Restoring a beautiful oceanic treasure: Japan’s disappearing coral reefs

Climate change can upset the balance of ecosystems throughout the world. One aspect of an environment impacted by global warming can cause a chain reaction and several other effects that can be hard to control.

Coral reefs are one of the most dramatic and well-known examples of this. Many have seen images of bleached coral reefs and are aware that these environments are among the biggest natural victims of climate change. How exactly do hotter temperatures cause coral reefs to die out, and what is the current status of coral reefs in Japan?

Amazing coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems

Corals are actually small invertebrate animals, and the reefs are their massive colonies. Their famous colors come from the algae that live within them. Hot water temperatures and pollution cause these algae to be expelled from the coral, turning them white and leaving them immunocompromised and potentially killing them.

Japan’s coral reefs mostly live in its southern regions, such as Okinawa and Kyushu. Coral bleaching is especially problematic in Okinawa. The reefs provide a rich ecosystem where many kinds of animal and plant sea life species can thrive. The massive coral reefs are vital for these species. However, the loss of coral reefs also impacts the people and economy of Okinawa. They provide natural benefits such as reducing the power of typhoons. Fishing, tourism and research supported by the reefs are also vital for the prefecture’s economy.

Climate change is not the only threat to coral reefs. For example, industrial runoff, predatory starfish outbreaks and even trash in the ocean have damaged reefs such as the Sekisei Lagoon.

Continuing to spread awareness of threatened coral reefs

Some organizations have been trying to help restore the reefs. The Japan Coral Reef Society has been spreading awareness of the issue since 1997. Their website has detailed information in English and Japanese on coral reefs. They also publish newsletters and hold workshops and events aimed at various age groups, including introducing coral reef labs to young Japanese students.

Private companies are also doing their part to inform people and help the reefs. 35 Coffee is a local coffee chain in Okinawa that supports coral reef research and conservation. The name is a play on the Japanese words for 3 and 5, sounding like the word for coral or sango in Japanese. 3.5% of their revenue goes towards restoration activities.

 

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Larger companies are also trying to spread awareness. In March of 2021, NTT docomo published its own advertisements regarding the stress and bleaching of coral reefs caused by global warming. The advertisements were published in Okinawan newspapers, the Ryuykyu Shinpo and Okinawa Times, as well as NTT docomo’s own dedicated website.

More to be done, and more people to be involved

Research into restoring the coral reefs may be the best way to save their future. Onna Village in Okinawa has worked together with the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology to return cultivated corals to the ocean. In addition, the Okinawa Diving Service Lagoon gives visitors a chance to see a cultivation process firsthand and even plant their own corals in the ocean.

Both individual and group actions lessen the impact of environmental problems such as coral reef bleaching. Being mindful of our waste output and the way we interact with natural environments can help reduce the stressors in these areas. However, in the face of enormous challenges such as the climate crisis, coral reefs show us a crucial example of the importance of these ecosystems as well as the careful thought and extensive action needed to restore them.