Abstract
Damage caused by ice floes drifting down from the Sea of Okhotsk has a severe economic impact on communities located along the coast of Hokkaido, particularly those located on the Okhotsk Sea side. The force closure of many harbors and fishing ports along the coast of Hokkaido during the winter also has a severe economic impact. However, the total economic losses in Hokkaido due to damage and closure of ports caused by ice floes has not been clarified yet.
The aim of this study was therefore to clarify, through questionnaires and interviews, the totaleconomic losses incurred due to damage and closure of ports in Hokkaido during the passage of ice floes.
