The ban on salmon and trout driftnet fishing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hokkaido was lifted on the 10th, and fishing boats departed from the port of Nemuro City. Last year, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it was delayed to early May, but this year it started as usual.
At Hanasaki Port in Nemuro City, one of the fishing bases, the crews of two fishing boats made preparations from the night of the 1th by bringing food to the boats.
Then, at midnight on the 9th, when the ban was lifted, each fishing boat left the port while being seen off by their families.
Since many salmon and trout fisheries in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hokkaido are born in Russian rivers in the exclusive economic zone of Japan, operating conditions such as catch are determined annually through negotiations between the Japan and Russia.
Last year, the conclusion of negotiations was delayed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the start of fishing was delayed to early May, about three weeks later, but this year, as usual, the fishing came out on the 3th, the day of the lifting of the ban.
Before leaving the port, a man in his 5s said, "I'm glad I was able to go fishing.
This year, 10 boats are scheduled to depart from ports such as Nemuro City and Akkeshi Town, and fishing will continue until early July.