Japan crab catch quota hits 8-year high as conservation pays off

Japan crab catch quota hits 8-year high as conservation pays off Japan crab catch quota hits 8-year high as conservation pays off

TOKYO — The Japanese government raised the catch limit for snow crabs in the Sea of Japan for the second year in a row to an eight-year high, thanks to conservation efforts that have led to a recovery in crab stocks.

The larger quota is expected to give the tourism industry a boost as travelers seek stays at hot-springs inns where they can enjoy crab for dinner.