Asahi, a town in Japan's Toyama Prefecture, and Uninomics have announced their collaboration to establish a sea urchin ranching facility aimed at combating the loss of kelp forests and coastal biodiversity in Toyama Bay and the surrounding areas.
In recent years, rising seawater temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, and overgrazing by sea urchins have led to a significant decline in kelp forests in Toyama Bay. Kelp forests are crucial for fostering rich marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and as significant sources of carbon dioxide absorption and storage.
Seeking to combat the loss of kelp forests due to sea urchin grazing, Uninomics collects wild urchins and, using proprietary cutting-edge technology and feed, nurtures them in an on-land facility, allowing the urchins to develop consistently high-quality roe, known as uni, in a short period. Once Urchins have been removed from the area, it is possible to stimulate the re-growth of Kelp and hence, recovery of the ecosystem.
This business model has received global acclaim, including an official endorsement by UNESCO for the United Nations Decade of Marine Science for Sustainable Development.
Currently, Uninomics is working closely with the Asahi Town Regional Revitalisation Cooperation Troop, the Tomari Fisheries Cooperative Association, and GREENspearfisher, a general incorporated association dedicated to improving the marine environment. Together, they are assessing the coastal barrens and sea urchin habitats in the waters surrounding Toyama Prefecture, with the aim of establishing a land-based sea urchin ranching base in Asahi Town. Construction of the site is expected to commence soon, following the confirmation of the locations and size of the sea urchin barrens.
