In the fall of 2021, a large-scale red tide of dinoflagellate Karenia selliformis occurred in the waters off eastern Hokkaido. As a mechanism of red tide outbreaks, it is thought that under conditions of thermoclines with high water temperatures (1-3°C higher than normal years), nutrients in the surface layer are depleted. K. selliformis uses its mobility to acquire nutrients in the lower layer at night and dominate the surface layer during the day when they photosynthesize. There is a possibility that red tides could be controlled through satellite tracking and clay dispersal.

Blue Flag is a certification for marine environments. As of March 2022, it has been granted to 4,831 beaches, marinas, and boating tour operators from 50 countries. While beaches in Korea and India have been awarded the Blue Flag, Japan was the first in Asia to have Blue Flag-certified beaches and marinas. In this article, I would like to introduce the history, criteria, and characteristics of the Blue Flag certification that was founded in France over 37 years ago.

Yamanashi Prefecture doesn’t have an ocean. However, local specialties like awabi-no-nigai (boiled abalone) and the high consumption of marine products show that it has strong ties to the sea through its food culture. In this article, I would like to introduce marine education activities in Yamanashi Prefecture where you can inspect the characteristic five-sided symmetry of echinoderms with your own hands. It all begins with the question: What part of sea urchins is used for topping sushi?