HUGE POSSIBILITIES OF KELP FORESTS
Blue carbon is the carbon that is captured and stored in the ocean during the process of marine ecosystems such as seaweeds and phytoplankton. It is expected that blue carbon will become a new integral part of carbon sequestration. However, due to deforestation and seawater temperature rising, etc., the amounts of seaweed have been lost each year. MOBA works to restore seaweed beds by utilizing Fulvic acid iron.
MOBA
MOBA works to restore fishing grounds which has been lost due to reef burning
by utilizing Fulvic acid iron. Our ultimate goal is to achieve regional revitalization
through sustainable fisheries creation.
01
About
MOBA
02
The Problem
of Reef-Burning
03
About
Fulvic Acid
04
Cooperative Research
with Tohoku University
05
Demonstration Experiment
in Oshima Island
06
Application
to Offshore Wind Power
07
Creation
of New Fishing Grounds
ABOUT MOBA
01
07
ABOUT MOBA
MOBA was established to achieve coexistence between the development
of offshore wind power and the conservation of marine ecosystems.
DEVLOPMENT OF BLUE CARBON
The amounts of seaweed beds in coastal areas of Japan have reduced by 20 % on average
compared to the 1990s. This reduction is caused by a phenomenon called “Reef burning”, which
has significantly affected the marine ecosystems and local fisheries. To provide a solution for this
issue, MOBA utilizes “Fulvic acid iron” to restore the marine environment. We work to conserve
marine ecosystems and sustain the ocean as it is supposed to be for the future.
THE PROBLEM OF REEF-BURNING
02
07
THE PROBLEM OF REEF-BURNING
In coastal areas, reef-burning occurs and it is considered as serious environmental problem.
The cause of this problem is thought to be a decrease in the elution amount of nutrients,
including iron, due to rising seawater temperature and devastation of the forest.
“SEA DESERTIFICATION”
Reef-burning is said to be “desertification of the sea”
and refers to the phenomenon of whitening of the rocks on the seabed.
This is an environmental pollution that causes various other problems.
ABOUT FULVIC ACID
03
07
ABOUT FULVIC ACID
“Iron fulvic acid” has been attracting attention as an effective substance against “reef-burning”.
Underwater plankton and algae are substances that act as a catalyst for absorbing nitrogen,
essential for growth. It is generated over time in the forest and flows into the sea.
IRON FULVIC ACID IS MADE IN THE FOREST
Iron fulvic acid is a substance produced by combining fulvic acid, which is produced when leaves
and branches that have fallen on the ground are decomposed by microorganisms, with iron contained in the soil.
It flows through the river to the sea and greatly contributes to the growth of algae and plankton in the sea.
REEF-BURNING BACKGROUND
Because nutrients containing fulvic acid are not supplied to the sea,
it is thought that the growth of seaweeds is hindered, causing reef-burning.
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH WITH
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
04
07
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH WITH
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
We are working on cooperative research with Tohoku University
as an approach to implement seaweed bed restoration projects.
Prof. Masakazu Aoki, Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science, is implementing a
demonstration experiment based on his experience and knowledge of marine plant ecology.
MOBA implements a demonstration experiment for nurturing marine life to find more efficient
“seaweed bed restoration methods” that are applicable to seaweed beds all over the country. We
are currently co-developing research on farming and restoration of seaweed beds based on Prof.
Aoki’s ecological study on biological interactions associated with coral seaweeds.
DEMONSTRATION EXPERIMENT
IN OSHIMA ISLAND
05
07
DEMONSTRATION EXPERIMENT
IN OSHIMA ISLAND
At present, IFAI is conducting a seaweed recovery experiment
using iron fulvic acid in Oshima Island on the Izu Peninsula.
We are continuously verifying the results of seaweed beds created
by iron fulvic acid and recovery of fishing grounds.
PURPOSE OF THE EXPERIMENT
In the waters of the Izu Islands, reefs and boulders are formed everywhere as habitats for fish, crustaceans and
shellfish. In recent years, the reduction of catches has become a serious problem due to reef-burning and
changes in sea conditions. At IFAI, we are continuously trying to recover the seaweed beds using iron fulvic acid,
and using artificial stones and natural stones to check the state of seaweed growth.
