[Shimoda Aquarium] 3rd Annual Cleanup on 'Zero Garbage Day'! May 30, 2026 - Focusing on River Waste Issues

Shimoda Aquarium (Location: 3-22-31, Shimoda, Shizuoka; General Manager: Koichi Keino) will host its annual river cleanup event on May 30, 'Zero Garbage Day.'

Shimoda Aquarium has been conducting monthly beach cleanup activities since 2019 as part of its role in environmental education. In 2021, the initiative expanded to include public participation on 'Zero Garbage Day.' Since 70-80% of marine waste is land-based and enters the ocean via rivers, the aquarium has shifted its focus to river cleanup since two years ago to address the root cause.

The cleanup area is the 'Ogamo River,' which flows into Kisami Ohama Beach. A headquarters tent will be set up at the Kisami Ohama parking lot. Volunteers will collect waste from the riverbank, while staff will use boats for wider coverage. Collected waste will be taken to the Shimoda City Cleaning Center on June 1. To recognize participants, 100 limited-edition special discount tickets for 500 yen admission (valid only that afternoon) will be distributed. This initiative is scheduled to receive the Reiwa 8 Shizuoka Prefecture River Association Chairman's Award.

Additionally, the headquarters tent will host educational activities regarding loggerhead sea turtle spawning and conservation, along with an exhibition of live sea turtles currently in their care.