Friday, January 27, 2006

North Carolina Bluefin Tuna and the Japanese Market

Last week we told you the story of Captain Brant McMullen of Ocean Isle and his amazing catch of two 500 pound bluefin tuna. While many of you may already be familiar with the popularity of bluefin tuna in Japan and the sale of NC bluefin on Japanese markets, we found a great article on the sale of bluefin to Japanese buyers. Jason Bahr, a buyer for Kashiko Exports, was interviewed earlier this week by the Brunswick Beacon and he revealed a lot of interesting details. Bahr has bought and shipped about a dozen bluefin tuna caught off Brunswick County to Japan in the past few days. North Carolina bluefin are being sold in Japanese markets in only about three days from the time they ship and every one of the Brunswick County bluefin went for at least $11 a pound. Those bluefin ranged in dress weight from 200 to 400 pounds so each fish brought between $2,200 and $4,400 for the boat that caught it. There is quite a bit more in the article on the business behind the bluefin and the complicated logistics of getting these giants to market on the other side of the planet. Visit the Brunswick Beacon for the full story.

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