Launching Seaweed Cultivation Initiative for Noto Peninsula Earthquake Relief
Green Co-op partners with Sea Vegetable and Hinode Ooshiki to start seaweed cultivation in the Noto Peninsula. The initiative aims to support earthquake recovery by creating local jobs while protecting blue carbon ecosystems for carbon neutrality.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 11:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 02:25 (350h 54m after Collected)
The Green Co-op Consortium (Headquarters: Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Representative Director: Yoko Hidaka, hereafter Green Co-op), an incorporated association comprising 16 consumer co-operatives mainly in western Japan, will collaborate with Sea Vegetable LLC (hereafter Sea Vegetable) and Hinode Ooshiki Ltd., a company conducting fixed-net fishing in Noto Town, to start cultivating seaweed in the Noto Peninsula. By launching a new industry, they aim to create employment, revitalize the region damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and protect blue carbon ecosystems.
■ Background
Green Co-op has been continuously working on disaster relief in the Noto Peninsula since immediately after the earthquake. They have provided support while valuing connections with local residents, such as assisting with mobile sales and creating community spaces, as well as handling local specialties in Green Co-op catalogs and stores. However, the ongoing population outflow in the affected area remains a severe challenge to recovery.
Therefore, by partnering with Sea Vegetable to conduct seaweed cultivation, they aim to launch a new industry and create jobs. They first connected with Sea Vegetable through carbon-neutral initiatives and have deepened their collaboration, such as selling Suji-aonori (green laver).
■ About Seaweed Cultivation
To cultivate seaweed, the cooperation of local fishers is indispensable. The project will be carried out by three parties: Sea Vegetable, Hinode Ooshiki (a fixed-net fishery in Noto Town), and Green Co-op. Sea Vegetable has already investigated the waters around the Noto Peninsula and begun selecting suitable locations and seaweed species for test cultivation.
■ Protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Blue carbon refers to carbon absorbed by coastal and marine ecosystems through photosynthesis and subsequently stored in the seabed and deep sea. It is gaining global attention as a new option for carbon sink measures. As part of its carbon-neutral initiatives, Green Co-op has aimed to mitigate climate change by working on the regeneration and protection of seaweed beds to effectively utilize the multifaceted value of blue carbon ecosystems. Specifically, they have achieved the planting of mangroves and the commercialization of rabbitfish (Siganus punctatus), which feed on seagrass and cause damage.
If this seaweed cultivation is realized, they believe it will not only support Noto's recovery but also enrich the marine environment, protect blue carbon ecosystems, and lead to carbon neutrality.
Coexisting with Marine Resources
https://carbonneutral.greencoop.or.jp/bluecarbon/
■ About Sea Vegetable LLC
■ Background
Green Co-op has been continuously working on disaster relief in the Noto Peninsula since immediately after the earthquake. They have provided support while valuing connections with local residents, such as assisting with mobile sales and creating community spaces, as well as handling local specialties in Green Co-op catalogs and stores. However, the ongoing population outflow in the affected area remains a severe challenge to recovery.
Therefore, by partnering with Sea Vegetable to conduct seaweed cultivation, they aim to launch a new industry and create jobs. They first connected with Sea Vegetable through carbon-neutral initiatives and have deepened their collaboration, such as selling Suji-aonori (green laver).
■ About Seaweed Cultivation
To cultivate seaweed, the cooperation of local fishers is indispensable. The project will be carried out by three parties: Sea Vegetable, Hinode Ooshiki (a fixed-net fishery in Noto Town), and Green Co-op. Sea Vegetable has already investigated the waters around the Noto Peninsula and begun selecting suitable locations and seaweed species for test cultivation.
■ Protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Blue carbon refers to carbon absorbed by coastal and marine ecosystems through photosynthesis and subsequently stored in the seabed and deep sea. It is gaining global attention as a new option for carbon sink measures. As part of its carbon-neutral initiatives, Green Co-op has aimed to mitigate climate change by working on the regeneration and protection of seaweed beds to effectively utilize the multifaceted value of blue carbon ecosystems. Specifically, they have achieved the planting of mangroves and the commercialization of rabbitfish (Siganus punctatus), which feed on seagrass and cause damage.
If this seaweed cultivation is realized, they believe it will not only support Noto's recovery but also enrich the marine environment, protect blue carbon ecosystems, and lead to carbon neutrality.
Coexisting with Marine Resources
https://carbonneutral.greencoop.or.jp/bluecarbon/
■ About Sea Vegetable LLC