Based in Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, the 'Etajima Future Sea Creation Project' (operated by General Incorporated Association Food, Representative Director Shun Goto) held the 'Observation of the Sea's Nursery' event on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Arashiro Coast in Etajima City.

The event welcomed 37 participants from 10 groups, ranging from children to adults. They observed seagrass beds—known as the 'nursery of the sea'—which nurture fish and small marine creatures, experiencing the rich ecosystem and value still present in Etajima's coastal waters.

Etajima's Sea Still Holds Such a Rich World

Arashiro Coast, the venue of this event, hosts expansive seagrass beds where fish and small organisms hide, lay eggs, and grow. These seagrass beds are often called the 'nursery of the sea' because they support the life cycles of numerous marine species.

General Incorporated Association Food continues efforts to preserve Etajima's rich satoumi through beach cleanups and seagrass bed restoration.

This observation event was organized with the intention of allowing participants to see, touch, and feel the diverse marine life and environments within the sea, thereby sharing the value of Etajima's marine ecosystem with a broader audience.

Peering into the 'Nursery of the Sea': 37 Parents and Children Enter the Sea

Pre-event briefing at General Incorporated Association Food, followed by a walk to Arashiro Coast

On the day, 37 participants (21 adults and 16 children) from 10 groups took part. After an orientation at the National Etajima Youth Exchange House, they moved to Arashiro Coast.

Arashiro Coast features a diverse range of environments within a single shoreline—sandy beaches, tidal flats, seaweed beds, and rocky areas.

Participants became deeply engaged in searching for marine life, wading into the sea, peering under rocks, and sifting through sand.

During the observation, participants spotted diverse marine creatures, including octopus eggs attached to seagrass, octopuses, and sea slugs.

Even the sea we casually observe every day reveals a rich tapestry of life when viewed with a closer, more attentive eye. This event provided a meaningful opportunity to experience the biodiversity and ecological value of Etajima's coastal waters.

Tidal flats host their own unique species. Octopus eggs attached to seagrass.

Participant Feedback:

- "Time flew by while searching for various creatures. It was so much fun."

- "Direct interaction with sandy beaches, tidal flats, and seaweed beds was genuinely enjoyable, and I believe it's an essential experience for children."

- "I caught an octopus—it made me incredibly happy!"

- "Usually, I only notice crabs when I go to the beach, but I was amazed to discover such a diverse range of marine life!"

- "I think this is a wonderful event, and I hope it spreads even further."

Searching for marine life by placing nets into seagrass beds

Struggling to touch an octopus

Octopus eggs

Marine life explanations by Dr. Nishihara, Director of Satoumi Science Museum

Preserving a Rich Sea for Future Generations

This observation event was jointly implemented by General Incorporated Association Food, Hiroshima NPO Center (a nonprofit organization), and Etajima City (Satoumi Science Museum), with funding support from the SAVE JAPAN Project 2025–2026.

We aim to expand these educational experiences beyond one-time events, cultivating individuals who 'know the sea, protect the sea, and pass it on to the future,' both within and beyond the local community.

Currently, we offer tailored programs for various age groups and purposes, including integrated learning for elementary, middle, and high school students, corporate training, university fieldwork, and group workshops. We hope to continue creating opportunities to learn together and envision the future, using Etajima's rich satoumi as a living classroom.

【Event Overview】

Date: June 14, 2026 (Sunday)

Venue: Arashiro Coast, Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Number of Participants: 37 participants from 10 groups (21 adults, 16 children)

Organizers: General Incorporated Association Food, Hiroshima NPO Center

Supporting Organizations: Etajima City, Etajima City Board of Education

Collaborators: Etajima City (Satoumi Science Museum), Japan NPO Center

Sponsor: Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

Organization Overview

Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Food

Address: 997-2 Hata, Okimi-cho, Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Main Activities: Etajima Sea Zero Waste Campaign (beach cleanups), Sea Nursery Campaign (seagrass bed restoration and research), Educational Programs (outreach lessons, corporate partnerships)

Official Website: https://etajima-umi.net/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Dates in source: 2025-2026