Crowdfunding Efforts to Clean Up Tsushima’s Beach Pollution with Fishing Gear and Plastics

Protecting Tsushima's Pristine Shores

The coastal area of Tsushima, Nagasaki, faces a significant environmental crisis due to an overwhelming amount of fishing gear and plastic debris washing ashore. A nonprofit organization, OWS (Order Wue S), is currently executing a crowdfunding campaign aimed at facilitating a large-scale cleanup operation in regions that are only accessible by boat.

The Crowdfunding Campaign

Launched on October 3, the crowdfunding initiative is set to run until November 10, 2025. With just 12 days remaining, the project has received funding from 106 supporters, amassing a total of ¥1,120,000, achieving 74% of its target. OWS is actively seeking both individual and corporate donations to meet the campaign's financial goal of ¥1,500,000.

If you're interested in supporting this vital initiative, more details can be found on the Readyfor site.

The Challenge of Cleanup

Neglected for years due to their inaccessibility, areas of the Tsushima coastline have become dumping grounds for marine debris from various currents, both domestic and international. The complex shoreline is often devoid of land access, allowing the accumulated waste to remain for extended periods.

Massive fishing nets and ropes, which can lead to issues such as ghost fishing, are posing threats to local marine life as they can easily drift back into the ocean if not collected promptly. This cleanup operation is critical, as it represents a chance to prevent this debris from returning to the sea.

Conservation and Community Engagement

Since 2008, OWS has been conducting surveys as part of its Coral Research Project, which focuses on the distribution of temperate corals. From 2015 onwards, the organization has partnered with the National Institute for Environmental Studies to monitor the “world's northernmost coral reef” located in Tsushima. During these investigations, the organization discovered the dire condition of corals being harmed by discarded fishing gear. To date, the organization has removed 27 bags of debris, including nets and ropes, using cranes and specialized equipment.

Their new initiative plans to utilize a team of 20 to 25 people to execute the large-scale cleanup in the Sa-ho area of Tsushima, utilizing boats to access these remote beaches.

OWS is eager to forge a collaboration with various local entities, including diving teams with experience in marine debris removal, Shiotaura Fishing Cooperative, local municipal departments, and volunteer groups. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, they aim to create a sustainable model for future cleanup efforts on inaccessible shores.

Call for Support

This project is open not only to individual contributions but also welcomes corporate involvement. Businesses can participate through CSR activities, offering support through internal communication and information sharing. Anyone interested is encouraged to visit the Readyfor project page for more details.

About OWS

Founded in 1998, the NPO OWS is dedicated to ocean conservation and aims to promote the importance of nature through various initiatives, including marine debris projects, coral research, and tidal flat preservation. Follow their ongoing efforts and updates on Instagram, where they share videos and reports of their activities: OWS Instagram.

For any inquiries, reach them at: