Oceanographer Muzik confirms the importance of Henoko Coast

Oceanographer Muzik confirms the importance of Henoko Coast

Katherine Muzik asserted the importance of Oura Bay and the sea off Henoko at Teima Fishing Port in Nago on July 4.


July 5, 2013

Oceanographer Katherine Muzik, formerly a professor at Harvard University, conducted an underwater survey at Oura Bay and offshore at Henoko, Nago on July 4. The U.S. military plans to build an alternative facility for Futenma Air Station in this area. She asserted the importance of Oura Bay and the sea off Henoko. Muzik said that it will be impossible to restore coral once the land reclamation destroys the reef. She added that this is the last chance we have to protect the coral.

Muzik lived in Okinawa for 11 years. In 1983, she called for the protection of the coral reefs at Shiraho in Ishigaki Island where the Okinawa Prefectural Government had planned to build a new airport.

In the survey carried out on July 4, she identified Porites tenuis and seaweeds off Henoko. Muzik said that while opposing the plan is not easy, each and every person should voice their objection so the coral reefs can continue to thrive. Muzik, who currently lives in Hawaii, stayed in Okinawa on this occasion until July 12, planning to visit Takae in Higashi Village and Futenma Air Station. She also gave a lecture at Nago City Central Library at 3:00 p.m. on July 6 and at the Prefectural Museum at 4:00 p.m. on July 7.

(English translation by T&CT, Megumi Chibana and Mark Ealey)

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