Challenges of the
Ocean and umios Planet’s Mission
Rising Ocean Temperatures
Rising temperatures are becoming an increasing concern.
The impacts of climate change are also reaching the oceans.
As ocean temperatures rise, fish habitats are shifting significantly.
This is disrupting marine ecosystems and affecting both fisheries and our daily lives, as fish that were once abundant become harder to catch.
Changes in Seaweed Beds and Aquaculture Environments
In addition to rising ocean temperatures, the increase in fish and sea urchins that feed on algae is accelerating the loss of seaweed beds.
Aquaculture is also affected by changes in the marine environment.
Loss of Marine Resources (Underutilized Fish)
Furthermore, we are not making full use of all the fish caught in our nets.
Due to factors such as size, recognition, or distribution constraints, many 'underutilized fish' never reach the market.
Some species, such as kurodai, were once considered premium fish but have seen declining distribution due to the spread of farmed red sea bream and the difficulty of preparation.
As a result, we are not making full use of these precious gifts from the sea.
Declining Number of Fishers
These challenges are reducing the profitability of fisheries.
As a result, the number of people working in fisheries is declining and the workforce is aging.
In some cases, efforts to make up for lost income lead to excessive fishing, contributing to overfishing.
The future of fisheries now stands at a critical turning point.
umios Planet Initiatives
umios Planet is rethinking the value of fish.
In the short term, we propose new ways of enjoying fish that fit today’s lifestyles, using underutilized species.
Through joint research over the medium to long term, we aim to rediscover the nutritional value of fish and develop new approaches to preservation and use.
Together with partners including the University of Tokyo, the Planetary Health Innovation Center, JR East, and fisheries across Japan, we work toward a future where both people and the planet thrive.
