The Fisheries Laboratory of Kinki University conducted the world's first aquaculture research.
Their long string of results has been followed not only by local interests in Wakayama but also the world over. Today, they operate research facilities all across Japan.
Numerous landmark results were achieved through research and introduced in the fish farming industry, leading to an increase to marine resource production. Some of the biggest results are outlined below:
In 1954, research was launched into fish farming with cage nets and was later industrialized. It is the main technique used in Japan today to raise marine fish and is spread around the world.
In 1965, the world’s first successful nursery production of bastard halibut was achieved and it was eventually expanded to 17 other species of fish.
In 2002, the much-awaited success of a completely farmed-raised bluefin tuna was achieved.
In 2003, the Fisheries Laboratory was selected as a "Center for Aquaculture Science and Technology for Bluefin Tuna and Other Cultivated Fish (headed by Prof. Hidemi Kumai)" under the 21st Century COE Program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.