GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMMEChina is by far the main octopus fishing nation, with catches exceeding...

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsFish Products and Industry Division

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Volume 94

GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Vo

lume

94W

orld O

ctopus M

arket:

World Octopus Market

World Octopus Market

by

Helga Josupeit

(June 2008)

The GLOBEFISH Research Programme is an activity initiated by FAO's Fish Utilisation and Marketing Service, Rome, Italy and financed jointly by:

- NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service), Washington, DC, USA - FROM, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Madrid, Spain - Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Copenhagen, Denmark - European Commission, Directorate General for Fisheries, Brussels, EU - Norwegian Seafood Export Council, Tromsoe, Norway - OFIMER (Office National Interprofessionnel des Produits de la Mer et de l’Aquaculture), Paris, France

- ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute), USA - DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Canada - SSA (Seafood Services Australia), Australia - Ministry of Fisheries, New Zealand

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, GLOBEFISH, Fish Products and Industry Division

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy – Tel.: (39) 06570 56313 E-mail: [email protected] - Fax: (39) 0657055188 – http//:www.globefish.org

ii

The designation employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Helga Josupeit.; WORLD OCTOPUS MARKET GLOBEFISH Research Programme, Vol.94 Rome, FAO. 2008. p. 65.

The most important octopus fisheries and markets are located in Japan, Republic of Korea and in the northern Mediterranean countries. Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the main species produced, it is highly desirable and commands high prices. Quite important in commercial terms is also the baby octopus (Eledone spp.) fisheries in Asia.

Octopus resources, especially in the Eastern Central Atlantic are overexploited, and national authorities have taken draconic steps for the protection of the species. Morocco closed in 2004 the octopus fisheries for several months. There are some timid signs that this protection measures have paid off, and that the resource is slowly recovering. Total octopus exports reached 220 000 tonnes in 2005, for a value of more than US$ 900 million. In volume terms, China became the main octopus exporter in 2004. Moroccan production was hit by a major crisis due to an imposed ban on octopus fishing. In value terms, however, Morocco is still the main octopus exporter, followed by Spain (several re-exports through Las Palmas).

Import figures for octopus reflect the general trend experienced in catch and export: they increased continuously from 1976 to 2000, to drop off in recent years. In 2005, total octopus imports reached 270 000 tonnes. However, when looking at the 2005 figures, there is a 50 000 tonnes, or 20% of total octopus traded, difference between exports and imports. This indicates that export figures are less accurate than the import figures. The Republic of Korea is the top octopus importing country and by far the world’s main octopus consumer.

Acknowledgement : Layout Tony Piccolo GLOBEFISH. Photo credit: Turan Rahimzadeh

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the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Information

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Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy.

© FAO 2008

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY......................................................................................................1

2. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................3

2.1. Octopus Landings...........................................................................................................3 2.2. Octopus: an intelligent creature......................................................................................4 2.3. Octopus production by fishing area and country .........................................................10 2.4. Octopus aquaculture.....................................................................................................11 2.5. Quality requirements, grading and preparation of octopus ..........................................11

3. MAIN SUPPLIERS AND EXPORTERS..............................................................................14

3.1. Marocco........................................................................................................................14 3.2. Mauritania ....................................................................................................................16 3.3. China ............................................................................................................................19 3.4. Spain.............................................................................................................................22 3.5. Viet Nam ......................................................................................................................23 3.6. Thailand........................................................................................................................25 3.7. Mexico..........................................................................................................................28 3.8. Senegal .........................................................................................................................29

4. MAIN CONSUMERS AND IMPORTERS...........................................................................31

4.1. The Republic of Korea .................................................................................................32 4.2. Japan.............................................................................................................................35 4.3. Europe ..........................................................................................................................39 4.4. Greece...........................................................................................................................40 4.5. Italy...............................................................................................................................41 4.6. Spain.............................................................................................................................44 4.7. Portugal ........................................................................................................................46 4.8. Other EU countries.......................................................................................................47 4.9. United States of America .............................................................................................48 4.10. Others ...........................................................................................................................49

5. OUTLOOK ..............................................................................................................................49

6. MAIN PRODUCTS AND RECIPES.....................................................................................49

6.1. Buying and storing tips ................................................................................................49 6.2. Preparation, uses and tips .............................................................................................49

6.2.1. Broiling...................................................................................................................50 6.2.2. Deep frying .............................................................................................................50 6.2.3. Stewing ...................................................................................................................50

6.3. Nutritional highlights ...................................................................................................50 6.4. Recipes and preparations..............................................................................................51

6.4.1. General...................................................................................................................51 Octopus salad .........................................................................................................51

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Octopus appetizer ...................................................................................................51 Roasted octopus......................................................................................................52 6.4.2. Italian specialities ..................................................................................................53 Octopus carpaccio ..................................................................................................53 Baby octopus with polenta .....................................................................................53 Spaghetti with octopus ...........................................................................................53 6.4.3. Japanese specialities ..............................................................................................54 Octopus balls ..........................................................................................................54 Akashiyaki..............................................................................................................55 Raw baby octopus eggs ..........................................................................................55 Octopus salad ........................................................................................................56 Tako poke...............................................................................................................56 Octopus pot ............................................................................................................56 Octopus sushi .........................................................................................................57 6.4.4. Spanish specialities ................................................................................................57 Pulpo e feira ..........................................................................................................57 Canned octopus in vegetable oil.............................................................................58 Canned octopus salad .............................................................................................58 6.4.5. Korean specialities .................................................................................................58

7. MAIN PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................60

8. BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES.......................................................................................65

TABLES

TABLE 1: OCTOPUS LANDINGS BY SPECIES - IN 1 000 TONNES......................................3

TABLE 2: OCTOPUS CATCHES BY FISHING AREA IN 1 000 TONNES ............................10

TABLE 3: OCTOPUS CATCHES (EXCLUDING CHNA) BY FISHING AREA IN 1 000 TONNES ........................................................................................................................................10

TABLE 4: OCTOPUS CATCHES BY COUNTRY IN 1 000 TONNES ....................................11

TABLE 5: COMMERCIAL GRADING FOR OCTOPUS GRADE............................................12

TABLE 6: OCTOPUS EXPORTS - IN TONNES........................................................................14

TABLE 7: OCTOPUS EXPORTS - IN 1000 US$ .......................................................................14

TABLE 8: MOROCCON OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION - IN 1 000 TONNES ..............................................................................................................................15

TABLE 9: COMPARISON: MOROCCAN OCTOPUS EXPORTS VERSUS PRODUCTION - IN 1 000 TONNES............................................................................................16

TABLE 10: MAURITANIAN OCTOPUS EXPORTS – IN TONNES ...............................................18

TABLE 11: MAURITANIAN OCTOPUS CATCHES COMPARED WITH EXPORTS – IN TONNES ........................................................................................................................................18

TABLE 12: COMPARISON: MAURITANIAN AND MOROCCAN CATCHES VERSUS EXPORTS FROM BOTH COUNTRIES – IN 1000 TONNES.............................................................19

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TABLE 13: CHINESE EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION – IN 1000 TONNES ...........21

TABLE 14: SPANISH OCTOPUS CATCHES – IN TONNES .........................................................22

TABLE15: SPANISH OCTOPUS EXPORTS – IN 1000 TONNES...................................................23

TABLE 16: OCTOPUS EXPORTS – IN TONNES ..........................................................................23

TABLE 17: VIETNAMESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION - IN 1000 TONNES .........................................................................................................................................24

TABLE 18: THAI OCTOPUS LANDINGS BY FISHING AREA - IN TONNES ....................25

TABLE 19: THAI OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY PRODUCT – IN TONNES ........................................26

TABLE 20: THAI OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION – IN 1000 TONNES .........................................................................................................................................27

TABLE 21: MEXICAN OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION – IN 1000 TONNES .........................................................................................................................................28

TABLE 22: SENEGALESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION – IN TONNES .........................................................................................................................................30

TABLE 23: WORLD OCTOPUS IMPORTS - IN 1000 TONNES .............................................31

TABLE 24: WORLD OCTOPUS IMPORTS – IN MILLION US$....................................................32

TABLE 25: REPUBLIC OF KOREA OCTOPUS IMPORTS – IN TONNES ....................................33

TABLE 26: REPUBLIC OF KOREA OCTOPUS LANDINGS BY FISHING AREA – IN TONNES..33

TABLE 27: REPUBLIC OF KOREA OCTOPUS PER CAPUT CONSUMPTION – IN TONNES.....34

TABLE 28: JAPANESE OCTOPUS IMPORTS – IN 1000 TONNES ...............................................36

TABLE 29: JAPANESE OCTOPUS CATCHES BY FISHING AREA – IN TONNES ......................37

TABLE 30: JAPANESE OCTOPUS PER CAPUT CONSUMPTION – IN TONNES ........................38

TABLE 31: EU* OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN 1000 TONNES................39

TABLE 32: EU* OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF DESTINATION – IN 1000 TONNES ....39

