Fish Pass to Host "Environmental DNA Analysis" Seminar for Municipalities — Enabling Bear and Fish Surveys Just by "Scooping Water" to Support Biodiversity Conservation —

Fish Pass Environmental DNA Analysis Seminar

Fish Pass Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; CEO: Shigehiro Nishimura), operator of the recreational fishing ticket sales platform "FISH PASS," announced on December 9 that it will hold a free web seminar titled "Detect Bears Too! 'Just Scoop Water' Biological Survey Seminar: The Future of Biodiversity Conservation via Environmental DNA Analysis." The seminar, targeted at municipal environmental officials nationwide, is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.

This seminar will explain biological survey methods using "Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis," a field receiving a surge in inquiries recently, to support municipalities in their environmental conservation tasks.

■ Streamlining Surveys with "Environmental DNA": Analyzing Bear Habitats

"Environmental DNA Analysis" is a technology that identifies species living in an area by analyzing biological DNA information contained in the water. A key feature is that surveys can be conducted simply by scooping water, allowing for wide-area investigations at a lower cost and in less time compared to traditional methods.

The seminar will introduce habitat analysis services not only for fish but also for terrestrial animals, such as bears, whose sightings have been increasing in recent years. From explaining key concepts of biodiversity conservation to specific case studies, the content is designed to be practical for municipal officials.

■ Executive Planner from MAFF-affiliated Center to Speak

Mr. Fujisawa, an Executive Planner at the Center for Regional Resource Utilization and Cooperation (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), will take the stage as a guest speaker. He will discuss the value of utilizing environmental DNA in municipalities and offer a third-party perspective on Fish Pass's initiatives.

The event will be held online via Zoom on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00. Capacity is limited to 50 participants (first-come, first-served).

■ About the ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided as a grant. Additionally, in terms of hands-on support, the evaluation committee members involved in the selection process continue to work closely with the league members after selection to promote their growth. For companies that committee members evaluated as "must-select," a support system likened to "fandom" advocacy is built, where the evaluators themselves provide ongoing support, including advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
We also expand our scope to discover and develop those aiming to launch new startups.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed as a place for positive competition like a sports league, startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry while competing to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We promote the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By letting more people know about their businesses, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.

Column COLUMN

Fish Pass to Host "Environmental DNA Analysis" Seminar for Municipalities — Enabling Bear and Fish Surveys Just by "Scooping Water" to Support Biodiversity Conservation —

■ Streamlining Surveys with "Environmental DNA": Analyzing Bear Habitats

■ Executive Planner from MAFF-affiliated Center to Speak

Other Columns

Column
COLUMN