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Promoting Ocean Health: The Seagrass Restoration Initiative by Toyo Seikan Group

The Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is taking significant steps towards recovering blue carbon ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity with the launch of a seagrass restoration project from the end of August 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to counteract the impacts of climate change by utilizing seagrass, which is known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the seafloor over extended periods.

The project highlights collaborative efforts between Toyo Seikan’s subsidiary, Toyo Glass Co., Ltd., and Fudotetra Co., Ltd., who have jointly developed a unique algal growth enhancer named “Ion Culture.” This innovative material will play a key role in facilitating the growth and prosperity of seagrass (ama-mo) in the region. Research and observation will take place at the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, where visitors can engage in various educational displays and contribute to scientific inquiries regarding seagrass growth.

Background of the Initiative

Seagrass has been recognized not only for its role in fostering blue carbon ecosystems but also as a crucial habitat for juvenile fish and small marine creatures. Additionally, seagrass plays a vital function in improving water quality by absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However, since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, many seagrass beds along the coast have been devastated. Over a decade later, the natural recovery of these ecosystems has been hindered by deteriorating environmental conditions and changes in water quality, leading to a nationwide concern regarding the decline of seagrass habitats.

Given this situation, Toyo Seikan aims to use Ion Culture to control the leaching rate and quantity of necessary nutrients for seagrass growth. By doing this, the company hopes to rejuvenate seagrass ecosystems not only in areas affected by the earthquake but also in regions suffering from phenomena such as coastal degradation.

Detailed Overview of the Project

Seagrass Growth Observation at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Starting in 2024, Toyo Seikan will enter into a sponsorship agreement with Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium and embark on various initiatives focused on promoting a circular economy by turning waste into resources. This partnership will enhance the aquarium's educational outreach and communicate the critical connections between nature and science to its visitors. Key activities planned include:

• - Growth Observation: Conducting a detailed observation study of seagrass growth in tanks using Ion Culture.
• - Exhibits: Showcasing panels detailing the project and the functionality of Ion Culture.
• - Children’s Story: Displaying a storybook titled “Uminoko Aman and the Secret Feast” to engage younger audiences in the importance of marine ecosystems.

The exhibition is expected to run from September 1 to the end of September 2025.

Scientific Verification at Takanawa Gateway City

In addition to the aquarium observations, Toyo Seikan will carry out scientific assessments to confirm the growth-promoting effects of Ion Culture in collaboration with Inoka Co., Ltd., a venture that focuses on creating natural marine environments on land. This experiment is planned to be conducted at the water research lab within the Takanawa Gateway Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH) facility, established in May 2025, and will include:

• - Comparing seagrass growth with and without Ion Culture under controlled conditions.
• - Recording growth variations in temperature and light settings.

The scientific tests are scheduled to take place from late August to late October 2025.

About Ion Culture

Ion Culture, developed jointly by Toyo Glass and Fudotetra, is a specialized algal growth enhancer that releases essential nutrients like iron and silica slowly into the water, promoting healthy growth in marine plants. The need for such enhancements arose from a recognized shortage of essential ions, which have been linked to coastal degradation affecting various marine organisms and the fishing industry. The product began its journey in 1993 and has since become an innovative solution to revive seagrass beds across Japan.

In closing, the Toyo Seikan Group stands not only as a packaging container manufacturer but as a proactive entity committed to environmental stewardship. The group envisions a sustainable future with a robust focus on biodiversity, encapsulated in their long-term vision for 2050. This seagrass restoration project is a testament to their dedication to fostering a living, breathing planet that supports diverse ecosystems for generations to come.

For more information about the Ion Culture product, visit Toyo Seikan's business topics page.