A city in Toyama Prefecture that suffered damage from the January 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake has declared the start of the winter fatty yellowtail season.

The local fisheries industry hopes that the popular winter delicacy will help promote reconstruction of the Noto region.

Himi is a port city located at the base of the Noto Peninsula in central Japan. Wild yellowtail caught off Toyama Bay in the winter season is especially known for its fattiness. The fish is typically sold at high prices.

Members of the local fisheries cooperative and others confirmed the size and shape of the yellowtail caught early Wednesday and declared that the winter yellowtail season has begun.

The season reportedly began roughly a month earlier than last year.

Some of the yellowtail weighed significantly more than 10 kilograms. Buyers were seen bidding for the fish at an auction held at the fishing port. The yellowtail were promptly shipped or delivered to their destinations.

A fishmonger who successfully bid for roughly 40 head of yellowtail said he is happy that the season has been declared open, that the catch was abundant and that he was able to purchase them cheaper than usual.

Tokumae Yasuhiro said he had seen a decline in the number of customers after the quake, but he hopes the yellowtail season will prompt many people to savor the delicacy, and that it will lead to rebuilding the region.