June 29, 2004
The Ministry of the Environment published a report titled Coral Reefs of Japan with the cooperation from Japanese Coral Reef Society on the occasion of hosting the 10th International Coral Reef Symposium. This is a complete compilation of the latest information of the current status of coral reefs in Japan and the measures taken for their preservation. This report will be distributed to member nations of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In addition, the report will be available to the participants in the 10th International Coral Reef Symposium currently held in Okinawa.
The Ministry of the Environment will distribute Japanese version of the report to local governments with coral reefs, in early August, in order to disseminate information on coral reef preservation and to promote the preservation activities. The Japanese version will be available at a cost of ¥3,500 (postage & tax not included) from the Japan Wildlife Research Center.
<Contents of Coral Reefs of Japan>
Chapter 1 Distribution of coral reefs
As an introduction of coral reefs in Japan, features and status of coral reefs in Japan, such as geographical features and its formation process, features of organism living in coral reefs, are explained.
Chapter 2 Coral reef disturbances
Discussing the impact of and countermeasures for coral bleaching caused by rising temperature of seawater, feeding damages by animals such as crown-of-thorns starfish, diseases of coral, direct exploitation such as sea reclamation, and inflow of pollutant from land area, such as red clay, etc.
Chapter 3 Coral reef monitoring
Current situation of coral reef monitoring practiced in different regions of Japan are analyzed. Monitoring technique utilizing remote sensing technology is introduced.
Chapter 4 Sustainable use and conservation of coral reefs
Legal system for conserving coral reefs is explained. Fishery in coral reefs, newly started approaches of coral reef application in eco-tourism and environmental education are outlined.
Chapter 5 Coral reef restoration
Restoration technology of declining coral reefs under study and actual examples of its application to regenerate coral reefs are introduced.
Chapter 6 Status of coral reefs around the country
Coral distribution, utilization, threats, and conservation measures for coral reefs are introduced by researchers specialized in respective regions.
Columns
Topics like spawning of coral or relation between coral reefs and men are explained.
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