TABLE 33: GREEK OCTOPUS CATCHES – IN TONNES .............................................................40

TABLE 34: GREEK OCTOPUS CATCHES – IN TONNES .............................................................40

TABLE 35: GREEK OCTOPUS CONSUMPTION IN LIVE WEIGHT EQUIVALENT – IN TONNES .........................................................................................................................................41

TABLE 36: ITALIAN OCTOPUS CATCHES – IN TONNES ...........................................................41

TABLE 37: ITALIAN OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN TONNES................42

TABLE 38: ITALIAN OCTOPUS CONSUMPTION IN LIVE WEIGHT EQUIVALENT – IN TONNES .........................................................................................................................................43

TABLE 39: SPANISH OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN TONNES ...............44

TABLE 40: SPANISH OCTOPUS CONSUMPTION IN LIVE WEIGHT EQUIVALENT – IN TONNES .........................................................................................................................................45

TABLE 41: PORTUGUESE OCTOPUS CATCHES – IN TONNES ..................................................46

TABLE 42: PORTUGUESE OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN TONNES.......47

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TABLE 43: PORTUGUESE OCTOPUS CONSUMPTION IN LIVE WEIGHT EQUIVALENT – IN TONNES .........................................................................................................................................47

TABLE 44: EU (27) – (GREECE, PORTUGAL, ITALY, SPAIN) OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN TONNES................................................................................................... 47

TABLE 45: US OCTOPUS IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – IN TONNES ..........................48

FIGURES:

FIGURE 1: OCTOPUS PROCESSING FLOW CHART....................................................................13

FIGURE 2: MOROCCAN OCTOPUS PRODUCTION ...............................................................15

FIGURE 3: OCTOPUS CATCHES - MAURITANIA..................................................................17

FIGURE 4: CHINESE OCTOPUS LANDINGS...........................................................................20

FIGURE 5: CHINESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS - VALUE VERSUS QUANTITY.......................20

FIGURE 6: UNIT VALUE OF CHINESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS ..............................................21

FIGURE 7: OCTOPUS CATCHES BY SPAIN............................................................................22

FIGURE 8: UNIT VALUE OF VIETNAMESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS......................................25

FIGURE 9: THAI OCTOPUS CATCHES ....................................................................................26

FIGURE 10: UNIT VALUE OF THAI OCTOPUS EXPORTS....................................................27

FIGURE 11: MEXICAN OCTOPUS LANDINGS.......................................................................28

FIGURE 12: UNIT VALUE OF MEXICAN OCTOPUS EXPORTS ..........................................29

FIGURE 13: SENEGAL OCTOPUS CATCHES..........................................................................30

FIGURE 14: UNIT VALUE OF SENEGALESE OCTOPUS EXPORTS....................................31

FIGURE 15: OCTOPUS CATCHES BY THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ....................................33

FIGURE 16: UNIT VALUE OF KOREAN OCTOPUS IMPORTS.............................................34

FIGURE 17: JAPANESE OCTOPUS PRICES .............................................................................35

FIGURE 18: UNIT VALUE OF JAPANESE OCTOPUS IMPORTS..........................................36

FIGURE 19: JAPANESE OCTOPUS COLDSTORAGE HOLDINGS........................................37

FIGURE 20: JAPANESE OCTOPUS CATCHES ........................................................................38

FIGURE 21: UNIT VALUE OF GREEK OCTOPUS IMPORTS ................................................41

FIGURE 22: UNIT VALUE OF ITALIAN OCTOPUS IMPORTS .............................................43

FIGURE 23: TRADE UNIT VALUE - SPAIN.............................................................................45

FIGURE 24: OCTOPUS IN SPAIN - ORIGIN MOROCCO........................................................46

FIGURE 25: US OCTOPUS UNIT VALUE.................................................................................48

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Octopus consumption is confined to Japan, the Republic of Korea and northern Mediterranean countries. The rest of the world has not developed a taste for octopus, and unlike for other cephalopod species (squid) there are no indications for a change in these consumption patterns.

Octopus catches are about 360 000 tonnes per year. Octopus resources, especially in the Eastern Central Atlantic are overexploited, and national authorities have taken draconic steps for the protection of the species. Morocco closed in 2004 the octopus fisheries for several months. There are some timid signs that this protection measures have paid off, and that the resource is slowly recovering.

Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is the main species produced. This species is highly desirable and commands high prices throughout its distributional range and supports artisanal as well as industrial fisheries. It is taken mainly with lures, hooks and lines, pots, spears and otter trawls. Quite important in commercial terms is also the baby octopus (Eledone spp.) fisheries in Asia. The main difference is that while the Octopus spp. has a double row of suckers, the Eledone spp. has only one row of suckers on the tentacles. Common octopus demand doubles or triples the price of the baby octopus.

Up to present, the full system of octopus aquaculture has not been successful. In the 1960s, Japan cultured some 100 tonnes of octopus, but production was stopped. At present only Spain reports a small production of 16 tonnes per year. The country is though successful in ongrowing of octopus, similar to bluefin fattening. Ongrowing cycles in cages are still mainly been carried out at an experimental basis, however, the results are promising. Weight increases of 650 g per month are reported, so that the octopus could reach a good commercial weight of 2.5 kg in just three months. As octopus demand a relatively high price on the market, it is likely that we will see more of octopus fattening in coming years.

China is by far the main octopus fishing nation, with catches exceeding 100 000 tonnes. This country started octopus catching rather recently, in the year 2000 catches did not even exceed 5 000 tonnes. China is catching octopus in the Eastern Central Atlantic, under fishing agreements with several African countries. Japanese catches are fairly stable at 55 000 tonnes, nowadays mainly targeting the domestic waters and some fishing areas in the Pacific.

Total octopus exports reached 220 000 tonnes in 2005, for a value of more than US$ 900 million. In volume terms, China became the main octopus exporter in 2004, when the Moroccan production was hit by a major crisis due to an imposed ban on octopus fishing. Despite the Moroccan recovery in 2005, China continued to be the main exporter also during this year. In value terms, however, Morocco is still the main octopus exporter, followed by Spain (several re-exports through Las Palmas). China is only number three of octopus exporters in value terms. Unit value of octopus is highest for Mauritania and Morocco, while the Asian exporters report a far lower value.

Import figures for octopus reflect the general trend experienced in catch and export: they increased continuously from 1976 to 2000, to drop off in recent years. In 2005, total octopus imports reached 270 000 tonnes. However, when looking at the 2005 figures, there is a 50 000 tonnes, or 20% of total octopus traded, difference between exports and imports. This indicates that export figures are less accurate than the import figures. The Republic of Korea emerged as the main importer of octopus in quantity terms in recent years. This was mainly due to the disappearance of import restrictions. Japan thus lost its top position to the Republic of Korea, with imports of octopus declining from a peak of 131 000 tonnes back in 1993 to 55 000 tonnes in 2005. During 2006, Japan saw a further decline in its imports and was overtaken by Italy.

The Republic of Korea is not only the top octopus importing country but also and by far the world’s main octopus consumer. Some 2 kg of octopus are consumed per year in the Republic of Korea, which

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compares to 1.2 kg and 1.4 kg for Greece or Italy respectively, other huge consuming countries of octopus. The consumption of octopus in the Republic of Korea grew enormously after the liberalization of octopus imports, in the 1980s the consumption was only 0.5 kg. Japan used to be the main octopus importing country with more than 100 000 tonnes imports in the late 1980s. However, in recent years, imports have declined continuously, while the average price of octopus in the Japanese market has gone up steadily. Consumer resistance towards high prices were noticed by traders. As a result octopus consumption went down in recent years.

As for many other capture fisheries species, the outlook is not very bright for the octopus resources. However, there are some positive signs, such as the recent recovery of octopus production in Morocco, which indicates that there is hope that with a stringent control system the resource can be protected and this delicious product can keep its place on the table of its consumers. Aquaculture is the way out for many other species. Farming is nowadays even possible for cod, another species marked by overfishing and resource destruction. However, octopus seems to be resistant to the many attempts to rear it in captivity. Octopus fattening, similar to tuna fattening, seems to be way out, and the specimens are gaining weight quickly. More of this production method is likely to take place in the main producing countries in future years.

Taking all the indicators together, there is no doubt that the consumption of octopus will stay confined to a handful of countries – Republic of Korea, Japan, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Demand in these countries is likely to stay stable, or even go down, in view of higher prices, unavoidable in view of the scarce resource. Landings of octopus are likely to stay stable at the present 360 000 tonnes, or even decline.

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2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. Octopus landings

Octopuses are cephalopods, related to other molluscs such as oysters and snails, yet gifted with unique characteristics octopuses are the most traditional of all cephalopod resources, and have been exploited for more than 2 000 years. Their catches during the last few decades have fluctuated between 180 000 and 360 000 tonnes annually. Octopus catches reached a peak of 362 500 tonnes in 2004 and since show a certain trend for decline. Octopus resources, especially in the Eastern Central Atlantic, are overexploited and national authorities have taken draconic steps for the protection of the species. In 2004 Morocco closed the octopus fisheries for several months. There are some timid signs that this protection measures have paid off and that the resource is slowly recovering.

