Green sea turtles, an endangered species on the Japanese Minsitry of the Environment's red list, were previously thought to live and breed on Yakushima and islands further south. However, information on turtles being stranded and caught as bycatch received from various areas of Japan has revealed that they migrate to summering grounds along the Sea of Japan coast of Japan's main islands. Recently seagrass beds along these coasts have been deteriorating, and there are fears for the impact on the turtles that use these plants as food. Therefore, this project aims to (1) research the distribution, seasonal variation, migration, and feeding habits of green sea turtles in Japan's coastal areas, (2) clarify the relationships between the plants being used by these turtles for food, (3) create materials to act as a foundation for turtle and seaweed conservation, and (4) recommend turtle and seaweed conservation policies. Specific activities include:
1) Identifying the seagrasses being eaten by turtles by measuring and analysing the stomach contents and fecal matter of turtles that have been caught accidentally, then tagging these turtles and releasing them back into the wild.
2) Using tracking devices to clarify turtle movements, as well as identifying sea grass beds that are being used as food and their corresponding sea turtle habitats. This will be done in collaboration with university student groups, local governments, aquariums, and others.