About our site

Motobu is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island in the subtropical northwestern Pacific and has a variety of coastal environments including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. Offshore waters serve as seasonal habitat for migrating humpback whales during winter, while well-developed coral reefs occur along the coast and sea turtles nest on sandy beaches. These conditions provide opportunities to observe diverse marine species.

At the same time, Motobu is a major tourist destination attracting approximately three million visitors annually, where human activities coexist with well-preserved natural environments. Motobu has a history of flourishing through skipjack fishing, and the town’s culture is deeply connected to the ocean.

Representing a typical coastal environment in the subtropical zone, the Motobu site provides valuable information for characterizing the current status of island coastal ecosystems in the northwestern Pacific.

What we plan to achieve

Through this learning-oriented survey focused on the Motobu area, this project aims to identify fish species that are representative of the local coastal ecosystem. By comparing these findings with existing data on fish assemblages from across Okinawa Island, we will characterize the distinctive features of the Motobu site.

Through continuous surveys of fish assemblages over a three-year period, we aim to document changes in species richness and distribution of tropical fishes, thereby contributing to understanding the impacts of global ocean warming on local coastal ecosystems. Collaboration with local educational institutions will promote ocean literacy and help establish a sustainable, community-based framework for long-term monitoring.