The most important octopus fisheries and markets are located in Asia (particularly in Japan) and in the Mediterranean countries.

In Chapter 5 of this book, there are several octopus recipes and product description.

Fishing gears for these resources include pots, traps, spears and hooks for the cryptic species, and bottom trawls and seines for those living in open areas.

Table 1: Octopus landings by species – in 1 000 tonnes1

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005

Common octopus 66.4 62.9 62.2 66.8 50.5 50.4 37.5

Horned and musky octopuses 2.1 3.7 3 2.5 2 2.2 8.3

Horned octopus 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 0.3

Octopuses, etc. nei 113.2 144.5 229.2 235 259.3 309.5 313

TOTAL 181.7 211.1 294.4 304.3 311.9 362.5 359.1

Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is by far the main species produced, unfortunately, the share of unidentified octopus in total production is increasing, due to the increased presence of China, a country which does not give indications on the species caught, among the octopus producing countries. Without doubt, most of the Chinese octopus catch is Octopus vulgaris. The species is highly desirable and commands high prices throughout its distributional range and supports artisanal as well as industrial fisheries. It is taken mainly with lures, hooks and lines, pots, spears and otter trawls. Quite important in commercial terms is also the baby octopus (spp.) fisheries in Asia. The main difference is that while the Octopus spp. has a double row of suckers, the Edelone spp. has only one row of suckers on the tentacles. The preference by the consumer for the Octopus spp. goes as far as

1 All tables in this document, if not otherwise indicated, have as source FAO FishStat Plus, or calculations by the author based on FAO FishStat Plus.

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that in Italian markets the common octopus is sold as “polpo verace” that means “the genuine octopus”. Common octopus demand doubles or triples the price of the baby octopus.

2.2. Octopus: an intelligent creature

Octopuses are thought to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates and can change the colour and texture of their skin to blend in with rocks, algae, or coral to avoid predators. Scientists have discovered that octopus has about the same intelligence as a mouse or a rat or certain birds. Most other intelligent animals are long-lived and social. Most octopuses live a year or less, only the giant Pacific octopus lives three or four years. Most other intelligent animals are social animals: crows, parrots, dolphins, elephants, monkeys. Octopuses are not social. The only time they get together is to eat one another or when they are mating.

Octopuses learn relatively quickly. Frida, a five months old female octopus housed in the Hellabrunn Zoo in Germany (imported from Morocco) has learnt a unique talent. After watching zoo attendants open shrimp jars a few times she has learnt to open the jars on her own. She presses the lid against her body and grasps the side of the jar with suckers on her eight tentacles. With a series of body twists, she opens the jar in anywhere from 10 seconds to an hour (depending on how tight the lid is).

Octopuses have been seen to actually assume the appearance of another animal. One example is a brown octopus, about 60 cm long, that slithers along the muddy bottom of shallow, tropical estuaries where rivers spill into the sea and scientists are intrigued by its uncanny ability to impersonate lion fish, soles, and banded sea snakes. Looking a bit like a cartoonist's effort to make strange sea creatures seem more human, two species of octopus have been caught on tape walking on just two of their eight legs. One species wraps six of its legs around itself in a tight ball as it jogs backwards across the sea bed on the other two, somewhat like a little green video game alien trying to avoid being eaten or shot. The other holds six arms up in frozen, crooked poses like tree branches as it moves on two arms that seem to act like mini conveyor belts. This may be a clever way for the animals to disguise themselves from predators while on the move. In one case the octopus tries to look like a coconut, in the second like algae.

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Octopus commercial species2

2 The following commercial species are copied from the FAO Species Catalogue No. 125, vol. 3, now also available on CD-ROM: FAO Fisheries Synopsis No. 125, vols 1 to 18.

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2.3. Octopus production by fishing area and country

Table 2: Octopus catches by fishing area – in 1 000 tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005 Atlantic, Eastern Central 74.4 99.3 131.0 117.9 138.5 45.7 71.6 Atlantic, Northeast 13.1 8.1 14.0 17.7 16.7 14.9 17.6 Atlantic, Southeast 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 Atlantic, Southwest 0.2 0.7 1.2 0.8 1.1 1.6 1.8 Atlantic, Western Central 6.9 7.2 16.6 19.7 23.7 25.6 10.7 Indian Ocean, Eastern 0.5 0.5 3.3 6.4 14.4 12.6 11.7 Indian Ocean, Western 1.1 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.2 2.6 2.5 Mediterranean and Black Sea 22.0 28.5 29.3 26.9 25.9 25.0 31.3 Pacific, Eastern Central 0.1 0.4 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 0.5 Pacific, Northeast 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Pacific, Northwest 54.8 52.2 71.4 74.8 66.8 209.6 190.2 Pacific, Southeast 0.1 2.1 3.9 4.6 2.5 3.6 3.7 Pacific, Southwest 0.0 0.0 0.2 9.1 0.4 0.6 0.5 Pacific, Western Central 7.4 11.1 20.9 23.8 19.2 19.5 16.6 TOTAL 181.7 211.1 294.4 304.3 311.9 362.5 359.1

The above table shows octopus catches by fishing areas; however, it becomes clear that there are some statistical problems with the production in the Northwest Pacific. China only reports since 2003 octopus production and, as it is not identified, all of it is put under the “home” area of China, which is the Northwest Pacific. However, it is apparent that China is also catching in other fishing areas. The below table tries to resolve some problems, by giving octopus catches, excluding China, and gives a more realistic distribution of octopus production by fishing area, showing the substantial decline of octopus production in the Eastern Central Atlantic, and an increase in importance of the Northwest Pacific. Table 3: Octopus catches (excluding China) by fishing area – in 1 000 tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005 Atlantic, Eastern Central 74.4 99.3 129.9 114.4 133.9 45.7 71.6 Atlantic, Northeast 13.1 8.1 14.0 17.7 16.7 14.9 17.6 Atlantic, Southwest 0.2 0.7 1.2 0.8 1.1 1.6 1.8 Atlantic, Western Central 6.9 7.2 16.6 19.7 23.7 25.6 10.7 Indian Ocean, Eastern 0.5 0.5 3.3 6.4 14.4 12.6 11.7 Indian Ocean, Western 1.1 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.2 2.6 2.5 Mediterranean and Black Sea 22.0 28.5 29.3 26.9 25.9 25.0 31.3 Pacific, Northwest 54.8 52.2 71.4 74.8 66.8 73.4 75.3 Pacific, Southeast 0.1 2.1 3.9 4.6 2.5 3.6 3.7 Pacific, Southwest 0.0 0.0 0.2 9.1 0.4 0.6 0.5 Pacific, Western Central 7.4 11.1 20.9 23.8 19.2 19.5 16.6 TOTAL 180.5 210.6 291.9 299.6 305.9 225.0 243.3

China is by far the main octopus fishing nation with catches exceeding 100 000 tonnes. This country started octopus catching rather recently, in the year 2000, catches did not even exceed

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Table 4: Octopus catches by country – in 1 000 tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005 China 0.0 0.0 1.1 3.5 4.6 136.2 114.8 Japan 46.1 40.2 55.1 51.9 47.4 54.7 55.3 Morocco 6.4 21.3 52.3 57.8 99.4 19.2 44.9 Spain 57.7 51.5 38.1 44.0 25.7 18.8 21.8 Korea, Republic of 18.5 20.4 11.8 22.1 19.6 18.6 19.8 Thailand 5.7 9.2 18.5 16.4 24.0 21.3 19.3 Mauritania 3.5 22.1 28.5 18.3 13.7 12.1 14.6 Italy 12.1 13.2 15.1 12.7 10.8 8.2 12.9 Portugal 5.4 3.9 7.0 10.0 9.8 8.9 11.7 Mexico 6.5 6.7 16.4 19.8 23.3 25.4 9.9 Others 19.8 22.6 50.4 47.9 33.6 39.3 34.0 TOTAL 181.7 211.1 294.4 304.3 311.9 362.5 359.1

China is by far the main octopus fishing nation with catches exceeding 100 000 tonnes. This country started octopus catching rather recently, in the year 2000, catches did not even exceed 5 000 tonnes. Japanese catches are fairly stable at 55 000 tonnes. There are some signs of overfishing of the octopus resource in Moroccan waters. Stringent resource management measures, including closed season, resulted in a substantial decline in catches but in recent years catches have been coming back. This shows that the measures have saved the delicate octopus resource. Mauritania, another octopus producer, reports 14 600 tonnes of octopus catches but exports exceed 20 000 tonnes. Spanish octopus catches were hit by the closure of the Moroccan fishing area for Spanish cephalopod boats. As a result, total octopus catches by this country dropped from a peak of 92 000 tonnes back in 1975 to only 20 000 tonnes at present.

