The "Kyoto by the Sea Research Team" event, in which elementary school students in Kyoto City learn about the richness of the sea around Kyoto, was held on September 8th and 9th, 2024 in Ine Town, Kyoto Prefecture, and other locations. Under the theme of "Investigate the bluefin tuna in Ine Town," the children toured a fish farm and learned about the purpose of people raising them, deepening their understanding of efforts to protect the blessings of the sea.
As part of the Nippon Foundation's "Sea and Japan Project," the event was organized by KBS Kyoto, a television and radio station, as the secretariat. Twenty fifth graders from Koka Elementary School (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City) participated.
On September 8th, the children took a pleasure boat to Ine Bay to see the fish farms where bluefin tuna are farmed, and then learned from a fishery company representative about the purpose of aquaculture, which protects marine resources and provides a stable supply to the dinner table. They also learned about the efforts being made on the ground, such as using underwater drones to monitor the growth of the fish so as not to stress them, and devising ways to feed them.
At a sushi restaurant in Miyazu City, the group watched with interest as a craftsman butchered a bluefin tuna that had been farmed in Ine Bay.
On September 9, the group experienced set-net fishing and observed local residents selling fresh fish at Ine Fishing Port.
