CSR Activities
Hiji town, Hayami district, Oita prefecture.
Releasing of turbot fry at Hiji town, Oita prefecture. Canadian Solar Projects KK, which is building a solar power generation facility in this town, sponsored an event to protect traditions and local species.
Hiji is a town in the central part of Oita prefecture, facing the bay of Beppu. Under the Canadian Solar group umbrella, Canadian Solar Projects K.K. which is engaged in the energy business, is currently building a large-scale 53.4 MW power generation facility "LOHAS ECE Oita Power Station" at this location. Thanks to this relationship, the company got involved with the local fish releasing event of Hiji town in May 2017, and proactively cooperated in protection of local traditions and special products of the area.
‘Shiroshita’ turbot] directly translates as turbot below the castle.
As the name suggests, the ‘Shiroshita’ turbot grow well in the fresh water
from the shallow spring below the castle grounds remaining on the waterfront.
This event is an implementation of one of the various measures to revive the volume of turbot catches
‘Shiroshita’ turbot] directly translates as turbot below the castle. As the name suggests, the ‘Shiroshita’ turbot grow well in the fresh water from the shallow spring below the castle grounds remaining on the waterfront.
This event is an implementation of one of the various measures to revive the volume of turbot catches
‘Makogarei’ turbot that can be found in the sea of Hiji town have been branded "Shiroshita turbot" and have long been regarded as a high class of fish. However, since the 1960’s, catches have fallen dramatically, with the current volume being about one tenth of the peak. Aiming at restoring numbers of ‘Shiroshita’ turbot in the town, much effort has been devoted both to breeding a lot of fry fish each year and to cultivating a seaweed bed where they can feed and grow.
On this occasion, 68 5th grade school children from Toyooka elementary school participated in releasing of fry fish at Toyooka fishing port. A tiny baby turbot with a body length of about 2 cm, and width comparable to a leaf. Many children who experienced this for the first time show much interest and enthusiastically make comments such as the fish are "incredibly small". The children formed a line at the edge of the beach and gently directed the buckets containing fry fish towards the open sea. About one thousand fish were released by their hands. The words “Okiku sodatte ne!” an affectionate way of saying “grow strong and flourish!” floating from some children in the breeze and aimed at the fry, left a lasting impression.
Children enjoying the event with glittering smiles
‘Makogarei’ turbot fry fish awaiting their release to the sea at Hiji
Toyooka elementary school children form a line at the sea’s edge and release fry fish together
‘Makogarei’ turbot fry fish awaiting their release to the sea at Hiji
Toyooka elementary school children form a line at the sea’s edge and release fry fish together
"It was a good opportunity not only to protect the ‘Shiroshita’ turbot but also to let the children know the current state of local fishery", said Mr. Kei Abe, the deputy steering committee member of the Hiji district branch of Oita prefecture fishery committee that organized the event. I would like to continue this activity in the future.
Also Jeff Roy, president of Canadian Solar Projects KK who participated in the release of fry with the children said, "We are extremely pleased to be able to support what the fishermen involved want to relay to the children."
Mr. Kei Abe, the deputy steering committee member of the Hiji district branch of Oita prefecture fishery committee, and Jeff Roy, president of Canadian Solar Projects KK
Director of Hiji town board of education, Mr. Hori also participated. He said that “this event provides opportunity to teach children about the necessity for environmental protection and the possibilities of renewable energy”.
The concept of the new power station is "nature-friendly". For development, we are taking care to utilize the natural slope of the land where possible to install solar panels, rather than changing the landscape of the mountain, to avoid affecting the surrounding environment negatively. I hope that these initiatives will help protect the sea in Hiji town and lead to the revival of more ‘Shiroshita’ turbot.
Canadian cookies as souvenirs for the children
Commemorative photo with local fishermen after the event finished
※Coverage: May 2017