2.4. Octopus aquaculture

Up to present, the full system of octopus aquaculture has not been successful. In the 1960s, Japan cultured some 100 tonnes of octopus but production was stopped. At present only Spain reports a small production of 16 tonnes per year. The country is though successful in ongrowing of octopus, similar to bluefin fattening. Ongrowing cycles in cages are still mainly been carried out at an experimental basis, however, the results are promising. Weight increases of 650 g per month are reported, so that the octopus could reach a good commercial weight of 2.5 kg in just three months. As octopus demand a relatively high price on the market, it is likely that there will be more of octopus fattening in coming years.

2.5. Quality requirements, grading and preparation of octopus

Octopus is sold fresh or frozen, whole (clean and debeaked) or as Octopus legs, and raw or cooked. Preferred species for the European market are Octopus vulgaris and Eledone spp. Preferred imported species for the Japanese market are O. vulgaris and O. dofleini. O. maya is playing a certain role in the European and Japanese market. Octopus is usually eaten fresh (boiled), dried or semi-preserved, unlike other cephalopod species, octopus is never eaten raw. Products include boiled, vinegared, seasoned, smoked and dried octopus. Most octopuses are debeaked and eviscerated before being frozen whole in 10 lb or 5 kg blocks. Yield on processing is up to 80 per cent. Packs may weigh 10 or 20 kg with master cartons of 20 kg net weight. For the fresh market, octopus may be frozen whole head-on or whole-gutted. Boiled, chopped octopus is very popular in all Mediterranean countries. Chapter 5 gives recipes for the main octopus dishes in Europe and in Japan.

12

In Japan, octopus is usually imported whole, cleaned (gutted) and block frozen. Almost the entire stock is boiled by processors to meet the Japanese requirement. They are then either shipped in this form or further processed into various products. Quantities of over 4 kg are marinated with vinegar. Those of 3-4 kg weight are marinated or seasoned, 2-3 kg sizes are usually boiled, while those under 0.5 are seasoned. Octopus should not be unduly damaged, smeared with ink, or otherwise discoloured. Frozen blocks should be graded, glazed, wrapped in foil and frozen. World quality requirements are the same as those used in Japan which requires that octopus be defect free with skin intact, fresh, odor free, frozen to a core temperature of -18 °C and naturally coloured. Intestines must be removed with absolutely no parts remaining. If head-on, the head is to be returned to its original position. Actual weight during packing should be 5% more than declared weight. Table 5: Commercial grading for octopus grade:

T 1 > 4kg

T 2 3-4 kg

T 3 2-3 kg most popular size in Japan

T 4 1.5 -2 kg

T 5 1 - 1.5 kg

T 6 0.5 - 1 kg

T 7 0.3 - 0.5 kg

T 8 < 0.3 kg

Following are some of the most common ways of preparing octopus: Boiled: viscera is removed. Small and medium sized octopuses are processed whole, while larger ones are processed after being divided. In order to derive firm flesh after boiling, sufficient and rapid heat has to be applied to reach the central portion. Over boiling tends to spoil taste, texture and appearance. The product should have a glossy purple-red colour and the tentacles should be coiled into a spiral. Boiled octopus is sliced thin and boiled with soybean and potatoes, seasoned and grated with Japanese horseradish (wasabe). Boiled octopuses are packed in 4 kinds of containers with ice, each containing 4, 5, 7 and 8 animals respectively. In Mediterranean Europe, chopped, boiled octopus is sold in 200-400 g packs to retailers, and 3-4 kg packs for restaurants and catering. Vinegared: octopus is cut into a fixed size, immersed in a mixture of vinegar, salt and sweetened respectively. It is stored and transported in this state, and sold in the marinate. Seasoned: small sized octopuses (500 g) have poor taste and market value. Octopus is boiled in order to make it marketable. After cooling, the surface water is removed and the boiled octopus is sealed in a small vinyl bag in a mixture of water, soy sauce, salt, sweetening and artificial sweetening. The marinate penetrates the flesh after several days and the octopus is ready for consumption. Smoked: a small species, Octopus ocelatus is mainly used as raw material. After seasoning, boiled octopus is air-dried and smoked in a smoke house at 50°-90°C for several hours. The smoked octopus is cut into slices which are packed in small bags and sold as processed delicacies. Dried: these are usually sun/air or machine dried. Dried octopus is processed in some districts as a traditional food. The head of a small octopus (1-3 kg) is split open and viscera and eyeballs removed. After washing, the base of the arm is cut open. A U-shaped piece of split bamboo is inserted into the trunk to expand it into a spherical shape. Thus shaped, it is sun-dried for several days in an airy place. Dried octopus is eaten with soy sauce after being torn to bits and roasted or immersed in boiling water for a short time.

13

Figure 1

Octopus processing flow chart

14

3. MAIN SUPPLIERS AND EXPORTERS Table 6: Octopus exports – in tonnes

1976 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 China 14,900 36,208 45,029 Morocco 66,005 99,385 38,331 Viet Nam 989 13,422 30,996 Spain 64,693 31,825 42,805 24,359 23,623 27,842 30,190 Mauritania 11,665 5,332 21,860 28,200 18,106 13,691 14,463 Thailand 1,267 2,264 9,412 13,572 12,133 12,256 10,010 Philippines 6,738 11,732 8,825 Senegal 1,237 - 1,563 - - - 7,206 Indonesia 48 423 985 4,978 India 329 1,712 2,099 4,075 Others 16,382 5,673 9,848 24,708 24,383 24,181 32,282 TOTAL 95,244 45,094 85,488 91,216 169,012 241,801 226,385

In volume terms, China became the main octopus exporter in 2004, when the Moroccan production was hit by a major crisis. Despite the Moroccan recovery in 2005, China continued to be the main exporter also during this year. In value terms, however, Morocco is still the main octopus exporter, followed by Spain (several re-exports through Las Palmas). China is only number three of octopus exporters in value terms. Total octopus exports are worth more than US$ 900 million. Unit value of octopus is highest for Mauritania and Morocco, while the Asian exporters report a far lower value. Value of Mauritanian or Moroccan octopus exceeds US$ 6.00/kg, while Chinese octopus reaches about US$ 2.60/kg only. It is interesting to note that, apart from Spain, all main octopus exporting countries are from the developing world.

Table 7: Octopus exports – in 1000 US$

1976 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Morocco 297,916 276,160 236,535 Spain 68,115 93,239 93,924 87,414 103,718 73,998 159,883 China 47,381 76,095 117,338 Mauritania 10,635 5,205 50,824 96,828 122,582 33,270 94,031 Viet Nam 1,963 26,465 70,814 Senegal 3,369 - 2,456 - - - 31,564 Thailand 795 1,972 5,490 17,563 31,331 21,585 26,750 Philippines 22,014 24,460 22,234 Tunisia 3,018 8,766 7,658 23,322 8,230 2,925 21,488 Portugal 1,612 3,563 8,749 3,819 20,632 Others 7,612 8,304 11,570 45,124 64,245 59,603 110,349 TOTAL 93,544 117,486 173,534 273,814 708,129 598,380 911,618

3.1. Morocco

The graph on Moroccan octopus production (see below) shows better than thousands words the dramatic situation of the octopus resource off Morocco in the early 2000s. After peaking at 112 000 tonnes in 2001, catches declined sharply in 2002 to only 39 000 tonnes. In the following year the Moroccan authorities took drastic steps to protect the resource, steps which were seen as very invasive by the local fishermen. In the period 2001-2004, some 23 months were dedicated to a complete fishing ban for octopus, with a record of 8.5 months in 2004. The 62 processing units based on octopus

15

fishing went through an extremely difficult period in these years; 21 units out of them were converted to small pelagic processing plants with a strong assistance from the Moroccan Government. There are reports that illegal fishing is carried out during the fishing bans and that these products are traded. The official figures for octopus landings show the positive indication of a recovery during 2005 and 2006, a sign that efforts to protect the resource have worked out.

Table 8: Moroccan octopus exports by country of destination – in 1 000 tonnes

199

3

199

4

199

5

199

6

199

7

199

8

199

9

200

0

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5

200

6

Spain 9.3 9.5 6.8 6.0 7.0 9.1 14.7 18.1 22.9 17.4 17.3 13.0 18.0 19.6

Italy 6.1 8.8 7.6 5.2 4.0 4.5 7.5 10.7 9.4 9.7 9.0 5.1 10.1 12.2

Japan 41.6 40.7 47.7 38.1 29.3 45.7 57.0 62.7 38.3 44.1 20.2 4.4 10.3 7.0

Greece 0.5 1.4 1.6 1.1 1.1 1.6 2.8 2.6 2.6 3.2 3.3 0.6 1.7 2.4

Others 1.8 2.2 2.2 1.8 2.9 1.0 1.8 5.2 3.3 2.3 1.7 0.6 0.4 2.6

World 59.3 62.7 66.0 52.3 44.3 62.0 83.7 99.4 76.5 76.7 51.5 23.6 40.5 43.8 Source: COMTRADE

Figure 2

Moroccan octopus production

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

in t

on

nes

16

Table 9: Comparison: Moroccan octopus exports versus production - in 1 000 tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Production 63.9 56.3 57.8 58.6 38.2 42.5 84.6

Exports 59.3 62.7 66 52.3 44.3 62 83.7

Difference 4.5 -6.4 -8.2 6.4 -6.1 -

19.5 0.8

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Production 99.4 113 38.7 28.9 19.2 44.9

Exports 99.4 76.5 76.7 51.5 23.6 40.5 43.8

Difference 0 36.1 -38 -

22.6 -4.5 4.4

During several years, Morocco exported more than what it produced, while imports never exceeded 300 tonnes. While in some years, such as 2001/2002, there was a strong carry over which could explain the higher exports, however, during the following years higher exports can only be explained by illegal octopus reaching the market and being exported.

