Red Tide Disaster and Biodiversity Protection - Recent Changes

Red Tide Disaster and Biodiversity Protection - Recent Changes

2011 - First Steps Toward the Red Tide Disaster
In coastal areas of Japan, the red tide was causing serious damage to fisheries and destruction of ecosystems. The plankton's abnormal proliferation consumed oxygen in the water, causing mass mortality of fish and shellfish, and water pollution and excessive influx of nutrients were the main causes of this calamity. At that time, water quality monitoring technology utilizing satellites and ocean sensors was being introduced, and progress was being made in the conservation of seaweed beds and tidal flats. These were valued as carbon sinks and played an important role in protecting the habitat of diverse marine life.

The Era of 2022 - Deepening of Red Tide Countermeasures
In 2023, red tides continued to occur, especially in Hokkaido and the Seto Inland Sea, where extensive damage was observed in 2023. The Fisheries Agency, in cooperation with research institutes, has been developing red tide plankton monitoring and forecasting technology. In addition, NTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratory developed satellite-based ocean monitoring technology to support early detection. Furthermore, the creation of seaweed beds and tidal flats is being promoted, and the role of these ecosystems is being reemphasized. In addition, control technology using active clay has been developed to reduce damage by promoting the aggregation and settling of red tide plankton.

Conclusion - Guiding Principles for a Sustainable Future
These measures can be the hope for reducing red tide damage and preserving biodiversity. However, given the instability of red tide outbreak trends due to climate change and changes in the marine environment, there is a need for continued monitoring and new and enhanced efforts.

Sources of information
- Ministry of the Environment "Red Tide Damage and Countermeasures": https://www.env.go.jp/council/content/i_13/000241439.pdf
- Fisheries Agency "Monitoring and Research on Red Tide and Anoxic Water Mass": https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/sigen/230616.html
- Sasakawa Peace Foundation "Seagrass bed and tidal flat conservation activities": https://www.spf.org/opri/newsletter/267_3.html