Okinawa's first community-based sea turtle conservation & research organization
Taking action to increase survivability of resident & transient endangered sea turtle populations
We are pioneering a long-term sea turtle nest monitoring initiative in Central Okinawa
Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Conservation is a community-based volunteer non-profit organization (NPO) based in central Okinawa, that is dedicated to the preservation of Okinawa’s natural coastal areas and protecting Okinawa’s resident and transitory sea turtles.
Our mission is to improve the survivability of sea turtles hatching and traveling through Okinawa waterways and coastlines by raising awareness and support to mitigate factors leading to sea turtle population degradation.
We Protect
We Rescue
We respond to stranding emergency callouts throughout the year – rescuing sick, entangled or injured turtles that wash onto shore
We Educate
We conduct a variety of activities as part of our outreach program, speaking with schools and community groups about turtle conservation
We Research
We conduct nesting and stranding surveys and collect data to monitor biodiversity and the stability of local sea turtle populations
How We Work
Over the next five years we aspire to establish a sea turtle rescue center that will serve both as a hatchery and rehabilitation center.
Working towards that goal, we are currently monitoring and protecting sea turtle activity across the island, with a special focus on central Okinawa where we plan for the sanctuary to be located.
In The Community
We maintain year-round community programs focusing on conservation education and research to further the protection of Okinawan sea turtles
We founded Okinawa’s first citizen-science based project photo-identifying sea turtles
We conduct multiple outreach programs, speaking with schools and community groups about turtle conservation
We conduct surveys and collect nesting and stranding data to monitor biodiversity and the stability of local sea turtle populations
We regularly monitor coastline and protect vulnerable nests through our Ranger Program
We hosted a first-ever Okinawa Sea Turtle Festival, bringing together the community through educational booths, local vendors, and Sea Turtle Olympic Games
We organize monthly beach clean-ups across Okinawa to remove hazardous debris that poses a threat to sea turtles, coral reefs, and other marine life
We host camps promoting ocean conservation, inspiring the next generation to help protect marine life and natural habitats
Sea turtles use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate back to the region where they hatched, a behavior known as "geomagnetic imprinting"
If they cannot return to that area to lay due to coastal development, or other human interventions, such as artificial lighting and physical barriers, their nesting success will be significantly impacted.
How You Can Help
Sign Our Petition
Show your support for the creation of Japan’s first sea turtle sanctuary in central Okinawa by signing our petition.
1918
Signatures
2500
Next Goal
Volunteer
Help our organization by volunteering your time and expertise. Click below to learn more about what volunteer positions are currently available
Make A Donation
Help to cover the operational costs of protecting sea-turtles & the marine environment donating today! Follow us on social media to see how your donation is being spent.
¥456,185
50
¥1,000,000
We're making an impact
About 80% of the turtles hatch successfully if our team of volunteers have the resources to protect the nest.
Eggs Protected
Turtles Rescued
Stranding Surveys
Nests Protected
According to some experts, just one in ten thousand turtles survives the journey from hatching to adulthood. Consequently, providing support is crucial for their survival.
every hatchling counts
Contact Us
info@okinawaprotect.org
Emergency Contact
+81 80-5537-9991
Address
640-1 Senaha, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0325
English 
日本語