In recent years, political pressures on the fishing authorities to allow higher fishing quotas have been fierce. The measure of transferable fishing quotas caused several complains by the fishermen’s associations. These quotas create social frictions and encourage vessel owners to dismiss fishermen without indemnities and are likely to lead to concentration of fishing quotas in very few hands. Fishermen’s associations also request the Government to revise the octopus management plans from time to time, based on scientific evidence, allowing higher quotas once the recovery of the octopus stock becomes apparent.

The presentation of Moroccan octopus is very sophisticated. Large specimens are hand-flowered, that means all tentacles are arranged around the body (see photo) and IQF frozen. This product receives a very good price on the European market.

In November 2005, the EU decided to set a minimum size at 450 g (gutted) for octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in the maritime waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of third countries and situated in the CECAF region. Octopus under the minimum size of 450 g (gutted) shall not be retained on board or be transhipped, landed, transported, stored, sold, displayed or offered for sale, but shall be returned immediately to the sea. No imports into the EU from CECAF countries can thus be below this minimum size.

Traditional consumption of octopus in Morocco is low. There are some recipes existing in the country but the main consumption in Morocco is by tourists in restaurants along the Moroccan coastline.

3.2. Mauritania

Mauritania has only started recently to give octopus landing statistics to FAO. The graph indicates a steady decline in production. All indications go for an overexploitation of the existing octopus resource. The access to the Mauritanian octopus resource is distributed between the artisanal fishermen (pot fishing), national industrial fisheries (by trawlers donated in the early nineties by Chinese Development Assistance) and 43 EU trawlers under the 2006-2012 fishing agreement. The catches by each of these categories are up to estimates, from the published and grey material available,

17

the author would estimate the artisanal octopus fisheries at around 7 500 tonnes, the industrial at about 10 000 tonnes and the EU trawlers at about 12 000 tonnes.

Figure 3

Octopus catches - Mauritania

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

ton

nes

Mauritanian octopus statistics are thus difficult to interpret. Official trade statistics talk about 14 400 tonnes of exports in 2005, while the sum of all imports of octopus from Mauritania during the same year was 29 400 tonnes. 2006 statistics show a 10% decline in exports to 27 000 tonnes. Main octopus importing country in the 2006 statistics was Japan with 16 600 tonnes, down from 19 500 tonnes in 2005. This country accounts for over 50% of total Mauritanian octopus exports. Spain and Italy are importing important quantities of octopus from Mauritania, between 4 000 and 5 000 tonnes. Octopus export earnings are important for the Mauritanian industry. Total export earnings in 2005, the last year for which complete export statistics are available, exceeded US$ 170 million. Total foreign exchange earnings of the Mauritanian industry were US$ 980 million, thus octopus accounted for about 18% of total import earnings. However, back in 1995, the share of octopus was much more important at 32% of total foreign exchange earnings.

18

Table 10: Mauritanian octopus exports – in tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Japan 30883 26052 25921 22976 20992 18613 24785

Spain 4928 2199 2622 2080 1910 2604 3143

Italy 0 2604 4880 2991 2548 1144 3218

China 0 0 31 55 160 286 1747

Greece 2723 1322 311 931 69 91 336

Morocco 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Others 185 598 486 355 514 229 765 Grand

Total 38719 32775 34251 29389 26192 22967 33993

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Japan 21272 10248 7622 11777 14487 19460 16600

Spain 2657 2735 2562 3488 2897 2816 4900

Italy 2687 7085 6037 4095 3464 5386 3374

China 1943 1624 2904 1704 1150 1196 1165

Greece 347 465 387 796 224 497 607

Morocco 0 0 0 0 14 14 283

Others 816 1096 484 333 39 52 74 Grand

Total 29722 23254 19996 22193 22275 29421 27004

This table is based on import statistics by main importing countries; source both national statistics plus COMTRADE

While the official Mauritanian catch and trade statistics, as reported to FAO, almost balance (see table below) the statistics reported by each importing country, when compared to catches show a difference of over 10 000 tonnes. Probably this difference is represented by catches from foreign fleets (mainly Spanish vessels) landed in Mauritanian harbours and then exported overseas. Table 11: Mauritanian octopus catches compared with exports – in tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Catches 23 230 21 520 18 250 18 770 14 620 18 420 12 758

Export quantity (FAO) 22 960 21 338 18 106 18 640 14 567 13 607 12 724

Catches – export (FAO) 270 182 144 130 53 4 813 34

Export (by importing countries) 38 719 32 775 34 251 29 389 26 192 22 967 33 993

Difference to catches (catches – export by importing country) -15 489 -11 255 -16 001 -10 619 -11 572 -4 547 -21 235

19

cont.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Catches 13 709 13 576 11 300 12 000 12 104 14 634

Export quantity (FAO) 13 691 13 469 11 241 11 892 12 060 14 463

Catches – export (FAO) 18 107 59 108 44 171

Export (by importing countries) 29722 23 254 19 996 22 193 22 275 29 421

Difference to catches (catches – export by importing country) -16 013 -9 678 -8 696 -10 193 -10 171 -14 787

Table 12: Comparison: Mauritanian and Moroccan catches versus exports from both countries – in 1000 tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Production 87.1 77.8 76.1 77.4 52.8 61.0 97.3 113.1 126.2 50.0 40.9 31.3 59.6

Exports 98.1 95.5 100.3 81.7 70.4 85.0 117.7 129.1 99.8 96.7 73.7 45.9 69.9

Difference -10.9 -17.7 -24.2 -4.3 -17.6 -24.0 -20.4 -16.0 26.4 -46.7 -32.8 -14.6 -10.3

3.3. China

Very little is known about the Chinese octopus production. While a certain part of the production is coming from the fishing areas around China, the majority is without doubt taken outside this area, especially in the Eastern Central Atlantic. As the graph shows, production suddenly started to be recorded in 2003, in 2004 a peak of 140 000 tonnes was reached. Chinese consumers are not found of octopus, so most of the catch is exported.

Chinese octopus exports grew impressively over the years to reach 40 000 tonnes in 2004, worth almost US$ 100 million. Since that date, lower catches led to lower exports but still total octopus exports from China were worth almost US$ 90 million in 2006.

Unit value of Chinese octopus exports follows the international market demand, seeing a strong increase during the past three years. In 2006, the unit value reached a high US$ 2.76/kg, still far below, however, the Moroccan octopus export price.

The Republic of Korea is by far the main importing country of octopus from China. Practically some 90% of Chinese octopus exports end up in the Republic of Korea, only 9% goes to Japan, while other countries import only small quantities of octopus from China. China is very close to Morocco with regard to total octopus exports. In the coming years, China will overtake Morocco with regard to export earnings from octopus exports.

20

Figure 4

Chinese octopus landings

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

Figure 5

Chinese Octopus Exports - Value versus Quantity

$0

$20

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

19931995

19971999

20012003

20051993

19951997

19992001

20032005

Mil

lio

ns

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

ton

nes

Trade Value

Trade Quantity

21

Table 13: Chinese exports by country of destination – in 1000 tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Rep. of Korea 0 0.5 8.8 26.8 17.5 16.2 26.8

Japan 0.2 0.1 6.5 6.4 5.4 7 7.7

USA 0.1 0 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.3 0.8

Thailand 0 0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0 0

China, Hong Kong SAR 0 0 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.2

Viet Nam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Others 0 0 0 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.1

Total 0.2 0.8 16.8 34.4 24.5 24.3 35.7

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Rep. of Korea 26.5 36 35.6 41.4 48 37.7 42.9

Japan 8.3 6.4 7.8 4.2 7 5.2 4.3

USA 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.8 1

Thailand 0 0.1 0 0 0 0.2 0.7

China, Hong Kong SAR 0.5 0.3 0 0 0 0.2 0.1

Viet Nam 0 0 0.1 0 0 0 0

Others 0 0.7 0.6 1.1 1.1 0.3 0

Total 36.2 44.4 45.1 47.9 57.3 44.8 49.3

Source: COMTRADE

Figure 6

Unit value of Chinese octopus exports

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

US

$/k

g

22

3.4. Spain

Spain is a main producer of octopus but also a main consumer. Traditionally the Spanish fleet was harvesting octopus on the Saharan Bank but the establishment of national EEZs and the later phasing out of fishing agreements with Morocco put an end to this fisheries. The new EU-Moroccan fishing agreement excludes cephalopods in a move to protect this valuable resource, principally octopus. The following graph shows the impressive decline of Spanish octopus catches that had peaked in 1975 at more than 100 000 tonnes to below 20 000 tonnes in 2004. The dramatic decline in the late nineties was caused by the phasing out of the EU-Moroccan fishing agreement. As a result of the decline of domestic octopus catches, Spain became a main importing country of octopus, but still, it is also an important exporter of octopus, due to the landings and shipments of octopus through the traditional market place Las Palmas.

