Abstract
In a number of coastal areas of Japan, many naturally occurring Sargassum beds have been severely damaged or reduced due to land reclamation and water pollution. In order to achieve sustainable coastal development, Sargassum bed restoration has been emphasized as a conservation method. New techniques for restoration include: 1) periodic re-transplanting, supported by artificial production of young plants, is effective to form suitable seascapes in severely polluted and sparsely vegetated areas; 2) transplanting or seeding on artificially provided hard substrata are effective in extending nursery and fishing grounds around existing natural beds; and, 3) restoration of shallow and gently sloping sea bed is effective in creating maintenance-free beds along developed coastlines.
