Back to Akkeshi! Unraveling the Secrets of the "Sea Forest" with Science

Tara Océan Japan, a general incorporated association dedicated to marine research and conservation, will hold a marine education event, "Unraveling the Secrets of the Sea Forest with Science! Let's Learn About Blue Carbon Ecosystems," on August 1, 2026 (Sat) at the Hokkaido University Akkeshi Marine Science Station in Akkeshi, Hokkaido, as part of the "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project."

This event marks the second time it will be held in Akkeshi, following the event in 2024. Following last year's focus on "seaweed," this year's theme is "seagrass beds" that spread across Akkeshi Bay, and participants will learn in a fun way through experiments and observations about the role and importance of "blue carbon ecosystems" created by seagrass and seaweed.

The "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" is a project aimed at scientifically investigating "blue carbon ecosystems" composed of seaweed, seagrass, etc., and widely communicating their importance. At research bases across the country, in addition to research activities, marine education and outreach events are also held for local communities. In Akkeshi, research and marine education events targeting seaweed were held in 2024. This time, the research target is expanded to seagrass beds, which are seagrass, to learn about their ecology and their role as a blue carbon ecosystem.

What's the difference between "seaweed" and "seagrass"?

How does seagrass absorb carbon dioxide in the sea?

These questions will be explored through seminars, beach cleanups, wildlife observation, and photosynthesis experiments, providing an experiential learning opportunity about the mechanisms and roles of blue carbon ecosystems. Previous participants commented, "I was able to learn about the types of trash and how to sort them during the beach cleanup" and "It was interesting to observe various creatures." This event offers new discoveries not only for first-time participants but also for those who attended the 2024 event.

We offer an opportunity to think about the rich local nature and the future of the sea while interacting with the ocean from a scientific perspective.

Scenes from the previous outreach event in Akkeshi

Marine Education Event Overview

Date and Time: August 1, 2026 (Sat) 09:00-12:00 [Reception 08:50]

Meeting Point: Akkeshi Town Hot Pool Parking Lot, 1-1 Wanketsu, Akkeshi-cho, Akkeshi-gun, Hokkaido

After a beach cleanup on the coast of Barasan Cape, participants will travel to the Akkeshi Marine Science Station by their own vehicles.

Dispersal Point: Hokkaido University Akkeshi Marine Science Station, 1 Aikappu, Akkeshi-cho, Akkeshi-gun, Hokkaido

*Parking is available at Neparu Akkeshi.

*Shuttle service will be provided from Neparu Akkeshi to the research station.

Capacity: Approximately 30 people

Target Audience: Elementary school students and older (junior high school students and adults are also welcome)

Participation Fee: Free

Please apply via the following Google Form:

https://forms.gle/XyouzJo4V5vvgnac9

*Application Deadline: July 30, 2026 (Thu) / Registration closes once capacity is reached.

Organizers: Tara Océan Japan / JAMBIO; Cooperating Organizations: Hokkaido University Akkeshi Marine Science Station / Akkeshi Town Maritime Memorial Hall

JAMBIO (Joint Support Organization for Marine Biology)

A research collaboration promotion organization for marine and fisheries research stations across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. From 2020 to 2023, Tara Océan Japan collaborated with JAMBIO on the "Tara JAMBIO Joint Microplastic Survey," conducting research and awareness activities on microplastic pollution in Japanese coastal waters.

https://jambio.jp/

General Incorporated Association Tara Océan Japan

The Japanese branch of the Tara Océan Foundation, a French public interest foundation specializing in the ocean, founded by Agnès b. in 2003. It introduces the activities of Tara Océan, such as the "Tara research vessel" that conducts research on the impact of global warming and environmental threats on the ocean, and promotes unique Japanese projects. From 2020 to 2023, it conducted the "Tara JAMBIO Joint Microplastic Survey" to research and raise awareness about microplastics in coastal waters throughout Japan. https://jp.fondationtaraocean.org/expedition/tara-jambio/ In 2024, it launched the "Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project" to research and raise awareness about the importance of blue carbon ecosystems. https://jp.fondationtaraocean.org/expedition/tara-jambio-bluecarbon/

https://fondationtaraocean.org/jp https://www.facebook.com/taraoceanjapan/ https://www.instagram.com/fondationtaraocean_japan/ https://x.com/TaraOcean_JP