Figure 7

Octopus catches by Spain

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

1950

1952

1954

1956

1958

1960

1962

1964

1966

1968

1970

1972

1974

1976

1978

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

ton

nes

A detailed listing of the fishing areas of Spanish catches shows that landings from the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean have stayed quite stable over the years, while the main decline occurred in the Saharan Bank. Table 14: Spanish octopus catches – in tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005 Atlantic, Eastern Central 45,251 40,343 25,741 31,000 11,379 8,142 9,894

Mediterranean and Black Sea 28 12 16

Atlantic, Northeast 7,725 4,052 6,757 7,318 6,339 5,572 5,772

Atlantic, Southeast - - - - 47

23

Despite all declines in octopus landings, Spain continues to be a major exporter of octopus, mainly to the Italian and Portuguese markets. Total exports are in the range of 27 000 tonnes per year. Exports of octopus even increased, despite the decline in catches. This shows that Spain is still a main trading partner for octopus shipments, especially through the Las Palmas facilities. Table 15: Spanish octopus exports – in 1000 tonnes

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Italy 2.9 4.0 6.9 6.2 9.1 8.0 9.8 9.1 9.1 7.5 9.2 8.8 Portugal 1.7 1.5 1.8 2.7 2.8 5.1 6.7 6.2 6.4 6.3 8.1 8.5 Japan 1.7 2.9 12.1 14.4 14.5 8.1 3.9 3.6 5.8 5.9 5.8 4.2 Greece 0.9 0.7 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.9 1.7 1.8 2.0 Germany 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 Others 1.2 1.4 2.3 2.0 3.2 3.9 3.2 2.8 2.7 2.4 2.4 2.8 Grand Total 9.9 11.8 25.6 27.8 32.0 27.7 26.7 25.0 27.2 25.1 28.6 27.7

Source: EUROSTAT

3.5. Viet Nam

Viet Nam is one of the major octopus exporting countries but unfortunately the country does not specify cephalopod landings. In 2005 the country reported almost 200 000 tonnes of unspecified cephalopod landings, of which an important quantity was octopus. Octopus inhabits in the Gulf of Tonkin waters, at the depth of 10-50 m, mainly around Cai Chien, Co To island (Quang Ninh province), Bach Long Vi, Cat Ba (Hai Phong province), Hon Me (Thanh Hoa province) and is scattered in the Central waters, especially in Phan Rang, Phan Thiet, and Binh Thuan provinces. Similar to some cuttlefishes, octopus lives mainly in the bottom layers of 30-80 m. Only one species, O. aegina (O. aegina has frequently been treated under the name of a junior synonym, Octopus dollfusi) appears in the central and southern waters of Viet Nam. There are two main seasons in Viet Nam, i.e. northern season and southern season: - northern season: in January, February, March and April. - southern season: from June to September. There is no specific fishing gear for octopus. They are caught mainly by marine fishes fishing gears, especially trawlers. Exports of octopus in Viet Nam have been expanding rapidly, partly due to the increase in the catch of trawlers, especially offshore fishing. Most of the processed products are frozen, e.g. block, IQF, semi-IQF, frozen on tray, vacuum packing. Their forms of processing include fillet, steak, flowered, ready-to-eat, sushi, sashimi, and others. Table 16: Vietnamese octopus exports – in tonnes

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

989 4,264 13,806 12,364 15,509 13,422 20,583 26,317 23,351 35,688 30,996 Viet Nam reported quite high octopus exports in 2004 with 35 700 tonnes, to decline somewhat to

31 000 tonnes in 2005. Indications are for a recovery of exports in 2006, as can be seen from the below COMTRADE table. Similar to Chinese exports, the Republic of Korea is the main importing country of octopus from Viet Nam, taking advantage of lower tariffs on octopus imports, which the Republic of Korea has granted to exporting countries in recent years. This country alone accounts for more than half of Vietnamese octopus exports. Italy has emerged as an important market for Vietnamese octopus, especially the baby octopus, well liked

24

in the seafood salad producing industry. Surprisingly, Japan is only number three importer of Vietnamese octopus, with an about stable tendency. Vietnamese exports going to the European market are mainly baby octopus (Octopus aegina also named O. dollfusi). This species is caught in the southern part of Viet Nam as well as in Thailand and India. It is processed whole, gutted, eyes off, teeth off. Baby octopuses, which are blue ringed, are larger and more developed than other octopuses. In the course of one year baby octopuses grow quickly to 2-3 pounds. They are born about one quarter of an inch long. In the early stages they swim to the surface and float around as plankton - tiny plants and animals that drift in the ocean - until they settle down on the sea belt when they are about 1 ½ pound in weight growing at great speed - reaching 2-3 pounds in one year, continuing to gain 2% of body weight per day. Despite the large size they can reach, the market size is small. Animals weighing between 10 and 20 g each are the norm of the octopus exported to the European market. Some specimens reach 100 g, but they are rather the exception.

Table 17: Vietnamese octopus exports by country of destination – in 1000 tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Rep. of Korea 0.0 0.4 0.4 2.4 2.8 3.2 5.5

Italy 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.2 1.7 1.5

Japan 0.0 0.5 0.5 1.4 3.6 3.5 4.2

Spain 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.7 1.3

Australia 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.4

USA 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2

China 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3

Others 0.0 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.6

Grand Total 0.2 1.2 2.1 4.6 8.9 10.1 14.1

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Rep. of Korea 7.6 10.2 12.8 14.2 17.9 16.2 19.0

Italy 1.3 2.3 2.9 3.5 3.8 3.8 5.6

Japan 2.4 3.9 4.7 4.9 5.9 5.6 5.5

Spain 1.2 1.2 1.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 1.9

Australia 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.9 1.0 1.3 1.3

USA 0.1 0.5 0.4 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0

China 0.2 0.4 0.9 0.9 1.6 2.1 0.8

Others 0.6 0.9 0.9 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.3

Grand Total 13.6 19.8 24.3 28.7 34.1 33.0 36.4 Source: COMTRADE, these statistics are based on import statistics by

declaring countries plus some national import statistics for 2006.

Vietnamese octopus is of very low market value, which is prompted by the small size of the species exported. During the past 12 years under review, the value has increased slightly, which reflects the entrance of Italy as one of the main markets. In 2006, the average price reached US$ 2.12/kg.

25

Figure 8

Unit value of Vietnamese octopus exports

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

2.2

2.4

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

US

$/k

g

3.6. Thailand

Thailand catches and exports both giant octopus (O. dolfeini) and baby octopus (O. aegina). The catch

of the latter is estimated at about 15 000 tonnes per year. Total Thai octopus catches peaked at over 30 000 tonnes in 1998 and has since declined steadily to about 20 000 tonnes in 2005. It is interesting to note that Thai octopus catches are equally distributed between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Octopus catches in the Indian Ocean areas have started relatively recently, in the mid eighties, but at present this fishing area is more important than the traditional Western Central Pacific one. There are indications that the Pacific octopus resource off Thailand is under stress as most other fisheries resources in the Gulf of Thailand.

Table 18: Thai octopus landings by fishing area – in tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 Indian Ocean, Eastern - 303 2,704 5,541 13,073

Pacific, Western Central 5,738 8,922 15,828 10,828 10,885

TOTAL 5,738 9,225 18,532 16,369 23,958

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Indian Ocean, Eastern 14,267 13,644 10,249 11,028 10,457

Pacific, Western Central 8,065 8,469 9,449 10,228 8,888

TOTAL 22,332 22,113 19,698 21,256 19,345

26

Figure 9

Thai Octopus catches

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

ton

ne

s

Table 19: Thai octopus exports by product – in tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Octopus, frozen 11,601 13,315 12,085 12,635 11,865 10,811 12,750

Octopus, live, fresh or chilled 37 59 48 198 129 212 395

TOTAL 11,638 13,374 12,133 12,833 11,994 11,023 13,145

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Octopus, frozen 12,055 11,107 10,996 10,770 12,622 9,996

Octopus, live, fresh or chilled 201 58 105 134 156 14

TOTAL 12,256 11,165 11,101 10,904 12,778 10,010

Thai octopus exports reflect the up-and-downs of production over the years under review. In 1999, exports peaked at 13 100 tonnes to come down to 11 000 tonnes in the following years. In 2006, national statistics indicate a decline to only 8 000 tonnes. Fresh and chilled octopus exports are marginal and most of the product is exported in frozen form. Similar to Viet Nam, the presentation of octopus exports is very sophisticated. Italy and Japan are the main importing countries of Thai octopus, with Japanese importers preferring the bigger octopus and the Italian market taking the baby octopus. In 2006, Japanese imports from Thailand went down as bigger sized octopus from Morocco returned to the market, while Italian imports continued high.

