Continued with Crowdfunding Support: "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" Expands to Seagrass in its 3rd Year of Research
Tara Ocean Japan has decided to continue the "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" with the support of crowdfunding. From May to August 2026, the third year of surveys and awareness activities focusing on seagrass will be conducted at three locations nationwide, advancing the research plan through 2027. This project promotes large-scale blue carbon research across Japan, contributing to ocean conservation and climate change countermeasures.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 22:00
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Tara Ocean Japan, a general incorporated association engaged in marine research and ocean conservation, will conduct its third year of activities for the "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project," including surveys, research, and awareness activities at three locations nationwide from May to August 2026.
This activity was made possible by the generous support received from many people through crowdfunding, both when the project was launched in the winter of 2023 and for its continuation in the spring of 2026. This has provided a prospect for continuously advancing the survey plan through 2027.
The "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" is a large-scale blue carbon research project in Japan, targeting over 13 locations nationwide and spanning approximately four years. Continuous surveys and dissemination are planned for 2027 as well.
In its first year, which began in 2024, surveys targeting seaweed were conducted at three locations: Amakusa Marine Biological Laboratory of Kyushu University, Akkeshi Marine Station of Hokkaido University's Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, and Oki Marine Biological Station of Shimane University. Additionally, surveys targeting seagrass were conducted at Hiroshima University's Takehara Station.
In the second year, seaweed survey locations were expanded to seven sites, with cooperation from Shimoda Marine Research Center of University of Tsukuba, East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources (Kamigoto) of Nagasaki University, Marine Biological Research and Education Facility of Kochi University, Aji Marine Station (Shodoshima) of Kagawa University's Setouchi Regional Research Center, Sado Marine Biological Station of Niigata University's Sado Island Center for Ecological Research, Oshoro Marine Station of Hokkaido University's Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, and Onagawa Field Center of Tohoku University's Graduate School of Agricultural Science.
And this year, the third year, surveys and awareness activities targeting seagrass will be conducted at the following three locations:
Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources (Omura)
Tohoku University Asamushi Research Center for Marine Biology
Hokkaido University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Akkeshi Marine Station
Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project Survey Site Map
■ Importance of Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Significance of This Project
Blue carbon ecosystems are often called "cradles of life" because they nurture diverse organisms. At the same time, they are attracting attention from the perspective of global warming mitigation and blue carbon credits due to their function of sequestering and storing carbon.
However, many aspects remain unclear regarding which types of seaweed and seagrass sequester carbon and through what mechanisms.
This project will collect large-scale data in coastal areas across Japan through the following surveys:
Carbon sequestration processes (diving/vessel surveys): Photosynthesis, organic matter transport, dissolved organic matter, decomposability, sediment cores, CO2 balance, sediment DNA
Biodiversity assessment (diving/vessel surveys): Epiphytic animals, environmental DNA, genetic diversity, sessile organisms
■ Awareness Activities in Collaboration with Local Communities
At the survey sites, awareness activities are also conducted for the general public to convey the importance of blue carbon ecosystems and Tara Ocean's activities.
Main contents:
Seminars
Outdoor activities such as beach cleanups
Experiential programs such as science experiments
In the past two years of activities, many people, including children, participated and learned about the importance of blue carbon ecosystems and the ocean.
This year, events are also planned at three locations.
Nagasaki Awareness Event Outline:
"Unraveling the Secrets of the Sea Forest with Science! Learn about Blue Carbon Ecosystems"
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:00-12:00 (Reception 09:50)
Location: Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources, 1551-7 Taira-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
*Parking available
Capacity: Approximately 30 people
Target: Elementary school students from 3rd grade and above (junior high school students and adults are also welcome!)
Participation fee: Free
https://forms.gle/rccWJtYkDnGWF2XP7
Co-organizers: Tara Ocean Japan, JAMBIO, Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources
Awareness events are also scheduled for Saturday, June 27 (Asamushi) and Saturday, August 1 (Akkeshi). Details will be announced sequentially on Tara Ocean Japan's official website and social media.
