Tuna Fishing in Ōma: A Photo Essay on the “Black Diamonds” of the Sea

Heading out for the Ōma tuna haul. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

Mackerel for live bait are caught on handlines. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

A live-tank filled with mackerel. Fresh seawater is constantly circulated in the container to keep its contents lively. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

The first catch appeared around sunrise. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

There is nothing to cast a shade on the high seas, so it grows bright even before the sun is high, but work on the rocking boat is still tricky. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

The tuna is landed with care to prevent damage. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

The tuna’s tail is quickly removed to check the meat. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

Bleeding the fish is a battle against time. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

The wrapped tuna is submerged in ice water. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

There is no room to stand on the narrow deck with all the equipment and the landed tuna itself. (© Uzawa Akihiko)

The day’s catch was 10 fish. After the fish are offloaded and weighed at Ōma port, they’re once more put into ice water to await delivery. (© Uzawa Akihiko)