Poor oyster growth deals blow to farmers in central Japan city, annual festival canceled
TOBA, Mie -- Poor oyster growth in this central Japan city has left farmers without market-ready oysters at the start of the harvesting season, forcin
Toba, a city in central Japan's Mie Prefecture, is experiencing poor oyster growth, which has led to the cancellation of the annual festival and significant hardship for local farmers. The Pacific oysters in the Uramuracho district, renowned for oyster farming, are struggling with small shells and thin meat. Some oysters have even died.
Despite the October harvesting season starting, farmers like Naoki Kakuda, a member of the Uramura oyster cooperative, are dismayed by the lack of market-ready oysters. The small and thin oysters have failed to meet market standards, and many are empty. The effects are widespread, affecting the cancellation of the Uramura oyster season opening festival scheduled for October 18.
The festival's organizers expressed disappointment, acknowledging the community's anticipation. Oyster harvests have been declining in recent years due to rising seawater temperatures, although last season saw a relatively healthy growth despite damage from a tsunami. Farmers hope cooler seawater temperatures will aid the recovery of the oysters.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
