Typhoon Kills Thousands Of Bluefin In Japan
A powerful typhoon, which hit the Japanese coastline last week, has killed more than 11,000 farmed bluefin tuna, according to local media reports.
It is estimated that the loss of so many bluefin has caused over USD 10 million in damages to growers who sell the tuna at premium prices to be made into high quality sashimi.
Typhoon Nangka made contact with land in southwest Japan during the night of July 16th before slowly moving north and turning into a tropical depression.
High winds and torrential rain caused large waves and cloudy sea water in the fish farm near the Pacific coastal town of Kushimoto, as well as causing damage to various parts of western Japan.
Local newspaper, The Asahi, reported that the storm caused the bluefin to panic, with The Mainichi Daily newspaper stating that the powerful waves had driven many of them into a barrier.
As one of the most expensive fish in the world, the local government has estimated that the loss of so many bluefin has cost growers JPY 1.29 billion (USD 10.4 million).
Environmentalists warn that increasing global demand for the fish is placing “unsustainable pressure” on the species and in turn, is fueling the demand for farmed tuna in Japan.
Local news sources also report that at least two people died as a result of Typhoon Nangka, and flooding left 230,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes.