compiled by Zen Gyoren (National Federation of Fisheries 
 Cooperatives) , however, trading companies have held the largest 
 share of quota allocations, and since 1986 this has been about 45 
 percent. The share of the processors associations increased to 
 about 41 percent in 1986. The joint venture quota has been 9 
 percent and the fishermen's quota 6 percent since 1986 (Table 15) . 
 
 Table 15. Allocation of Japanese squid and cuttlefish import 
 quotas for recipient groups (metric tons) 
 
 Year 
 
 Traders 
 
 Users 
 
 Joint Ventures Fishermen 
 
 1984 
 
 20,244 
 
 15,956 
 
 4,800 
 
 1985 
 
 21,799 
 
 18,601 
 
 5,600 
 
 1986 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1987 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1988 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1989 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1990 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1991 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 1992 
 
 23,598 
 
 21,496 
 
 4,906 
 
 Source: 
 
 Zen Gyoren 
 
 1990, 1993 
 
 
 
 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 
 Quota allocations can be purchased for a fee, which varies 
 according to prevailing squid prices. The transferred import quota 
 is, however, credited to the original holder. Since the import 
 quota allocation is based mainly on previous import records, the 
 system guarantees that the same holders will continue to be given 
 allocations even if they have no intention of buying squid 
 
 20 
 
themselves . 
 
 It should be noted that no quota allocations are earmarked for 
 mass retailers such as supermarket chains and department stores. 
 There has been a dramatic expansion in the mass-retailing business 
 in recent years in Japan, with the advent of huge national chains 
 of supermarkets. The chains typically maintain their own import 
 departments which deal directly with foreign sellers. 
 
 Imports of squid and cuttlefish into Japan are subject to 
 tariffs. As Japan and the United States are signatories to the 
 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) , lower tariffs apply 
 to U.S. exports of squid and cuttlefish products: 5 percent for 
 fresh or frozen products, and .15 percent for salted, dried, 
 prepared or preserved products (including products in airtight 
 containers) . Tariff rates are calculated as a percentage of CIF 
 (cost, insurance, freight) value. 
 
 SUPPLY 
 
 The Japanese supply of squid for any given year is comprised 
 of the cold storage inventory on January 1, total catches, and 
 imports. A relatively stable annual supply ranging between 435,000 
 and 475,000 mt prevailed between 1984 and 1986 (Table 16). During 
 this period, the January inventory averaged 77,000 mt (about 17 
 percent of the total supply), the catch 342,000 mt (about 74 
 percent), and imports 42,000 mt (about 9 percent). 
 
 The dominant influence of the domestic catch on the overall 
 squid supply in Japan was well demonstrated in 1987, when a sharp 
 increase in catch resulted in a major glut in the squid market. 
 While January cold storage holdings as well as imports for 1987 
 remained essentially unchanged from the previous years. The 
 increase in supply in 1987 amounted to about 239,000 mt over the 
 preceding year. This increase was almost 52 percent more than the 
 average annual supply for the preceding three years. 
 
 Between 1988 and 1993, annual squid supplies ranged between a 
 high of 769,000 mt and a low of 658,000 mt. During this period the 
 January inventory averaged 207,000 mt (about 29 percent of the 
 total supply), the catch 466,000 mt (about 65 percent), and the 
 imports 49,000 mt (about 7 percent). 
 
 21 
 
Table 16. Japanese supply and apparent consumption of squid, 
 1984-1993 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 Inventory 
 Year (Jan. 1) 
 
 Inventory Apparent 
 
 Catch Imports (Dec. 31) Supply Consumption 
 
 1984 
 
 81 
 
 352 
 
 40 
 
 65 
 
 473 
 
 408 
 
 1985 
 
 65 
 
 370 
 
 40 
 
 85 
 
 475 
 
 390 
 
 1986 
 
 85 
 
 304 
 
 46 
 
 71 
 
 435 
 
 364 
 
 1987 
 
 71 
 
 563 
 
 40 
 
 200 
 
 674 
 
 474 
 
 1988 
 
 200 
 
 476 
 
 48 
 
 185 
 
 724 
 
 539 
 
 1989 
 
 185 
 
 536 
 
 48 
 
 239 
 
 769 
 
 530 
 
 1990 
 
 239 
 
 394 
 
 53 . 
 
 .210 
 
 686 
 
 476 
 
 1991 
 
 210 
 
 402 
 
 46 
 
 185 
 
 658 
 
 473 
 
 1992 
 
 185 
 
 510 
 
 53 
 
 220 
 
 748 
 
 528 
 
 1993* 
 
 220 
 
 480 
 
 45 
 
 200 
 
 745 
 
 545 
 
 * - Preliminary estimate 
 Source: Zen Gyoren 1993 
 
 CONSUMPTION 
 
 Squid and cuttlefish combined has remained the leading seafood 
 consumed in Japan (Table 17) . While demand for squid and 
 cuttlefish is sensitive to price, they are still the most popular 
 of all seafood products in Japan. In 1992, the average Japanese 
 family consumed 5,733 grams (12.61 pounds) of fresh and frozen 
 squid and cuttlefish. The number of persons represented in a 
 household varies annually, but is about 2.91-2.97 persons. From 
 1990 to 1992, the average per household consumption of squid and 
 cuttlefish rose 8 percent due mainly to a drop in price in the 
 aftermath of a sharply increased catch of T. pacif icus in 1992. 
 
 Squid is prepared in various ways for the table by the 
 Japanese (Table 18). The most popular dish is "sashimi", which 
 typically consists of thin slices of raw seafood, served with soy 
 sauce and condiments. For this product, the Japanese prefer T. 
 pacif icus and N. sloani . Frozen squid steaks are used in boiled, 
 baked, or fried form, or included as an ingredient in other dishes. 
 Squid is also used in dried, salted and smoked form. Illex 
 argentinus is preferred for salted, salted and fermented, or dried 
 products, and for frozen whole squids for home cooking. In 1992, 
 more than half of major squid species were consumed as unprocessed 
 products (Table 18) . The variety of processed squid products 
 available today is a relatively recent development. Historically, 
 squid was simply dried, but usage in this form amounted to only 9 
 percent of major squid species in 1992. 
 
 22 
 
Table 17 . Japanese annual per household consumption of fresh and 
 frozen fish and shellfish by major species or groups, 
 1990-1992. 
 
 
 Quantity (qram) 
 
 Price (yen per 100 
 1990 1991 
 
 aram) 
 
 Species 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 1992 
 
 Cuttlefish 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 & squid 
 
 5,290 
 
 5,410 
 
 5,733 
 
 107.27 
 
 111.60 
 
 103.16 
 
 Shrimp 
 
 3,340 
 
 3,344 
 
 3,478 
 
 236.18 
 
 243.04 
 
 235.92 
 
 Tuna 
 
 3,010 
 
 3,151 
 
 3,360 
 
 276.51 
 
 277.23 
 
 280.27 
 
 Saury 
 
 2,325 
 
 2,599 
 
 2,770 
 
 75.59 
 
 74.68 
 
 68.86 
 
 Jack mackerel 
 
 2,600 
 
 2,440 
 
 2,627 
 
 115.25 
 
 122.44 
 
 118.14 
 
 Yellowtail 
 
 2,321 
 
 2,139 
 
 2,186 
 
 203.00 
 
 211.53 
 
 216.78 
 
 Sardine 
 
 2,059 
 
 2,214 
 
 2,112 
 
 58.00 
 
 64.34 
 
 65.58 
 
 Sole 
 
 1,848 
 
 1,832 
 
 1,995 
 
 155.32 
 
 169.05 
 
 161.74 
 
 Salmon 
 
 1,681 
 
 1,820 
 
 1,925 
 
 156.65 
 
 153.73 
 
 164.08 
 
 Crab 
 
 1,126 
 
 1,250 
 
 1,478 
 
 239.89 
 
 242.00 
 
 234.10 
 
 Source: Hokkai Keizi Shinbun Sha March 11, 1993 
 
 Table 18. Utilization of squid by major species in Japan, 1992 
 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 Product form T. 
 
 pacificus 0. bartrami 
 
 N. sloani 
 
 I. arqentinus 
 
 Total 
 
 Raw 
 
 145 
 
 — * 
 
 5 
 
 _ _ 
 
 150 
 
 Frozen steak 
 
 — 
 
 58 
 
 0.5 
 
 16 
 
 74.5 
 
 Frozen whole 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 49 
 
 49 
 
 Salted & 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fermented 
 
 30 
 
 — 
 
 0.5 
 
 17 
 
 47.5 
 
 Dried 
 
 30 
 
 — 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 47 
 
 Salted 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 Smoked 
 
 — 
 
 8 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 8 
 
 Seasoned 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 & dried 
 
 — 
 
 4 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 4 
 
 Seasoned, dried 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 & shreded 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 0.5 
 
 — 
 
 0.5 
 
 Others 
 
 81.5 
 
 
 1 
 
 27.5 
 
 110 
 
 Total 
 
 286.5 
 
 70 
 
 10.5 
 
 131.5 
 
 498.5 
 
 * — Less than 50 metric tons 
 Note: Data based on assumptions 
 
 Source: Zen Gyoren 199 3 
 
 23 
 
Cold Storage Holdings 
 
 Japan's cold storage holdings of squid fluctuate from year to 
 year. Table 19 shows the recent history of year-end cold storage 
 holdings since 1981. An important aspect of the year-end inventory 
 data is that beginning in 1987, cold storage holdings have nearly 
 doubled, from about 111,000 metric tons (mt) in 1986 to 191,000 mt. 
 Nearly all this increase was attributed to cold storage holdings of 
 Ommastrephid squid, (T. pacif icus . I. arqentinus and N. sloani) , 
 which nearly tripled from about 43,000 mt to about 116,000 mt. 
 Japan has traditionally set apart 0. bartrami, another Ommastrephid 
 squid, from the other three. 
 
 The sharp increases in inventory of Ommastrephid squid in 
 1987, 1988, and 1989 were due to an unexpected surge in landings of 
 T. pacif icus in the Northwest Pacific, and of I. arqentinus in the 
 Southwest Atlantic. Total landings for these squid plus N_;_ sloani 
 surpassed 475,000 mt in 1987, an increase of 111 percent from 1986 
 and of about 83 percent from the three year average between 1984 
 through 1986 (260,000 mt; Tables 2 and 7). In 1990 and 1991, the 
 cold storage holdings dropped due to sharply lower catches of I. 
 arqentinus and N. sloani . In 1992, the inventory of squid 
 increased by 10 percent from 1991 due to increased catch of T. 
 pacif icus . These statistics demonstrate a close correlation 
 between the annual catch of Ommastrephid squid, and the cold 
 storage holdings at the end of the year. 
 
 Cold storage holdings fluctuate by season as well. From 1986 
 through 1992 cold storage holdings were typically at an annual low 
 around April and at a high around October (Table 20) . The exact 
 timing of the low and high for any given year varied by about a 
 month. The seasonal pattern in cold storage holdings results from 
 the timing of squid catches and landings from domestic waters, and 
 delivery of catches from foreign waters. For instance, delivery of 
 catches of squid caught off New Zealand begins in February and 
 those from Argentina in April. Fishing for T. pacif icus in the 
 Northwest Pacific begins in late May, thus landings start to rise 
 in June. By late June, fishing for T. pacif icus has spread to 
 northern Japan and Hokkaido, adding to squid landings through the 
 summer (Minato Shinbun Sha, 1989; Shokuryo Shinbun Sha, 1989, and 
 Zen Gyoren 1993) . Fishing for 0. bartrami in the Northwest Pacific 
 also begins in June and continues through summer. Seasonal 
 landings of this species and T. pacif icus are virtually completed 
 by the end of December. Squid is eaten year-round in Japan, but 
 consumption begins to rise in fall as processors prepare products 
 such as "saki-ika" (dried, shredded squid) which are used 
 extensively in December and January during the traditional festive 
 season in Japan. Due partly to elevated consumption toward late 
 fall and winter and partly to cessation of landings in domestic 
 waters, the inventory declines at this time. The downtrend usually 
 continues through April and May, after which landings begin to 
 overtake consumption (Hirano, T. Diamond Seafoods Co. , Ltd. , Tokyo, 
 Japan, pers. commun. , 1989). 
 
