The main aim is to create thriving marine environments along the Fukushima coast by developing seaweed beds and increasing the variety of species

Collaborative Effort Launched to Restore Seaweed Beds Off Fukushima Coast

JAPAN
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Japan Fisheries Association, Tokyo Gas, and Local Cooperatives Partner to Create "Rich Oceans" and Boost Marine Ecosystems Using Innovative Shell Recycling Technology.

Fukushima Prefecture – A groundbreaking initiative to cultivate seaweed beds along the coast of Fukushima Prefecture has been officially launched, bringing together a powerful coalition of national and local fisheries organizations, a major energy company, and an environmental construction firm. The JF All Japan Fisheries Federation (JF Zengyoren), JF Fukushima Fisheries Federation (JF Fukushima Gyoren), Kaiyo Kensetsu Co., Ltd., Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., JF Iwaki City, and JF Soma Futaba Co., Ltd. signed an agreement on May 1, 2025, committing to the creation of a thriving marine environment.

Recycled seashell product "Kaimo-kun"

This pioneering agreement, initiated by Tokyo Gas, marks the first time JF Zengyoren has partnered with a private company on marine conservation activities in Japan. Tokyo Gas expressed its strong desire to contribute to the conservation of Japan's coastal marine environment through activities such as seaweed bed development, in close cooperation with the JF Group. The overarching goal is to foster "rich oceans" along the Fukushima coast by promoting the development of seaweed beds and the proliferation of diverse seafood species.

"A rich sea" full of seaweed and fish (image)

Central to this initiative is the installation of shell recycling products, specifically "Kaiso-kun," manufactured by Kaiyo Kensetsu. These innovative structures will be deployed in the waters under the jurisdiction of JF Iwaki City and JF Soma Futaba. Kaiso-kun is notable for its use of recycled oyster shells as a primary material, creating a fertile ground for seaweed to attach and grow. The intricate spaces formed by the oyster shells are expected to attract small marine creatures, which in turn will provide sustenance for juvenile fish, thereby contributing to the maintenance and restoration of the marine ecosystem and ultimately increasing fishermen's catches.

"A rich sea" full of seaweed and fish (image)

The partners anticipate installing Kaiso-kun structures in the designated waters by the end of fiscal year 2025. Following their installation, comprehensive investigations will be conducted to monitor seaweed attachment rates and the habitation of various marine creatures, assessing the project's ecological impact.

The JF Japan Fisheries Association expressed its aspiration to extend similar initiatives to various regions across Japan in the future. This collaborative approach, exemplified by the partnership with Tokyo Gas, is a direct response to the recent drastic changes observed in the marine environment. Through such concerted efforts, the Association aims to actively promote the creation of "abundant oceans" nationwide, underscoring a shared commitment to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.

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