At the "2026 Spring Meeting of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science," held at the Shinagawa Campus of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology from March 26 to 29, 2026,Graduate students of this universityKeita Shiraishi received the "Outstanding Poster Presentation Award [Undergraduate/Master's Student Category]".
The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science, which hosted this conference, is a renowned and authoritative academic society in the field of fisheries science in Japan, covering a wide range of areas including aquaculture, marine environment and ecosystems, and fisheries food science. Approximately 700 presentations were given at this conference.
From among many poster presentations, Ms. Shiraishi was selected as one of only nine recipients of the award in the undergraduate and master's student category, after rigorous deliberation by the judges.

【Winner】
Keita Shiraishi (1st year master's program, Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology [At the time of award: 4th year, Department of Marine Environmental Science]　Course of Marine Resources and Environment）

[Title of award-winning research]
Modification of biodegradable fishing gear for freshwater adaptation using KG/CA mixed gel (Co-authors:Keita Shiraishi,Ittetsu Suekane,Yusaku MatsuoHoshino Soichiro, Kimizuka Ryunosuke,Geng Tingting,Hideaki Endo,Kure sea ??cloud (*Underlined names indicate individuals affiliated with this university)

[Details of award-winning research]
Plastic fishing lures left in rivers and lakes pose a serious environmental problem, as fish may mistakenly ingest them or they may accumulate on the seabed. In this research, we developed an "environmentally friendly lure" using natural materials derived from konjac and seaweed, and succeeded in significantly reducing the deformation (swelling) in freshwater, which had been a problem until now. By cleverly adding readily available and safe ingredients, we have achieved stability in water while ultimately enabling natural decomposition. This opens up the possibility of a new alternative to conventional plastic lures, allowing anglers to enjoy fishing while contributing to environmental conservation.

<Related links>
Japan Society of Fisheries Science website