Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, with the cooperation of local survey volunteers, is monitoring the number of egg-laying sea turtles on the beaches of the main island of Okinawa where the aquarium is located. Results of the survey conducted at beaches near the aquarium showed that the number of egg-laying sea turtles peaked in 2013, however in 2014 we saw a sudden decline. (refer to figure 1)
This drop in the numbers of egg-laying sea turtles was seen across Japan. There are many factors which may contribute to the decline of egg-laying turtles, one issue is trash contaminating the egg laying environment. It is thought that when the beach environment is degraded, not only the sea turtles but other creatures that live on the beaches such as hermit crabs, Stimpson's ghost crabs, and plovers would be impacted. Our facility hopes to contribute to the conservation of species and conduct environmental conservation through activities such as beach cleanings.

（figure 1）