Outline of Ongoing Research Activities of the Marine Ecology Research Institute, Mainly Regarding Thermal Issues in Japan

Abstract

The Marine Ecology Research Institute (MERI) was established in 1975 by an agreement among three government agencies, which were then known as the Fisheries Agency, Energy Agency, and Environmental Agency. MERI is the only research organization in Japan specialized in research to elucidate the effects of thermal power plant cooling systems on coastal fishery resources and marine organisms. Most fossil fuel and all nuclear power plants in Japan are located at the seaside and employ the once-through cooling system. The water pollution control law of Japan lists “heat discharge” as one of its regulation targets. However, no law, regulation, or guideline for heat discharge has been enacted so far in Japan. Issues concerning the temperature rise of water between the intake and discharge at power plants and the structural design of intake and discharge facilities have been settled by an agreement between power companies and local governments under the guidance of national agencies, including the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. No serious damage to local fishery resources because of power plant operations has been reported so far. Recent public concern has focused on the impacts of these power plants on the marine environment and on preserving the ecosystem. Impacts of chemical substances including anti-biofouling substances, are also of concerned. With the possible global warming, thermal impacts on marine ecosystem have again become a public issue. In addition to the elucidation of power plant impacts on fishery resources, MERI has also given higher priority to the following: Technological development of impact assessment on the coastal ecosystem, including macrophyte beds, Application of intake and discharge facilities for new biotopes of marine organisms living around power plants, Exploitation of water currents created by cooling water intake and discharge for water quality improvement in and near harbor areas, Impact assessment of anti-biofouling substances Investigation of the effects of ocean temperature rises as well as ocean acidification and CO2 sequestration, MERI will deal with any coastal environment issues in cooperation with national agencies, the power industry, and the fishery industry.