Key Facts
• Mass death of farmed mackerel discovered in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture.
• Shipments of the branded “Karatsu Q Mackerel” halted indefinitely.
• High sea temperatures of 30°C, 2°C above average, likely caused the deaths.
• Farmers reduced feed to minimize stress, contributing to the issue.
• 20,000 mackerel were planned for shipment this season.
• First time summer heat has disrupted shipments; red tide caused delays two years ago.
• “Karatsu Q Mackerel” is a fully farmed mackerel developed in 2014 by Karatsu City and Kyushu University.
• The fish is known for its safety, reduced parasite risk, and rich flavor.
• Karatsu City, local fisheries, and Kyushu University are working on improving summer farming conditions.
• Resumption of shipments remains undecided.
Summary
The branded “Karatsu Q Mackerel,” a fully farmed mackerel developed in 2014 by Karatsu City and Kyushu University, has faced an unprecedented crisis due to record summer heat. With sea temperatures reaching 30°C, 2°C above the seasonal average, mass deaths of the fish were reported between September and October. Farmers had reduced feed to alleviate stress, but this, combined with the high temperatures, led to significant losses. Planned shipments of 20,000 mackerel for the season have been halted indefinitely, marking the first time summer heat has disrupted production. Previously, red tide caused delays two years ago. Known for its safety, reduced parasite risk, and rich flavor, the “Karatsu Q Mackerel” has been a key product in Karatsu’s aquaculture industry. Authorities, including Karatsu City, local fisheries, and Kyushu University, are now focusing on improving summer farming conditions to prevent future losses. The timeline for resuming shipments remains uncertain.
