Overview
- Authorities report premature deaths since October concentrated in Higashihiroshima and Kure, with some sites losing most of their stock.
- The farm ministry has launched an inquiry with local governments to identify the cause and outline assistance for affected farmers.
- Investigators are examining warmer seawater, altered salinity, low oxygen and reduced rainfall, with pathogens and harmful algal blooms also under review.
- Dead oysters have also been reported in parts of Okayama and Hyogo along the Seto Inland Sea, pointing to a broader regional issue.
- Hiroshima accounts for about 60% of Japan’s oyster production, raising concerns over national supply and community livelihoods if die-offs continue.