Local Column
COLUMN

What kind of coral and skin-friendly sunscreen to use on Miyako Island? Introducing sunscreens used by local staff as well!
Hello everyone!
Suddenly, ladies and gentlemenWhat sunscreen do you use?
There are various types of products, such as those with strong UV effects, those that are gentle to the skin, and those that are not sticky.
Such sunscreens, however, are actuallyNegative impact on coralsIt is also possible to give the
In this issue, we will discuss how sunscreens affect corals andRecommended sunscreenWe will introduce you to the following
目次
Current Situation on Miyako Island
First, let us introduce the present Miyako Island!
Speaking of Miyako Island,Blue, clean, crystal clear water.Many of you may imagine that the
However, in recent years, on a global scaleMarine Pollution Problemand,SDGsand other environmental topics are often discussed.
Do these problems actually include Miyako Island?
Marine pollution is serious on Miyako Island.
Miyako Island has crystal clear waters where coral and sea turtles can be seen even from land,Marine pollution is a problemThe company is now in the process of
And of all that ocean pollution, the most serious is,Coral bleaching problemandMarine Plastic ProblemIt is.
Plastic waste problem
Marine plastic is a problem in the sea of Miyakojima.
Not only in JapanTrash from overseas also drifted ashore.The characteristic of Miyako Island is that it is a place where people can enjoy the beauty of the island.
You may not be able to imagine, but if you go to an unkempt oceanLots of trash drifting ashore every day.The company is doing so.
Coral bleaching problem
In the sea of Miyako IslandNumerous colorful coralsThe company is doing so.
Corals are considered to be members of the animal family, and while they are aliveZooxanthella (zooxanthella)A group of algae known as "algae" attaches to corals.
The attachment of zooxanthellae allows corals to absorb nutrients and emit color.
Corals that no longer have this zooxanthellae attached to them bleach,It will die as it is.
This is.Coral bleaching phenomenonThe coral bleaching phenomenon in recent years is known assudden accelerationThe company is doing this.
Cause.global warmingand ... andmarine debrisIn fact, of course, theIngredients in sunscreenThe same is said to be true of the impact of the
Coral reefs that are lost will never return, so preserving coral is an important issue.
Miyako Island Role of Coral
Now that we have discussed the phenomenon of coral bleaching, what role do corals play in the first place?
as a matter of factCorals protect Miyako Island in various roles.
Here are three roles that corals play!
Nature's Breakwater
First, coral reefs areNature's BreakwaterThe role of the
The dark blue area in the photo above is the offshore side, and the light blue is the land side.
This buildup of coral reefs over a long period of time allows the coral reefs that come in from offshoreHigh waves and strong ocean currents are made possible by coral reefs.They are softening.
Also known as "barrier reliefIt is also referred to as "the
This is why the sea on the land side is calm and people are able to live.
Forming a beautiful seascape
By corals inhabiting the sea,Beautiful seascape of Miyako IslandThey have kept the
Imagine an ocean without corals.
Of course it is beautiful and clear blue, but it would be more like a swimming pool.
Coral is the reason why.Miyako Island has been called the most beautiful sea in the world.
Preparing the underwater environment
And coral is not only the appearance of the sea,Preparing the undersea environmentThey play a role.
Corals are home to zooxanthellae, which receive oxygen, carbohydrates, proteins, and other organic matter produced by photosynthesis as nutrition.
Part of it as mucus.secreted outside the bodySh,Nutrients for small creatureswill be.
In addition, corals areRegulates CO2 concentration in seawaterThe company is doing so.
In other words,The rich ecosystem of the seaschool (e.g. of ikebana)Coral basedThe "new" is made in the same way as the "old"!
Sunscreen.
Advancing coral bleaching phenomenon?
There are several causes of coral bleaching, one of which isSunscreen included.
Depending on the sunscreen, the ingredients may have a negative impact on coral.
In recent yearsAccelerated coral bleachingThis has become a problem.
Different types of sunscreen
You are all using yourSunscreen IngredientsHave you ever wondered about the
To begin with, sunscreens can be broadly divided into,UV absorberandultraviolet scattering agentThere are two types of
this (something or someone close to the speaker (including the speaker), or ideas expressed by the speaker)Some ultraviolet light scattering agentsThey have a negative impact on corals.
