Visualizing Fishing Grounds and Protecting Our Ocean

—— It's impressive to hear about the synergies that are being created between this offshore wind farm and the fishing industry. (See Vol.1)

Shibuya When I conduct marine surveys, I do my best to involve and work with the local fishermen. They've been very frank with me about how the development of this infrastructure concerns them, which has helped me to understand what my work needs to focus on. I don't conduct a survey according to any predetermined plan, but rather design it on the fly based on feedback from the interested parties. In the case of this offshore wind farm project in Choshi City, I've been working with the three young fishermen who are with us here today. The rules dictate that a wind farm can only be developed if an environmental impact assessment is performed ahead of time to gain government approval. To some people, the word "impact" might imply investigations into negative effects on the environment, but my assessments are completely different, in that they focus on how projects stand to benefit the ocean by making it healthier and more vibrant.

Tamura We've only met Mr. Shibuya in person about three times, but it already feels like we've known him for decades. He's always very cordial with us, and he clearly loves the ocean as much as we do. I've actually been consulting with him for some time now, not just about the shoal (shallow beach) marine environment, but also about the kinmedai fishing grounds that are some 50 kilometers off the coast.

Shibuya That's right. We're using robots to check the deepwater kinmedai ecosystem, which exists at depths between 200 and 300 meters. Locating fish that far down is extremely difficult, like trying to win the lottery (laughs). But thanks to technology, it's not impossible, and we're determined to complete the work. On offshore wind projects, there's a tendency to focus only on the waters around the turbines, but they can impact other parts of the surrounding marine environment as well, so it's definitely worth our while to investigate those areas too. We might get some hints on how to improve kinmedai fishing grounds, and if we can invigorate the shallow beach waters, then in the future the local fisheries may not have to rely exclusively on that particular fish. By visualizing fishing grounds, the fishermen can better understand what needs to be done to improve the marine environment and develop areas for fishing. It's an approach that can lead to new possibilities and aspirations. Whenever I meet with the fishermen, they present me with more tough challenges (laughs), but I want to do all I can to meet their expectations. I hope that we can continue to work together to make this offshore wind farm a really positive undertaking and create a vibrant, healthy ocean.

The Japanese Approach to Offshore wind farming

—— What is the schedule for the Choshi offshore wind farm? When will it begin operating?

Hanazaki The laying of the land transmission cables will start in 2025, and the construction of the offshore turbines will begin in 2027. The plan is for the farm to go online in September 2028. The next three years will be a crucial, pre-construction phase. In addition to the fishing-ground-survey and environmental-impact-assessment work that we've entrusted to Mr. Shibuya, we're doing checks on the seafloor and analyzing the local wind conditions.

—— It seems that this project could really stimulate the Choshi area.

Hanazaki Absolutely. Offshore wind farms are long-term commitments, so this project will take advantage of Choshi's waters to benefit the local region for upwards of 30 years. The MC Group's aims in developing this farm are numerous. In addition to providing Japan with a stable supply of affordable energy, we're looking to build relationships with local enterprises that will help us to contribute to the region's economy and at the same time make our own brand more competitive. We're also keen to leverage our collective capabilities to address local challenges and revitalize the region.

Kuroda Wind-farm infrastructure is comprised of tens of thousands of parts, which means many different industries are involved in its development. One of our objectives is to match as many local businesses with the project as possible, so that we can forge a local supply chain that spans a variety of fields. Choshi is in the midst of a population decline, and the fact that many of the region's young people are leaving is a particular concern. But if we can entice new industries to set up shop here, then we can gradually create more jobs, which should have a positive, long-term ripple effect on the region's economy.

Shibuya The installation of wind turbines off the coast of Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture resulted in people from all over Japan flocking to the region. They wanted to be there and witness the farm for themselves due to its significance as a national pioneer in wind power. Travel companies were even arranging tours to the region for that very reason. Population decline is a long-term problem, but thanks to support from the local authorities, more and more people are relocating to Goto City. The city officials have developed programs to help elementary and junior high school students to understand the business side and outlook for offshore wind farms, as well as related extra-curricular activities for high school students. Having more future options will not only trigger inward migration of young people, but also the birth of new industries for the region. There's a lot of potential there, and I think the same can easily be said for Choshi.

