Faculty Member

We aim to leverage the strengths of SEFREC as a resident-type research facility to transform regional needs into research seeds, work collaboratively with the local community to identify solutions, and return research outcomes to the field. Currently, we are conducting research on kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) and red seabream (pagrus major) to develop a new aquaculture system — a “Next-Generation Breeding System” — tailored to the Southern area of Ehime Prefecture, where aquaculture is a thriving industry.

Fish Physiology and Reproduction, Developmental Biotechnology in Fish

Contact at goto.rie.me@ehime-u.ac.jp or +81-895-82-1022

In conserving aquatic resources, it is essential to consider each species as a collection of multiple regional populations and to implement genetic management for individuals under artificial rearing. By using highly sensitive DNA markers, we aim to evaluate the genetic characteristics of aquatic species—from endangered species to commercially valuable fish—addressing issues such as the population structure of wild stocks, the release of hatchery-reared individuals, and the breeding of farmed fish. Our goal is to develop and implement concrete conservation and management strategies based on these evaluations.

Fish Conservation

While the global fisheries industry continues to grow steadily, Japan's fisheries sector faces serious challenges such as a shortage of successors, an aging workforce, the degradation of fishing grounds and marine resources, and a decline in seafood consumption. However, across Japan, various efforts are emerging in the fisheries sector to ensure its survival. Producers are striving to improve product value through quality control, while those involved in distribution are identifying consumer needs and working together with production areas to develop marketable products.

In our laboratory, we aim to contribute to the revitalization of fishing communities and the fisheries industry by investigating and analyzing the current state of fisheries from production to consumption, both in Japan and abroad. We evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives such as distribution and sales promotion from the perspectives of marketing and branding theory.

Fisheries Management and Economics

In aquaculture, sudden outbreaks of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the chronic occurrence of fish and shellfish diseases are major factors causing to mass mortality and the deterioration of product quality, thereby significantly hindering stable production. To address these challenges, we are conducting research aimed at the early detection and mitigation of HABs and aquatic diseases. Our studies encompass the investigation of HAB and pathogen dynamics in seawater using environmental genomics, the identification of physiological and molecular markers associated with fish diseases, and the development of real-time monitoring technologies that can be implemented directly at aquaculture sites.

Aquaculture Environmental Science, Fish Physiology

 In recent years, the characteristics required of farmed fish have been changing significantly due to environmental fluctuations, rising prices of aquaculture feed ingredients, and increasing diversification of market demands. As researchers based at a resident-type research facility, we are closely engaged with the field, continuously collecting large-scale individual data on farmed fish, including environmental parameters. These data are used as a foundation for selective breeding, and also applied to the development of more effective rearing methods. In addition, we are conducting both basic and applied research on germ cell transplantation in fish—commonly referred to as "surrogate production technology"—with the aim of establishing next-generation aquaculture techniques.

 Fish Developmental Engineering, Breeding Science, Data Science

 Fish diseases and red tides cause serious damage to aquaculture, and their occurrence is largely influenced by fluctuations in the abundance and condition of harmful microorganisms. To better understand these dynamics, I conduct research using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, which enables the detection of organisms' DNA from water and sediment samples. My research aims to determine when, where, and under what conditions harmful microorganisms proliferate in coastal aquaculture areas and trigger fish diseases or red tide events. In addition, I also apply eDNA techniques to study the ecology of aquatic organisms in marine and river environments.

 Aquatic Microbiology, Fish Disease

In collaboration with Ehime Prefecture and Ainan Town, we are developing aquaculture techniques for kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), in Japanese “Suma”, a small tuna species. This research aims not only to establish kawakawa as a new regional specialty, but also to explore its potential as a sustainable source of farmed tuna.

In recent years, we have expanded our efforts to apply the “Complete Life-Cycle Aquaculture System” — a technology developed through our work with kawakawa that enables the full breeding and cultivation of high-quality fish — to other high demand species such as yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) and red seabream (Pagrus major). We hope this will lead to the supply of higher-quality and better-tasting farmed fish.

Stock Enhancement and Aquaculture

We believe that reexamining regional fisheries and fishing communities from the perspectives of sociology and cultural anthropology—through multifaceted and comprehensive approaches—forms the foundation for industrial development and regional revitalization. Our research seeks to clarify the industrial structure of the fisheries sector as well as the social structure and everyday culture of fishing communities, with the goal of exploring future-oriented models for regional fisheries and coastal societies.

In particular, we aim to foster new forms of “co-creation” through collaboration with local stakeholders, drawing on concepts such as “Gyoshoku Education” (a fisheries-based version of food education) and “Katsuo Industry and Cultural Studies.” By leveraging innovation in both industry and community, we strive to contribute to the sustainable development of fisheries and rural coastal regions.

Fisheries Sociology and Cultural Studies