WHY OHSIMA
Oshima is an island located about 25km southeast of the Izu Peninsula, with good transportation from
Tokyo and can be accessed by ferry or airplane. Locally, understanding of the experiment is progress-
ing, such as a plan for offshore wind power generation. Moreover, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
is also considering the effective use of fishing ports in order to support the “fishery that grows”. By
utilizing this mechanism, there is a possibility of development as an abalone farm after the experiment.
EXPERIMENT AREA
Located in the southern part of the island, the currently inactive Sashikiji fishing port has been selected
as a place for demonstration experiments. This place, which has been approved for three years, has
already gained the understanding of government and fishery cooperatives. In addition, there is a fish-
ery test center nearby, so guidance in line with local circumstances can be received.
ABOUT ARTIFICIAL REEF
The block used for seaweed development (seaweed settlement base) uses a steel slag hydrated solidified body.
As an alternative to natural materials, this material is an environmentally friendly material
that contributes to energy and resource conservation, and is certified
as a specified procurement item under the Green Purchasing Law.
Steel slag contains essential biological elements such as iron and silicon,
so it has excellent bioadhesiveness and can be expected to improve the biological properties of the sea area.
ARTIFICIAL REEF BLOCK
Because artificial stone has a higher density than natural stone,
it has excellent stability against tidal currents and waves,
and is used as a base for garden creatures and macroalgae.
ABOUT FULVIC ACID UNIT
STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUENT MATERIALS
OF THE FULVIC ACID IRON ELUTION UNIT
The fulvic acid iron elution unit consists of an elution material containing iron fulvic acid and an artificial stone.
While maintaining stability against sea surface fluctuations, it plays a role as a basis for biofouling.
The Fulvic Acid Iron Eluent Is Mainly Composed
of the Following Five Materials:
High-Concentration Divalent Iron / Dam Fixed Sediment /
Bamboo Sheath / Shochu Residue / Fish Residue
ADDRESSING THE LOCAL PROBLEM
In the local fishery industry, the decrease in the catch of shellfish has become a problem in recent years.
One reason for this is the drastic decrease in seaweed called “Aitokume”.
"Aitokume" is a seaweed that grows from spring to autumn in the shallow area around Oshima, and is
used as a food for shellfish such as abalone.
“THE CREATION OF THE SEAWEED BEDS SOLVES LOCAL PROBLEMS”
Propagating Aitokume is considered the greatest contribution to local fisheries,
and aims to improve breeding reefs and develop floating reefs.
APPLICATION
TO OFFSHORE WIND POWER
06
07
APPLICATION TO OFFSHORE WIND POWER
Blocks containing iron fulvic acid and iron ore slag hydrated solidified body are used
in two ways in the construction of offshore wind power generation.
If the water depth is shallow within 5 ~ 10m, it will be installed around the foundation
to play a role in rooting and preventing scouring.
When the water depth is more than 10m, it can be used as a floating fish reef.
ROCKY REEF TYPE
[When Water Depth is within 5-10m]
FLOATING FISH REEF TYPE
[When the water depth is 10m or more]
CREATION
OF NEW FISHING GROUNDS /
REGENERATION
OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT
07
07
CREATION OF NEW FISHING GROUNDS /
REGENERATION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT
By the high concentration of iron fulvic acid contained in the artificial reef block flowing into the sea,
we provide a lot of missing nutrients to living organisms.
“RESTORING A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM”
Many fish and seaweeds grow in the seaweed basins grow by iron fulvic acid,
and establish the relationship between seaweeds and herbivores.
A BEAUTIFUL SEA FOR THE FUTURE.
We are developing the results of our research so far and considering to present to society the results of our efforts based on the high concentration fulvic acid elution unit (iron fulvic acid). By applying this basic technology to coastal waters and reinforcing the nutrients, the relationship between seaweeds and herbivores is established, seaweed communities are created on a large scale, biodiversity is increased, and we further promote the restoration of a balanced reef ecosystem. By "normalizing the sea", we will leave a beautiful sea that the creatures will prosperity in the future. This is our mission.
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