 24 
 
Table 19. Japan's year-end cold storage holdings of 
 
 frozen squid, 1981-1992 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 Year 
 End 
 
 Ommastrephid 
 Squid 
 
 Other* 
 Squid 
 
 Total 
 Squid 
 
 1981 
 
 50.8 
 
 85.8 
 
 1982 
 
 52.3 
 
 53.3 
 
 1983 
 
 49.0 
 
 55.3 
 
 1984 
 
 54.2 
 
 43.7 
 
 1985 
 
 59.1 
 
 65.5 
 
 1986 
 
 43.4 
 
 67.6 
 
 1987 
 
 115.9 
 
 75.0 
 
 1988 
 
 127.2 
 
 71.5 
 
 1989 
 
 181.5 
 
 80.8 
 
 1990 
 
 137.7 
 
 77.3 
 
 1991 
 
 100.1 
 
 82.0 
 
 1992 
 
 124.5 
 
 75.9 
 
 * Includes 
 
 O. bartrami . 
 
 
 136.6 
 105.6 
 104.3 
 97.8 
 124.6 
 111.0 
 191.1 
 198, 
 262 
 215 
 182 
 200 
 
 Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1982 - 1991 
 
 Suisan Tsushin Sha Feb. 4, 1992; Feb. 5, 1993 
 
 Table 20. Japan's monthly cold storage holdings of frozen squid, 
 1986 - 1992 (1,000 metric tons). 
 
 End of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Average 
 
 month 
 
 1986 
 
 1987 
 
 1988 
 
 1989 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 
 
 1992 
 
 1986-1992 
 
 January 
 
 119 
 
 101 
 
 186 
 
 196 
 
 249 
 
 211 
 
 168 
 
 176 
 
 February 
 
 106 
 
 95 
 
 176 
 
 182 
 
 226 
 
 189 
 
 156 
 
 161 
 
 March 
 
 92 
 
 89 
 
 167 
 
 170 
 
 204 
 
 168 
 
 131 
 
 146 
 
 April 
 
 84 
 
 93 
 
 157 
 
 167 
 
 183 
 
 157 
 
 123 
 
 138 
 
 May 
 
 80 
 
 98 
 
 167 
 
 195 
 
 178 
 
 142 
 
 116 
 
 139 
 
 June 
 
 85 
 
 121 
 
 190 
 
 218 
 
 177 
 
 136 
 
 118 
 
 149 
 
 July 
 
 88 
 
 135 
 
 199 
 
 232 
 
 183 
 
 134 
 
 123 
 
 156 
 
 August 
 
 97 
 
 169 
 
 218 
 
 250 
 
 200 
 
 141 
 
 135 
 
 173 
 
 September 
 
 116 
 
 195 
 
 222 
 
 273 
 
 213 
 
 159 
 
 159 
 
 191 
 
 October 
 
 120 
 
 201 
 
 220 
 
 282 
 
 216 
 
 174 
 
 186 
 
 200 
 
 November 
 
 115 
 
 201 
 
 210 
 
 275 
 
 219 
 
 181 
 
 202 
 
 200 
 
 December 
 
 111 
 
 191 
 
 199 
 
 262 
 
 215 
 
 182 
 
 200 
 
 194 
 
 Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1986 - 1991 
 Suisan Tsushin Sha, 1991 - 1993 
 
 25 
 
PRICE TRENDS 
 
 Dynamics of squid prices in the Japanese market has long been 
 controlled by domestic landings of T. pacif icus . As landings of 
 this species decreased over the years, other squids have 
 progressively become more influential. In particular, I. 
 arqentinus . now the dominant species in volume being landed by 
 Japanese vessels, has become a major factor. 
 
 In Japan, squid prices have historically fluctuated 
 considerably (Table 21) . Fluctuations were most conspicuous in the 
 price of T. pacificus , and less with other species. Between 1980 
 and 1992, the price of fresh T. pacificus ranged from a low of 
 about 160 yen/kg to a high of 760 yen/kg. By comparison, prices 
 for other species generally remained within 200 to 500 yen/kg. 
 
 Price fluctuations for T. pacificus are primarily a function 
 of the annual catch. This relationship is clearly demonstrated in 
 Figure 3, which shows that price is inversely related to catch. 
 Prices of both fresh and frozen T. pacificus increased from 1984 
 through 1986 as the catch declined. This trend was reversed in 
 1987 when landings of this species practically doubled, and the 
 trend continued through 1992. 
 
 Table 21. Average Japanese exvessel prices of squid by species, 
 1980-1992 (yen per Kg.) 
 
 
 T. pac 
 
 if icus 
 
 0. bartrami 
 
 N. si 
 
 oani I. 
 
 arqentinus 
 
 Year 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Frozen 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Frozen 
 
 Jig 
 
 Trawl* 
 
 Trawl* 
 
 1980 
 
 340 
 
 288 
 
 197 
 
 236 
 
 NA** 
 
 NA 
 
 170 
 
 1981 
 
 469 
 
 172 
 
 358 
 
 363 
 
 172 
 
 170 
 
 320 
 
 1982 
 
 604 
 
 510 
 
 306 
 
 423 
 
 392 
 
 340 
 
 300 
 
 1983 
 
 570 
 
 435 
 
 250 
 
 307 
 
 322 
 
 340 
 
 300 
 
 1984 
 
 560 
 
 473 
 
 317 
 
 445 
 
 298 
 
 250-340 
 
 310 
 
 1985 
 
 658 
 
 516 
 
 269 
 
 508 
 
 384 
 
 280-350 
 
 300 
 
 1986 
 
 758 
 
 565 
 
 312 
 
 442 
 
 320 
 
 360-440 
 
 470 
 
 1987 
 
 534 
 
 400 
 
 166 
 
 309 
 
 397 
 
 220-470 
 
 270 
 
 1988 
 
 465 
 
 276 
 
 236 
 
 377 
 
 177 
 
 170-280 
 
 130 
 
 1989 
 
 322 
 
 205 
 
 125 
 
 338 
 
 158 
 
 110-230 
 
 NA 
 
 1990 
 
 367 
 
 285 
 
 232 
 
 350 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 1991 
 
 305 
 
 315 
 
 257 
 
 444 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 1992 
 
 160 
 
 180 
 
 342 
 
 436 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 NA 
 
 * Wholesale prices (list or offer price) 
 ** NA - Not available 
 
 Source: Zen Gyoren 1988, 1993 
 
 26 
 
T. pacificus - Fresh 
 
 250 
 
 CO 
 
 C 200 
 
 o 
 
 50$- 
 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 -—' 100 
 CO 
 D) 
 
 # c 
 
 c 50 
 
 •*. 
 
 "••♦■* 
 
 :*. 
 
 'Xi- -»"0« 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 
 
 /- 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 * . 
 
 
 
 
 r*:: 
 
 
 ^^-^ 
 
 
 1 _ 
 
 600 
 
 D) 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 j£ 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 ****** 
 
 
 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 
 a> 
 
 .:■■* 
 
 
 
 >» 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 :::::::::;;:;i;;: : ;;::;;;P:: 
 
 
 
 CD 
 
 :::::::::::::•*::::: 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 :! : .V 
 
 _ 
 
 400 
 
 i_ 
 
 #/ 
 
 
 
 Q_ 
 
 Sri ' a "•■* 
 
 
 
 "CD 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 CO 
 
 
 '* 
 
 
 tu 
 
 t3^ 
 
 
 ■*" Price ~°~ Landings 
 
 800 
 
 200 
 
 LU 
 
 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 
 
 Year 
 
 T. pacificus - Frozen 
 
 140 
 
 T 120 p 
 CO 
 
 c 
 
 o 100 h 
 
 £ 80 
 O 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 r-" 60 
 
 CO 
 D) 
 
 C 40 
 
 TS 
 
 C 
 <C 
 -J 20 
 
 * 
 
 S? 
 
 ■h 
 
 n 
 
 
 
 I!"* 
 
 :■;: q ■■• ' \ ' "-,-*■ :*# 
 
 * D ■ . , ' : : 
 
 1&3 
 
 -: :V*. 
 
 •** Price "°" Landings 
 
 i • i 
 
 600 
 
 500 
 
 400 
 
 
 CD 
 
 CD 
 
 O 
 
 i— 
 Q_ 
 
 300 ~ 
 
 CD 
 CO 
 
 200 CO 
 CD 
 
 LU 
 
 100 
 
 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 
 
 Year 
 
 Figure 3. Annual landings and average exvessel prices of 
 Todarodes pacificus in Japan, 1980 - 1992 
 
 27 
 
Prices of 0. bartrami generally are inversely related to its 
 annual catch, but the relationship is much less conspicuous than in 
 the case of T. pacif icus (Figure 4) . Prices of N. sloani . which 
 accounts for a relatively small proportion of the total squid 
 volume caught by Japanese fishermen, are the most stable of the 
 four major species (Figure 5) . 
 
 In 1986, I. arqentinus became the primary squid landed by 
 Japanese fishermen and its catches nearly made up for the reduced 
 landings which occurred with the three other major species that 
 year. Reflecting the important role it plays in the overall supply 
 of squid in the Japanese market, prices of I. arqentinus rose 
 sharply in 1986, when the overall catch fell considerably from the 
 level of the previous years. Illex arqentinus reached its 
 historical high price of 470 yen/kg, exceeding the prices of both 
 0. bartrami and N. sloani to rank only behind the T. pacif icus 
 (Figure 6) . However, oversupply of squid in the following year led 
 to significant deterioration in squid prices. For example, the 
 price of I. arqentinus caught by trawl dropped to 270 yen/kg in 
 1987, and further to 130 yen/kg in 1988, from the 1986 price of 470 
 yen/kg. Table 22 summarizes a seven-year trend of March 31 prices 
 for N. sloani and I. arqentinus from 1986 through 1992 for 
 different size classes of squid. Prices for both N. sloani and I. 
 arqentinus in 1992 were about a third of those in 1986 for all size 
 classes. 
 
 Events which occurred in the Japanese market in 1987 and 1988 
 provide an important insight into the interaction of prices, 
 landings, cold storage holdings, and consumption. With a sudden 
 increase in supply in 1987, a drop in price occurred almost 
 immediately. At the same time, domestic consumption of squid which 
 had been slipping during the preceding several years finally began 
 to improve in 1987. However, the increase in consumption was not 
 fast enough to keep pace with the increase in landings and thus the 
 year-end inventory reached a record level of about 200,000 mt. By 
 comparison, the year-end cold storage inventory which is considered 
 adequate in the Japanese market is generally believed to be between 
 100,000 and 120,000 mt (Suisan Keizai Shinbun Sha, 1989). 
 
 In the fall of 1989, Japanese squid industry associations met 
 to discuss ways of stabilizing prices. The meeting, called Squid 
 Supply-Demand Policy Liaison Caucus (Ika Jukyu Taisaku Renraku 
 Kyogi-kai) , was attended by the heads of the National Federation of 
 Fisheries Cooperatives (Zen-gyoren) , the Large Squid Jigging Vessel 
 Association (Ogata Ikatsuri Gyogyo Kyokai) , the National Offshore 
 Squid Jiggers Association (Zenkoku Okiai Ikatsuri Gyogyo Kyokai) , 
 the National Squid Drift Net Fisheries Association (Zenkoku Ika 
 Nagashi-ami Gyogyo Kyokai) , the National Federation of the 
 Processed Fisheries Products Cooperatives (Zenkoku Suisan-kakogyo 
 Kyodokumiai Rengokai) , and the Fisheries Agency of the Japanese 
 Government. 
 
 28 
 
Among the decisions made by the caucus were: 
 
 To curtail landings in 1990 by shortening fishing periods, and 
 improving real-time information dissemination on price and 
 quantity landed among members of the industry; 
 
 To expand consumption by introducing new products, by 
 increasing value-added products, and by expanding promotion 
 of squid products to consumers; 
 
 To reduce costs by conducting preliminary processing on 
 board, and by increasing catches of fish other than squid on 
 ships licensed for mixed fishing; 
 
 To advocate international coordination of resource 
 management with Taiwan and the Republic of Korea. 
 
