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In Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, work is underway to cultivate nori seeds. Although there are concerns about the effects of this year’s extreme heat, the Fisheries Association says it aims to achieve the same production level as previous years. In Watanami, Ishinomaki City, about 50 people, including producers from a fisheries cooperative, worked in the pouring rain on the morning of August 30 to sow cultured nori. The equipment used is called a “water wheel” and is about 2 meters in diameter. The wrapped aquaculture net is spun and passed through a tank containing nori spores. Last year, production fell by about 20% due to high seawater temperatures. Due to the poor harvest nationwide, the average transaction price was about 20% higher than in previous years. This season, the Fisheries Association plans to produce about 60 million pieces, the same as usual. Taisuke Abe, chairman of the Nori Section of the Ishinomaki Bay Prefectural Fisheries Association: “I think the water temperature will probably be high again this year, but the challenge for the future is how to deal with it. I will do my best to deliver it to everyone, so please look forward to it.” Sowing of cultured nori will begin on August 28, and harvesting will begin in early November.