Possible Saury Shortage in Russia

As said by Dmitry Dremluga (owner of Dalmoreproduct), one of the biggest saury operators in Russia, import of saury decreased in the second half of 2010, and in 2011 there is real shortage.  The earthquake deteriorated the situation, reports http://www.megafishnet.com/.

Normally Russian import of saury from Japan was 15-17 thous MT per month.  However, in 2010 import was 20% less than in 2009, and for the first half of this year - 5244 instead of 40192.  Right now vessels are been prepared to new season in Russian zone.  However, Japanese experts believe that no catch would be possible before September.

As for catch in Japanese zone, there are reports from Korea and Taiwan that their vessels have successfully caught saury and jack mackerel in Japanese zone, right opposite to infamous Fukushima nuclear plant.  Tests show that the fish was safe. 

Saury in Russia is processed mainly to canned product.  Total market is 100-120 thousand MT per year.  The shortage is a good reason to look for substitute.