Underwater Special】Marine Forest

Last updated:

May 3, 2016
About the writer:

Nagato Tourism Convention Association

PHOTO BY KUMIKO MAKI

Sea Forest

This is the third installment of our underwater series! This time we would like to introduce you to the marine forest. Did you know there is a forest in the ocean?" A diver who provided us with the photos this time said so during the interview. Looking at the photos, it makes sense, doesn't it? This seaweed grows up to about 4 meters high, just like a big tree in a forest.

Now, this seaweed is growing thickly in the shallow waters of Qinghai Island, and a marine forest is said to be spreading.

On a fine day, the sparkling sunlight shines through and they can enjoy forest bathing in the sea!

Furthermore, this seaweed is "akamoku," a beauty food that is currently the focus of much attention!

variety of sweet potato with red skin and sweet yellow flesh (product of the Kawagoe region)

The details are posted on the blog of the diver who found it.http://dailyomi.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-1021.html

variety of sweet potato with red eyes

It is a seaweed called thirsty algae, similar to wakame (seaweed), kelp, and mekabu. In Nagato City, fishing is at its peak from late February to March. It is said that where this sea forest grows, it prevents red tide and provides good fishing grounds. Because they get stuck in the nets, fishermen sometimes treat them ill and call them "disturbing".... However, in recent years, it has been attracting a great deal of attention because of its high nutritional value. It is said to be effective in preventing adult diseases, allergies, anti-cancer, and osteoporosis. When boiled and chopped, akamoku has a unique stickiness! It can be used in a variety of ways, such as in vinegared dishes, tsukudani, egg omelet, etc. It is also recommended to eat it with natto (fermented soybeans)! ▽Please refer to EVAH's page for the recipe. http://to-evah.net/category/akamokutoha/ It is also sold at supermarkets in Nagato City and in Shop Aomi Island. Akamoku caught in Nagato can also be purchased at EVAH's website!http://www.fucoidanjuurou.net/

Qinghai Island Diving Spots

Aomi Island in Yamaguchi Prefecture's Kita-Nagato Coast National Park is one of the best diving spots in Japan for divers who take pictures of underwater life, known as photo divers.

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