This offshore structure is a floating fishing reef togather fish, especially bonito and tuna migrating on the Kuroshio, and create a new fish ground. It has an artificial seafloor which is to be a bed for marine growth, as well as function to reduce its motion in waves.
Named NIRAI*, some such floating reefs are deployed around the islands of Okinawa where the water depth is over 1,000 m. They continue to bring rich catches to many fishermen.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. continues to design and construct NIRAI series.
NIRAI* = NIRAI KANAI, name of offshore island of gods who carry a good luck and rich harvest to the people of Okinawa.