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Table 20: Thai octopus exports by country of destination – in 1000 tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Japan 4.8 5.6 4.5 4.5 3.9 2.2 3.3

Italy 2.1 1.8 2.3 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.2

Rep. of Korea 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.0

Australia 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.9

USA 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.9

Others 3.3 4.0 3.5 3.3 3.2 3.7 3.8

World 11.6 13.4 12.2 12.9 12.0 11.0 13.2

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Japan 4.8 3.5 3.9 2.9 3.4 3.0 1.9

Italy 3.0 2.6 3.1 3.4 5.1 2.9 3.4

Rep. of Korea 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.7 1.2 1.6 1.0

Australia 1.6 1.6 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.7 0.6

USA 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.9

Others 2.3 2.5 2.2 2.4 1.6 2.4 0.5

World 12.3 11.2 11.1 11.0 12.7 11.1 8.3

The unit value of Thai octopus exports shows various things. First of all, the average unit value is much higher than the one of Viet Nam. Secondly, Japanese octopus imports lost value over the years, while Italy became the most expensive market for Thai octopus exports.

Figure 10

Unit value of Thai octopus exports

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

US

$/k

g

Italy

World

Japan

USA

28

3.7. Mexico

Mexico is an important octopus producer, landing mainly O. vulgaris and O. maya from the Atlantic coast of Yucatan. On the Pacific coast, the only species landed is: Paraoctopus limaculatus but the production of this fishing area is very limited. Landings in Mexico are normally around 20 000 tonnes, with a peak of 30 000 tonnes registered in 1996. However, in 2005 catches registered a sharp decline to only 10 000 tonnes. In the Yucatan area, landings vary between 10 000 and 15 000 tonnes. This decline was prompted by bad catches in the Yucatan, which were only 5 000 tonnes, and resulted in more than US$ 2.8 million in economic losses for the local industry. The figures are dismal when compared to the 2004 campaign when some 13 000 tonnes of octopus were landed. Blaming the 2005 woes on inclement weather, Yucatan entrepreneurs and fishers agree that this has been the worst year in history for Mexican octopus fishing. During 2005, no octopus from Yucatan could be exported to Japan or Europe. Moreover, the local industry was forced to purchase octopus in Campeche to maintain at least some of its foreign markets. The octopus season in Yucatan involves up to 20 000 fishermen, a figure which shows the importance of octopus fisheries for the local population. Fortunately, 2006 was a normal year of production, bringing catches back to the 2004 level.

Figure 11

Mexican octopus landings

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

1966

1968

1970

1972

1974

1976

1978

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

ton

nes

Table 21: Mexican octopus exports by country of destination – in 1000 tonnes

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Italy 0.0 0.0 1.5 3.8 0.3 0.2 1.3 0.7 2.6 1.1 2.1 2.0 2.9

Spain 0.0 1.3 5.8 6.7 1.7 0.6 0.8 1.4 1.1 0.2 1.0 1.0 2.0

Japan 0.0 0.3 4.0 2.0 1.7 0.0 1.1 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.7 0.1 1.7

Panama 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.9 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.6

USA 0.3 4.0 3.6 1.1 0.2 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.5

Uruguay 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.8 0.7 0.8 0.2 1.5 0.5 0.3

Others 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.4

World 1.2 6.3 15.8 14.8 4.1 1.6 5.9 4.5 7.6 2.0 8.7 3.9 8.4 Source: COMTRADE, these statistics are based on import statistics by declaring countries plus some national

import statistics for 2006.

29

Total Mexican octopus exports show the return to normal in octopus catches during 2006. Italy was the main importing country of Mexican octopus. In 2006, Mexico became the seventh most important exporter of octopus to the Italian market, while Spain and Japan experienced important ups-and-downs in imports of octopus from Mexico, depending mainly on the availability of octopus. Indications of the 2007 octopus fishing season are negative, with a substantial reduction, similar to the one experienced in 2005. Mexico also has some home consumption of octopus, which is limited at about 10 000 tonnes, or 0.1 kg of consumption.

Figure 12

Unit value of Mexican octopus exports

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

US

$/k

g

Italy

Japan

Spain

USA

3.8. Senegal

Octopus catches by Senegal reached a peak of over 35 000 tonnes in 1999, to decline sharply since. It has to be noted that there is a marked difference between the declared exports and the declared catches, with in recent years, exports exceeding catches.

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Table 22: Senegalese octopus exports by country of destination – in tonnes

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Italy 0.0 4177.9 2861.7 2031.2 1194.6 3609.5 22027.5

Japan 228.3 1004.0 65.2 728.1 83.0 346.9 1174.8

Spain 999.3 874.4 892.8 667.1 1252.4 1455.6 5130.4

Greece 0.0 69.3 315.5 101.9 188.6 99.8 1765.8

Thailand 0.0 65.5 116.5 207.6 66.3 16.5 664.4

China 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Others 98.2 494.5 425.1 111.2 184.9 185.2 1417.5

Grand Total 1325.8 6685.6 4676.8 3847.1 2969.7 5713.5 32180.4

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Italy 7029.5 2639.3 10189.3 8299.0 5855.5 4744.1 3666.5

Japan 1216.1 324.7 1787.1 1558.4 1905.2 1776.8 930.8

Spain 1000.5 769.5 1255.1 1979.9 1447.4 738.6 522.5

Greece 1539.7 87.0 423.5 711.5 255.9 730.0 336.3

Thailand 606.6 213.7 133.8 70.3 85.8 116.0 172.5

China 307.6 0.0 115.9 219.5 299.5 103.9 142.7

Others 867.0 316.6 332.1 171.6 190.5 350.1 258.1

Grand Total 12566.9 4350.8 14236.6 13010.2 10039.7 8559.6 6029.5 Source: COMTRADE, these statistics are based on import statistics by declaring countries

plus some national import statistics for 2006.

Figure 13

Senegal octopus catches

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

ton

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s

Senegalese octopus exports had an exploit in 1999, reaching 32 200 tonnes, from only 5 700 tonnes one year earlier. After this outstanding year, which was prompted by exceptionally high octopus catches, octopus exports have declined to 6 000 tonnes at present. By far the main octopus importing country of Senegalese octopus is Italy, followed by Japan and Spain. The unit value of octopus exports from Senegal went down sharply in 1999, when the bumper catch was registered, since then the unit

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value has come up again to an average of US$ 5.00/kg. This unit value is in line with the product exported from Morocco, which underlines the good quality of Senegalese octopus in the world market. Figure 14

Unit value of Senegalese octopus exports

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

US

$/k

g Italy

Japan

Total

4. MAIN CONSUMERS AND IMPORTERS

Table 23: World octopus imports – in 1000 tonnes 1976 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Korea, Republic of 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 9.9 36.4 63.3 Japan 94.4 63.5 98.6 91.5 97.9 116.3 55.5 Italy 6.3 11.9 22.0 28.8 28.8 36.3 51.9 Spain 0.8 2.6 5.8 12.2 19.3 30.3 39.0 USA 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.8 11.4 12.9 13.8 Portugal 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.4 2.4 6.2 8.1 Greece 0.0 0.0 3.7 3.0 4.2 7.2 7.0 China 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.8 7.1 6.7 Thailand 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 4.7 4.1 France 0.8 0.6 0.9 1.4 1.4 2.7 3.2 Others 0.3 1.3 4.6 6.9 14.8 16.7 17.7 TOTAL 102.6 79.9 135.8 153.2 196.9 276.7 270.3

Import figures for octopus reflect the general trend experienced in catch and export: they have been increasing continuously from 1976 to 2000, to drop off in recent years. However, when looking at the 2005 figures, there is a 50 000 tonnes or 20% of total octopus, traded difference between exports and imports. This indicates that export figures are less accurate than the import figures.

The Republic of Korea emerged as the main importer of octopus in quantity terms in recent years. This was mainly due to the disappearance of import restrictions, favouring octopus imports. Japan thus has lost its top position to the Republic of Korea, with imports of octopus declining from a peak of 131 000 tonnes back in 1993 to 55 000 tonnes in 2005. During 2006, Japan saw a further decline in its

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imports and was overtaken by Italy. The main reason for the continuous decline in Japanese imports is the consumer preference for the T3 size of octopus, which is 2-3 kg. Imports thus have to be O. vulgaris, while baby octopus is not accepted in this market and thus Japan depends completely on the supply from the Eastern Central Atlantic area, with all the problems in resource depletion and catch restrictions experienced. On the other hand, the Republic of Korea and Italy import in large quantities baby octopus, which seems to be in plenty supply, from Viet Nam and Thailand. It is interesting to note the emergence of the United States of America as a major octopus importer. In value terms Japan is still the main octopus importer, followed closely by Spain and Italy. In 2005, despite the declining quantities of octopus traded worldwide, the value of imports reached in new high of US$ 1.13 million.

