On June 19 (Thursday) and 20 (Friday), 2025, the third session of the Future Science Talent Academy, organized by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), was held at the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School. The school has been conducting student-led research for several years on seed production and land-based aquaculture of blue crabs (Portunidae). This session was held to support and enhance those efforts.

In response to a request from the school, Dr. MITA Tetsuya, Senior Researcher in the Fisheries Division at JIRCAS, visited the school to provide in-person technical advice and hands-on training for the students’ research.

Over the two-day program, students received practical instruction using Scylla paramamosain (mud crab) specimens raised at the school. Training included how to assess reproductive maturity, observe eggs, and conduct critical steps in seed production such as larval counting, cleaning, concentration, transfer to rearing tanks, and microscopic observation.

Additionally, Dr. Mita explained key points in seed production by referencing the blue crab seed production manual published by the Japan Aquaculture Promotion Association, which the school owns.

The students actively engaged with the program, asking many questions about management techniques and the manual itself. The session fostered lively discussions and a strong exchange of ideas.

Moving forward, JIRCAS aims to continue supporting the students’ research activities and to further deepen their interest and curiosity in science and technology.