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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Sea Turtle Association of Japan

Identifying green turtle sanctuaries

Activity grant

Project Description

Green sea turtles are a global endangered species, but previous research by the Sea Turtle Association of Japan has discovered that the seas around Japan contain important feeding sites, and has identfied many green sea turtle habitats in these areas. This project aims to compile all the information gathered, particularly information from field research conducted in many areas, and to evaluate and compare the number of habitats in each area and their surrounding environments. It will also identify important areas for these turtles near the Japanese coast in terms of conservation ecology, designate them as Green Sea Turtle Sanctuaries, and hold international conferences calling for them to be made protected areas. Proposing and establishing protected areas will lead to increased awareness in other relevant countries and contribute to green sea turtle conservation across the Western Pacific.

Fields
Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2010 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
October 2010 - September 2013
Grant amount
17,424,160 yen
Activity region
Sea turtle habitats close to Japan
A photo of a green sea turtle submitted by a regular diver as part of a project to acquire information on habitats

Overview of the Organization

Naoki Kamezaki, Chairman
Representative
Naoki Kamezaki, Chairman
Establishment
1990
Establishment purpose
Established to act as the central point of a network of organizations and individuals engaged in the conservation of sea turtle species and the marine environment.
Main areas of activity
Japanese coastal areas
Staff
7 full-time staff members, 5 part-time members, 25 full members
Annual operating budget
38.13 million yen in 2007, 60.44 million yen in 2008, 76.95 million yen in 2009
WEB site
http://www.umigame.org
Recent activities
In 2010, the Sea Turtle Association of Japan hosted the 21st Japanese Conference on Sea Turtles, shared information with associated individuals through the publication of a journal, and worked to nurture and develop research and conservation activities regarding sea turtles. Specific acheivements include an investigation into the number of times sea turtle species across Japan laid eggs through which a sudden decline over recent years was revealed, a project involving a unified marking system across the country for clarifying migration routes of loggerhead sea turtles after egg-laying, identifying where turtles were being washed ashore by building a stranding network relying on public participation, a range of projects identifying green sea turtle habitats, and publishing various books and materials. It is also working to increase environmental awareness among youth through lectures and the like.