 The caucus of Japanese squid operators met again in late 1989 
 due to concern over the continued squid market deterioration. The 
 meeting resulted in the recommendations aimed at curtailing the 
 1990 production by about 3 percent and trimming the cold storage 
 holdings to 120,000 tons by the end of 1989. The recommendations 
 also called for reducing the fleet size and shortening the fishing 
 season by one month in the Southwest Atlantic (Minato Shinbun Sha, 
 1988 Suisan Keizai Shinbun Sha 1989, 1990). 
 
 29 
 
0. bartrami - Fresh 
 
 30 
 
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 ■*■ Price "^Landings 
 
 400 
 
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 0) 
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 LU 
 
 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 
 
 Year 
 
 0. bartrami - Frozen 
 
 160 
 
 140 
 
 fv 
 
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 O 
 
 300 -Z. 
 Q_ 
 
 "55 
 
 W 
 
 200 W 
 
 d) 
 
 LU 
 
 100 
 
 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 
 
 Year 
 
 Figure 4. Annual landings and average exvessel prices of 
 0mmastrep_he3 bartrami in Japan, 1980 - 1992 
 
 30 
 
±L sloani - Trawl 
 
 30 
 
 CO 25 
 
 C 
 
 o 
 
 0) 
 
 £ 
 
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 c 
 
 T3 
 
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 300 
 
 CD 
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 100 ^ 
 
 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 
 
 Year 
 
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 60 
 
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 D)2I 
 
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 ": : : : : : :;;: : :::;::;::;;:;;;::;:;:::;:;::::::: 
 
 
 
 - / 
 
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 iliilliiiiiiililiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiillil 
 
 — 
 
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 k. -.-O , "# ^ 
 
 • \ 
 
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 * Price -0_ Landings 
 
 
 1 
 
 500 
 
 400 ^ 
 
 c" 
 
 CD 
 
 300 
 
 CD 
 O 
 
 200 CD 
 CO 
 CO 
 CD 
 
 10 - 
 
 100 
 
 LLJ 
 
 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 
 
 Year 
 
 Figure 5. Annual landings and prices of Nototodarus sloani in 
 Japan, 1982 - 1989 
 
 31 
 
70 
 
 ^60 
 </) 
 
 C 
 
 o 
 
 O 50 
 
 •4-" 
 
 <D 
 £ 40 
 
 O 
 O 
 O 
 
 30ft-. 
 
 D) 
 C 20 
 
 ■D 
 
 C 
 
 -I 10 
 
 _[. argentinus - Trawl 
 
 ii&l 
 
 / V 
 
 « 
 
 . . V / • ' 
 
 i=t===^====i=======^; 
 
 ;*:;::;iT:*i: 
 
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 y, ■ • • >; 
 
 
 ■*■ Price ~°~ Landings 
 
 ^300 
 
 m 
 
 * ■ ' 
 
 500 
 
 ^400 3 
 
 C 
 0) 
 
 O 
 "5Z 
 
 Q_ 
 
 0) 
 
 
 200 ■= 
 
 o 
 
 100 
 
 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 
 
 Year 
 
 89 
 
 Figure 6. Annual landings and average wholesale prices of 
 Illex argentinus in Japan, 1980 - 1989 
 
 32 
 
Table 22. Exvessel prices by size for Nototodarus sloani and 
 Illex argent inus , 1986-1992 
 
 Size 
 (No. squid per 
 8.5 Kg block) 
 
 1986 1987 1988 
 
 (Yen per 8.5 Kg block) 
 
 N. 
 
 sloani 
 
 
 
 
 
 11-15 
 
 3,800 
 
 3,600 
 
 1,250-1,300 
 
 
 16-20 
 
 4,150-4,240 
 
 3,870 
 
 1,250-1,300 
 
 
 21-25 
 
 4,203-4,480 
 
 4,300-4,350 
 
 1,300 
 
 
 26-30 
 
 4,050-4,230 
 
 3,900-3,960 
 
 1,350-1,400 
 
 
 31-35 
 
 3,900-4,000 
 
 3,500-3,600 
 
 1,300 
 
 I. 
 
 argent inus 
 
 
 
 
 
 21-25 
 
 5,400-5,450 
 
 3,750-3,800 
 
 1,530-1,560 
 
 
 26-30 
 
 4,400-4,450 
 
 3,500-3,550 
 
 1,600-1,610 
 
 
 31-35 
 
 4,070 
 
 3,250-3,300 
 
 1,350-1,360 
 
 
 36-40 
 
 3,600-3,700 
 
 3,350-3,400 
 
 1,330-1,360 
 
 
 Size 
 
 1989 
 
 1990 
 
 1991 1992 
 
 (No. squid 
 
 per 
 
 
 
 8.5 Kg block) 
 
 (Yen 
 
 per 8.5 Kg block) 
 
 N. sloani 
 
 
 
 
 11-15 
 
 1,900 
 
 1,250 
 
 1,650 1,850 
 
 16-20 
 
 1,750-1,850 
 
 1,500-1,550 
 
 2,000 1,800 
 
 21-25 
 
 1,680-1,750 
 
 1,530-1,550 
 
 1,750 1,150 
 
 26-30 
 
 1,580-1,680 
 
 1,650-1,680 
 
 1,850 1,150 
 
 31-35 
 
 1,600-1,700 
 
 1,800-1,850 
 
 2,030-2,050 1,310-1,330 
 
 I . arqentinus 
 
 
 
 21-25 1,630-1,650 
 
 26-30 1,780-1,800 
 
 31-35 1,900-1,940 
 
 36-40 2,500 
 
 2,550-2,570 
 
 2,735-2,750 
 
 3,280 
 
 3,270-3,280 
 
 1,750-1,770 
 
 1,570-1,580 
 
 1,450 
 
 NA* 
 
 2,050 
 
 1,960 
 
 1,830-1,860 
 
 1,700 
 
 Note: Prices are at landing ports on March 31 
 * NA - Not available 
 
 Source: Zen Gyoren 1990, 1993 
 
 33 
 
U.S. SQUID FISHERIES 
 
 Catch 
 
 Three species of squid are commercially important in U.S. 
 waters, Loliqo opalescens on the Pacific coast, and Loliqo pealei 
 and Illex illecebrosus on the Atlantic coast. Annual landings of 
 the U.S. squid fishery averaged approximately 54,000 metric tons 
 (mt) from 1989 through 1992 (Table 23). The 1992 landings, 
 totaling 51,000 mt in volume and $36.6 million in value, 
 represented a decrease of 19 percent in volume, but an increase of 
 3 percent in value compared with 1991. Much of the decrease in 
 landings was accounted for by a steep decline in the catch of L. 
 opalescens . which decreased total landings by as much as 56 percent 
 in volume and 49 percent in value. In 1992, total value of the 
 east coast squids was 12 times higher than the west coast squid. 
 
 Loliqo opalescens (market squid) is a small squid often called 
 California squid by traders. In commercial landings in Monterey, 
 males averaged 150 mm in mantle length and weighed 70 g, while 
 females were 140 mm and 50 g (Fields, 1965) . Maximum mantle length 
 is reported to be about 190 mm for males and 180 mm for females. 
 Nearly all market squid taken by the commercial fishery are mature 
 and are caught during the spawning season. This species is caught 
 in shallow waters, generally within a mile of shore (Kato and 
 Hardwick, 1975) . 
 
 Landings of California market squid from 1976 through 1992 are 
 summarized in Table 24. Historically, Monterey was the center of 
 squid fishing on the Pacific coast. However, the squid fishery in 
 southern California, based at San Pedro (Los Angeles district) and 
 Port Hueneme (Santa Barbara district) , has become quite active in 
 recent years. 
 
 The squid fishery in Monterey Bay appears to be supply 
 limited, as evidenced by the rather pronounced fluctuations in 
 catches. On the other hand, the squid fishery in southern 
 California is probably demand limited in that the stocks could 
 support greater landings if markets were available. Lower landings 
 in 1983-85 and 1992 reflect the effect of anomalous ocean 
 conditions ("El Nino") in those years. 
 
 While it is generally acknowledged that market squid is 
 underutilized, detailed information about the size of the resources 
 is unavailable. This squid occurs virtually along the entire 
 Pacific coast of North America between Vancouver Island and the 
 southern tip of Baja California, but status of the stocks is 
 unknown for all areas. 
 
 34 
 
Table 23. U.S. commercial squid landings and value, 1989 - 1992 
 
 Landings 
 
 Value 
 
 1989 1990 1991 1992 
 (1,000 metric tons) 
 
 1989 1990 1991 1992 
 ($ million) 
 
 Atlantic 
 Ocean 
 
 30.3 27.1 
 
 32.2 
 
 37.2 
 
 25.6 21.2 30.3 33.9 
 
 Pacific 
 Ocean 
 
 Total 
 
 27.6 16.4 
 
 57.9 43.5 
 
 31.1 
 
 63.3 
 
 13.8 
 
 51.0 
 
 5.5 2.6 5.3 2.7 
 
 31.1 23.8 35.6 36.6 
 
 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1990 - 1993 
 
 Table 24. California market squid landings by district, 1976-1992 
 (metric tons) . 
 
 
 
 San 
 
 
 Santa 
 
 Los 
 
 San 
 
 
 Year 
 
 Eureka 
 
 Francisco 
 
 Monterey 
 
 Barbara 
 
 Angeles 
 
 Diego 
 
 Total 
 
 1976 
 
 — * 
 
 — 
 
 2,283 
 
 1,540 
 
 5,383 
 
 24 
 
 9,230 
 
 1977 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 2,031 
 
 2,439 
 
 8,358 
 
 10 
 
 12,838 
 
 1978 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 9,389 
 
 1,175 
 
 6,617 
 
 — 
 
 17,181 
 
 1979 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 12,894 
 
 150 
 
 6,979 
 
 — 
 
 20,023 
 
 1980 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 7,142 
 
 1,097 
 
 7,171 
 
 5 
 
 15,415 
 
 1981 
 
 2 
 
 — 
 
 12,845 
 
 2,231 
 
 8,294 
 
 4 
 
 23,377 
 
 1982 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 10,609 
 
 1,406 
 
 4,299 
 
 — 
 
 16,319 
 
 1983 
 
 — 
 
 463 
 
 493 
 
 7 
 
 856 
 
 1 
 
 1,820 
 
 1984 
 
 — 
 
 97 
 
 392 
 
 10 
 
 66 
 
 __ 
 
 565 
 
 1985 
 
 — 
 
 77 
 
 3,820 
 
 2,277 
 
 2,654 
 
 — 
 
 9,328 
 
 1986 
 
 — 
 
 834 
 
 5,499 
 
 6,847 
 
 8,142 
 
 — 
 
 21,322 
 
 1987 
 
 — 
 
 343 
 
 5,601 
 
 8,479 
 
 5,190 
 
 3 
 
 19,617 
 
 1988 
 
 30 
 
 295 
 
 4,907 
 
 16,933 
 
 14,549 
 
 3 
 
 36,717 
 
 1989 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 7,165 
 
 17,424 
 
 16,388 
 
 2 
 
 40,983 
 
 1990 
 
 1 
 
 129 
 
 7,934 
 
 10,623 
 
 9,819 
 
 1 
 
 28,507 
 
 1991 
 
 2 
 
 1,475 
 
 6,717 
 
 16,940 
 
 12,333 
 
 — 
 
 37,467 
 
 1992 
 
 1 
 
 2,442 
 
 6,120 
 
 2,816 
 
 1,704 
 
 16 
 
 13,099 
 
 * — less than 0.5 metric tons 
 
 Source: California Department of Fish and Game, Long Beach CA. , 
 1987-1993 
 
 35 
 
Loliqo pealei (long-finned squid or Boston squid) is probably 
 the most important U.S. commercial squid species because of its 
 higher value (Rath j en, 1983) . It is a large squid with maximum 
 mantle lengths of 500 mm for males and about 400 mm for females. 
 Loliqo pealei is preferred in the European markets for its 
 excellent taste and texture qualities compared to I. illecebrosus 
 and larger size compared to L. opalescens . and brings a 
 considerably higher price on foreign markets than the other two 
 species. Loliqo pealei inhabits deep waters of the continental 
 shelf through most of the year, moving into shallow waters to spawn 
 between late spring and summer (Rath j en, 1973) . While foreign 
 vessels had been catching this species since the mid-1960 's to 
 1986, heavy fishing by U.S. fishermen only began after 1983. 
 Combined catches peaked in 1973 when 38,000 mt was landed (Table 
 25) . 
 
