4. Is 'Aquaculture' the Savior of the Japanese Dining Table?

In this issue, we will explore the evolution of Japan's fisheries industry and the future of 'fish consumption' that we must face.

Japan's fishing industry is currently at a major turning point. As capture fisheries reach their growth limits, 'aquaculture' is gaining attention.
We explore whether aquaculture can truly become the 'savior' of the seafood industry by looking at its history and the trends in cutting-edge technology.

1. The Birth of Aquaculture and 'Relief for Fishing Villages'

In the past, during Japan's period of rapid economic growth, many fishermen left for urban areas in search of stable income. Aquaculture was promoted as a measure to solve this problem and bring a stable economic foundation to fishing villages. In the 1970s, it was positioned as a core industry for coastal fishing villages, and the production of yellowtail, nori, and oysters began in earnest.

2. The Light and Shadow of 'Endless Expansion'

While aquaculture production grew dramatically due to technological innovation, it also created significant problems.

• Intensification of self-pollution: 'Overcrowding' in narrow pens and the input of large amounts of feed caused sludge to accumulate on the seabed, leading to environmental pollution such as red tides.

• International competition and price stagnation: Since the 1980s, as the yen appreciated, cheap imported seafood flooded the market. Domestically farmed products were exposed to fierce price competition, and many businesses experienced an era of 'endless expansion' that forced them to close.

3. The Paradigm Shift of 'Full-Cycle Aquaculture'

The success of 'full-cycle aquaculture,' which does not rely on wild fry, is a major turning point in the history of this industry.
In particular, the success of full-cycle bluefin tuna farming by Kindai University became global news.
Currently, full-cycle farming of Japanese eel is also on the verge of practical application, and it is expected to be a business opportunity that can expand production without depleting natural resources.

4. The 'Salmon' Black Ship and Next-Generation 'Smart Aquaculture'

Currently, the global aquaculture market is dominated by salmon farming based in Norway and Chile. These are large-scale 'corporate-style aquaculture' operations backed by massive capital, and branding as 'local salmon' is also progressing in Japan.

And now, the aquaculture industry is transforming into an 'equipment industry'.

• RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System): Systems that automatically control water temperature and quality to raise fish on land, independent of the natural environment, are becoming widespread.

• Smart Aquaculture: High-tech solutions such as automatic feeding using IoT, AI, and ICT are reducing reliance on experience and intuition, aiming to stabilize management.

Conclusion: As a Next-Generation Food Source

For the aquaculture industry to become a true 'savior,' it is essential to shift to a 'sustainable model' that not only increases production but also reduces environmental impact and ensures profitability.