Japanese flying squid faces zero catch by 2040s under every emissions path

A study in Communications Earth & Environment projects the Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) will reach a zero-catch state in the 2040s under all modeled emissions scenarios. South Korean catches fell about 94.6%, from 253,000 metric tons in 1996 to 14,000 in 2024, while Japan cut its quota 76% to a record 19,200 tons.

• Zero-catch state projected for the 2040s under every emissions scenario
• South Korean catches fell 94.6%, from 253,000 tons in 1996 to 14,000 in 2024
• Japan cut its allowable catch 76% to a record low of 19,200 tons
• Three drivers: warming, La Niña-linked heatwaves and northward yellowtail