Design of Breakwater: A New Approach to Protect Aquaculture Grounds

In recent years, the importance of aquaculture as a source of food and livelihood for many communities has become increasingly apparent. However, the success of aquaculture operations is often threatened by natural disasters such as storms and typhoons, which can damage or destroy aquaculture facilities. In this paper, we will discuss the design of breakwaters, specifically a new type of floating breakwater that was introduced in 1998 to protect an aquaculture ground from storm waves.

The resonance-type floating breakwater (refer to Fig.1) was designed to dissipate the energy of waves with a specific wavelength, thereby reducing the impact of storms on the aquaculture ground. The breakwater was installed in 1998 and has been in operation for over 15 years, serving as a testament to its effectiveness.

In Japan, floating breakwaters have been widely adopted since around 1977 as a means of increasing the fishing days for feeding by dissipating waves with specific wavelengths. These structures have proven to be an excellent solution for aquaculture operations, offering both economic benefits and improved tidal exchange.

One of the key advantages of floating breakwaters is their ability to be installed in deep water at a lower cost compared to traditional breakwaters. This makes them an attractive option for aquaculture operators looking to protect their facilities from the impacts of storms.

In recent years, repair work and renewal construction have been carried out on these floating breakwaters, which have reached the end of their service life. The design of breakwaters has played a crucial role in ensuring the continued success of aquaculture operations, particularly in inland seas where sea water pollution is a major concern. By designing breakwaters that can withstand the impacts of storms and reduce wave energy, aquaculture operators can ensure the long-term sustainability of their operations.

In conclusion, the design of breakwaters, specifically floating breakwaters, has been an essential component of aquaculture operations in Japan for many years. The resonance-type floating breakwater introduced in 1998 has proven to be a effective solution for protecting aquaculture grounds from storm waves, and its design principles can be applied to other similar projects. As the importance of aquaculture continues to grow, the design of breakwaters will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the success of these operations.

Design of breakwater