 Table 25. U.S. and foreign catch of Loliqo pealei , 
 1963 - 1992 (metric tons) 
 
 Year 
 
 U.S. catch 
 
 Foreign catch 
 
 Total 
 
 1963 
 1964 
 1965 
 1966 
 1967 
 1968 
 1969 
 1970 
 1971 
 1972 
 1973 
 1974 
 1975 
 1976 
 1977 
 1978 
 1979 
 1980 
 1981 
 1982 
 1983 
 1984 
 1985 
 1986 
 1987 
 1988 
 1989 
 1990 
 1991 
 1992 
 
 1 
 
 ,294 
 
 
 576 
 
 
 709 
 
 
 772 
 
 
 547 
 
 1 
 
 ,084 
 
 
 899 
 
 
 653 
 
 
 727 
 
 
 725 
 
 1 
 
 ,105 
 
 2 
 
 ,274 
 
 1 
 
 ,621 
 
 3 
 
 ,602 
 
 1 
 
 ,088 
 
 1 
 
 ,291 
 
 4 
 
 ,252 
 
 3 
 
 r 996 
 
 2 
 
 F 316 
 
 5 
 
 ,464 
 
 15 
 
 ,943 
 
 11 
 
 ,592 
 
 10 
 
 F 155 
 
 13 
 
 ,292 
 
 11 
 
 ,475 
 
 19 
 
 ,072 
 
 23 
 
 ,007 
 
 15 
 
 ,183 
 
 19 
 
 ,417 
 
 18 
 
 ,183 
 
 
 
 
 1, 
 
 294 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 578 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 808 
 
 
 226 
 
 
 998 
 
 1 
 
 130 
 
 1, 
 
 677 
 
 2 
 
 327 
 
 3 
 
 411 
 
 8 
 
 643 
 
 9, 
 
 542 
 
 16 
 
 ,732 
 
 17 
 
 385 
 
 17 
 
 442 
 
 18, 
 
 169 
 
 29 
 
 009 
 
 29, 
 
 734 
 
 36 
 
 508 
 
 37 
 
 613 
 
 32 
 
 ,576 
 
 34 
 
 850 
 
 32 
 
 180 
 
 33 
 
 801 
 
 21 
 
 682 
 
 25 
 
 284 
 
 15 
 
 586 
 
 16 
 
 674 
 
 9 
 
 ,355 
 
 10 
 
 646 
 
 13 
 
 ,068 
 
 17 
 
 320 
 
 19 
 
 ,750 
 
 23 
 
 746 
 
 20 
 
 ,212 
 
 22 
 
 528 
 
 15 
 
 ,805 
 
 21 
 
 269 
 
 11 
 
 720 
 
 27 
 
 663 
 
 11 
 
 ,031 
 
 22 
 
 623 
 
 6 
 
 ,549 
 
 16 
 
 ,704 
 
 4 
 
 ,598 
 
 17 
 
 ,890 
 
 
 2 
 
 11 
 
 ,477 
 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 ,075 
 
 
 5 
 
 23 
 
 012 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 183 
 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 417 
 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 183 
 
 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce 199 3 
 
 36 
 
The principal fishing gear used to catch L. pealei is the 
 otter trawl. Recreational fishing is insignificant and foreign 
 fishing activity in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has 
 completely ceased. This fishery has managed by the Mid-Atlantic 
 Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) under provisions of the Atlantic 
 Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. For 1993 
 and 1994, the maximum annual allowable biological catch of 40,000 
 mt has been allocated entirely to the domestic fishery, and no 
 directed foreign fishing or foreign joint ventures are permitted 
 (MAFMC 1993) . 
 
 Illex illecebrosus (short-finned squid) is distributed along 
 the entire east coast of North America between Florida and 
 Labrador. It inhabits deep waters beyond the continental shelf 
 during the spawning season in winter and early spring. In the 
 spring and summer it moves into shallow waters and becomes 
 available to domestic fishermen (Rathjen, 1973) . Illex 
 illecebrosus grows to a maximum mantle length of about 3 50 mm and 
 lives about 12 to 24 months. Commercial catches off the United 
 States are comprised mainly of individuals 100 to 280 mm (4 to 11 
 inches) which are probably 8 to 24 months of age. 
 
 Illex illecebrosus is caught mainly by otter trawls. 
 Recreational catches are insignificant, as are foreign catches 
 since 1986 (Table 26) . The fishery is managed by MAFMC under the 
 same plan as long-finned squid. For 1993 and 1994, the maximum 
 optimum yield, the allowable biological catch, and the domestic 
 allowable harvest for I. illecebrosus have been set at 30,000 mt 
 each. Directed foreign fishing is not allowed on I. illecebrosus 
 (MAFMC 1993). Fishing for this species by U.S. fishermen began in 
 the mid-1960 's, with landings of approximately 800 mt in 1963 
 (Table 26). In 1992, domestic landings were a record 17,830 mt, an 
 increase of 50 percent over 1991 landings. 
 
 The U.S. squid fishery off the Atlantic coast has increased 
 substantially since about 1982 as the National Marine Fisheries 
 Service (NMFS) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council 
 initiated a policy of tying foreign fishing allocations to 
 agreements by foreign interests to purchase squid from U.S. 
 fishermen. As a result, foreign allocations and catches declined, 
 while the U.S. domestic catches increased. Between 1981 and 1992, 
 the domestic catches of L. pealei and I. illecebrosus rose from 
 2,947 mt to 3 6,013 mt, while foreign catches dropped from about 
 35,000 to mt (Tables 25 and 26). 
 
 37 
 
Table 26. U.S. and foreign catch of Illex illecebrosus , 
 1963 - 1992 (metric tons) 
 
 Year U.S. catch Foreign catch Total 
 
 
 2 
 
 78 
 
 118 
 
 285 
 
 2,593 
 
 975 
 
 .2,418 
 
 159 
 
 17,169 
 
 18,625 
 
 20,480 
 
 17,819 
 
 24,707 
 
 23,771 
 
 17,310 
 
 15,742 
 
 17,529 
 
 14,723 
 
 12,350 
 
 1,776 
 
 676 
 
 1,053 
 
 250 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Department of Commerce 1993 
 
 1963 
 
 810 
 
 1964 
 
 358 
 
 1965 
 
 444 
 
 1966 
 
 452 
 
 1967 
 
 707 
 
 1968 
 
 678 
 
 1969 
 
 562 
 
 1970 
 
 408 
 
 1971 
 
 455 
 
 1972 
 
 472 
 
 1973 
 
 530 
 
 1974 
 
 148 
 
 1975 
 
 107 
 
 1976 
 
 229 
 
 1977 
 
 1,024 
 
 1978 
 
 385 
 
 1979 
 
 1,780 
 
 1980 
 
 349 
 
 1981 
 
 631 
 
 1982 
 
 5,902 
 
 1983 
 
 9,944 
 
 1984 
 
 9,547 
 
 1985 
 
 4,997 
 
 1986 
 
 5,176 
 
 1987 
 
 10,260 
 
 1988 
 
 1,966 
 
 1989 
 
 6,802 
 
 1990 
 
 11,326 
 
 1991 
 
 11,912 
 
 1992 
 
 17,830 
 
 Source: 
 
 U.S. Depa 
 
 
 810 
 
 
 360 
 
 
 522 
 
 
 570 
 
 
 992 
 
 3, 
 
 271 
 
 1, 
 
 537 
 
 2, 
 
 826 
 
 
 614 
 
 17, 
 
 641 
 
 19/ 
 
 155 
 
 20 
 
 628 
 
 17 
 
 926 
 
 24 
 
 r 936 
 
 24 
 
 ,795 
 
 17 
 
 695 
 
 17 
 
 ,522 
 
 17 
 
 ,878 
 
 15 
 
 ,354 
 
 18 
 
 ,252 
 
 11 
 
 ,720 
 
 10 
 
 ,223 
 
 6 
 
 ,050 
 
 5 
 
 ,426 
 
 10 
 
 F 260 
 
 1 
 
 ,967 
 
 6 
 
 ,802 
 
 11 
 
 ,326 
 
 11 
 
 ,912 
 
 17 
 
 ,830 
 
 38 
 
Exports 
 
 United States squid exports from 1982 through 1992 are 
 summarized in Tables 27 and 28. Exports of U.S. squid suffered a 
 serious setback during the El Nino period on the west coast from 
 1983 through 1985, but made a significant recovery in 1986. In 
 1992, U.S. squid exports were worth more than $34 million at about 
 23,000 metric tons (mt) , up 27 percent in value and 24 percent in 
 quantity from 1991. The increase in exports of U.S. squid in 1992 
 was due mainly to increased acceptance of U.S. squid in Italy, 
 Canada, Greece, and Spain. In 1992, Italy replaced Japan as the 
 largest buyer of U.S. squid, as exports to Japan decreased 13 
 percent in quantity while increasing 7 percent in value from 1991. 
 The decline of exports to Japan in volume was due mainly to a sharp 
 increase in their inventory of Ommastrephid squid. 
 
 United States exports of squid to Japan have been dominated by 
 L. opalescens (Tables 29 and 30) . Except for the El Nino years of 
 1983 and 1984, U.S. exports to Japan have been almost exclusively 
 confined to market squid. Japan is a major buyer of species of 
 Illex from around the world, but its purchase of U.S. Illex is 
 limited, as its interest in Illex is focused mainly in waters in 
 the Southwest Atlantic. 
 
 The market for Illex illecebrosus has primarily been for 
 bait. Squid is used as bait in longline fisheries because it holds 
 up well in the water and will not easily tear off the hook. Illex 
 illecebrosus is preferred over L. pealei because it is larger, has 
 a thicker, and tougher mantle and also because it is significantly 
 less expensive. United States east coast producers have domestic 
 bait markets for X. illecebrosus on the east coast and major export 
 markets in Canada, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. In addition, 
 minor export bait markets exist in other countries depending on the 
 availability of alternate sources of supply. 
 
 There is currently an export market in several foreign 
 countries for U.S. Illex frozen at sea. One of the main reasons 
 for the recent increase in demand for U.S. squid has been the poor 
 squid harvest in the Southwest Atlantic near the Falkland Islands 
 and off of New Zealand. As a result, there are current sales 
 opportunities for Illex in South Korea, Portugal, Spain, and to a 
 lesser degree in Italy and Japan. 
 
 Future sales of I. illecebrosus to Japan depend on world 
 production of other ommastrephid squid in traditional producing 
 areas such as New Zealand and the Falkland Islands. The United 
 States has the capability to produce a high quality sea-frozen 
 product and this capability is increasing as its freezer trawler 
 fleet expands. Abundance of squid appears to be declining off the 
 Falkland Islands and with reduced harvest levels projected for that 
 area, U.S. export potential appears favorable. 
 
 39 
 
Loligo pealei is primarily sold to the export market. The 
 major distant water fishing nations which fished off the U.S. east 
 coast prior the phase-out of foreign fishing in the late 1970 's 
 caught large quantities of L. pealei for their home markets. As a 
 result, the export trade has steadily increased as U.S. exporters 
 replaced foreign directed harvest. The major markets for L. pealei 
 are in Europe, primarily Italy, Spain, and Greece and to a lesser 
 degree Portugal, France, and the Netherlands. 
 
