Key Facts
• August 27, 2025: Ibaraki Fisheries Research Center announces success in spot prawn farming.
• First-ever farming technology for high-end spot prawns developed in Japan.
• Targeting trial shipments by fiscal year 2026.
• Spot prawns are mainly caught in Ibaraki from September to December, with annual yields of 3–5 tons.
• Natural spot prawns sell for $20–$27 per kilogram, with some priced over $67.
• Farming began in 2021 to address climate change and stabilize fisher incomes.
• Developed seedling production and farming techniques over five years.
• Achieved growth of 18 prawns to market size (10 cm) by summer 2025.
• Farming uses a semi-closed recirculating aquaculture system for clean water.
• Future plans include cost reduction trials and commercialization by fiscal year 2027.
Summary
The Ibaraki Fisheries Research Center has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing Japan’s first farming technology for high-end spot prawns. Announced on August 27, 2025, this initiative aims to create a new aquaculture brand following the success of “Hitachi-no-Kuni Masaba.” Spot prawns, known for their sweet flavor and premium market value, are typically caught in limited quantities, making them highly sought after. To address climate change and ensure stable fisher incomes, the center began farming in 2021, focusing on seedling production and optimal farming conditions. By summer 2025, 18 prawns reached market size using a semi-closed recirculating aquaculture system. Future efforts will focus on cost reduction and commercialization by 2027, marking a significant step in sustainable aquaculture innovation.
