Strict Regulations Help Protect the Resource
One of the characteristics of Sotobo Abalone is its relatively large size. In the region, harvesting abalone measuring 12 centimeters or less is prohibited. This regulation helps ensure that the shellfish have sufficient time to grow before they are harvested.
Such strict fishing restrictions are part of the efforts to maintain the quality of the product while protecting the long-term sustainability of the local abalone fishery.
Protecting the Sea for Future Generations
Local fishing communities are also actively involved in resource conservation and marine environmental protection. Young abalone are released into the sea to help replenish natural stocks, while efforts are made to maintain healthy fishing grounds.
These ongoing activities reflect the commitment of local fishermen to preserving both the abalone population and the coastal environment that supports it.
Best Season
April to October
For travelers visiting the Sotobo area during the warmer months, abalone is a special local seafood worth seeking out. Its connection to traditional fishing methods, strict resource management, and the rich marine environment of the Boso Peninsula makes Sotobo Abalone a distinctive taste of Chiba’s Pacific coast.