 Table 27. D.S. squid exports to leading destinations by volume, 
 1982 - 1992 (metric tons) 
 
 Country 
 
 1982 
 
 1983 
 
 1984 
 
 1985 
 
 
 1986 
 
 1987 
 
 Italy 
 
 396 
 
 541 
 
 231 
 
 
 840 
 
 
 560 
 
 888 
 
 Japan 
 
 3,167 
 
 60 
 
 175 
 
 
 504 
 
 
 1,594 
 
 1,820 
 
 Canada 
 
 685 
 
 522 
 
 403 
 
 
 239 
 
 
 441 
 
 440 
 
 Greece 
 
 674 
 
 206 
 
 57 
 
 
 198 
 
 
 321 
 
 658 
 
 Spain 
 
 616 
 
 1,904 
 
 320 
 
 
 162 
 
 
 1,494 
 
 518 
 
 France 
 
 341 
 
 179 
 
 366 
 
 
 292 
 
 
 346 
 
 812 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 91 
 
 43 
 
 
 
 
 166 
 
 
 202 
 
 687 
 
 W. Germany 
 
 597 
 
 108 
 
 38 
 
 
 162 
 
 
 148 
 
 164 
 
 Portugal 
 
 212 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 52 
 
 34 
 
 Yugoslavia 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Other 
 
 2,370 
 
 437 
 
 549 
 
 
 613 
 
 
 1,362 
 
 1,628 
 
 Total 
 
 9,149 
 
 4,022 
 
 2,139 
 
 3, 
 
 176 
 
 
 6,520 
 
 7,449 
 
 Country 
 
 1988 
 
 1989 
 
 
 L990 
 
 
 
 L991 
 
 1992 
 
 Italy 
 
 3,305 
 
 3,299 
 
 2 
 
 ,812 
 
 
 2 
 
 ,588 
 
 4,046 
 
 Japan 
 
 1,920 
 
 1,058 
 
 2 
 
 ,022 
 
 
 3 
 
 ,599 
 
 3,123 
 
 Canada 
 
 436 
 
 601 
 
 2 
 
 ,147 
 
 
 2 
 
 ,243 
 
 2,604 
 
 Greece 
 
 2,498 
 
 2,011 
 
 1 
 
 ,441 
 
 
 1 
 
 ,200 
 
 2,125 
 
 Spain 
 
 3,112 
 
 3,979 
 
 1 
 
 ,946 
 
 
 1 
 
 ,118 
 
 1,415 
 
 France 
 
 791 
 
 1,199 
 
 
 889 
 
 
 
 681 
 
 746 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 891 
 
 2,135 
 
 1 
 
 ,115 
 
 
 
 549 
 
 557 
 
 W. Germany 
 
 635 
 
 464 
 
 
 380 
 
 
 
 350 
 
 323 
 
 Portugal 
 
 802 
 
 681 
 
 
 327 
 
 
 
 140 
 
 94 
 
 Yugoslavia 
 
 514 
 
 1,841 
 
 
 343 
 
 
 
 151 
 
 
 
 Other 
 
 2,263 
 
 971 
 
 6 
 
 ,879 
 
 
 5 
 
 ,869 
 
 7,687 
 
 Total 
 
 17,167 
 
 18,239 
 
 20 
 
 ,301 
 
 
 18 
 
 ,393 
 
 22,720 
 
 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce 1983 - 1993 
 
 40 
 
Table 28. U.S. squid exports to leading destinations by value, 
 1982 - 1992 (U.S. $1,000) 
 
 Country 
 
 
 1982 
 
 1983 
 
 1984 
 
 
 1985 
 
 1986 
 
 1987 
 
 Italy 
 
 
 574 1 
 
 ,019 
 
 
 398 
 
 
 998 
 
 1,072 
 
 2,041 
 
 Japan 
 
 4 
 
 ,659 
 
 97 
 
 
 648 
 
 
 853 
 
 2,735 
 
 2,818 
 
 Canada 
 
 1 
 
 ,947 1 
 
 ,179 
 
 1, 
 
 159 
 
 
 471 
 
 1,353 
 
 1,267 
 
 Spain 
 
 1 
 
 ,103 3 
 
 ,601 
 
 
 480 
 
 
 224 
 
 3,080 
 
 866 
 
 Greece 
 
 
 412 
 
 363 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 285 
 
 373 
 
 692 
 
 France 
 
 
 375 
 
 373 
 
 
 637 
 
 
 338 
 
 660 
 
 1,269 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 
 106 
 
 95 
 
 
 
 
 
 237 
 
 188 
 
 489 
 
 W . Germany 
 
 
 748 
 
 169 
 
 
 . 52 
 
 
 224 
 
 205 
 
 220 
 
 Portugal 
 
 
 112 
 
 33 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 70 
 
 49 
 
 Yugoslavia 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Other 
 
 3 
 
 ,216 
 
 918 
 
 1, 
 
 033 
 
 
 1,116 
 
 2,075 
 
 2,228 
 
 Total 
 
 13 
 
 ,252 7 
 
 ,847 
 
 4, 
 
 494 
 
 
 4,746 
 
 11,811 
 
 11,939 
 
 Country 
 
 
 1988 
 
 1989 
 
 
 
 L990 
 
 1991 
 
 • 1992 
 
 Italy 
 
 
 5,878 
 
 6 
 
 r 315 
 
 
 5 
 
 ,797 
 
 5,803 
 
 8,645 
 
 Japan 
 
 
 2,643 
 
 1 
 
 F 803 
 
 
 2 
 
 ,358 
 
 4,587 
 
 4,888 
 
 Canada 
 
 
 1,020 
 
 2 
 
 , 178 
 
 
 3 
 
 ,751 
 
 4,374 
 
 4,762 
 
 Spain 
 
 
 4,313 
 
 5 
 
 f 452 
 
 
 3 
 
 ,510 
 
 2,458 
 
 2,647 
 
 Greece 
 
 
 3,209 
 
 2 
 
 ,291 
 
 
 1 
 
 ,736 
 
 1,403 
 
 2,613 
 
 France 
 
 
 1,155 
 
 1 
 
 ,916 
 
 
 1 
 
 ,256 
 
 856 
 
 650 
 
 Netherlands 
 
 
 1,048 
 
 3 
 
 ,642 
 
 
 
 801 
 
 520 
 
 578 
 
 W. Germany 
 
 
 875 
 
 
 544 
 
 
 
 439 
 
 349 
 
 325 
 
 Portugal 
 
 
 1,647 
 
 1 
 
 ,083 
 
 
 
 480 
 
 188 
 
 116 
 
 Yugoslavia 
 
 
 479 
 
 1 
 
 ,940 
 
 
 
 284 
 
 168 
 
 
 
 Other 
 
 
 2,846 
 
 2 
 
 ,252 
 
 
 8 
 
 ,121 
 
 6,495 
 
 9,250 
 
 Total 
 
 
 25,113 
 
 29 
 
 ,416 
 
 28 
 
 ,533 
 
 27,202 
 
 34,474 
 
 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce 1983 - 1993 
 
 41 
 
Table 29. U.S. squid exports of Loliqo opalescens 
 and other squid to Japan by volume, 
 1981-1992. 
 
 
 Loliqo 
 
 
 
 
 opalescens 
 
 Total 
 
 Comparison 
 
 
 (A) 
 
 (B) 
 
 (A)/(B) 
 
 Year 
 
 (Metric tons) 
 
 (Percent) 
 
 1981 
 
 1,666 
 
 1,778 
 
 94 
 
 1982 
 
 3,033 
 
 3,167 
 
 96 
 
 1983 
 
 8 
 
 59 
 
 14 
 
 1984 
 
 18 
 
 175 
 
 11 
 
 1985 
 
 484 
 
 504 
 
 96 
 
 1986 
 
 1,439 
 
 1,523 
 
 90 
 
 1987 
 
 1,772 
 
 1,820 
 
 97 
 
 1988 
 
 1,904 
 
 1,920 
 
 99 
 
 1989 
 
 955 
 
 1,058 
 
 81 
 
 1990 
 
 1,990 
 
 2,022 
 
 98 
 
 1991 
 
 3,595 
 
 3,600 
 
 100 
 
 1992 
 
 3,080 
 
 3,123 
 
 99 
 
 Source 
 
 : U.S. Department of Commerce 1982-1993 
 
 Table 
 
 30. U.S. squid 
 
 exports of 
 
 : Loliqo 
 
 
 opalescens 
 
 and other 
 
 squid to Japan 
 
 
 by value, 
 
 1981-1992. 
 
 
 
 Loliqo 
 
 
 
 
 opalescens 
 
 Total 
 
 Comparison 
 
 
 (A) 
 
 (B) 
 
 (A)/(B) 
 
 Year 
 
 (U.S. $1, 
 
 000) 
 
 (Percent) 
 
 1981 
 
 2,202 
 
 2,386 
 
 93 
 
 1982 
 
 4,484 
 
 4,659 
 
 96 
 
 1983 
 
 22 
 
 97 
 
 23 
 
 1984 
 
 149 
 
 649 
 
 23 
 
 1985 
 
 816 
 
 853 
 
 96 
 
 1986 
 
 2,401 
 
 2,640 
 
 88 
 
 1987 
 
 3,531 
 
 2,818 
 
 90 
 
 1988 
 
 2,453 
 
 2,643 
 
 93 
 
 1989 
 
 1,724 
 
 1,803 
 
 96 
 
 1990 
 
 2,308 
 
 2,358 
 
 98 
 
 1991 
 
 4,576 
 
 4,588 
 
 100 
 
 1992 
 
 4,843 
 
 4,888 
 
 99 
 
 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce 1982-1993 
 
 42 
 
EXPORT STRATEGIES 
 
 Opportunities exist for expanding sales of all three U.S. 
 species of squid to Japan. Strategies to increase exports may 
 include the following considerations: 
 
 Develop a stable domestic market for squid in the United 
 States to support a viable squid fishery at home; 
 
 Enhance overseas sales efforts, by utilizing market 
 analysis and sales consulting services in consuming 
 nations, by exhibition and test sales of new 
 products, and by promoting joint ventures with foreign 
 importers, distributors and/or. retail chains; 
 
 Cultivate a high-quality image for U.S. squid, by 
 improving techniques and quality control in the 
 catching, holding, processing and packaging of the 
 products . 
 
 Japan has the most important market potential for U.S. squid. 
 Imports of foreign squid into Japan are regulated by the government 
 through a quota system which not only sets the amount of annual 
 imports but also decrees recipients of import quotas. Under this 
 system, annual imports of foreign squid have been held to about 
 53,000 tons or less. Because of the limited import quotas, 
 importers seek items which brings high profitability, usually those 
 that fill special niches in the Japanese market. One such item may 
 be whole, frozen market squid (L. opalescens ) packaged in small 
 amounts and sold in supermarkets. While market squid is not 
 popular with processors owing to its small size it commands higher 
 prices when sold directly to consumers. This approach may also 
 offer an interesting prospect for partnership with supermarket 
 chains. The numerous supermarkets under immense national chains 
 have become a significant factor in the Japanese economy. A 
 partnership with the supermarkets will assure adequate size and 
 steadiness of sales on a long term basis. The Japanese consumers 
 also prefer larger market squid, therefore, U.S. exporters should 
 pay special attention to size grading. The favored size range is 
 13 - 20 squid per kg (6-9 squids per lb.), and packs including 
 smaller individuals decrease acceptability. Consumers prefer squid 
 of uniform size because different sizes are prepared differently. 
 Further, female squid which bear roe may bring the best prices on 
 the Japanese market. 
 
 The future market for sales of U.S. squids depends to a large 
 extent on squid production from traditional producing areas such as 
 waters off New Zealand, the Falkland Islands, and Japan. Sharp 
 increases in Japan's squid landings over the last several years 
 have contributed to heavy inventories, resulting in lower prices 
 and a generally soft market. However, with the sharp drop in 
 Japan's squid catch in waters off the Falkland Islands and New 
 Zealand since 1990 and with the implementation of Japan's 
 moratorium on squid driftnet fishing starting in 1993, the Japanese 
 squid supply will probably decline. These developments may 
 
 43 
 
facilitate a recovery in prices, and may eventually give rise to a 
 condition favorable for increased export of squid from the east 
 coast and California to Japan. 
 
 44 
 
REFERENCES 
 
 California Department of Fish and Game. 1977 - 1993. 
 
 Final Bulletin Tables for California Commercial Landings. 
 Marine Fisheries Statistics Division, Long Beach, CA. 
 
 FAO. 1969, 1972, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1992a [Annual report 
 series]. FAO yearbook, fishery statistics, catches and 
 landings. Food and Argriculture Organization of the United 
 Nations, Rome. 
 
 . 1992b. FAO yearbook, fishery statistics, commodities. Food 
 
 and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. 
 
 Fields, W.G. 1965. The Structure, Development, Food Relations, 
 Reproduction, and Life History of the squid, Loliqo 
 opalescens Berry. California Department of Fish and Game, 
 Fish Bull., Vol. 131., 108 pp. 
 
