Special Feature 2
The Company has been farming coho salmon for 40 years and uses its many years of accumulated knowledge and expertise to support aquaculture businesses throughout Japan.
Aquaculture that embodies the Nichimo Group aim to cover “From Ocean To Dining”
In addition to purchasing and selling farmed fish, the Group also undertakes cultivation management and provision of general aquaculture supplies, making it the only company providing total support for aquaculture from upstream to downstream, and the entire Group is promoting the aquaculture business.
Moreover, the Group values its relationships with local fishing companies, which it has built during its long history, and is working to create new value through close ties with local communities guided by the concept of “three-way benefit” for the buyer, the seller, and the community.
IssueCrisis of fishery resources
The volumes of fishing catches and consumption of marine products continue to grow in response to expanding demand for marine products, mainly driven by global population growth and increased health awareness.
Furthermore, since many countries permit overfishing and do not manage marine resources properly, overfishing has become a global problem.
Added to this, factors such as rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are also having an impact on the amount of marine resources in nature.
The Company will utilize its accumulated knowledge and expertise to address these issues by contributing to the development of sustainable aquaculture and the supply of marine products.
01 Production of 'Mirai Salmon'
Initiatives of Nichimo 1Production of Mirai salmon at the largest salmon aquaculture farm in Kyushu
Nichimo, Kyushu Electric Power Company, Incorporated, Nishinippon Plant Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd., and Idouchi Salmon Farm K.K. jointly launched Fish Farm Mirai LLC, which started construction of a salmon aquaculture farm on the property of Kyushu Electric’s Buzen Power Station (located in the city of Buzen, Fukuoka Prefecture) in February 2022 and started production of Mirai salmon in March 2023.
The farm is the largest in the Kyushu region, with a production capacity of around 30 tonnes per year, enabling stable production and supply of highly fresh Mirai salmon throughout the year.
Land-based aquaculture is operated under rigorous hygiene control. Optimal farming conditions are maintained and the risk of fish diseases is suppressed. It is resilient against fluctuations in seawater temperature and other environmental factors and can operate year-round.
The ability to farm fish throughout the year is drawing much attention in terms of distribution because it enables a stable supply of fish.
02 Tradition and Commitment in Silver Salmon Aquaculture
Initiatives of Nichimo 2The traditions and key aspects of coho salmon farming in the Tohoku Region
Landing of Kuji-raised amber salmon
Nichimo’s aquaculture business started around 40 years ago in the Sanriku area of Miyagi Prefecture, which has calm waters and suitable seawater temperature for aquaculture.
Landing of Kuji-raised amber salmon
The “Miyagi coho salmon” cultivated there has obtained Eco-Label certification.
Eco-Label certification certifies fishing and aquaculture operations that actively engage in conservation of resources and ecosystems to ensure their optimal availability for future generations.
In addition, Nichimo Mariculture Co., Ltd. has obtained certification at the production stage, showing that the company has established an integrated system of production and sales for “supplying sustainable marine products.”
In Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, Nichimo farms “Kuji-raised amber salmon,” which has achieved broad appeal as a locally produced salmon with deep ties to the region. The feed is enhanced with the addition of pomace from the mountain grapes that are a specialty of Kuji City, while fish meal harvested in the city is also used as part of the feed.
03 Expansion of Offshore Aquaculture Business
Initiatives of Nichimo 3Expanding the marine aquaculture business in Hokkaido
Declining catches of natural salmon in Hokkaido are driving a gradual shift from the fish catching business to the fish farming business.
Developing trial testing of marine aquaculture in Hokkaido
Using the knowledge and expertise it has accumulated in the Tohoku region, Nichimo has been promoting marine aquaculture with local fishing industry-related people in Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture, and made the first delivery of coho salmon farmed in Kushiro in September 2022.
The fish received high praise for its “well-balanced level of fat and firm texture.”
Following the first delivery from Kushiro City, other cities such as Nemuro also began to consider salmon farming, and the marine aquaculture business has been expanding steadily throughout the Hokkaido region.
04 Recycled Fishing Net Pellets
Initiatives of Nichimo 4Using pellets recycled from waste fishing nets as materials for aquaculture
Nichimo collects and repelletizes fishing nets that are no longer needed, reusing them as raw material for plastic products.
Currently, the products are being introduced for use as fish holding pens for coho salmon aquaculture in Miyagi Prefecture, and in future we aim to complete a full cycle in the recycling chain of fishing gear materials.
The Company will continue these efforts toward resource circulation to reduce CO2 emissions across the entire Group, thereby contributing to the conservation of the marine environment.