NYK recently provided a donation to Sea Vegetable LLC (Headquarters: Aki City, Kochi Prefecture; hereafter "Sea Vegetable") to support biodiversity enhancement through the development of cultivated seaweed beds. Utilizing Sea Vegetable’s advanced seaweed cultivation technology, we will assist in establishing cultivated seaweed beds along the coast of Oga City in Akita Prefecture, with the goal of ecological recovery and the regeneration of marine resources.

A seaweed bed, an area densely populated with seaweed, serves as a crucial "marine nursery" that provides habitat and spawning grounds for various marine organisms. However, in recent years, the decline of seaweed beds has become a serious issue nationwide, largely driven by increased sea temperatures and associated herbivory.

Sea Vegetable implements a project where "cultivated seaweed beds" embody a circular approach. Cultivated seaweed beds are artificially formed environments created through seaweed farming, designed to foster a rich ecosystem that attracts small creatures like amphipods and larger fish alike. In collaboration with local fishers, the initiative involves nurturing and managing these beds, ultimately harvesting the cultivated seaweed as a product to promote sustainable marine environment restoration and regional revitalization.

This initiative aligns with our sustainability initiative "Giving Back to the Sea, the Earth, and Humanity." By backing Sea Vegetable’s activities to address the decline of seaweed beds, NYK reaffirms its dedication to marine conservation as a core aspect of our social responsibility.

Additionally, this project builds on our 2022 integrated partnership agreement with Akita Prefecture. It reflects our ongoing focus on environmental conservation and effective port utilization while fostering regional collaboration. Going forward, we remain committed to working closely with local communities to promote sustainable environmental development.