The Tokyo metropolitan government has proactively installed oil fences in the Izu island chain to shield fishing ports from an anticipated influx of pumice stones, which have been ejected from an underwater volcano. This move comes in light of predictions by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), indicating a potential surge of these floating stones reaching the islands imminently.
The Izu island chain, under the metropolitan jurisdiction and located south of Tokyo, has already seen small amounts of pumice since November 9, with reports confirming their presence at various ports across seven islands, including Kozushima and Mikurajima. The stones vary in size from 1 millimeter to 10 centimeters but haven’t yet disrupted vessel operations.
To mitigate future risks, oil fences were set up at the Kozushima and Mikurajima island ports on November 18. The Kozushima fence measures approximately 60 meters, while the Mikurajima fence spans about 40 meters, both intended to prevent pumice from entering mooring areas, thereby safeguarding fishing operations. The Tokyo metropolitan government is monitoring the movement of pumice to decide if additional protective measures will be needed on other islands.
In Okinawa Prefecture, pumice from the same volcanic eruption has already clogged ports and disrupted fishing activities, highlighting the severity of this volcanic event. The Fukutoku-Okanoba underwater volcano, located 1,300 kilometers south of Tokyo, erupted between August 13 to 15, and although no further eruptions have occurred, the Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor the volcano. Officials believe it remains active beneath the seabed.
Fishing operations on Mikurajima island could face significant interruptions if the pumice influx becomes severe. Fishermen have expressed their concerns, as the single port on Mikurajima may have to close, directly impacting operations. On Kozushima, the oil fence’s placement is not expected to hinder the primary fishing port’s operations presently, but concerns about potential restrictions loom if the pumice presence necessitates additional defenses.
Local fishermen, like Kazutaka Hamakawa from Kozushima, are worried about the safety of their vessels when navigating at night, as pumice becomes difficult to see. He described a recent incident where pumice clogged an essential engine filter, forcing a premature end to fishing. With the high season for yellowfin tuna approaching, officials have expressed anxiety over the potential financial repercussions of suspended fishing activities.
As the situation unfolds, both local fishermen and government agencies are keeping a close watch to adapt to the challenges posed by this natural phenomenon.
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