Okinawa’s community-led coastal conservation movement
What began with protecting sea turtles has grown into an island-wide effort to safeguard Okinawa’s beaches, reefs, and coastal ecosystems —
-led by local communities, powered by volunteers, and guided by science.
We're making an impact
Stranding Surveys
Nests Protected
Turtles Rescued
Eggs Protected
KG of Ghost gear removed
Beaches Cleaned
Kids impacted by seminars
In order to protect endangered sea turtles, we must protect their environment through hand's on action and community engagement
CHURAMURA Okinawa Coastal Protection Alliance is a grassroots 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 endangered resident and transitory sea turtles.
Our flagship 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 operate Japan’s only 24-hour rescue hotline, with certified Rangers responding to strandings along the entire 470-kilometer coastline of Okinawa’s main island.
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Our database of over 300 turtles is Japan’s first and largest citizen-science based photo-identifying project, providing valuable insight into habitat use, distribution and population numbers.
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Our trained volunteer patrollers walk over 60km of coastline every morning and help our licensed Ranger technicians to protect sea turtle nests, mothers and hatchlings.
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From microplastics, incubation temperatures, and hatching success ratios to bycatch, ingestion, and biodiversity, our scientists lead a team of researchers to guide our conservation policies.
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Our team of specialized ghost net busters conduct in-water surveys and map then remove discarded fishing gear around the island.
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Coastal mismanagement has allowed erosion, invasive species and encroachment to deplete the quality and safety of our beaches and waterways. Churamura experts work to relieve the burden from council for everyone’s enjoyment.
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Our monthly beach clean-ups remove hazardous debris that poses a threat to sea turtles, coral reefs, and other marine life, also contributing to the tourism economy.
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Effective conservation requires involvment from the community- our treasure and hope for the future. See how we engage, give back, and invest in discussion with fisheries, policy makers and stakeholders.
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The village kids are the future of Okinawa’s conservation efforts, so filling the gaps in national curriculum regarding the environment and being responsible humans is a big part of our mission for operational continuity.
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We host several events throughout the year including the famous Sea Turtle Festival, 5K Funrun, upcycling workshops and many others!
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Since establishment, our dream to build Japan’s 1st Sea Turtle Rescue Center is slowly taking shape.
“Rescue Rehabilitation and Release”
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We host camps promoting ocean conservation, inspiring the next generation to help protect marine life and natural habitats
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How We Work
Over the next five years we aspire to establish Japan’s first sea turtle sanctuary and build Japan’s first sea turtle rescue center and ocean conservation education park that will serve as a hospice 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.
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
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.
Volunteer
Help our organization by volunteering your time and expertise. Click below to learn more about what volunteer positions are currently available
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
HOTLINE Emergency Contact
+81 80-5537-9991
Address
640-1 Senaha, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0325
English 
日本語