Introducing activities to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs of Kohama Island!

 

Let's learn about the coral reefs of Kohama Island.

Surrounded by crystal clear waters, Kohama Island is a paradise of colorful coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy this mysterious world through snorkeling and diving.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the coral reefs that can be seen on Kohama Island.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.

 

Where is Kohama Island?

Kohama Island is,It is located almost in the middle of Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island,It is a small island with a population of less than 600.

The highest elevation on the island is about 99 meters above sea level.UfudakiFrom there, you can look out over the island and the surrounding ocean and experience the beautiful Kohama Island, which is small but surrounded by world-class coral reefs.

Kohama Island is also the center of the Yaeyama Islands, so it is also called "Yaeyama no tenbusu" (meaning "navel").

Stage for NHK's drama series "Churasanand became famous throughout the country.With sugar cane fields and ranches spreading out, visitors can feel the beauty of nature and the old-fashioned simplicity of Okinawa.

Many traditional events are held on the island, especially the "Sukhumi," which begins with the Boshihai Sukhumi in the eighth month of the lunar calendar and lasts for four days.Kitsugansai (Festival of the Conclusion of the prayers,Kitty Gun)"Many performing arts are dedicated to the gods on the stage at the

The performing arts of Kohama Island, including "Yugansai," were designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2007.

Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island

 

Coral species found on Kohama Island

Here are the main corals found in the Yaeyama Islands, including Kohama Island.

 

Asian greenling (Hexagrammos agrammus)

There are so many corals in the Green Coral family that most of the corals called table corals are made up of the Green Coral family. There are so many different species that it is difficult to classify them.

They are not only green but also colorful.

 

coral reef

It has a dome or rock-like shape and is extremely tough and long-lived. It is relatively resistant to bleaching and typhoons, and can be found stably inside reefs.

 

queen coralbead (Cocculus orbiculatus)

Ryukyu kikka (Ryukyu chrysanthemum) coral is shaped like a cabbage. It looks like a carnation or rose.

As the name suggests, it looks like a flower blooming in the sea.

 

Actual coral found on Kohama Island

Although they are very beautiful coral reefs, they are in a critical condition due to various factors.

If the situation does not improve,One-third of the world's corals extinctIt is said that it is possible to do so.

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Impact of Global Warming on Corals

One of the negative effects on corals is that global warmingRising sea temperatures and sea level riseThese are environmental stresses such as

Also, regional environmental stresses such as eutrophication (increased phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients) due to ocean pollution.

As seawater temperatures rise due to global warming, the zooxanthellae that live in symbiosis with coral disappear from the coral's body, allowing the coral skeleton to show through.bleachingI will do so.

If the coral continues in this state, it will not be able to receive nutrients and will die.

 

Large typhoons and overtourism have also had an impact.

Other,Physical destruction caused by large typhoonsand muddy water inflow can damage corals.

Also, sunscreen ingredients and plastic waste,Chemicals and marine debrisalso contribute to bleaching.

There is also human-induced damage, such as trampling and anchor drops caused by excessive tourism.

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has established a basic policy for the conservation of coral reef ecosystems, as well as specific actions to be taken.Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Action PlanThe "MFCA" has been formulated.

We also promote eco-tourism, comprehensive management to address sources of sediment and pollutants, and removal of predatory species.

Let us protect the future of the ocean's bounty by each of us acting consciously.

 

Coral reefs can be seen on Kohama Island.
Recommended Activities

Kohama Island is home to one of Japan's largest coral reef groups, "Seokseo LagoonThe island is surrounded by "theShihsi Lagoon is home toMore than 400 species of corals live here.

Here are some recommended activities to observe these precious corals.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.

 

Kohama Island Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the most recommended activity to enjoy the many fish and beautiful coral reefs!

Designated as an endangered species.manta rays and sea turtlesThere are many ways to enjoy the area, such as spots where the coral reefs come and go, spots with beautiful table corals and eda corals and many tropical fish, and spots with very clear waters and visibility exceeding 50 meters even underwater.

Even during the coldest months, the water temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius, so as long as you wear a wetsuit, you can enjoy snorkeling without problems.

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See more Kohama Island snorkeling tours!

 

Kohama Island Diving

Kohama Island is also a great spot for diving, as the water is so clear that the seafloor can be seen from the sea!

Of those who experience diving in Kohama Island.About 80% are beginners.

No license is required for experience diving.The instructor will give you a detailed lecture on ear removal, breathing exercises, and how to put on a wetsuit.

Basically, there is no need to bring anything other than a bathing suit, and even beginners and those who cannot swim can enjoy themselves safely and securely.

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See more Kohama Island diving tours!

 

Points to note for enjoying the coral reefs of Kohama Island

You can get carried away looking at the many living creatures and coral reefs....

To protect the beautiful ocean and rich coral reefs of Kohama Island, please follow the rules and have fun.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.

 

Do not touch or step on it unnecessarily

Coral reefs may look like plants, but they are actually animals.A member of the jellyfish and sea anemone family, it is classified as a cnidarian (luminal animal).

Coral reefs take a very long time to grow, only a few centimeters per year.Therefore, it is very difficult to touch or step on them.

 

Always take your trash with you.

Be sure to take back any garbage generated.In fact, it is we humans who have the most negative impact on coral reefs.

We must once again keep in mind that it is humans who have killed many coral reefs through red soil runoff and landfill caused by development, water pollution from domestic wastewater, dumping of garbage, and damage caused by ill-mannered tourists and fishermen.

Although not well known, corals play an important role in the comfort of human life.

I explained earlier that corals are animals, but like plants, they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

In addition to serving as natural breakwaters, coral reefs also help to purify the sea.

It also affects other living things, and plays a major role not only in the marine life and environment, but also in the planet we live on.

 

Enjoy Kohama Island more!
Recommended Activities

The charm of Kohama Island is not limited to the ocean! Here are some recommended activities to fully enjoy the great nature of Kohama Island!

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.

 

Kohama Island SUP Tour

SUP on Kohama Island is a great way to cruise in the clear waters of the island. At first glance, it may seem difficult, but it is so stable that even beginners will soon be able to move forward smoothly.

Even beginners can enjoy watching coral reefs and tropical fish from the water.

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Learn more about Kohama Island SUP

 

Kohama Island Kayak Tour

Kohama Island's kayaking experience offers a relaxing tour of mangroves and calm waters. You can enjoy an extraordinary healing time surrounded by nature.

Kayaks can accommodate two people, so you can experience kayaking with your children!

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Learn more about Kohama Island Canoeing (Kayaking)

 

Kohama Island Fishing Tour

It is said that there are as many as 400 kinds of fish in the waters around Kohama Island. Let's aim for the big ones☆.

The guide will carefully select the best spots of the day and guide you to them! Even beginners can enjoy fishing because we support everything from how to put bait on the hook.

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Learn more about Kohama Island Fishing

 

Kohama Island Night Tour

Let's go on a night adventure on Kohama Island, where different creatures come to life than during the day, a privilege for those who stay on Kohama Island!

The guide will lead you through the jungle at night to observe the unique subtropical flora and fauna under a star-filled sky that is unique to the island.

Not seen in Honshu from late December to mid-June.Southern Cross (asterism formed with the brightest four stars of the constellation Crux)can also be seen!

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summary

Kohama Island has an inseparable connection with coral reefs.In addition to the activities introduced here, there are many other ways to enjoy the area.

A "healing paradise" where you can enjoy the relaxing scenery of the past and the feeling of a tropical resort.

Why not visit Kohama Island with your family, friends, or lovers?

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