Impact of the Tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake on Ark Shell Anadarabroughtonii Fisheries

： A case study in the Yuriage area, Miyagi Prefecture

Abstract

In order to assess the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on ark shell fisheries in Japan, a survey of basic fishery equipment, trends in ark shell resources, and the detected level of radioactive contamination was undertaken. Basic fishery equipment is expected to recover, with the central focus being on the number of fishing boats. Moreover, on the basis of the transition of distribution density and shell size composition, it was estimated that ark shell resources are increasing. Furthermore, the radioactive contamination detected in ark shells was found to be below the regulation value. Therefore, continuation of the ark shell fisheries is considered possible. The revival of sustainable ark shell fisheries, with an increasing ark shell catch size, is anticipated in the future.