Rescuing Coral by DesignーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Last November, the International Union for Conservation of Nature designated 44% of reef building coral species as endangered. And this is extremely alarming since such reefs not only provide homes, hiding places, and breeding grounds for fish and other creatures, but are vital to entire marine ecosystems. In response to this crisis, a researcher studying design at the University of Tokyo has stepped up. She’s leading an experimental effort to grow coral at a school and bring it to the nearby ocean. It’s called the Coral Rescue Project. This school in Numazu Shizoka Prefecture is close to the sea. In early June, it began a unique class for growing coral. The class focuses on an endangered species known in Japan as Eda Midori is. The idea is to nurture coral that’s been damaged by typhoons and other factors and reintroduce it to the sea. This is research associate Suda Tomomi of the University of Tokyo. Suda has created a device for growing coral in aquariums. She developed it at the University of Tokyo’s DLX design laboratory. Suda uses her design expertise to work on environmental issues to find out how much microlastic is floating in the sea. This will be put into the ocean and used to collect seawater for analysis. This tool is for removing debris from concrete tetropod blocks. She hopes to use the devices she’s designed to help connect experts and the public, allowing people to engage more directly with environmental issues. Suda’s main focus these days is coral. I’ve been diving in the ocean and seen the problem of coral bleaching in many places. It made me want to do whatever I could to help. That’s the reason I took on this project and what keeps me going. Corals are very delicate creatures that can die if the water temperature is too high or low. The ones in the tank are monitored carefully. This sensor measures temperature. This one the water level. And this is the pH meter. Working with oceanographers, Suda has developed a special app that allows the user to control aquarium conditions. The revolutionary device makes it possible to grow them at home. The Uchiora coast of Numazu, where Suda will bring the coral this time, is the northern limit of its habitat. She’s enlisted the help of someone familiar with the local ecology. Asakura Kazuya works here as a diving guide. I think it’s great to have students raise coral at school so that they’ll eventually think about the whole ocean, not just what’s in an aquarium. On this day, Suda is back at the school and notices the device showing an abnormal water level. Such changes can be very serious for coral. One of the children immediately add seawater according to the devices instructions. Hey, suda also shows the students how to clean the aquarium to maintain an optimal breeding environment. Oh, the children clearly understand that Suda wants them to feel a connection to the coral. It has been three weeks since they began the project. It’s time to bring the corals to the sea. First, in shallow water, they’re attached to a module designed by Suda. I feel Hold up. I was very moved. The project has support from many people, so it’s been amazing to watch it come together with the return of coral to the ocean. I love seeing people enjoy taking part in the effort. The project team has since moved the coral to another colony at a depth of 3 m and are continuing their observations. Suda hopes to expand the initiative around the world and do whatever possible to improve the ecosystems of endangered coral reefs. Now, take a look at what the kids drew after taking care of their little corals. It really shows how fond of them they became. A macho coral. I love it. While Suda’s initiative is still in the early stages and will require extensive collaboration with experts to bear fruit, she and the school children have definitely generated a wave of awareness that conserving marine life can be creative, rewarding, and fun. And that’s all from me.
With much of the world’s coral at risk of extinction, the University of Tokyo has launched a project to come to the rescue. Its founder uses her design expertise to have students grow coral at school and bring it to the sea.
#japan #nature #environment #asia #world #children #education
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