Before the ban on red snow crab fishing in the Sea of Japan is lifted, a fishing boat launch ceremony was held in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, which is the largest crab catch in Japan.
The fishing ceremony was held at Sakaiminato in Sakaiminato City, and about 150 people, including those involved in the fishing industry, gathered.
Among them, Hideharu Toshimi, chairman of the Japan Sea Crab Basket Fishery Association, said, "Even with the corona crisis, soaring fuel prices, and the situation in Russia, the future is uncertain. We aim to supply," he said.
Then, the participants performed sanbon-jime and prayed for the safety and bountiful catches of this season.
Mr. Takamasa Tomiya, chief engineer of the crab basket fishing boat "No. 68 Kagami Maru," said, "First of all, we want to make fishing safe. We will bring fresh and delicious crabs, so we want everyone to eat them."
After that, a fishing boat with a big catch flag left the wharf and headed for the fishing grounds from off Shimane to off Niigata while family members saw them off.
Red snow crab fishing in the Sea of Japan will be lifted at midnight on September 1 and will continue until the end of June next year.
According to the Fisheries Agency, the 11 vessels based in Sakaiminato and other ports will be able to land up to 5,930 tons this season, the same as the previous season, due to resource management.