Toward designation of the first marine protected area such as the Izu/Ogasawara Trench Environmental conservation on the seabed July 24, 5:24
In order to preserve the natural environment on the seabed, the Ministry of the Environment has compiled a policy to designate four sea areas such as Izu and Ogasawara Trench as protected areas for the first time.
There is a unique ecosystem in the deep sea off the coast of Japan depending on topographical features such as submarine mountains and trenches. Last year, the government established a system to protect the natural environment of the seabed by designating protected areas.
As its first area, the Ministry of the Environment has compiled a policy of designating four sea areas including the Izu/Ogasawara Trench and the northern Mariana Trench as protected areas.
These waters are home to uniquely evolved creatures that adapt to the deep-sea environment, which means that mining of minerals and flora and fauna that could affect the seabed if designated as a protected area would not be possible. It is regulated by law.
The Ministry of the Environment plans to appoint it by the end of the year after soliciting opinions from the public until 19th of next month.
In addition, we will conduct a part of the survey during the current fiscal year to promote understanding of the ecosystem.