Collect, research, and reuse marine debris

We work backward from solving the marine debris problem, consider cooperation and collaboration with other organizations, and build activities based on an understanding of our own role. We are challenging difficult areas where activities are necessary to solve the problem but have not been possible due to technical and cost reasons.

We are developing three activities in the marine litter business.

1.Recovery Technology Development: Collecting Drifting Garbage and Sea Bottom Sediment Garbage

We are taking on the challenge of developing technologies to recover marine debris, which until now has been difficult to recover and has been left unattended.

About 75% of marine debris is left at sea or on the seabed.

We believe that a new method is needed to recover marine debris in these locations that satisfies technical, cost, and regulatory requirements different from the conventional methods.

We hypothesize that there are certain laws and conditions that govern the hot spots where marine debris accumulates and the patterns and timing of drift and advection, and we are repeating demonstration tests in collaboration with local fishermen on Shodoshima Island to develop efficient collection technology.

By developing technology that is easy to use for fishermen and others and that can be deployed in other areas, we aim to increase the amount of marine debris that has been difficult to collect and has been left unattended, and to achieve a collection volume greater than the amount of runoff.

2.Research: Investigate environmental conditions & link to recovery techniques

We are conducting research for efficient marine debris recovery.

To increase the amount of drifting and seabed-deposited litter collected, collection technology alone is not enough.

In order to maximize collection techniques, litter must be present at the location in order for them to be of any use.

It is necessary to investigate environmental conditions such as where litter accumulates, what routes it takes, and whether weather conditions are relevant.

While focusing on primary information in the field, we are strengthening cooperation with universities and other research institutions to investigate patterns of marine debris outflow, drift, and drifting, as well as the amount of debris drifting.

While formulating hypotheses and repeating demonstration tests, we are investigating conditions such as weather, installation points, etc., and improving the design of the equipment itself.

3.Separate beach cleanups: collecting debris while conducting surveys & reusing it

Beach litter is collected through beach cleanup activities.

This activity is held at Tao Beach in Sakate, Shodoshima-cho, and has become a monthly event in which local residents and those from outside the island can participate. As this activity is open to everyone, we hope that more people will participate in this activity, and by exchanging opinions with Kurian members who are engaged in practical activities, we would like to increase the number of people who know about the current situation of marine litter and their friends.

In this activity, each bag is collected separately as a sorted beach cleanup, and each bag is weighed to investigate the composition and amount of litter that has drifted ashore.

In addition, in order to increase the amount of trash that can be reused, we need to separate the trash by material, so we do this at the collection stage.

Please check the official SNS for the schedule and details.

In order to increase the amount of marine debris collected and reused, we are working with other organizations, companies, and individuals to expand the program, and we are always looking for new partners.

We are also looking for sponsors. You can enhance your brand image by sending out photos with your company’s logo banner on social networking sites. Please contact us for more details.