Exceptionally high bonito prices in 2008 spurred a hike in value, and along with rising fuel costs, led to an apparent drop in sales last year when values normalized.
The Japan Far Seas Purse Seine Fishing Association reported it was granted permission to begin construction on three new purse seiners.
Japan landed 205,000 metric tons of tuna worth ¥29.5 billion ($323.4 million/€29.1 million) in 2009, down ¥10 billion ($109.6 million/€77.7 million) from 2008’s high.
“Bonito accounts for 85 percent, yellowfin 10 percent, and bigeye 2 percent [of 250,000 tons],” said Japan Far Seas Purse Seine Fishing Association Chairman Kazuo Shima.
“Fishing
