Overview
- Agriculture Minister Suzuki announced on Oct. 31 that a stop order was issued after the small-vessel category exceeded its total allowable catch for the 2025 season.
- The suspension applies to boats between 5 and under 30 tons and will remain in force through March unless additional allocation is approved.
- The Fisheries Agency said other categories have not reached their limits, so the broader flying squid fishery continues operating.
- Water authorities confirmed this is the first stop order for the squid fishery since Japan introduced the TAC system in the 1990s.
- The agency will consider raising the allocation for areas yet to enter their peak season, with a decision possible at a Nov. 5 council meeting.