Aquaculture Recovery in Shizugawa Bay, Japan: Post Tsunami Recovery

Abstract

This report outlines a study undertaken at Minamisanriku, a small coastal village on the East Coast of Honshu, Japan, in late 2018.  The area relies heavily on fisheries and aquaculture for economic stability. While there, scientists, community leaders and individuals involved in the fisheries and aquaculture industry were interviewed to gain a qualitative understanding of the impacts of the 2011 tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, particularly on the oyster industry and aquaculture in general in the region. The tsunami completely disrupted aquaculture operations, with a 93% loss of infrastructure. Consequently, stakeholders were presented with an opportunity to restructure in some way as they rebuilt the industry.  The resulting 66% reduction in some species densities within aquaculture lots has subsequently led to increased sustainability and increased product quality.  Those gains, paired with reduced material cost and efforts, have together resulted in a more socio-ecologically responsible aquaculture operation. This operation now generates at least same amount of revenue as pre-tsunami.