Monthly distributions of fishing boats at night in the East Sea are described, using defense meteorological satellite program (DMSP)/operational linescan system (OLS) images and common squid (Todarodes pacificus) catches data. We also estimated temperature in 50m, which is main catch depth of the squid, by MCSST (multi-channel sea surface temperature). We examined DMSP/OLS, MCSST and other observation data from 1993 to 2000. We assumed that squid were caught in areas where fishing boats were located. Fishing boats at night appeared only near the Korea/Tsushima Strait from January to March. Fishing boats moved to the northward from April to Jun, distribution of fishing boats in spring appeared greater than those in winter. In summer (July-September), center of fishing grounds was formed near the Uleung Island in the south east coast of Korea. The north-south distribution range of fishing boats in October appeared to be greater than that in other months. In particular, we estimated main season of squid catches based on distribution range reflecting the number of fishing boats of north-south and east-west directions from September to December. Relationship between satellite estimate SST and in situ SST showed high correlation (0.91). The correlation between the SST and 50m depth temperature, estimated based on the satellite SST, was relatively high in February, April and October.