NTT Aqua was established through an agreement with Akajin

Japanese Giant NTT Com Launches Subsidiary 'NTT Aqua' for Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

JAPAN
Wednesday, December 04, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), part of the Docomo Group's corporate brand "Docomo Business," has established NTT Aqua Co., Ltd., a new subsidiary dedicated to researching, developing, and providing recirculating land-based aquaculture systems.

Operations will officially commence on December 2, 2024. The goal of NTT Aqua is to lower barriers to entry for land-based aquaculture, making it accessible to a wide range of participants while contributing to regional revitalization and bolstering food security in Japan.

Keiichi Yamamoto and Satoshi Watanabe during the presentation of NTT Aqua

Background

Challenges in Rural Japan

Approximately 60% of Japan's land area and nearly half of its cities, towns, and villages are now classified as depopulated. With fewer attractive job opportunities in rural areas, migration to urban centers has accelerated, exacerbating the issues of declining birthrates and an aging population. Developing new industries in these regions has become critical to reversing these trends.

Strengthening Food Security

Climate change and increasing global food demand have underscored the urgency of strengthening Japan's food security. Land-based aquaculture, an alternative to traditional marine farming, offers a sustainable and efficient way to address these challenges while revitalizing rural communities.

NTT Aqua’s Approach

Closed Recirculation Land-Based Aquaculture

NTT Aqua employs a "closed circulation" land-based aquaculture system, which offers more stable production compared to marine aquaculture while minimizing environmental impacts. By repurposing unused facilities like abandoned schools and warehouses, the system enables new entrants to join the aquaculture industry without requiring fishing rights.

NTT Aqua water quality related sensors for land-based aquaculture platforms

Partnership with Akajin

In collaboration with Akajin, an Okinawa-based fish farming company, NTT Aqua combines Akajin's advanced filtration technology with NTT Com’s land-based aquaculture ICT platform.

• Filtration Technology: Unlike traditional methods that rely on bacteria-based biological filtration tanks, Akajin’s unique technology operates through a chemical reaction, eliminating the need for large filtration setups. This innovation reduces land requirements, simplifies maintenance, and ensures stable aquaculture even in compact spaces.

• ICT Integration: NTT Aqua's ICT platform provides users with a dashboard to monitor real-time sensor data, including water temperature, oxygen levels, and salinity. Preconfigured for optimal water conditions based on fish species, the system ensures ease of use for operators with no prior aquaculture experience. Additionally, it features automated alerts for abnormalities, enabling prompt action to protect stock.

(L to R) Satoshi Watanabe, Executive Officer, Solution Consulting Department, Solution & Marketing Headquarters, NTT Com and Keiichi Yamamoto, President and CEO of NTT Aqua

Current and Future Operations

Initial Focus and Expansion

• Species: Currently, NTT Aqua supports two fish species, including aramebai, and is conducting trials with chub mackerel. It plans to add one or two new species annually.
• Growth Goals: By 2030, the company aims to achieve sales in the tens of billions of yen, leveraging partnerships across the broader NTT Group.

Vision

NTT Aqua envisions land-based aquaculture as a cornerstone for regional revitalization. By fostering local industries and encouraging sustainable practices, it hopes to create new economic opportunities while addressing pressing issues like depopulation and food security.

This innovative venture positions NTT Aqua as a key player in modernizing aquaculture and driving sustainable development in Japan’s rural regions.

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