HAC, Hokkaido University, and Japan Airlines Launch World’s First Flight-Based Red Tide Monitoring Initiative
Starting Summer 2025, HAC Aircraft to be Equipped with External Cameras for Red Tide Monitoring
(IN SHORT) Starting in the summer of 2025, Hokkaido Air System (HAC) will equip one of its aircraft with external cameras to monitor red tide occurrences as part of a groundbreaking collaboration with Hokkaido University and Japan Airlines. The initiative aims to provide early detection of red tide blooms, which can severely impact the marine environment and the fishing industry. The aircraft will use a multispectral camera to capture images, which will be analyzed by Hokkaido University to track red tide distribution. The project is a key step in addressing environmental challenges and supporting sustainable fisheries in the region.
(PRESS RELEASE) Tokyo, Japan, 2024-Nov-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Starting in the summer of 2025, Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd. (HAC) will equip one of its aircraft with external cameras to monitor red tide occurrences, marking the world’s first regular flight-based red tide detection initiative. This project is a collaboration between HAC, Hokkaido University, and Japan Airlines (JAL), aimed at improving early detection and minimizing damage to the marine environment and the fishing industry.
The new initiative, which builds on a partnership formed in June 2022, will involve equipping an ATR42-600 aircraft with a multispectral camera on its lower rear fuselage. The aircraft will fly regular routes over regions known for red tide occurrences, such as Hakodate Bay, Funka Bay, and Okushiri Strait. By capturing images in multiple wavelengths, the camera will help detect red tide blooms, which can lead to massive fish kills and significant economic losses for local fisheries. The images captured during these flights will be analyzed by Professor Akihide Kasai from Hokkaido University, utilizing a red tide detection method based on fluorescence differences emitted by phytoplankton.
With red tide occurrences rising due to global warming, monitoring these events is crucial to preventing economic losses, particularly in regions like Hokkaido, where the fishing industry faced over 9.7 billion yen in damages in 2021. The frequent and consistent nature of HAC’s flight routes will allow for regular, high-frequency monitoring, providing timely information to fisheries stakeholders.
“This initiative represents an innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges,” said Professor Akihide Kasai of Hokkaido University. “By utilizing the advanced technology of flight-based monitoring, we are able to offer real-time data that will help mitigate the impact of red tide on local communities and industries.”
This collaboration is expected to expand beyond red tide monitoring, with future applications for broader environmental surveillance, including forest and oceanic health assessments. HAC, a regional airline committed to sustainability, will continue to play an active role in promoting eco-friendly aviation practices and contributing to regional environmental efforts.
The joint venture between Hokkaido University, JAL, and HAC underscores the companies’ shared commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues and fostering a sustainable future for the region.
About Hokkaido University:
Founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities in Japan. The university attracts prospective students from all around the globe with the diverse degree programs offered and the year-round scenic beauty. The campuses are located in the cities of Sapporo and Hakodate of Hokkaido, and 21 facilities are spread throughout Hokkaido and mainland Japan.
For more information, please visit https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/
About Japan Airlines:
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 227 aircraft (as of March 2024) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 384 airports across 64 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious “World Class” Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.
For details and to learn more, visit JAL’s official website at https://www.jal.com/en/
About Hokkaido Air System:
Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd. (HAC), a member of the JAL Group and part of the oneworld® alliance, was established in 1997 and commenced operations in 1998. As of November 2024, HAC operates a fleet of four ATR42-600 aircraft. Based at Sapporo Okadama Airport, which is conveniently located approximately 6 km from the center of Sapporo, HAC serves as a regional airline in Hokkaido with a network of nine routes – seven within Hokkaido and two connecting to the Tohoku region.
HAC is committed to addressing various environmental challenges. The airline operates the eco-friendly ATR42-600 turboprop aircraft, known for its low CO2 emissions, and is actively promoting the “HAC eco AIRPORT” project aimed at decarbonizing airports.
Striving to be “an airline loved by the community,” HAC is dedicated to providing safe and comfortable air travel for its customers.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.info.hac-air.co.jp/
Media Contact:
mediarelations.hdq@jal.com
Source: Japan Airlines
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