Hanazaki Definitely. As you know, Europe is a world leader in wind power, but there aren't many cases there in which the farms have also revived marine industries and local communities. The joint pursuit of clean energy and regional revitalization is a terrific thing in my opinion, and can be a true hallmark of offshore wind farm development in Japan. As model regions for this pursuit, Choshi and Akita cities could become synonymous for wind power in our country. Incidentally, I was posted to Choshi about two years ago, and the more I got to know the local people here, the more keenly I could sense their expectations for this offshore wind farm, which has just given me even more resolve to help make it a success.

Leaving a Healthy City and Sea to Choshi's Next Generation

—— What will the future look like, in terms of living with wind power? How do you think Choshi is going to change?

Tamura In recent years, fewer people are preparing fish to eat. There have even been times when I've offered it to my friends and they've refused it (laughs). So I think our first step will be to lower the barriers that are separating everyone from fish and the fishing industry. In that respect, it would be great if Choshi became a familiar spot for children and young people in general to acquaint themselves with our oceans and fish, and I'd like to help make it that kind of community. Wind power will bring constructure and human capital, which I hope will lead to more people joining the local fisheries and rejuvenate our town. Obviously I'd like my own children to take over from me and fish for a living, and I want to help protect and preserve our ocean resources for future generations.

Kase Right now there's only one turbine off Choshi's coast, which is being used for demonstrations, but we're already catching a lot of flounder in the turbine's surrounding waters. If we erect another 30 turbines, then I wouldn't be surprised if we starting reeling in lots of other species as well. Provided that the coastal shoals can be made into richer fishing grounds, fishing vessels will have new places to cast their lines. So even if their advancing ages makes it harder for fishermen to venture further from the coast, they'll be able to continue fishing and earning a living without having to rely exclusively on kinmedai. I think the hurdles to working in the fishing industry are getting lower, so that might also help to address its shortage of successors.

Kamosaku It's clear that wind turbines can help the fishing industry, but they could also benefit local tourism. I'd like to tell Choshi's next generation how we undertook this offshore wind project, but I think rather than telling them to watch and learn from us, we can communicate to them the next steps that we all need to be thinking about in terms of making Choshi's future as bright as possible.

Tamura I agree, and I think that Choshi City's fishery cooperative has continued to take on those kinds of challenges. Choshi is famous for kinmedai caught in its waters, which is a testament to the decades of effort by older generations to add value to the brand.

For Choshi's Future

—— Having heard what those in the fishing industry have to say, has the MC Group changed its thoughts on this project in any way?

Kuroda We see this offshore wind farm as a chance to enrich the local fishing grounds, invigorate the local economy, bolster the region's tourism and residential population, and just create a healthy and vibrant environment in general. In truth, I'd never even been here until I got involved in this project, but each time I've been back I've gained a new appreciation for it. I see and experience a different part of its charm on every visit. It's nice to be close to the ocean, and the climate here is quite mild. The fishing and agriculture industries are flourishing. We've talked about the excellent kinmedai that comes from this part of Japan, but it also produces some delicious fruits and vegetables, plus it has some great tourist attractions, such as the Choshi Electric Railway and the Byobugaura Inlet. It's not too far from Tokyo and it's close to Narita International Airport. Effectively promoting all of that appeal will also help to make Choshi a more prosperous area.

Hanazaki We were impressed when the fishing cooperative told us that it wanted us to speak with its youth group due to the implications the offshore wind farm will have on Choshi's future. The city's older generation trusts its young people, and these young fishermen are demonstrating both ambition and determination. I think they have a terrific relationship, and I'd be delighted if we can assist them in any way. MC is a sogo shosha, so we have deep and broad ties to not only the fishing industry, but also agriculture, food, tourism and so many other sectors. The people of Choshi should feel confident about using more and more of our resources and expertise, and we look forward to seeing just how far we can grow alongside them. The MC Group will continue to consolidate its collective capabilities and do its best to help this region and its inhabitants, so that 30 years from now, we'll all be able to look back on the offshore wind farm with both pride and the knowledge that it was the right thing to do.