New Henoko base construction may destroy area’s coral reef

New Henoko base construction may destroy area’s coral reef

Porites lutea coral at the bottom of the ocean near the tip of the K9 seawall, where construction is currently ongoing, taken on July 13 at 8:42 am by Oura Bay, Nago City (provided by Diving Team Rainbow)


July 14, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

On July 13, the Anti-Helicopter Base Council Diving Team Rainbow surveyed the coral reef at the bottom of the ocean near the tip of the K9 seawall. This is in response to the new base construction in Henoko, Nago City, or the relocation of the Futenma Air Station. Construction is currently taking place between the land and offshore areas of Oura Bay. The diving team checked the Porities lutea coral, which is part of the reef. This area is about 20 meters away from the tip of the seawall and has a high likelihood of it being destroyed by rocks being thrown into the ocean due to the construction.

The Porities lutea coral is 30 centimeters in length and 45 centimeters in width. In the surrounding areas, yellow and pink fish were seen swimming around. According to 67-year-old Osamu Makishi, representative of Team Rainbow, who photographed the coral reef said that other coral could also be seen in the surrounding areas. “If the seawall continues to grow, the coral and fish will die. Should we really be reclaiming land from the sea?” he said resentfully.

(English translation by T&CT and Chelsea Ashimine)

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