Here are some of the differences between them!
UV absorber
What is a UV absorber?Absorbs ultraviolet raysand transformed into heat, infrared, and other energies.and let it be released.
It is like putting a sponge on your skin that absorbs UV rays as if it were absorbing moisture.
ultraviolet scattering agent
UV scatterers are mainly mineral components that are physically received by the skin.Reflects and scatters ultraviolet raysThe effect is to make the
It is an image of covering the skin with a cloth that does not allow ultraviolet rays to penetrate.
Sunscreen use is increasingly regulated in other countries.
Because the ocean is so big and wide, it is easy to think that a little sunscreen won't affect it that much.
However,Sunscreen's Impact on Natureis large.this muchIt is also true that it is no longer enough to say, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Sunscreens are banned in other countries.Some countries have even become...
There is no guarantee that Japan will not be regulated if the environment deteriorates further.
Sunscreen regulations in Palau
PalauThe use of some sunscreens is prohibited in
Prohibited sunscreens are those containing synthetic preservatives in addition to UV absorbers.
TheseHarmful to corals and the oceanIf sold asUp to $1,000.from abroad, and fines ofProducts brought in are confiscated.The company has been
→directional marker or indicatorFor more information
Sunscreen regulations in Hawaii
Sunscreen isHawaiiBut it is also prohibited.
The main sunscreens banned in Hawaii areUV absorberIt is.
In HawaiiIt's so much more than a national treasure.We value coral and have banned it since 2021.
→directional marker or indicatorFor more information
Miyako Island Travel Essentials
Recommended sunscreen
So far, I have shown you how sunscreens affect corals,
Compared to HonshuUltraviolet rays on Miyako Island areMore than twice as strongIt is said that the
Therefore, in traveling to Miyako IslandSunscreen is a must-have itemwill be!
Therefore, we recommend the following sunscreen for your visit to Miyako Island!
"Sunscreen to apply."
Coral-friendly sunscreen
."Coral-friendly sunscreen".
This is one of the best sunscreens you can apply.Nature-friendly sunscreenwill be!
Manufactured with only natural ingredients
Preservatives, UV absorbers, synthetic surfactants, fragrancesWe do not use any such materials!
It is a sunscreen made with only natural ingredients.Gentle on skin and natureIt is.
It's hard to believe that no fragrance is used.Nice fragrance!
Use environmentally friendly sunscreens
Enjoy activities to the fullest!
Use eco-friendly sunscreen in the sea of Miyakojima.ActivitiesEnjoy to the fullest!
Various marine activities are held on Miyako Island.
Miyako IslandRecommended Marine ActivitiesHere are three selections!
3 recommended marine activities in Miyako Island
Sea turtle snorkeling
First is sea turtle snorkeling in the blue waters of Miyako Island!
In Miyako IslandOne of the highest rates of sea turtle encounters in the worldThere are beaches that boast of
You can also swim with sea turtles and take pictures with them!
And not just sea turtles,Colorful corals and tropical fishYou can also see
Why not enjoy nature's aquarium?
Superb beach SUP & Canoeing
The next recommendation is,SUP/canoeing on a spectacular beachIt is.
SUP, which has become a hot topic in recent years, offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to lie on the board or do yoga,
Various ways to enjoycan be done!
Canoes are highly stable,Two people can ride together.Recommended for families!
If you don't want to get too wet, why not try SUP/canoeing?
Pumpkin Cave Exploration
And last but not least,Explore the mysterious Pumpkin Cave!
On Miyako Island, there is a stalactite cave called the Pumpkin Cave, which is in the shape of a pumpkin that you enter from the sea.
This limestone cave is also called the Dragon's Palace.You will definitely enjoy it!
To access the Pumpkin Cave by canoe,You can enjoy two activities!
This is a spot you should visit at least once when you come to Miyako Island!
in the end
In this issue, we introduced sunscreen.
How was it?
You may think it is just a sunscreen, but we hope you now understand its impact on coral.
We hope you will join us in protecting the clean ocean.Environmentally friendly sunscreento use!
Miyako Island hasAttractive Activitiesand ... andSightseeing SpotsSince there are many
The entire staff looks forward to welcoming you to the island!
Thank you for reading to the end.