Hiroshima Prefecture — which accounts for about 60% of Japan’s oyster production — is facing a crisis after farmed oysters began dying en masse across the region, prompting fears among farmers about the industry’s survival.
Producers in coastal areas of the city of Higashihiroshima have reported mortality rates of 80% to 90%, according to local authorities. The cause remains unclear, with officials examining whether the losses stem from rising seawater temperatures, reduced rainfall or other environmental factors.
Agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki inspected a processing site in Higashihiroshima on Wednesday and said the government would move quickly to investigate the cause and consider financial support measures.
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