 Hokkai Keizai Shinbun Sha. 1988 - 1993. [Japanese daily fishery 
 newspaper; in Japanese]. Nikkan Hokkai Keizai. Otaru, 
 Japan. 2 pp. 
 
 Japan External Trade Organization. 1993. Kaigai Ika Shijo Chosa 
 Hokokusho [study of Overseas Markets for Squid in Japanese] . 
 Tokyo, Japan. 23 pp. 
 
 Japan Marine Products Importers Association, 1979-1993. Japanese 
 Imports of Marine Products (Statistics) . Tokyo, Japan. 
 
 Kato, S. and J.E. Hardwick, 1975. The California squid fishery. 
 In: Expert consultation on fishing for squid and other 
 cephalopods [Tokyo and Hakodate, Japan] (FAO Fish. Rep. (17 0) 
 Suppl . 1, p. 107-127. Food and Agriculture Organization of 
 the United Nations, Rome. 
 
 Kohrin Sha. 1989. Shokuno Kagaku [Food Science in Japanese]. 
 Tokyo, Japan. 77 pp 
 
 MAFMC. 1993. Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery 
 Management Plan. Dover, DE. 
 
 Minato Shinbun Sha. 1992 [Japanese daily fisheries and food news; 
 in Japanese]. Minato. 31 March, 1992. Shimonoseki, Japan. 
 4 pp. 
 
 Nikkan Shokuryo Shinbun Sha. 1990 [Japanese daily fishery 
 
 newspaper in Japanese]. Nikkan Shokuryo Shinbun. Tokyo, 
 Japan. 2 pp. 
 
 Rath j en, W. F. 197 3. Northwest Atlantic Squid. Marine 
 
 Fisheries Review, Vol. 35, No. 12, Paper 1023, 20-26. 
 
 45 
 
. 1983. East Coast Squid Fisheries. Proceedings of the West 
 
 Coast Squid Symposium, Feb. 1983, Newport, OR. Prepared by 
 the West Coast Fisheries Development Foundation and Oregon 
 State University Extension Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, 
 122-139. 
 
 Suisan Tsushin Sha. 1991-1993 [Japanese daily fishery newspapers 
 in Japanese]. Nikkan Suisan Tsushin. Tokyo, Japan. 4 pp. 
 
 Suisan Keizai Shinbun Sha. 1989-1993 [Japanese daily fishery 
 newspaper in Japanese] . Nikkan Suisan Keizai Shinbun. 
 Tokyo, Japan. 44 pp. 
 
 U.S. Department of Commerce. 198.2-1991 [Biweekly reports]. 
 
 Foreign Fishery Information Release. National Oceanic and 
 Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
 Southwest Region. Long Beach, CA. 4 pp. 
 
 . 1990-1993. Fisheries of the United States. National 
 
 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine 
 Fisheries Service, Fisheries Statistics Division, Washington, 
 D.C. 
 
 . 1982-1993. United States Exports. National Oceanic and 
 
 Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
 Fisheries Statistics Division, Washington, D.C. 
 
 . 1993. U.S. and Foreign Catch of Squid. National Oceanic 
 
 and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries 
 Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Woods Hole, MA. 
 
 Zen Gyoren. 1988, 1990, 1993. Trends of Supply and Demand for 
 Squid, (in Japanese) 
 
 U.S. Embassy, Commercial Section, Tokyo, Japan. 1993 
 
 46 
 
Appendix 1. Japanese major squid import quota holders 
 
 MAJOR TRADING COMPANIES: 
 
 C. Itoh & Company, Ltd. 
 
 Hoko Fishing Co. , Ltd. 
 
 Ito-Yokado Co. , Ltd. 
 
 Kabushiki Kaisha Ocean Beauty 
 
 Kanematsu Corp. 
 
 Kasho Company Ltd. 
 
 Kobe Yoko Ltd. 
 
 Kyokuyo Co . , Ltd . 
 
 Marubeni Corp. 
 
 Maruha Corp. 
 
 Matsuoka Co. , Ltd. 
 
 Meiwa Trading Co. , Ltd. 
 
 Mitsubishi Corp. 
 
 Mitsui & Co. , Ltd. 
 
 Nakamura Suisan Co.. Ltd. 
 
 New Toyo Seafoods Co. , Ltd. 
 Nichirei Corp. 
 Nichiro Gyogyo Kaisha, Ltd, 
 Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. 
 Nissho-Iwai Co., Ltd. 
 Nozaki & Co. , Ltd. 
 Okura & Co . , Ltd . 
 Shibamoto & Co. , Ltd. 
 Sumitomo Corp. 
 Tokyo Commercial Co. , Ltd. 
 Tokyo Maruichi Shoji 
 Toshoku Seafood Ltd. 
 Toyota Tsusho Kaisha, Ltd. 
 
 PROCESSORS : 
 
 Zenkoku Suisan Kakogyo Kyodokumiai Rengokai 
 
 (National Federation of Processed Fisheries Products Cooperative) 
 
 Zenkoku Ika Kakogyo Kyodokumiai 
 
 (National Cooperative Association of Squid Processors) 
 
 Zenkoku Chinmi Shokuryo Kyodokumiai Rengokai 
 
 (National Federation of Processed Delicacy Food Products 
 
 Cooperatives) 
 
 Zenkoku Chori Shokuhin Kogyo Kyodokumiai 
 
 (National Federation of Pre-Cooked Food Manufacturers) 
 
 Nihon Suisan Kansume Kogyo Kyodokumiai 
 
 (Japan Canned Fish Manufacturer's Cooperative) 
 
 Zenkoku Kyushoku Busshi Hanbai Kyodokumiai Rengokai 
 (National Federation of School Lunch Products Cooperative) 
 
 Zenkoku Gyogyo Kyodokumiai Rengokai 
 
 (National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives) 
 
 Zenkoku Kamaboko Suisan Kakogyo Kyodokumiai Rengokai 
 
 (National Federation of Kneeded Fisheries Products Cooperatives) 
 
 Source: U.S. Embassy, Commercial Section, Tokyo 199 3 
 
 47 
 
Appendix 2. Japanese major seafood importers 
 
 COMPANY: Aburai Kabo Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 12-13, 3-chome Shinhama, Shiogama, Miyagi 985 
 PHONE: (022) 364-3733 
 FAX: (022) 364-3755 
 
 PRODUCTS: Butter fish, cod, pollock, rock sole, rock 
 fish, salmon, surimi, king crab. 
 
 
 8-4, 4-chome Kumochi-cho 
 
 COMPANY: Active Foods K.K. 
 
 ADDRESS: 9F Kanayararu Bldg. 
 
 Chuo-ku, Kobe 651 
 
 PHONE: (078) 231-2700 
 
 FAX: (078) 231-1022 
 
 TELEX: 5622072 ACTIVE J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Cuttlefish, shrimp, pomfret, crab. 
 
 COMPANY: Bokusui Sangyo Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-2, 1-chome Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3506-7607 
 
 FAX: (03) 3506-7626 
 
 TELEX: 222-2392 
 
 PRODUCTS : Shrimp . 
 
 COMPANY: C.I. Seafoods Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 7-3, 4-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-2383 
 
 FAX: (03) 3542-2539 
 
 TELEX: 252-2749 CISEA J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, arctic shrimp. 
 
 COMPANY: C. I ton & Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 5-1, 2-chome Kitaaoyama, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3497-6186 
 
 FAX: (03) 3497-6186 
 
 TELEX: J 22295/7 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, skipjack, marlin, yellowfin, albacore, sanma, 
 squid, octopus, cuttlefish, snow crab, herring, 
 herring roe, salmon, smelt, butterfish, Sablefish 
 halibut, capelin, capelin roe, red fish, saith, 
 canned tuna, canned mackerel, canned sardine. 
 
 48 
 
COMPANY: Co-Optrade Japan Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 35-1, 1-chome komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3942-6060 
 
 FAX: (03) 3942-6040 
 
 TELEX: J 23393 COOPTR 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, eel, salmon, salmon roe, herring, herring 
 
 roe, sablefish, snow crab, pollock, pollock roe, 
 
 octopus . 
 
 COMPANY: Daimaru Kogyo Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 18-11, Kiba 2-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3820-7123 
 
 FAX: (03) 3820-7089 
 
 TELEX: J 24396 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, herring, salmon roe, herring roe, halibut, 
 sablefish, smelt, butterfish, sguid, pollock roe, 
 shrimp, flounder, sole, king crab, tanner crab, 
 bloody clam, abalone. 
 
 COMPANY: Eastern Products Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 7F Tokyo Kaijo Bldg,2-1, 1-chome Marunouchi, 
 
 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3215-0371 
 
 FAX: (03) 3215-0370 
 
 TELEX: J 26285 EPCTOBU 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, cuttlefish, octopus. 
 
 COMPANY: Ebijyo & Co. , Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 23-5, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: Business Dept. (03) 3542-1361 
 
 FAX: (03) 3541-1518 
 
 TELEX: 252-2369 EBIJYO J 
 
 CABLE add: SHRIMPPRAWN TOKYO 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, herring, salmon roe, shrimp, lobster, 
 cuttlefish, sguid, oyster, scallop. 
 
 COMPANY: Ebiko Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-8, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-3435 
 
 FAX: (03) 3542-7665 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster. 
 
 49 
 
COMPANY: Ebino Daimaru Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 21-7, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3541-7281 
 
 FAX: (03) 3541-7475 
 
 TELEX: 252-3826 EBIDAI 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster. 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 
 Kushirogun 
 
 COMPANY: Fish World Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 7-3, 1-chome Kiba, Kushirocho, 
 
 Hokkaido 088-06 
 PHONE: (0154) 37-8677 
 FAX: (0154) 37-0325 
 
 PRODUCTS: Sablefish, hallibut, salmon, salmon roe, crab. 
 
 COMPANY: Hanshin Teion Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 17-4, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3541-7541 
 
 FAX: (03) 3541-7547 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, shrimp, cuttlefish. 
 
 Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 COMPANY: Hanwa Co., Ltd. Tokyo 
 
 ADDRESS: 13-10, 1-chome Tsukiji, 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3544-2341 
 
 FAX: (03) 3544-2050 
 
 TELEX: 2522358 HANWA J 2522342 HANWA J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, salmon, herring, capelin, red 
 
 shrimp, sablefish, herring roe, cuttlefish, red 
 
 fish. 
 
 COMPANY: Happy World Inc. 
 
 ADDRESS: Marue Bldg, 19-10, 1-chome Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 150 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3464-2638 
 
 FAX: (03) 3496-5372 
 
 TELEX: 2424 093 HAPPIN J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, shrimp, horse mackerel. 
 
 COMPANY : Hohsui Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 7-3, 3-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 5565-8946 
 
 FAX: (03) 3542-6808 
 
 TELEX: 252-2258 
 
 PRODUCTS: Fish meal, Surimi, pollock roe, barracuda, tanner 
 crab, herring, herring roe, horse mackerel, red 
 fish, butterfish, shrimp, salmon, salmon roe, 
 sablefish, squid, mongo ika, barracuda, baby clam. 
 
 50 
 
COMPANY: Hokkai Seafoods Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 13-5, 7-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3546-1261 
 
 FAX: (03) 3546-1260 
 
 TELEX: 02522571 SEAFOD J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, herring, capelin, squid, salmon roe, 
 
 herring roe, capelin roe, herring roe on kelp, 
 
 mullet roe. 
 
 COMPANY: Hoko Fishing Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-4, 1-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-5644 
 
 FAX: (03) 3545-2167 
 
 TELEX: 2522933 
 
 PRODUCTS: Octopus, cuttlefish, squid, merluza, sea bream, 
 horse mackerel, shrimp, lobster, snapper, 
 butter fish, capelin, red fish, mackerel, 
 flatfish, salmon, herring, salmon roe, herring 
 roe, crab, pollock roe, bluefin tuna, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 104 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 Icicle Seafoods (Japan) Ltd. 
 
 Sandai Bldg, 1-1, 1-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 
 
 (03) 3545-4751 
 
 (03) 3545-4767 
 
 Salmon, herring, sablefish, halibut, salmon roe, 
 
 herring roe, king crab, tanner crab. 
 
