Special Feature 1
In recent years, the fishing industry is experiencing a decline due to overfishing, climate change, and marine pollution, leading to fewer fishery resources and making sustainability a major challenge.
In response to these challenges, Nichimo is not only promoting environmentally conscious initiatives but also developing schemes to increase the added value of marine products, aiming to achieve sustainable fishing and contribute to local communities.
Spread of Biodegradable Materials
Development and provision of environmentally friendly fishing gear materials 1 Spread of biodegradable materials
Denudated sea bottom, Regeneration of algae beds
Nichimo is moving ahead with the development and widespread adoption of biomass and biodegradable materials to reduce the burden on the marine environment. These biomass and biodegradable materials developed by Nichimo have been shown to have the secondary effect of improving the initial growth rate of seaweed compared to conventional materials, contributing to the creation of new value in terms of increased productivity, in addition to environmental considerations.
Denudated sea bottom, Regeneration of algae beds
Kelp aquaculture
In Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, our biodegradable material is being used to counter rocky shore denudation caused by sea urchin feeding damage. Specifically, kelp is cultivated using biomass and biodegradable ropes and other materials around denudated algae beds, and then moved to the seabed, thereby guiding sea urchins to feed on the kelp. This promotes the regeneration of akamoku and other types of algae beds, in areas affected by rocky shore denudation, and also contributes to the stabilization of fishing through improved sea urchin yield.
Mozuku aquaculture using biomass and biodegradable materials
In Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, we develop mozuku aquaculture using fishing nets made with our biodegradable material. We are also working to expand the market by selling this environmentally friendly product on external websites, while also utilizing the sales functions of the Group.
In addition, leveraging our long-standing expertise and technological development capabilities in the marine products sector, we are participating in the Development of Evaluation Technologies for Marine Biodegradable Plastics with Extended Durability project being implemented by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). In this project, we are working on formulating new evaluation standards for marine biodegradable materials and developing new materials through public-private partnerships.
Net installed to prevent damage from wildlife
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Synthetic Products Department, we are also expanding this business beyond marine applications to land-based ones. In Aichi Prefecture, in collaboration with HOEI Industry Co.Ltd., TOYONEN Co., Ltd., and Ichikoma Seimou Co., Ltd., we installed wildlife repellent nets made from biodegradable plastic materials.
In the forestry sector, the increasing burden of installing and removing materials is a challenge, due to a shortage of workers and an aging workforce. Biomass and biodegradable materials decompose even if they remain in the soil, making it possible to achieve both power savings in removal work and a reduction in environmental impacts. In September 2025, we conducted the first demonstration evaluation in Japan and expect these solutions to be rolled out nationwide.
Going forward, we will leverage the secondary effects of our biodegradable material to promote the creation of algae beds in various ocean waters and strengthen collaboration with customers and local communities in an effort to develop high-value-added products and restore a sustainable marine environment. In addition, we will continue working to expand the business domain through collaboration with new marine businesses, including offshore wind power generation, and to promote the materials use in land-based applications.
Toward Supporting the Creation and Widespread Adoption of Blue Carbon
Development and provision of environmentally friendly fishing gear materials 2 Toward supporting the creation and widespread adoption of blue carbon
Nori seaweed aquaculture
Nichimo aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Toward this end, we are promoting initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, which is a global challenge. In the marine products sector, we are harnessing our long-standing technologies and know-how to make the creation and widespread adoption of blue carbon a reality by focusing on the carbon absorption function of marine ecosystems.
Nori seaweed aquaculture
Nori seaweed farming vessel
In Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture, we have been working to support the creation of blue carbon credits. Nichimo has the capacity and expertise to supply materials in the field of nori seaweed aquaculture, and we began collaborating with those involved in local fishing industries after being contacted by them. Over approximately two years, we conducted numerous demonstration tests and measurements, and provided comprehensive support, including organizing methods for calculating CO2 absorption by seaweed, as well as establishing an application process and addressing regulatory requirements. As a result, the application for blue carbon credits was accepted, and in March 2026, certification was awarded by the Japan Blue Economy Association (JBE) at the International Conference Hall on the 11th floor of The Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building in Toranomon, Tokyo. This initiative contributes to the visualization of environmental value in the region and the creation of new revenue opportunities.
By purchasing these blue carbon credits in June 2026, we are promoting the circulation of the environmental value created and contributing to the formation and expansion of the blue carbon market. As a result, such community-led initiatives are developing into sustainable systems not only in terms of the environment but also economically.
Moving forward, we will leverage our ability to provide both materials and certification support in an integrated manner to expand beyond nori seaweed aquaculture and into other regions.
We aim to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality through the widespread adoption of blue carbon, and to build a sustainable marine environment centered on CO2 fixation through seaweed aquaculture.