Activity Report of Open Application Program 2024 vol.7 (Course B)
Sustainable aquaculture fisheries and environmental literacy linking Japan and Micronesia
Report from Sophia University
This JST Sakura Science Program 2024 summary report outlines the activities and key takeaways from the visit of a delegation of aquaculture specialists and government personnel from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to Japan. Activities included a presentation by, and discussion with, a representative of WWF Japan regarding sustainable oyster farming in Miyagi Prefecture, a field visit to Ama-cho, Shimane Prefecture to explore sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management practices in a remote island context, and two workshops held at Sophia University that highlighted discussions on blue food potentials, sustainable aquaculture, and collaborative approaches between Japan and Micronesia for food security and future partnerships.
WWF Lecture - Sophia University, Friday October 4th, 2024
The delegation of visitors from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia were joined by Mr Satoshi Maekawa of WWF Japan. Mr Maekawa delivered a presentation about the transformation of the oyster farming industry in Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture following the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011. He discussed with the group how, prior to this disaster, oyster farming in Shizugawa Bay had low levels of production and low financial returns compared with other regions of Japan. After the devastation caused by the tsunami, the community of oyster farmers agreed on a new way forward as they endeavoured to rebuild the local oyster industry. The community agreed to a number of new measures, including reducing the number of oyster rafts in the bay from 1,000 to less than 300 and the implementation of a points system for the allocation of oyster, scallop and seaweed farms to farmers. The result of the ongoing discussion, collective decision-making and implementation of agreed actions was an improvement in the environmental conditions of Shizugawa Bay, a reduction in individual farmer working hours, reduced production time to harvest, increased production and increased financial returns. Ultimately, the Miyagi Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative, Shizugawa Branch became the first oyster farm in Japan to receive Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification in March 2016. Though catalysed by disaster, community decision making led to renewed, revitalised and sustainable food production in Minamisanriku-cho.
Ama-cho field visit - Sunday October 6th – Wednesday October 9th, 2024
With the support from Mr. Kawazoe and staff members from the Ama-cho JICA office, the delegation of visitors from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Ama-cho, Shimane Prefecture, to learn about the town's self-sufficient sustainable seafood production, sustainable technological innovation for small-scale sustainable aquaculture, and community-based fisheries management strategies.
Marine ecosystem conservation was presented as a foundational component to the health and sustainability of Ama-cho's fisheries. Both Mr. Yamashita, from the Ama-cho Town Office, and Mr. Itakura, from the Applied Algae Research Institute, Okabe Co., discussed the projected impacts of isoyake on the local ecosystem and fisheries sector, and touched on their current and upcoming precautionary initiatives to prevent desertification in the local marine environment.
Given that there is a shared interest in sea cucumbers between Ama-cho and Pohnpei, the delegation found it especially valuable to explore the town's sustainable stock enhancement strategies and visit a small-scale processing facility. Mr. Miyazaki, a sea cucumber processor, impressed the delegation with his sustainable processing schedule and international export methods, which could serve as a model for future small-scale sustainable sea cucumber processing facilities in Pohnpei. Another key take away was the town government's active role in supporting farmers and processors. By strategically placing stock enhancement projects and providing financial support to processors, the government demonstrated its commitment to supporting sustainable sea cucumber fisheries development.
The delegation also had the opportunity to understand the mechanisms behind the local rock oyster aquaculture industry. Thanks to a detailed presentation and facility tours conducted by Mr. Kimura and staff at Iwagaki Haruka Oyster Company, the delegation was able to observe the methods and technology used from the hatchery to the processing stage. Technological innovation was observed throughout the growing stages, but the delegation was especially impressed by the use of social media in the branding and marketing of the rock oyster, as this species was not previously a target species for the local community.
Community-based fisheries management approaches were a focus of discussion at the Ama-cho Fisheries Cooperative Association (FCA) office. Two Ama-cho FCA officials, Mr. Hama and Mr. Kametani explained that their strong, collaborative relationship with the local town government was the reason behind their decision to remain independent during a prefecture-wide FCA merger. The legacy of this decision continues to influence the self-reliant nature of the town and has allowed them to create ecologically-sound community-based fisheries resource management strategies and regulations that are unique to their jurisdiction. Regarding fishermen non-compliance to sustainable regulations, the Ama-cho FCA officials shared their town's ⅔ majority voting rule to ensure that the fishermen have a voice in the regulations that are enforced for the community.
In conclusion, the Ama-cho field visit highlighted the significance of strengthening public and private partnerships within the local community and emphasized the value of community-based resource management in serving as a foundation for future sustainable fisheries resource use in Ama-cho. Multi-stakeholder collaboration and a bottom-up approach to resource management allows space for community-specific knowledge and technological exchange, while community-led management strategies promote accountability and community responsibility, which all lead to the building blocks of the town's self-reliant and resilient aquaculture and fisheries sector. This field visit sparked hope for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Pohnpei and Ama-cho's fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the coming years.
JST Sakura Science Workshops - Sophia University, Friday October 4th and Thursday October 10th, 2024
Two workshops were held to share insights, experiences, and learnings from the visiting delegation. These were:
- Tapping into Blue Food Potentials to Ensure Food Secure Futures for Island Communities: Exploring Ecologically and Economically Viable Community-Based Small-Scale Aquaculture Potentials through the Lens of Japan and Micronesia.
- This workshop was attended by Ambassador Kagomiya, the Japanese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, along with members of the Sophia University Island Sustainability Institute and a number of Sophia University graduate students.
- During this workshop the panel members shared their insights and experience of aquaculture in Pohnpei. They discussed topics ranging from aquaculture regulations to community engagement in aquaculture projects and the role of NPOs in advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Sharing Perspectives and Lessons Learnt from Japan: Increasing Blue Food Potentials through Technological Innovation and Multi-Stakeholder Community-Based Management in Small-Scale Aquaculture.
- This workshop was attended in-person by personnel from the Embassy of the Independent State of Samoa in Japan and online by personnel from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Japan, as well as by the Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation, members of the Sophia University Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University Vice President Okado, partners in Ama-cho and a number of Sophia University undergraduate and graduate students.
- During the workshop, members of the delegation from Pohnpei shared their reflections on the time spent in Ama-cho and highlighted specific aspects that they felt could be utilised in Micronesia. These included the ⅔ majority approach to fisheries management and decision making adopted by the Ama-cho Fisheries Cooperative Association, as well as the role of social media in the marketing of aquaculture products. They considered topics ranging from aquaculture policy, sustainable aquaculture and internal cooperation. The delegation noted the parities between Ama-cho and Pohnpei, both being small islands with relatively small populations. The delegation and members of the Island Sustainability Institute agreed on the importance of continuing to build on the relationships that have been established strengthened through their visit and committed to continuing the conversations that have begun during their time together in Japan in Pohnpei.
[Contact information]
Sophia Island Sustainability Institute
isi-co<at>@sophia.ac.jp (Please replace<at> with @, the at symbol)