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The Japanese yellowtail amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata), commonly known as hamachi, is highly prized for its use in sashimi.
Yellowtail TAC Set for 2025 Management Year: Initial Proposal of 101,000 Tons
JAPAN
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 00:40 (GMT + 9)
Minor Operational Impact Expected as New Rules Begin in April
A meeting to discuss the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for yellowtail (Japanese amberjack or hamachi, Seriola quinqueradiata) in the 2025 management year was held on January 17 at AP Ichigaya in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, with both in-person and online participation. Over 200 stakeholders attended to exchange opinions on the Fisheries Agency’s proposal for a national yellowtail TAC of 101,000 tons. Notably, no allocations for prefectures or ministerial management were included in the initial framework.
Key Resource Assessment Insights
According to the Fisheries Research and Education Agency's latest assessment (released December 20, 2024), the parent stock biomass of yellowtail has been rising since 2021, despite a decline from 2018. By 2023, parent biomass reached 205,000 tons—the highest level since 1994.
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2023 Catch Data:
- Japan: 88,000 tons
- South Korea: 25,000 tons
- Total: 114,000 tons
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Target Reference Values:
- MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) Reference: 222,000 tons of parent biomass
- Provisional Management Target: 179,000 tons (for maximizing recruitment)
The 2025 proposal adopts the provisional management target, reduced by a 0.95 adjustment coefficient, to set appropriate fishing pressure.
Proposed Management Framework
The Fisheries Agency has structured the management year into two seasonal periods:
- April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
This division aligns with regional peak fishing seasons. Between Steps 1 and 2, no immediate TAC-related suspensions will apply. The  Agency plans to address key implementation issues, such as:
- Carry-over rules and flexibility
- Reservation and allocation methods
- Management adjustments to ensure sustainable fishing
The emphasis will be on "flexible management" to address regional and operational variability.
Next Steps
The final decision on the yellowtail TAC and allocation plan will be made after consultation with the Resource Management Subcommittee of the Water Policy Council on February 4. The first step of the TAC plan is set to take effect in April.
By balancing resource sustainability with industry needs, this initiative aims to ensure long-term stability for yellowtail stocks and the fisheries that depend on them.
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