Fishery
Major fishers of the Japanese flying squid are mainly Japan (with the highest usage and catch in tons), the Republic of Korea (with the second-greatest catch), and relatively recently, China. Within all countries where it is being fished, the squid is also exported to many other countries for consumption, with the United States being a top importer. Japan is the largest consumer (mainly due to sushi) and exporter of the Japanese flying squid.
Japanese flying squid are caught all year round, but the largest and most popular seasons are from January to March, and again from June to September. Gear used to catch them is mainly line and hook, lift nets, and gill nets, the most popular method being hook and line used in jigging.
Current data on the Japanese flying squid show that, throughout the years, the rate of capture has been fairly consistent, with one major fluctuation in the late 1970s to early 1990s.
Current data show the Japanese flying squid is a sustainable fishery due to their short lifespans, and because fishermen tend to try to catch the squid after they have spawned and before their imminent death. The fishing techniques used, mainly the hook-and-line methods used, coupled with fishing at night to attract the squid, seem to allow for minimal by-catch. Other systems, such as gill nets, are usually less specific in what they catch, although some technological advances have involved larger openings to allow smaller animals to pass through.
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