Scenes from the 2025 Awareness Event
This project has been realized through the support of many people via crowdfunding conducted in the winter of 2023 and spring of 2026.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to everyone who provided support and cooperation, as well as to our partner companies and organizations that support these activities.
Tara Ocean Japan will continue to promote the understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and marine environmental conservation and awareness in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and local communities.
This activity was made possible by the generous support received from many people through crowdfunding, both when the project was launched in the winter of 2023 and for its continuation in the spring of 2026. This has provided a prospect for continuously advancing the survey plan through 2027.
The "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" is a large-scale blue carbon research project in Japan, targeting over 13 locations nationwide and spanning approximately four years. Continuous surveys and dissemination are planned for 2027 as well.
In its first year, which began in 2024, surveys targeting seaweed were conducted at three locations: Amakusa Marine Biological Laboratory of Kyushu University, Akkeshi Marine Station of Hokkaido University's Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, and Oki Marine Biological Station of Shimane University. Additionally, surveys targeting seagrass were conducted at Hiroshima University's Takehara Station.
In the second year, seaweed survey locations were expanded to seven sites, with cooperation from Shimoda Marine Research Center of University of Tsukuba, East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources (Kamigoto) of Nagasaki University, Marine Biological Research and Education Facility of Kochi University, Aji Marine Station (Shodoshima) of Kagawa University's Setouchi Regional Research Center, Sado Marine Biological Station of Niigata University's Sado Island Center for Ecological Research, Oshoro Marine Station of Hokkaido University's Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, and Onagawa Field Center of Tohoku University's Graduate School of Agricultural Science.
And this year, the third year, surveys and awareness activities targeting seagrass will be conducted at the following three locations:
Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources (Omura)
Tohoku University Asamushi Research Center for Marine Biology
Hokkaido University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Akkeshi Marine Station
Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project Survey Site Map
■ Importance of Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Significance of This Project
Blue carbon ecosystems are often called "cradles of life" because they nurture diverse organisms. At the same time, they are attracting attention from the perspective of global warming mitigation and blue carbon credits due to their function of sequestering and storing carbon.
However, many aspects remain unclear regarding which types of seaweed and seagrass sequester carbon and through what mechanisms.
This project will collect large-scale data in coastal areas across Japan through the following surveys:
Carbon sequestration processes (diving/vessel surveys): Photosynthesis, organic matter transport, dissolved organic matter, decomposability, sediment cores, CO2 balance, sediment DNA
Biodiversity assessment (diving/vessel surveys): Epiphytic animals, environmental DNA, genetic diversity, sessile organisms
■ Awareness Activities in Collaboration with Local Communities
At the survey sites, awareness activities are also conducted for the general public to convey the importance of blue carbon ecosystems and Tara Ocean's activities.
Main contents:
Seminars
Outdoor activities such as beach cleanups
Experiential programs such as science experiments
In the past two years of activities, many people, including children, participated and learned about the importance of blue carbon ecosystems and the ocean.
This year, events are also planned at three locations.
Nagasaki Awareness Event Outline:
"Unraveling the Secrets of the Sea Forest with Science! Learn about Blue Carbon Ecosystems"
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:00-12:00 (Reception 09:50)
Location: Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources, 1551-7 Taira-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
*Parking available
Capacity: Approximately 30 people
Target: Elementary school students from 3rd grade and above (junior high school students and adults are also welcome!)
Participation fee: Free
https://forms.gle/rccWJtYkDnGWF2XP7
Co-organizers: Tara Ocean Japan, JAMBIO, Nagasaki University East China Sea Research Center for Environmental Resources
Awareness events are also scheduled for Saturday, June 27 (Asamushi) and Saturday, August 1 (Akkeshi). Details will be announced sequentially on Tara Ocean Japan's official website and social media.
Scenes from the 2025 Awareness Event
This project has been realized through the support of many people via crowdfunding conducted in the winter of 2023 and spring of 2026.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to everyone who provided support and cooperation, as well as to our partner companies and organizations that support these activities.
Tara Ocean Japan will continue to promote the understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and marine environmental conservation and awareness in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and local communities.