Understanding the Global Appeal of Frozen Pacific Saury

Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) is a sleek, sword-shaped pelagic fish widely distributed from the subarctic to the subtropical regions of the North Pacific Ocean. It is the sole species within its genus and is known in Japan as sanma (秋刀魚) - literally "autumn swordfish" - a name that reflects both its distinctive shape and its seasonal peak in the autumn months.

Generally found offshore near the surface, Pacific saury forms large schools and undertakes extensive seasonal migrations. It migrates southward to southern Japan and adjacent waters in winter, and northward to Hokkaido and the Kuril Islands in summer. The species feeds on small crustaceans, as well as eggs and larvae of other fishes. It is a fast-growing species with a relatively short lifespan, typically living two to three years, and reproduces through spawning.

Pacific saury is one of the most important pelagic fishery species in the Northwest Pacific and has been designated as a priority management species by the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC). It is highly sought after by fishing fleets from Japan, China, Taiwan, Russia, and North and South Korea.

Japan's Resurgence in 2025

 

    In 2025, Japan landed 64,700 tonnes of Pacific saury, reclaiming the top spot among fishing nations after 13 years. This represented a remarkable 67% year-on-year increase. The resurgence came as tighter international catch limits forced fleets in Taiwan and China to end their seasons early. According to the National Saury Stick-Held Dip Net Fishery Cooperative (Zen-sanma), 2025 production reached this level through improved fishing conditions and more effective management measures.

    However, this recovery follows a decade of steep decline. From 2001 to 2014, Japan's annual catch consistently reached around 200,000 tonnes. This fell sharply to approximately 100,000 tonnes between 2015 and 2018, and since 2019, catches have plummeted below 50,000 tonnes. In response, Japan's Fisheries Agency cut the 2025 quota by 10% to a record-low 95,623 tonnes - the first time since quotas were established in 1997 that the limit has fallen below 100,000 tonnes. Some formerly major fishing ports recorded landings of less than 100 tonnes in 2024.

Global Production and Catch Limits

 

    The North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) plays a central role in managing the resource. In April 2024, the NPFC adopted a Harvest Control Rule (HCR) for Pacific saury under Conservation and Management Measure (CMM) 2024-08. The International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Species in the North Pacific Ocean (ISC) conducts regular stock assessments to inform quota decisions.

Shifting Global Supply: The Role of Taiwan

 

    While Japan has regained the top position in 2025, Taiwan has been a dominant supplier in recent years. In 2023, Taiwan caught the largest amount of Pacific saury in the North Pacific, followed by China, with Japan in a distant third place. Taiwan's sizable catch is largely exported, with a high proportion destined for South Korea, Japan, and China.

South Korea's Import Surge

 

    South Korea's imports of frozen Pacific saury soared by 120.3% to 1,756 tonnes from January to April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Taiwanese supplies accounted for 96.1% of total imports, with imports from Taiwan increasing by 111.9%. The average import price from Taiwan declined slightly by 4.5% year-on-year to $2.33/kg as of April 2026. Despite strong early-year volumes, no imports were recorded in April 2026, indicating significant monthly volatility in supply.

Pacific saury is widely recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense seafood options available, offering exceptional health benefits in a compact package.

High-Quality Protein

Pacific saury contains approximately 19–22 grams of protein per 100 grams. The protein is complete, containing all essential amino acids required by the human body. One serving provides 21g of protein per 100 calories, making it an exceptionally efficient protein source.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

Pacific saury stands out for its extraordinary omega-3 content. It contains:

DHA: 1,500–2,200 mg per 100g

EPA: 1,200–1,800 mg per 100g

These levels are among the highest found in any commonly consumed fish. In comparison, Pacific saury contains approximately 10.66g of DHA and 10.14g of EPA per 100g - far exceeding the levels found in many other fish species.

Lipid Content

The fat content of Pacific saury varies seasonally, reaching its peak in autumn when the fish fattens up for migration. Lipid content ranges from 10% to 25% during the autumn peak. This seasonal variation is one reason why autumn-caught Pacific saury is particularly prized in Asian markets.

Vitamins and Minerals

Pacific saury is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. The fish contains notable levels of manganese, with some studies showing it to be richer in manganese than Chinook salmon.

Free Amino Acids

The total content of free amino acids in raw Pacific saury is approximately 556.96 mg per 100g, which can increase significantly after processing - up to 895.77 mg per 100g after drying. These free amino acids contribute to the fish's distinctive umami flavor and nutritional value.

Pacific saury is a versatile species that can be processed into a wide range of product forms:

Freezing Technologies

IQF (Individually Quick Frozen): Locks in freshness immediately after harvest, preserving natural texture, taste, and nutrients. IQF products allow for easy portioning and reduced waste.

BQF (Block Quick Frozen): Commonly used for bulk export shipments, offering efficient storage and transport.

Value-Added Products

The growing demand for convenience foods has driven innovation in Pacific saury processing. Kabayaki (grilled with sweet soy glaze) is a particularly popular value-added product in Japan and Korea. The canned Pacific saury pâté market is also expanding, with products distinguished by high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3 in a 3.4:1.0 ratio) positioning them as preventive nutrition foods.

 

01

 

Stock Status and Challenges

The Pacific saury stock has been under significant pressure in recent years. Climate change has caused fishing grounds to shift eastward after 2013, with further eastward deviations in 2019 and 2020. Rising sea temperatures have pushed main fishing grounds into international waters, often a one- to two-day journey from port, reducing the number of trips fleets can make and shrinking overall catch volumes.

 

02

 

Management Framework

The NPFC has established a comprehensive management framework for Pacific saury:

Harvest Control Rule (HCR): Adopted in April 2024 under CMM 2024-08

Total Allowable Catch (TAC): Calculated based on scientific stock assessments

Member Reporting: All member nations must report fishery status annually

 

03

 

Quota Adjustments

Japan's 2025 quota was set at 95,623 tonnes - a 10% reduction from previous levels. Tighter international catch limits have also led to early season closures for fleets in Taiwan and China.

The frozen Pacific saury market is poised for continued evolution, driven by several converging factors:

Supply volatility: Climate-driven fluctuations in catch volumes will continue to create price volatility and supply uncertainty

Strong Asian demand: Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan remain core markets, with South Korean imports already showing triple-digit growth

Value-added processing: Growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat products such as kabayaki and canned pâté

Sustainability focus: Science-based quota management through the NPFC will be essential for long-term resource sustainability

For frozen seafood exporters, Pacific saury presents both opportunities and challenges. The species' exceptional nutritional profile and strong cultural significance in key Asian markets ensure sustained demand. However, supply volatility and tightening catch limits require careful sourcing strategies and close attention to regulatory developments.

With its remarkable omega-3 content, culinary versatility, and deep cultural roots in East Asian cuisine, frozen Pacific saury remains a valuable and distinctive product in the global frozen seafood trade - one that continues to captivate consumers from Tokyo to Seoul and beyond.

Contact now