Farmed Coral Transplanting Project | General Incorporated Foundation - Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Busena Marine Park Office

The west coast of Okinawa main island is registered as the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Furthermore, the ocean around Busena Marine Park is specially designated as a “marine park area” due to its beautiful underwater scenery.

Since its opening in August 1970, Busena Marine Park has upheld a motto: “to help Okinawan locals and domestic and international tourists discover the allure of the ocean, which is the most important tourist resource in Okinawa, and to strive for the conservation of nature, including coral reefs.” and has welcomed many visitors.

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Shot in October 2020

However, coral reefs in Okinawa have suffered severe damage from various factors, including the massive proliferation of crown-of-thorn starfish in the 1980s, the rise in seawater temperatures due to global warming, and the inflow of red soil from rivers.

The number of corals that can be observed from our underwater observatory or glass-bottom boat is decreasing. As coral reefs play crucial roles in the Okinawan ocean, their loss also leads to the decline of other organisms that depend on them. Coral serves as the core of a biodiversity-rich ecosystem, which includes fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.

Shot in July 2021

Over the past decade, coral reefs in the surrounding area of Busena Marine Park have been recovering. In areas with suitable sea currents, healthy coral communities like before have been well-developed, and visitors can observe other creatures that depend on corals.

However, if you venture beyond these areas, you'll find that the seafloor resembles a desert with few observable living things.

Healthy coral community: Shot in October 2020
The area where corals grow thick is home to a diverse range of other living organisms. Corals are at the core of this biodiversity, creating beautiful underwater scenery.

Desert-like seafloor: Shot in October 2020
Areas without coral habitats tend to have lower biodiversity and fewer species of organisms.
Coral serves not only as the foundation of the ecosystem but also as natural sea walls that reduce the power of waves during typhoons, and a source of beautiful sandy beaches when crushed. Furthermore, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Okinawa.

Busena Marine ParkFarmed Coral Transplanting Project

1. Current condition of coral at Busena Marine Park