 COMPANY: Itoman Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: Sumitomoseimei Aoyama Bldg., 1-30, 3-chome 
 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3478-9130 
 
 FAX: (03) 3479-4367 
 
 TELEX: J 22810 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, salmon, sea urchin, squid, 
 cuttlefish, tuna. 
 
 COMPANY: Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-4, 4-chome Shibakouen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3459-2558 
 
 FAX: (03) 3459-6892 
 
 TELEX: J 23841 
 
 PRODUCTS: Whole Seafood. 
 
 51 
 
COMPANY: Kabushiki Kaisha Ocean Beauty 
 
 ADDRESS: 4F Ikeda Bldg, 5-5, 4-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-9301 
 FAX: (03) 3542-9385 
 
 TELEX: J 24234 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon roe, herring roe, salmon, sablefish, 
 
 snapper, shrimp, snow crab, halibut, jellyfish, 
 
 squid. 
 
 COMPANY: Kaioh Suisan Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 6-7, 2-chome, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3543-6066 
 
 FAX: (03) 3545-1689 
 
 TELEX: 2524626 KAIOH J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Cod, horse mackerel, mackerel, pollock, plaice, 
 rockfish, salmon, sole, tuna, surimi, cod roes, 
 salmon roes, crab, cuttlefish, octopus. 
 
 COMPANY: Kanekyo-Sanyu Reizo Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Kachidoki Shuhan Bldg, 10-10, 7-chome Tsukiji, 
 
 Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3543-5318 
 
 FAX: (03) 3545-6071 
 
 TELEX: J 2523969 KANEKY J 
 
 PRODUCTS: All fishery products. 
 
 COMPANY: Kanematsu Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-1, 1-chome Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 5540-9530 
 
 FAX: (03) 5540-6554 
 
 TELEX: J 22333/4 
 
 PRODUCTS: Eel, shrimp, lobster, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, 
 salmon, crab, snapper and other fish. 
 
 COMPANY: Kasho Co., Ltd. Tokyo 
 
 ADDRESS: 14-9, 2-chome Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3276-7630/5 
 
 FAX: (03) 3278-8280 
 
 TELEX: 222-2393 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, cuttlefish, kisu, salmon, crab, lobster, 
 squid, mongo ika, abalone, clam, Loco, fish roe. 
 
 52 
 
COMPANY: Kawasho Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: World Trade Cntr Bldg, 4-1, 2-chome, Hamamatsucho 
 
 Minato-ku, Tokyo 105 
 PHONE: (03) 3578-5645 
 FAX: (03) 3578-5927 
 
 TELEX: J 24277, J22511, J 24340 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, salmon roe, shrimp, red fish, flatfish, 
 
 squid, herring roe. 
 
 COMPANY: Kinsho-Mataichi Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 2 Shuwa Shinkawa Bldg, 24-1, 1-chome Shinkawa, 
 
 Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3297-7270 
 
 FAX: (03) 3297-7398 
 
 TELEX: J 22356 
 
 PRODUCTS: Cuttlefish, shrimp, mackerel, sole, cod. 
 
 COMPANY: K.K. Ryosui 
 
 (Diamond Seafoods Co., Ltd.) 
 ADDRESS: 1-17, 4-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3543-2535 
 FAX: (03) 3546-1789 
 
 TELEX: 252-3931 
 PRODUCTS: Capelin, herring, king clip, merluza, red snapper, 
 
 salmon, trout, capelin roes, herring roes, salmon 
 
 roes, trout roes, shrimp, Arctic shrimp, lobster, 
 
 crab, cuttlefish, squid, octopus. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 104 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS : 
 sablef ish, 
 
 Koki Gyorui Co., Ltd. 
 
 Daiki Bldg, 7-5, 7-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 
 
 (03) 3543-1091 
 
 (03) 3546-1005 
 
 2522011 KOKIGY J 
 
 Salmon, salmon roe, herring, herring roe, 
 
 ocean perch, squid, butterfish. 
 
 COMPANY: Kosei Trading Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Hirawada Bldg., No. 2, 2-5, 3-chome Tsukiji, 
 
 Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 5565-5661 
 FAX: (03) 5565-5660 
 
 PRODUCTS: Bottomfish, herring, salmon, fish roes. 
 
 53 
 
COMPANY: Kyokuyo Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-2, 2-chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3211-0154 
 
 FAX: (03) 3214-0196 
 
 TELEX: 222-2493 KYOKUA 
 
 PRODUCTS: Octopus, red fish, squid, mongo ika, capelin, 
 
 butterfish, salmon, salmon roe, herring, herring 
 roe, sablefish, tanner crab, shrimp, lobster. 
 
 COMPANY: Marubeni Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 4-2, 1-chome Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3282-4701 
 
 FAX: (03) 3282-9654 
 
 TELEX: 2224441 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, shrimp, cuttlefish, squid, red fish, salmon, 
 herring, crab, surimi. 
 
 COMPANY: Muruha Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-2, 1-chome Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3216-0212 
 
 FAX: (03) 3216-0316 
 
 PRODUCTS: Capelin, bottomfish, cod, sablefish, flounder, 
 hake, herring, horse mackerel, pollock, salmon, 
 skipjack, snapper, tuna, shrimp, lobster, crab, 
 cuttlefish, squid, octopus, abalone, butterfish. 
 
 COMPANY: Marubeni Reizo Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 8FMS Shibaura Bldg, 13-2 3, 4-chome Shibaura, 
 Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3769-0035 
 
 FAX: (03) 3769-0043 
 
 TELEX: 3242-4602 
 
 PRODUCTS: Capelin, capelin roe, snow crab, swimming crab, 
 saury, rockfish, mackerel, abalone, lobster, 
 herring, herring roe, salmon, salmon roe, herring 
 roe on kelp, cod roe, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, 
 cod, butterfish, sole, Greenland halibut, horse 
 mackerel, flounder, red snapper, ocean perch, 
 bottomfish, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY: Marudai Sato Suisan Corp. 
 
 ADDRESS: 3-2 0, 6-chome 3 -Jo, Nijuyonken, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, 
 
 Hokkaido 063. 
 
 PHONE: 011-621-6111 
 
 FAX: 011-642-9274 
 
 TELEX: 932-288 MSATOJ 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, crab, sea urchin 
 
 54 
 
COMPANY: Marukyo Cooperative Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-8-2, Sakanamachi, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 98 6 
 
 PHONE: 0225-93-2311 
 
 FAX: 0225-96-2158 
 
 PRODUCTS: Bottomf ish, salmon, fish egg. 
 
 COMPANY: Marushiki Fishing Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 3F Kannon Bldg. , 3, Shinmachi, Kanagawa-ku, 
 
 Yokohama 221 
 
 PHONE: 045-461-5886 
 
 FAX: 045-461-5889 
 
 PRODUCTS: Sablefish, dory, tuna. 
 
 COMPANY: Matsuoka Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 10-12, 1-chome Higashiyamatomachi, Shimonoseki 
 
 City, Yamaguchi Pref. 750 
 
 PHONE: (0832) 67-5566 
 
 FAX: (0832) 67-5286 
 
 TELEX: 6823-66 MATSU J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Dried squid, seaweeds, seasoned fish, eel, salmon, 
 herring, sablefish, pollock roe, salmon roe, 
 herring roe, red fish, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, 
 sea bream, tuna, shrimp. 
 
 COMPANY: Meiwa Trading Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 3-1, 3-chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3240-9388 
 
 FAX: (03) 3240-9560 
 
 TELEX: J 2236, 
 
 PRODUCTS: Jellyfish, cuttlefish, squid, flyingfish eggs, 
 herring roe, salmon roe, sea urchin, top shell, 
 short neck clam, hard clam, eel, horse mackerel, 
 Spanish mackerel, skipjack & other bonito, albacore, 
 tuna, swordfish, salmon, hairtails, croakers, sea 
 bream, shark, shark fin, capelin, shrimp, lobster, 
 crab, octopus. 
 
 COMPANY: Mikasa Trading Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Rm. No. 408 Nippon Bldg., 6-2, 2-chome Ohtemachi, 
 
 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3270-7941 
 
 FAX: (03) 3245-0630 
 
 TELEX: J 25282 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, surimi, pollock roes. 
 
 55 
 
COMPANY: Minoru International (Tokyo) Inc. 
 
 ADDRESS: 4F Kotobuki Bldg., 10-5, 2-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3545-0963 
 FAX: (03) 3543-0838 
 
 TELEX: 2524028 MINORU J 
 PRODUCTS: Cod, herring, red fish, salmon, herring roes, 
 
 herring roes on kelp, salmon roes, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY: Mitsubishi Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 3-1, 3-chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3210-6702 
 
 FAX: (03) 3210-3726 
 
 TELEX: J 22222/5, 222-2071, 6333 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, skipjack, marl in, shrimp, lobster, salmon, 
 
 salmon roe, herring, herring roe, cod, cod roe, red 
 fish, capelin, crab, smelt, mullet roe, pollock 
 roe, butterfish, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, 
 snapper, shellfish, surimi, sablefish 
 
 COMPANY: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-1, 1-chome Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3285-6020 
 
 FAX: (03) 3285-9909 
 
 TELEX: J 22253 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, skipjack, marl in, shrimp, lobster, salmon, 
 salmon roe, herring, herring roe, king crab, 
 octopus, cuttlefish, squid, mongo ika, loco, 
 capelin, red snapper, surimi. 
 
 COMPANY: Miyoshi Trading Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2F Ochiai Bldg., 10-7, 7-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3546-8225 
 FAX: (03) 3546-8227 
 
 PRODUCTS: Red fish, salmon, shrimp, crab, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY: New Nippo Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-1, 2-chome Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3506-5376 
 
 FAX: (03) 3591-3575 
 
 TELEX: 03-3591-3575 
 
 PRODUCTS: All fishery products. 
 
 56 
 
COMPANY: New Toyo Sea Poods Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Ishikawa Bldg, 2 0-1, 2-chome Misakicho, Chiyoda- 
 
 ku, Tokyo 101 
 PHONE: (03) 3262-4408 
 FAX: (03) 3263-6947 
 
 TELEX: J 25220 NEWFOOD 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, deepwater prawn, scampi, 
 
 cuttlefish, squid, mongo ika, octopus, herring roe, 
 
 red snapper, cod, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY: Nichimen Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 13-1, 1-chome Kyoobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3277-8291 
 
 FAX: (03) 3277-8266 
 
 TELEX: J 22329 NICHI 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, herring, salmon, crab, lobster, 
 
 cuttlefish, squid, abalone, loco, lady fish. 
 
 COMPANY: Nichirei Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 19-2 0, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3248-2222 
 
 FAX: (03) 3248-2159 
 
 TELEX: J 22450 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, shrimp, salmon, 
 
 crab, squid, cuttlefish, herring, red fish, 
 
 capelin. 
 
 COMPANY: Nichiro Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 12-1, 1-chome Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3240-6211 
 
 FAX: (03) 3287-2326 
 
 TELEX: 222-3661 NICHIR J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, salmon roe, herring, herring roe, crab, 
 fish, shrimp, lobster, cuttlefish, sea urchin, 
 swordfish, octopus, squid, sea bream, tuna, 
 butterfish, sablefish. 
 
 red 
 
 COMPANY: Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 6-2, 2-chome Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3244-7210 
 
 FAX: (03) 3244-7269 
 
 TELEX: NISSUI J 32221 
 
 PRODUCTS: Cod, flounder, halibut, herring, horse mackerel, 
 sablefish, mackerel, pollock, red fish, salmon, 
 trout, tuna, herring roes, pollock roes, salmon 
 roes, surimi, shrimp, prawn, lobster, crab, 
 cuttlefish, squid, octopus, shellfish, fish meal, 
 fish oil. 
 
 57 
 
COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 
 PHONE : 
 
 FAX: 
 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 Nissho Iwai Corporation 
 
 Marine Products Dept. 
 
 4-5, 2-chome Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 
 
 (03) 3588-3991 
 
 (03) 3588-4860 
 
 J 22233 
 
 Tuna, shrimp, lobster, crab, cuttlefish, mongo ika, 
 
 squid, octopus, shark fin. 
 
 Nittetsu Shouji Co., Ltd. 
 
 General Merchandise Dept. 
 
