291
H.-J. Ceccaldi et al. (eds.), Marine Productivity: Perturbations and Resilience of Socio-ecosystems,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-13878-7_31, © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Abstract
This contribution introduces two Japanese marine ranching projects
implemented in the western Seto Inland Sea off Okayama, Japan. These
two marine ranches, costing a total of USD 40 million, cover 300–500 ha
and are comprised of existing marine reefs (both artifi cial and natural) and
sea grass beds. In providing organized coastal environments with habitats
optimal for nurturing the development of commercially exploited fi sh species, these artifi cially enhanced areas are intended to increase the levels of
primary production and stock recruitment. Additionally, parts of these
zones are protected as no-take zones or areas where bottom trawling is
prohibited; measures were voluntarily implemented by local fi shers’ organizations. From the perspective of marine ecosystem recovery, these sites
have been created to ensure sustainable marine communities, nurturing
not only commercially valuable stocks but also the larger surrounding
environment in this region. Moreover, we hope to ultimately recreate a
hydrological cycle that mirrors natural nutrient fl ow by connecting these
networks to local freshwater systems. These modifi cations to the coastal
ecosystem are based on the Japanese concept of Satoumi – coastal,
community- based resource management that combines both scientifi c
knowledge and a traditional understanding of the local environment.
T. Tanaka (*)
Satoumi Research Institute , Okayama , Japan
e-mail: takebom7@gmail.com
Y. Ota
NF-UBC Nereus Program, Fisheries Centre ,
University of British Columbia , Canada
e-mail: y.ota@fi sheries.ubc.ca
Reviving the Seto Inland Sea,
Japan: Applying the Principles
of Satoumi for Marine Ranching
Project in Okayama
Takehiro Tanaka and Yoshitaka Ota
1
Introduction
This contribution introduces two Japanese marine
ranching projects implemented in the western
Seto Inland Sea off Okayama, Japan. These two
marine ranches, costing a total of USD 40 million, cover 300–500 ha and are comprised of
existing marine reefs (both artifi cial and natural)
and sea grass beds. In providing organized coastal
environments with habitats optimal for nurturing
H.-J. Ceccaldi et al. (eds.), Marine Productivity: Perturbations and Resilience of Socio-ecosystems,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-13878-7_31, © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Abstract
This contribution introduces two Japanese marine ranching projects
implemented in the western Seto Inland Sea off Okayama, Japan. These
two marine ranches, costing a total of USD 40 million, cover 300–500 ha
and are comprised of existing marine reefs (both artifi cial and natural) and
sea grass beds. In providing organized coastal environments with habitats
optimal for nurturing the development of commercially exploited fi sh species, these artifi cially enhanced areas are intended to increase the levels of
primary production and stock recruitment. Additionally, parts of these
zones are protected as no-take zones or areas where bottom trawling is
prohibited; measures were voluntarily implemented by local fi shers’ organizations. From the perspective of marine ecosystem recovery, these sites
have been created to ensure sustainable marine communities, nurturing
not only commercially valuable stocks but also the larger surrounding
environment in this region. Moreover, we hope to ultimately recreate a
hydrological cycle that mirrors natural nutrient fl ow by connecting these
networks to local freshwater systems. These modifi cations to the coastal
ecosystem are based on the Japanese concept of Satoumi – coastal,
community- based resource management that combines both scientifi c
knowledge and a traditional understanding of the local environment.
T. Tanaka (*)
Satoumi Research Institute , Okayama , Japan
e-mail: takebom7@gmail.com
Y. Ota
NF-UBC Nereus Program, Fisheries Centre ,
University of British Columbia , Canada
e-mail: y.ota@fi sheries.ubc.ca
Reviving the Seto Inland Sea,
Japan: Applying the Principles
of Satoumi for Marine Ranching
Project in Okayama
Takehiro Tanaka and Yoshitaka Ota
1
Introduction
This contribution introduces two Japanese marine
ranching projects implemented in the western
Seto Inland Sea off Okayama, Japan. These two
marine ranches, costing a total of USD 40 million, cover 300–500 ha and are comprised of
existing marine reefs (both artifi cial and natural)
and sea grass beds. In providing organized coastal
environments with habitats optimal for nurturing