Factors Influencing Tuna Prices in Japan and Implications for the Development of the Coral Sea Tuna Fishery

Since 1981 the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments have spent A$1 million trying to develop the Australian tuna fishery industry. Little progress has been made, however, because local fishermen have not been able to obtain consistently high prices for chilled tuna air‐freighted to Japan. It is argued that a lack of market knowledge is the key reason for the industry′s failure. A review of the marketing literature on fishing and auction sales in Japan is presented and the results of the authors′ research are described.