Projects related to Marine Organisms

We “Protect” and “Nurture” Marine Organisms in Okinawa

We are experts on marine organisms in Okinawa.: We have been conducting projects related to marine organisms such as investigative research, technological development, awareness-raising activities, and the management and operation of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which boasts the largest number of visitors in Japan, with the Research Institute as the base.

Investigative Research and Technological Development

We have been conducting research on the diversity of tropical and subtropical marine organisms found in Okinawa and the surrounding area, as well as research on their physiological and ecological characteristics. By doing so we are able to contribute to maintaining the natural environment and its sustainable use.

Surveys on coral, sea turtles, and whales
Surveys on marine biota (fish, crustaceans, etc.)
Surveys on the reproductive physiology of large elasmobranchs, etc.

Awareness-Raising Activities

We have been promoting environmental education for children, conducting awareness-raising activities related to subtropical plants targeting the general public, and holding lectures, workshops, etc. targeting professionals.

Holding of educational programs (Churashima Nature Class, Children’s Crafts Workshop)
Holding of workshops, lectures, symposiums, etc. on marine organisms in Okinawa
Workplace experience and acceptance of domestic and overseas trainees for practical training on raising of marine organisms, etc.

Management and Operation of Facilities

We have been conducting management and operation through which the attractiveness of the facilities can be drawn out to the maximum by leveraging our high expertise on marine organisms and management know-how, with top priority given to customer satisfaction.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Oki-chan Theater, Dolphin Lagoon, Sea Turtle Pool, Manatee Pool (inside Ocean Expo Park)
Churashima Nature School (facility for investigative research on sea turtles)

Major Achievements

We have received awards for breeding 22 species of animals including the breeding of the reef manta ray in captivity for the first time in the world.
Monitoring survey of reef-building corals (continued from 1988)
Co-hosting of the 9th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC)
Publication of “Yanbaru no Kawa to Ikimono (Rivers and Creatures in Yanbaru)” and “Ankoku no Umi ni Ikiru Shinkaizame-ten (Exhibition of Deep-Sea Sharks That Live in the Sea of Darkness)”

Birth of a reef manta ray
Investigative research and technological development Coral reef monitoring survey
IPFC satellite conference
Publications

Wide-Ranging Support for Activities related to Marine Organisms in Okinawa

Please consult us on matters related to marine organisms in Okinawa. Staff members with a wealth of knowledge and know-how will respond.

Provision of Technology regarding Breeding Management and Aquarium Exhibition

We provide total support for managing the raising of aquatic animals and operating of facilities such as exhibition in aquariums, fishery reserves in the sea, and commercial facilities, regardless of the type and size the facility.

Entrusted Surveys

We accept requests for surveys on corals, sea turtles, whales, and large elasmobranchs that live around Okinawa. In addition, we also conduct surveys on marine biota (fish, crustaceans, etc.).

Implementation of Various Events

We conduct such events as nature classes using specimens and panels as well as outdoor nature observation sessions. We have a variety of programs that are fun and easy to understand.

Dispatch of Professional Technicians

We dispatch professional technicians with a wealth of experience who will provide technology and technological guidance. In addition, we accept requests for workshops targeting professionals and dispatch of technicians for special classes at schools.

Lending of Specimens and Materials

We have a collection of 50,000 specimens of fish, and visuals data on aquatic organisms in Okinawa that we can lend.

Major Projects