Efforts to restore blue carbon in Japan are on the rise, with initiatives aimed at absorbing and capturing carbon dioxide within oceanic ecosystems becoming increasingly popular. These endeavors not only combat climate change but also bring additional benefits such as enhancing fisheries resources and seawater quality. One notable initiative involves the trading of blue carbon credits, allowing organizations to sell and purchase credits under a newly introduced system to support carbon footprint reduction.
The Japan Blue Economy (JBE) Association has taken progressive steps towards reconstructing seaweed colonies nationwide, issuing certificates known as J Blue Credits to acknowledge the economic values based on the CO2 absorbed through these restoration initiatives. By selling their credits, project operators can raise funds for their businesses while assisting other enterprises in offsetting their carbon footprints. This system has seen the certification of 26 programs through fiscal 2022, with a total of 3,800 tons of CO2 credits issued.
Collaborating with Nippon Steel Corp., the Mashike fisheries cooperative association in Hokkaido initiated a project in 2004 to rebuild the local seaweed population by supplying iron to the sea for the growth of "konbu" kelp. This innovative approach involved burying iron slag in coastal areas, resulting in a significant increase in the area of the seaweed colonies. Apart from reducing carbon footprints, this endeavor led to an increase in sea urchin catch and higher incomes for the fisheries cooperative association, showcasing the multiple benefits of restoring marine ecosystems.
Inspired by the success of the Mashike project, similar strategies have been implemented in over 50 locations across Japan, including the transplanting of eelgrass seedlings and the development of tidal flats to support the growth of various marine plant species. The Japanese government has also proposed techniques to estimate the extent of seaweed colonies nationwide through satellite imagery and geographical data, with plans to present detailed carbon absorption data associated with aquatic plants to the United Nations. Japan aims to become a pioneer in setting global criteria for evaluating blue carbon, emphasizing the importance of including the absorption of CO2 by seaweed and seagrass in international greenhouse gas emissions reports.