Key Facts
• July 14: Eight fishing boats returned to Noyoshi Port with full baskets of scallops.
• ‘Jimaki Scallops’ are cultivated for three years in natural conditions in Tsugaru Strait.
• Scallops develop firm, large adductor muscles due to exposure to rough waves.
• 2024 harvest dropped to 8 tons, only 10% of the usual yield due to high water temperatures.
• 2025 harvest is expected to reach 80 tons due to favorable growth conditions.
• Noyoshi Fisheries Cooperative highlights the scallops’ muscular texture as a key attraction.
• Direct sales at the cooperative saw high demand, with customers purchasing up to 29 kg.
• Harvesting is projected to continue until around August 10.
Summary
The ‘Jimaki Scallops,’ a specialty of Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru Strait, are thriving in 2025 after a challenging 2024 season. Cultivated in natural conditions for three years, these scallops develop large, firm adductor muscles due to exposure to rough waves. On July 14, eight fishing boats returned to Noyoshi Port with full baskets, marking a promising start to the season. While 2024 saw a significant drop in yield to 8 tons due to high water temperatures, this year’s harvest is expected to reach 80 tons. The Noyoshi Fisheries Cooperative emphasized the scallops’ unique texture as a major draw. Direct sales at the cooperative attracted long lines, with customers purchasing large quantities for personal use and distribution to relatives. The harvest is set to continue until mid-August, showcasing the resilience and quality of this regional delicacy.
