Outline

The economic value of ecosystem services in coastal zones of Japan will be calculated and a sustainability assessment will be performed. Integrated management methods needed for coastal zones to ensure the sustainable development of coastal zones will be proposed. The “Sato-umi” stories needed to connect non-fishing residents with coastal areas and involve them in coastal area management will be discovered or created and passed on. Methods for coordinating fishery activities in the Tsushima and Goto marine protected areas (MPA) will also be proposed.

Subtopic (1) Economic assessment of ecosystem services

Description of Research (FY 2014 – 2016 Achievements)

a) Review of coastal zone development project: We conducted an opinion survey for the members of the Miyagi Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative Shizugawa Office and the Hinase-cho Fisheries Cooperative. We also conducted an opinion survey for the Minami-Sanriku Forestry Cooperative regarding “the linkage of forest, river and ocean.”
b) Ecosystem services: We conducted an online survey to measure the economic value of ecosystem services for residents living in the coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, in Shizugawa Bay and in the coastal areas of Nanao Bay. We also measured and selected the ecosystem services to be assessed and studied scenarios for the use of the Stated Preferences method.
c) Costanza method: We conducted an economic value assessment of coastal zones in Japan based on the Costanza method and compiled a database and applied the results of the assessment to tidal flats.
d) Sustainability assessment: We refined the sustainability assessments for the purpose of application to the Seto Inland Sea and conducted a scenario analysis. We also conducted a survey of environmental education using eelgrass, centering on the participant observation method, at Hinase Junior High School in the Hinase district of Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, and assessed the significance of and measured the effectiveness of environmental education by questioning the students and so on.

Description of Research (FY 2017 Plan)

a) We will compile basic data on coastal zones and conduct an opinion survey for the members of the fisheries cooperative in the Hinase district and Nanao Bay regarding the sustainability of fisheries operations. We will also conduct an interindustry analysis for the effect on the local economy, primarily with regard to fisheries operations.
b) We will also measure and conduct a comparative study of ecosystem services in Shizugawa Bay, the Hinase district and Nanao Bay.
c) We will apply an economic value assessment based on the Costanza method to the Seto Inland Sea, the ocean off the Sanriku coast and the Sea of Japan.
d) We will put together a manual on sustainability assessment methods and apply it to Shizugawa Bay, the Hinase district and Nanao Bay.

Subtopic (2) Proposed three-stage management method for coastal seas

Description of Research (FY 2014 – 2016 Achievements)

We analyzed case studies of Satoumi and autonomous coastal zone management efforts in Osaka Bay and the Harima-nada, as well as comprehensive coastal zone management efforts and case studies of efforts at the ocean region and open sea level, in order to identify the causes hindering the achievement of wide-area comprehensive management as well as points for improvement. In addition, by summing up the results in accordance with governance levels, we organized the key points at each level and built a theoretical framework for multi-stage management. In addition, we analyzed case studies for Chesapeake Bay (in the U. S.) and other overseas locations in order to investigate the utility of the theoretical framework for multi-stage management that is based on three-tier management and determine the issues that need to be resolved.

Description of Research (FY 2017 Plan)

We will conduct a field survey of Satoumi and coastal zone management in Osaka Bay, the Harima-nada and the ocean areas around Shizugawa, focusing on governance in sea and open ocean areas that extend beyond the jurisdiction of a single prefecture and make up a part of the Satoumi. We will make use of the results of analyses of other data and integrated performance indicators to improve executable models for multi-stage management.

Subtopic (3) Discovery, construction and passing on of stories that connect the general public with coastal seas, based on discussions from a humanities perspective

Description of Research (FY 2014 – 2016 Achievements)

We focused on three central areas for research: the Hokuriku region, the Shizugawa region and the Geiyo region. We conducted studies with the assistance of local fisheries cooperatives and museums and so on, in order to identify the distinguishing characteristics of the lifestyle and culture of the Satoumi in each region. In the course of these efforts, we confirmed that the traditional fish-eating culture in Japan is in a state of crisis and is threatened by a loss of diversity. We worked conduct a comprehensive assessment of the scenery and fishing industry operations in the Satoumi and the vocational practices and expertise that have nurtured and protected Japan’s fish-eating culture and so on, and to complete a “Satoumi Story” that will lead to a revitalization of the Satoumi.

Description of Research (FY 2017 Plan)

We will compile the results of studies on the distinguishing characteristics of the lifestyle and culture of the Satoumi in three central research areas: the Hokuriku region, the Shizugawa region and the Geiyo region. We will also provide recommendations relating to hands-on efforts to revitalize the Sato-umi that can be enjoyably participated in by people ranging from children to senior citizens.

Subtopic (4) Coordination of fisheries activities in the Tsushima and Goto marine protected areas

Description of Research (FY 2014 – 2016 Achievements)

We gathered local knowledge about the sea surrounding Tsushima and the Goto Islands and turned it into a highly precise scientific methodology based on coastal environmental science techniques. We studied the species to be protected in marine protected areas and ocean and weather phenomena and also conducted observations using drifting buoys and held discussions, in order to identify the relationship between the Tsushima warm current and the seasonal winds. We focused on citizen use of the ocean as well, and maintained ongoing venues for free discussion by diverse entities, with the aim of turning them into toolboxes for the establishment of marine protected areas. In these areas, information collection of marine natural history and formation of local human network have been progressed in particular This study contributed to marine protected areas and geopark design and national park activation in Tsushima and Goto.

Description of Research (FY 2017 Plan)

We will gather knowledge about how a marine-protected area that utilizes the local knowledge of the fisheries industry personnel and residents of Tsushima and the Goto Islands can emphasize the picture of the wide-area connections that are provided by the Tsushima warm current. We will also work to achieve connections between land and sea on a variety of scales, from local communities to ocean currents and wetland coastal regions.