Yabiji
Yabiji is the largest coral reef group in Japan, containing over 100 coral reefs and spanning about 17 by 6.5 km.[1] Known for being above water level several times a year, most visibly around March 3, it was made a Natural Monument of Japan in 2013 as a place of Scenic Beauty.[2] It is located about 6 km off the northern coast of Ikema Island.[3]
Ecology
The reef contains about 300 kinds of coral.[4]
Conservation history
The Ministry of the Environment has designated the reef as one of the 500 most important wetlands in Japan.[3] In 2018, it was discovered that the living part of the reef had decreased by about 70% since 2008 from coral bleaching, due to rising water temperatures.[4]
References
- ^ "Yabiji coral reef community and tsunami stones designated as natural treasures". Ryukyu Shimpo. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
- ^ "Yabiji". japanhoppers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Coral reefs of Japan" (PDF). env.go.jp. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
- ^ a b Tanaka, Seiji. "Coral reef deemed natural treasure dying at alarming rate". The Asahi Shabun. Retrieved 25 May 2019.