We analyze the satellite data for the sea surface temperature (SST), sea level (ADT-absolute dynamic topography), as well as the fishing maps with the information on fishing fleet distribution for September 2001. We established that vortex formations of cyclonic type with reduced values of SST-anomalies are favorable conditions for saury accumulations in the South Kuril region. We show that Pacific saury clusters are associated with the mesoscale cyclonic structures with negative SST-anomalies in the range from –2 to –0.5 °C and negative values of ADT in the range from –0.21 to –0.08 m. Vortex upwelling is described as the main mechanism for creating favorable conditions for the formation of commercial saury clusters. By using maps with fishing fleet distribution in the South Kuril region we show that only vortices in formation stage satisfy vortex upwelling as they are lifting nutrients into the upper ocean layers. Cross-frontal flow of the jet stream like Oyashio may be considered as another similar mechanism.