 Toshiba Bldg. , 1-1, 1-chome Shibaura, Minato-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 105 
 
 (03) 3798-2933 
 
 (03) 3798-2187 
 
 Halibut, surimi, salmon roes, crab, sea urchin. 
 
 COMPANY: Nomura Trading Co., Ltd. Tokyo Branch 
 
 ADDRESS: Shin-Yaesuguchi Bldg, 2-1, 2-chome Yaesu, Chuo-ku, 
 Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3277-4766 
 
 FAX: (03) 3274-3803 
 
 TELEX: J 63 3 67 NOMURA A J63 3 67 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, cuttlefish, squid, octopus, horse 
 mackerel, sillago, abalone, clam, top shell, crab, 
 salmon, salmon roe, herring roe, sablefish, red 
 fish, butterfish, smelt, capelin, capelin roe, 
 herring, flounder. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS : 
 cuttlefish, 
 
 Nosui Co. , Ltd. 
 
 2-1, 3-chome Tamagawa, Fukushimaku, Osaka 553 
 
 (06) 443-8653 
 
 (06) 443-5655 
 
 252-4326 
 
 Shrimp, salmon, salmon roe, herring roe, 
 
 octopus, horse mackerel, crab, Spanish mackerel, 
 
 sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 
 ADDRESS: 
 
 PHONE : 
 
 FAX: 
 
 TELEX: 
 
 PRODUCTS : 
 
 butterfish, 
 
 Nozaki & Co., Ltd. 
 
 16-19, 7-chome Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 (03) 3542-9221 
 (03) 3545-2006 
 J 22375 
 
 Salmon roe, herring roe, crab, sablefish, 
 jumbo octopus, cuttlefish, squid, capelin, capelin 
 roe, shrimp, red fish, clam, abalone, top shell. 
 
 58 
 
COMPANY: Okaya & Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 3F Ohtemachi Bldg. , 6-1, 
 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3214-8732 
 
 FAX: (03) 3214-8738 
 
 TELEX: J 2-2245 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, salmon, 
 herring roe, bottomfish. 
 
 1-chome ohtemachi, 
 
 salmon roe, crab, herring, 
 
 COMPANY: Okura & Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 5F Ohkurabekkan Bldg, 4-1, 3-chome Ginza, Chuo-ku, 
 Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3566-6580 
 
 FAX: (03) 3562-2779 
 
 TELEX: J 22306 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, king crab, snow crab, salmon, salmon roe, 
 herring roe, sablefish, halibut, red fish, rock 
 sole, ocean perch, herring, mackerel, horse 
 mackerel, flounder, smelt, capelin, capelin roe. 
 
 COMPANY: Osaka Uoichiba Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 1-86, 1-chome Noda, Fukushima-ku, Osaka City 53 3 
 
 PHONE: (06) 466-2271 
 
 FAX: (06) 461-2283 
 
 TELEX: 524-2811 
 
 PRODUCTS: Surimi, pollock, pollock roe, herring, herring roe, 
 
 salmon, salmon roe, eel, shrimp, squid, all marine 
 
 products. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 104 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 Pegasus Foods Japan, Inc. 
 
 IF Suisankaikan, 5-9, Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 
 
 (03) 3532-1031 
 (03) 3532-1479 
 Bottom fish, salmon, crab, cuttlefish, fish roes, 
 
 COMPANY: Sanyo Trading Co., Ltd. Head Office 
 
 ADDRESS: 11, 2-chome Kanda-nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 101 
 PHONE: (03) 3233-5882 
 FAX: (03) 3233-5917 
 
 TELEX: J 28470 PHOENIX 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, cuttlefish, octopus, baby clam, agar agar, 
 
 mackerel . 
 
 59 
 

 COMPANY: Schooner Trading Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: Tomizen Bldg, 11-4, 2-chome Ginza, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 04 
 PHONE: (03) 3545-6301 
 FAX: (03) 3545-8670 
 
 TELEX: 252-4124 SCHTRD J 
 PRODUCTS: Squid, herring, herring roe, capelin, crab, shrimp, 
 
 red fish. 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 Shibamoto 6 Co., Ltd. 
 
 1-12, 1-chome Minato, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 (03) 3552-4231 
 (03) 3552-4877 
 J 23621 SHIBAMOTO 
 
 Shrimp, salmon, salmon roe, herring roe, sablefish, 
 squid, red snapper, cuttlefish, loco. 
 
 Shin Ninon Global Inc. 
 
 3F SK Bldg, 13-19, 1-chome Shintomi, Chuo-ku, 
 Tokyo 104 
 (03) 3555-3600 
 (03) 3555-3601 
 J 27607 
 
 Salmon, crab, shrimp, sablefish, red fish, halibut, 
 herring, mackerel, salmon roe, herring roe, sea 
 urchin. 
 
 COMPANY: Shinyei Kaisha 
 
 ADDRESS: 77-1, Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650 
 
 PHONE: (078) 392-6861 
 
 FAX: (078) 332-3127 
 
 TELEX: SHINYEI J 78830 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, lobster, butterfish, smelt, squid, red 
 snapper, crab, whelk, clam, ark shell, abalone. 
 
 COMPANY: Sumitomo Corporation (SC Marine Products Co., Ltd) 
 
 ADDRESS: 4F Toyokawa Bldg, 14-6, 5-chome Ginza, Chuo- ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3543-4910 
 FAX: (03) 3545-3458 
 
 TELEX: 222-2251 SUMIT J 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, deepwater shrimp, scampi, lobster, salmon, 
 
 salmon roe, herring, herring roe, crab, sablefish, 
 
 ocean perch, lady fish, butterfish, squid, mongo 
 
 ika, abalone, clam, smelt. 
 
 60 
 
COMPANY: Taito Seiko Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Imaasa Bldg, 1-21, 1-chome Higashi-shinbashi, 
 
 Minato-ku, Tokyo 105 
 PHONE: (03) 3572-3235 
 FAX: (03) 3571-7881 
 
 TELEX: J 25306 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, squid, herring, capelin, capelin roe, red 
 
 fish. 
 
 COMPANY: Takaei Trading Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 22-4, 6-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-4791 
 
 FAX: (03) 3542-4794 
 
 TELEX: 2523736 TAKAEI J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, skipjack, marl in, shark, scallop. 
 
 COMPANY: Takeichi & Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2F Fu j imoto Bldg, 12-6, 3-chome Nihonbashi Kayaba- 
 
 cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3669-9252 
 
 FAX: (03) 3669-3540 
 
 TELEX: J 23 348 TAKESUN 
 
 PRODUCTS: Butterfish, squid, herring, herring roe, mackerel, 
 red fish, lobster, crab, shrimp. 
 
 COMPANY: The Marine Foods Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: 13-1, 3-chome Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3452-8121 
 
 FAX: (03) 3452-8912 
 
 PRODUCTS: Cuttlefish, jellyfish, top shell, abalone, 
 
 scallop, squid, seaweed, sea urchin, octopus, 
 surimi, clam, shrimp, cod, pollock, salmon, salmon 
 roe. 
 
 COMPANY: Toei Reefer Line, Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 6F, Kokusai Hamamatsucho Bldg, 
 
 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3438-3203 
 
 FAX: (03) 3437-6176 
 
 TELEX: J 27529 FISHERY 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, squid. 
 
 9-18, 1-chome, 
 
 61 
 
COMPANY: Tohto Suisan Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-1, 5-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3541-5264 
 
 FAX: (03) 3541-6239 
 
 PRODUCTS: Fresh, frozen fish, salted fish roes. 
 
 COMPANY: Tokusui Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 5F Tokyo Suisan Kaikan Bldg, 4-18, Toyomicho, Chuo- 
 ku, Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3533-5131 
 FAX: (03) 3533-5173 
 TELEX: 2522697 
 
 PRODUCTS: Shrimp, tuna, sablefish, butterfish, crab, salmon, 
 clam. 
 
 COMPANY: Tokyo Commercial Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Playguide Bldg, 6-4, 2-chome Ginza, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3562-2541 
 FAX: (03) 3564-6743 
 
 TELEX: 0252-2432 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, marl in, shark, shrimp, lobster, red snapper, 
 
 sea bream, salmon, crab, abalone, flounder, sole, 
 
 octopus, cuttlefish, squid, ocean perch, pargo, blue 
 
 fish, sablefish. 
 
 COMPANY: Tokyo Maruichi Shoji Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 16-9, 2-chome Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3256-1121 
 
 FAX: (03) 3256-1254 
 
 TELEX: TOKMARU J 22427 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, crab, shrimp, herring, squid, capelin, 
 
 capelin roe, perch, pollock roe, cod roe, herring 
 roe, pollock, Pacific cod, arkshell meat, clam meat, 
 abalone, seaweed, red snapper, silver, smelt. 
 
 COMPANY: Tokyo Seafoods Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 5F Saiesta Bldg., 14-5, 2-chome Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, 
 
 Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 5565-3511 
 FAX: (03) 5565-3524 
 
 TELEX: 2522527 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, herring, salmon, 
 
 crab, herring roe, salmon roe, cod roe, sablefish, 
 
 red fish. 
 
 62 
 
COMPANY : 
 ADDRESS : 
 
 PHONE : 
 FAX: 
 TELEX: 
 PRODUCTS 
 
 Tomen Corporation 
 
 Marine Products Dept. 
 
 Kokusai Shin-akasaka Bldg. , 1-20, 6-chome Akasaka 
 
 Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 
 
 (03) 3588-6905 
 
 (03) 3588-9996 
 J 22421 
 
 Capelin, flounder, herring, horse mackerel, 
 mackerel, red fish, red snapper, salmon, sole, 
 capelin roes, herring roes, herring roes on kelp, 
 salmon roes, shrimp, lobster, crab, cuttlefish, 
 sguid, octopus, abalone, geoduck, jelly fish, sea 
 urchin. 
 
 COMPANY: Tomen Suisan Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 14-11, 4-chome Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3542-3721 
 
 FAX: (03) 3546-9018 
 
 TELEX: J22421 TKXPU 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, shrimp, sguid. 
 
 COMPANY: Toshoku Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-4, Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3245-2184 
 
 FAX: (03) 3245-2393 
 
 TELEX: J 22352 
 
 PRODUCTS: Tuna, sguid. 
 
 COMPANY: Toshoku Seafoods Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: Sumitomo Tsukiji Bldg, 4-14, 5-chome Tsukiji, 
 
 Chuo-ku Tokyo 104 
 PHONE: (03) 3546-1171 
 FAX: (03) 3546-0491 
 
 TELEX: J 22352 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon, salmon roe, herring, herring roe, tuna, 
 
 octopus, cuttlefish, sguid, sablefish, red snapper, 
 
 horse mackerel, crab, shrimp. 
 
 COMPANY: Towa Foods Co., Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 2-1, North 3 East 3-Jo, Nishishoro, Shiranuka-cho, 
 
 Shiranuka-gun, Hokkaido 088-05 
 PHONE: (01547) 5-2014 
 FAX: (01547) 5-2329 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon roe, salmon, herring, herring roe. 
 
 63 
 
COMPANY: Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. 
 
 ADDRESS: 13-40, 2-chome Kohnan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 
 
 PHONE: (03) 3458-5161 
 
 FAX: (03) 3474-8900 
 
 TELEX: J 28606 
 
 PRODUCTS: Salmon roe, herring roe, crab, shrimp, eel, wakame, 
 
 bottomfish, salmon, capelin, horse mackerel, 
 
 mackerel . 
 
 COMPANY: Toyota Tsusho Corporation 
 
 ADDRESS: Foodstuff Dept. 
 
 3-18, 2-chome Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102 
 PHONE: (03) 3230-8081 
 FAX: (03) 3230-8042 
 
 TELEX: J 22827 
 PRODUCTS: Capelin, sablefish, herring, mackerel, red fish, 
 
 salmon, tuna, shrimp, lobster, squid, wakame. 
 
 COMPANY : Watarai Co . , Ltd . 
 
 ADDRESS: 7-10, 1-chome Shinhamacho, Shiogama, Miyagi 985 
 
 PHONE: (022) 364-0355 
 
 FAX: (022) 365-5799 
 
 TELEX: 72-0859250 WARAI J 
 
 PRODUCTS: Sablefish, cod, flat fish, red fish, sole. 
 
 Source: 
 
 Japan Marine Products Importers Association 1993 
 
 64 
 
"IpiST