Table 24: World octopus imports – in million US$

1976 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Japan 121.2 195.8 233.1 358.4 533.8 361.2 312.6 Spain 0.7 4.1 9.5 37.0 84.0 85.6 227.6 Italy 5.4 23.8 30.3 80.4 113.7 75.4 226.9 Korea, Republic of 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 23.6 57.6 137.3 Greece 0.0 0.0 6.7 11.9 20.8 20.2 44.6 Portugal 0.0 0.0 0.1 3.6 8.4 16.8 43.4 United States of America 0.0 0.0 0.0 22.2 40.3 32.0 39.4 China 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.2 15.8 19.0 France 0.9 1.8 1.7 4.2 5.9 6.0 12.4 Germany 0.3 0.9 1.3 5.3 9.7 5.5 10.8 Other 0.0 3.0 5.2 15.8 61.2 49.3 60.1 TOTAL 128.6 229.5 287.9 539.2 908.7 725.4 1134.0

4.1. The Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea traditionally was protecting its fishing industry with high tariffs on seafood and an import licensing system. For cephalopods, imports were prohibited in order to defend the local fishery and save foreign exchange. In September 1991, the Government started to permit imports of octopus, starting with salted or in brine products. In January 1994, frozen octopus got liberalized. At present, the import tariff on octopus is still 20% but is reduced substantially under the ASEAN-Korea free trade agreement. The only country which is still not allowed to export frozen octopus to the Republic of Korea is the Dem. Republic of Korea.

After the liberalization in 1994, octopus imports into the Republic of Korea boomed, making the country the world top importing nation. Imports went up steadily from 10 000 tonnes in 1995 to 30 000 tonnes in the year 2000, to reach 52 500 tonnes in 2006. Judging from the available statistics for the opening months of 2007, imports of octopus into the Republic of Korea will continue to grow. China is by far the main supplying country to the Korean market but Viet Nam has been growing strongly in recent years, to reach 19 000 tonnes in 2006. The ASEAN-Korean free trade agreement will give a further push to this trade in coming years. Total value of octopus imports into the Republic of Korea was US$ 121 million in 2006, a 23% increase over 2005.

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Table 25: Republic of Korea octopus imports – in tonnes 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 China 41.0 7448.8 20535.4 23598.8 24287.8 26420.7 31120.1 31155.4 30588.3 Viet Nam 0.0 443.3 7564.1 10197.4 12849.9 14165.3 17923.9 16235.2 18997.1 Thailand 0.0 212.2 43.0 523.8 462.1 651.1 1017.8 1715.5 1015.3 Indonesia 0.0 221.5 69.0 117.3 33.4 184.9 341.1 620.1 936.7 Others 178.4 1476.0 1301.9 2476.3 1439.4 1272.4 756.4 946.2 969.6 Total 219.4 9801.8 29513.5 36913.4 39072.6 42694.5 51159.3 50672.4 52507.0

Source: national statistics

Catches of octopus resented the introduction of import liberalization and declined sharply in the year 1994. However, the local fishermen seem to have managed to survive even in this open economy and catches recovered soon. At present about 20 000 tonnes of octopus are landed by Korean vessels, very much in line with pre-liberalization catch levels.

Korean vessels used to catch octopus in the Eastern Central Atlantic during the seventies and eighties. Catches from this area were around 10 000 tonnes. Korean vessels left this area in 1990. At present, almost all the Korean catch of octopus originates from local waters.

Table 26: Republic of Korea octopus landings by fishing area – in tonnes

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 Atlantic, Eastern Central . . 2,134 10,079 1,118 387 19 Pacific, Northwest 1,500 1,300 2,900 8,354 10,663 19,148 19,685 TOTAL 1,500 1,300 5,034 18,453 11,786 19,605 19,765

Figure 15

Octopus catches by the Republic of Korea

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

ton

ne

s

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The Republic of Korea is not only the world’s main octopus importing country but also, by far, the main octopus consumer. Not surprisingly the country has plenty of recipes on how to prepare octopus dishes (see Chapter 5). When calculating the live weight3 per caput consumption of octopus in the Republic of Korea, some 2 kg of octopus are consumed per year, which compares to 1.2 kg and 1.4 kg for Greece or Italy respectively, other huge consuming countries of octopus. The consumption of octopus grew enormously after the liberalization of octopus imports, in the 1980s the consumption was only 0.5 kg.

Table 27: Republic of Korea octopus per caput consumption – in tonnes

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Catches 18453 20410 11786 22142 19605 19765 Imports 0 280 800 12740 45140 78276 Exports 1151 1855 7178 922 1017 224 Total 19604 22545 19764 35804 65761 98265 Population 38124 40806 42869 45041 46835 48261 per caput (kg) 0.45 0.46 0.13 0.75 1.36 2.03

Source: author’s calculations

Despite the strong demand on the Korean market, the unit value of octopus sold to the country is not very high, just around US$ 2.50/kg. This can be explained with the preference for baby octopus, a species which commands a lower price. The trend is, however, an increasing one, a tendency which is likely to continue in coming years.

Figure 16

Unit value of Korean octopus imports

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

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2007

US

$/k

g

3 The live weight conversion factors used are: 1 for fresh, 1.3 for frozen and 4 for dried octopus.

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4.2. Japan

Japan used to be the main octopus importing country with more than 100 000 tonnes imports in the late 1980s. However, in recent years, imports have declined continuously, while the average price of octopus in the Japanese market has gone up steadily. Consumer resistance towards high prices was noticed by traders. As a result octopus consumption went down in recent years. Apart from the consumer resistance towards over-prized octopus, also changing consumer preference and the economic crisis experienced by Japan influenced the octopus market.

Figure 17

Japanese octopus prices

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

Jan

-84

Jan

-85

Jan

-86

Jan

-87

Jan

-88

Jan

-89

Jan

-90

Jan

-91

Jan

-92

Jan

-93

Jan

-94

Jan

-95

Jan

-96

Jan

-97

Jan

-98

Jan

-99

Jan

-00

Jan

-01

Jan

-02

Jan

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Jan

-04

Jan

-05

Jan

-06

Jan

-07

US

$/k

g

2.0/3.0 kg/pc

0.3/0.5 kg/pc

In Japan, octopus is eaten boiled rather than raw. Products include boiled, vinegar seasoned, smoked and dried. Boiled octopus is served as “sashimi” or further seasoned and processed. Vinegar seasoned octopus is boiled, chopped and marinated in vinegar, salt and sugar. This seasoned octopus is made from small octopus, less than 500 g in size. It is boiled and marinated in soya sauce, salt, sweetening agent and artificial seasoning. Small octopus is also eaten as snack (Takoyaki) (see Chapter 5). In Japan octopus is mainly imported whole, cleaned (gutted) and block frozen. Almost the entire stock is boiled by processors to meet the Japanese requirements. They are then either shipped in this form or further processed into various products. Quantities of over 4 kg are vinegared. Those of 3-4 kg weight are vinegared or seasoned, 2-3 kg sizes are usually boiled, while those under 0.5 are seasoned.

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Table 28: Japanese octopus imports – in 1000 tonnes

1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 2005 2006

Mauritania 25.4 19.5 25.9 21.3 14.5 19.5 16.6 China * * * 3.4 13.1 9.9 8.2 Morocco 22.4 32.9 49.1 72.6 5.2 8.7 8.7 Spain 33.5 19.5 14.4 7.7 5.9 6.2 4.0 Viet Nam * * * 2.4 5.9 5.6 5.5 Thailand 4.8 6.6 4.0 4.4 1.8 3.0 1.9 Korea Rep 10.4 1.3 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 Others 2.1 11.7 4.2 4.2 6.9 2.6 3.5 Total 98.6 91.5 97.9 116.3 53.3 55.5 48.4

Source: national import statistics While Japanese octopus imports were around 100 000 tonnes during the 1980s and 1990s, to peak at 130 000 tonnes in 1993, imports have gone down during the course of recent years, to a low 48 400 tonnes in 2006. Japan was thus the hardest hit by resource problems and consequent catch restrictions in the Eastern Central Atlantic. Moroccan exports, especially to the Japanese market, declined impressively, from a peak of 72 600 tonnes in the year 2000 to a most 8 700 tonnes in 2006. On the other hand Mauritania maintained more or less its exports to the Japanese market, expanding its role in this market from a modest 18% in the year 2000 to 30% in 2006. China and Viet Nam increased their presence on the Japanese market, which indicates that the cheaper baby octopus, mainly used in the snack market, has increased its share in the Japanese market.

Figure 18

Unit value of Japanese octopus imports

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

197

6197

7197

8197

9198

0198

1198

2198

3198

4198

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2199

3199

4199

5199

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7199

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0200

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2200

3200

4200

5U

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/kg

Unit value of Japanese octopus imports is relatively high, especially when compared with the Korean values. An average unit value of US$ 6.00/kg has been recorded for recent years. This is caused by higher imports of la

GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMMEChina is by far the main octopus fishing nation, with catches exceeding...

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