THE IMPORTANCE OF SARDIKES AND HERRING IN JAPANESE FISHERIES 



1. Table 16 and Figure 9 are presented to Indicate tiie close relationship between the catch of sar- 

 dines and herring and the total production of Japanese coastal and offshore fisheries. These pelagic species 

 have for many years constituted a ma,1or part of the catch; they accounted foi' one^hird to one-half of the 

 total tonnage of coastal and offshore fisheries during 1951-3*'. 



2. In the years when the catch of these species has been high the over-all Japanese production, 

 strongly influenced by these species, has also been high. In 19l6, 1920, ,1927) 1955, 1956 and I9UI total 

 production reached peaks above the general trend line; each of these years was also a peak year for herring 

 or sardines or for both. 17/ 



3. The close correlation between the production of these species and total production should be re- 

 cognized and taken into account in predicting future production. Further study to determine dcmlnant year 

 classes should aid in future predictions. 



• 17/ Although sardines and herring are produced mainly for food, they are also used for the production of 

 oil and fertilizer. In years of abnormally high catch the surplus of these species was used chiefly 

 for non-edible purposes and thus did not contribute directly to the nation's food supply. 



TABLE 16.- PRODUCTION OF SARDINES AND HERRING OF JAPAN PROPER fl/ 



(metric tons) 



a/ Includes catch of both coastal and offshore fisheries 



b/ Reported production. Actus! production, especially in 191*6, was higher. 



52 



