Hokkaido Expands Marine Salmon Production While Testing Drones and Ultrasound Against Sea Lion Damage

JAPAN
Friday, August 28, 2026, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Salmon aquaculture in the Japanese prefecture achieves six consecutive years of growth, while authorities seek to mitigate millions in fishing gear losses caused by marine mammals. Marine farmed salmon production in Hokkaido Prefecture surpassed 500 metric tons through July 2026, reaching an estimated volume of approximately 520 metric tons. This figure represents a 22% year-on-year increase and extends a six-year consecutive expansion since trial farming operations began in 2019. Sector growth is primarily concentrated in projects developed in southern Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan coast. Although the industry expands from a relatively modest baseline, this sustained growth confirms the prefecture's emergence as a new hub for Japanese farmed salmon production. This upward trend drives demand for key aquaculture inputs, including cages, anchoring systems, specia... FULL STORY