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North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network (DEMO)
Understanding Ocean Change Across the North Pacific

Pacific Saury

Cololabis saira

Overfished / Recovering

Stock Recovering But Still Overfished (NPFC 2024)

Pacific saury remains overfished with overfishing occurring according to NPFC's 2024 stock assessment, though biomass is recovering from historic lows. The stock's average B/BMSY during 2022-2024 was 0.345 (65.5% below target) and average F/FMSY during 2021-2023 was 1.008 (marginally above sustainable levels). Biomass has increased 72% from 2020 (250K MT) to 2024 (528K MT) due to reduced catches since 2020 and potentially favorable environmental conditions, but remains below BMSY. Japan's catch plummeted from ~350K tons (2008 peak) to 18K tons (2022), the lowest since 1950. Habitat has shifted northward and eastward at 0.045°/year (1993-2020) in response to warming ocean conditions. An interim harvest control rule was adopted in 2024 to support continued recovery. Species serves as critical forage for tuna, salmon, seabirds, and marine mammals across transboundary waters of Japan, Russia, China, Korea, and Chinese Taipei.

Stock Assessment Stats (NPFC 2024)
0.345
B/BMSY (2022–24)
65.5% below target
1.008
F/FMSY (2021–23)
Marginally above target
528K
2024 BIOMASS
MT (metric tons)
+72%
Biomass Change
2020 to 2024
202,500
2024 TAC
MT (10% reduction)
NPFC
Management Body
International RFMO
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Recovery Progress:

While the stock remains overfished, conditions have improved since 2020. Harvest rates decreased while biomass and catch increased during 2020-2024. The improvement is attributed to catch reductions (interim HCR adopted in 2024) and potentially favorable environmental variability. Biomass increased modestly but remains below BMSY. Continued conservative management is needed for full recovery.
Biomass Recovery Trend (2019–2024)

Stock biomass increasing from historic lows.

201920202021202220232024
Biomass (MT) - Source: NPFC 2024 Stock Assessment
Life Cycle & Distribution
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Life Cycle Distribution Map

Pacific saury spawning areas (Western North Pacific), feeding areas (Central North Pacific), and seasonal migration routes across Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Korean waters.

Climate-Driven Distribution Shifts
Observed Period
1993–2020
Baseline Comparison
Pre-2015
Habitat Centroid Shift
0.045°/yr N
~50 km/decade
Direction of Movement
Northward & Eastward
Consistent trend
Fishing Ground Impact
Moving out of EEZs
Toward high seas
Suitable Habitat Change
Shifting zones
Following isotherms

Future Projections (2041-2100):

  • By 2050: Habitat centroid shifts to 158-159°E, 43-44°N (SSP scenarios)
  • By 2100: Up to 400+ km displacement under high emissions (SSP5-8.5: 159.1°E, 44.5°N)
  • Habitat quality: Degradation dominates by 2100 (5M km² under SSP3-7.0)
  • Primary driver: Kuroshio-Oyashio Transition Zone northward shift
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Key Finding: Pacific saury distribution closely tracks the Kuroshio-Oyashio frontal zone and mesoscale oceanographic features (eddies, fronts). As ocean temperatures warm, suitable habitat shifts northward, moving populations away from traditional fishing grounds in Japanese and Russian EEZs into international waters, creating management challenges.
Data Confidence: MEDIUM · Based on fishery data & models; limited survey coverage
Data Sources: North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) 2024 stock assessment update; Japan Fisheries Research & Education Agency summaries; NPFC VMS & fishery statistics. Last Update: October 2025 · BECI Project: Basin-scale Events & Coastal Impacts | North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network
Life History
Lifespan1–2 years
Max Length~40 cm
Age at Maturity~280 days
Spawning SeasonSep–Jun (peak winter)
Trophic Level3.7 (planktivore)
HabitatPelagic, 0–230 m
International Fishery
🇯🇵 Japan🇷🇺 Russia🇨🇳 China🇰🇷 South Korea🇹🇼 Taiwan
Peak Catch Year2008 (~350K t, Japan)
Record Low2022: 18K tons (Japan)
2024 TAC (High Seas)150K tons
Primary UsesFood, fishmeal
Fishing MethodsStick-held dip nets, purse seine
Main SeasonSep-Nov (autumn)
Overfished (NPFC 2024)Overfishing (Marginal)Interim HCR Active (2024)Biomass Recovering
Climate Vulnerability
Overall VulnerabilityVERY HIGH
Temperature SensitivityHigh
Distribution PlasticityHigh (shifts readily)
Life History RiskVery short lifespan
Spawning Habitat ShiftChanging

Primary threats: warming western Pacific waters, shifting ocean fronts, changing prey availability/zooplankton, and phenological mismatches with spawning conditions.

Ecosystem Role
Primary PreyCopepods, krill
Key PredatorsTuna, salmon, seabirds
Ecosystem FunctionCritical forage species
Food Web PositionMid-level consumer

Welcome to the North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network Dashboard

This interactive platform connects and synthesizes information about changing ocean conditions, key species, and management approaches across the North Pacific. The North Pacific Ocean Knowledge Network is being developed through the Basin-scale Events and Coastal Impacts (BECI) project to transform fragmented research and data into accessible, actionable insights that support climate-informed fisheries management and conservation decisions across jurisdictions.

Demo Platform Notice

This demonstration showcases the platform's structure and functionality. Some content is illustrative to demonstrate proof-of-concept capabilities. Information presented here should not be used for management decisions or policy development. The full operational platform will contain only verified, peer-reviewed, and validated information from authoritative sources.