The authors have shown from the continuous survey results since 2017 that the coral colonization and growth conditions are favorable on the artificial reef at the Hamasaki Coast in Motobu-cho, Okinawa, Japan. This study conducted a continuous survey to examine the changes in coral growth over time from 2020 to 2023, the relationship with the amount of sediment on the blocks, the effect of pumice stone drift, the status of corals dropped off from the blocks, and bleaching due to rising temperature during summer. The investigation results showed that the number of corals increased over time, with table corals growing stably on the offshore side of the artificial reef and branching corals stably on the shore side. Re-establishment of fallen corals at the base of the artificial reef and recovery from bleaching were confirmed, indicating that the artificial reef is likely to provide a suitable environment for the growth of coral. Coral cover tended to increase with decreasing sedimentation, particularly for table corals.

When planning and designing a blue infrastructure, the ecosystem function of the infrastructure is considered, but the multiple ecosystem services of the infrastructure are not. Therefore, we evaluated ecosystem services of an artificial beach using a quantitative evaluation method of ecosystem services that can visualize ecosystem services and relate economic values to natural and social systems. The evaluation results were presented at meetings of the artificial beach attended by about 20 administrators, local NPOs, experts, and researchers. Through these meetings, the needs of stakeholders in terms of ecosystem services were reflected in the planning and design of the artificial beach. It also provided stakeholders with a better understanding of not only the characteristics of the ecosystem services of the artificial beach, but also their management with a view to maintaining ecosystem services.

This paper provides a preliminary examination of the effectiveness of the social outreach program ‘Girls Who Fish Japan’ through a survey of the program participants. Preliminary validation results suggest that the program has provided an opportunity to bring girls and women to the water and raise awareness of gender issues in fisheries. However, there are still challenges that remain in the main survey, which will take place based on this preliminary study.