Since its commencement in 1997, The Japanese Coral Reef Society held conferences to discuss the problems and the future of coral reef preservation. On Novvember 4th through 6th, The 14th Annual Conference was held in Naha City which approximately 300 people participated.
Okinawans have traditionally worshipped coral reefs under Nirai Kanai beliefs and passed them onto future generations. However, the very existence of coral reefs became distant in our modern society due to urbanization. Though beautiful at glance, Okinawan coral reefs are in danger because of the drastic changes in the environment.
Some have claimed that adults who do not respect the ocean are damaging coral reefs. According to Koji Kinjo, a representative from Umi no Tane (Sea Seed) in Yomitanson Village, emphasized “the understanding and awareness of locals and people who go to beaches are necessary to preserve coral reefs. There are people who take coral reefs back home in buckets and people who poison coral reefs with detergent in order to catch fish in tide pools. Moreover, the problem of coral reefs is critical for Okinawan society. It is essential for everyone in Okinawa to understand the values and importance of coral reefs.”
The Conference also addressed the need of regulation and cooperation to preserve coral reefs supported by government officials, researchers, and society as a whole. Director of Akajima Marine Science Laboratory, Makoto Omori stated “Coral reefs do not grow in polluted water. They do not simply grow just by planting them either. Coral reef transplants are still under experiment, but more exntensive research wil hopefully lead to technological development in those field.”