Due to the earthquake, it was not certain if this year’s survey could be carried out. However, on October 25, 2024, the 6th grade students from Nakajima Elementary School in Nanao City successfully conducted the “Survey of Coastal Sea Creatures.” This survey was hosted by Nanao City and supported by experts from the Noto GIAHS Biodiversity Working Group, Mr. Arakawa from the Noto Marine Center and Ms. Koyama, OUIK’s Research Associate.
First, Ms. Odake from the Nanao City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Division welcomed everyone, and then the instructor, Mr. Arakawa, explained the survey methods and safety precautions. The students were divided into five groups. Equipped with the necessary tools, they began their survey. They eagerly searched for creatures using box goggles and nets. Some children got down on all fours, trying to catch crabs hiding between the stone steps, while others became so absorbed in their search that they ended up waist-deep in the water. When the announcement came to end the collecting time, some students complained, “Wait, do we have to stop?” clearly still wanting to keep searching for more creatures.
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Next, it was the species identification time. The species collected were observed separately from seaweed. Worksheets and recently created teaching materials by the GIAHS Working Group were used to record the findings. Mr. Arakawa provided explanations about the creatures found and that some species of shellfish that are locally called Shitadami or Shitadame are edible. Moreover, he explained that there is a type of shellfish called Sugai (Lunella correensis), which looks similar to Shitadami but has a different shell lid shape. Crabs found by different groups were gathered and placed in a single container for comparison. Two different types of crabs, Isogani (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and Gazami (Portunus trituberculatus), were examined, revealing that the shape of the fifth leg on the Gazami crab is flattened, making it well-suited for swimming.
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At first glance, an artificial shoreline seemed empty, but when we took a closer look, students were able to find a variety of creatures there. Due to the effects of the earthquake, children may have fewer opportunities to go outside and connect with nature. However, we hope that this survey has helped the students appreciate the richness and fascination of their local coastal environment. We also hope that they will continue deepening their understanding of how their daily lives are connected to the sea. Under the clear autumn sky, the shining smiles of the children were truly the most memorable sight of all.
