The project aims to develop reliable monitoring methods that can be widely used to understand the health of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. The team studies biodiversity and tracks fish populations moving from tropical and subtropical waters toward mainland Japan, attracting interest from the fisheries industry and government agencies.
They also measure how much carbon mangroves absorb and store, helping to address climate change, and investigate whether nature-friendly coastal structures can provide better habitats for marine life.
Working closely with local governments, fisheries, hotels, and marine businesses, the team uses OIST’s facilities and expertise to support fisheries management, coastal planning, ecosystem restoration, and environmental consulting in Okinawa and across Japan.
