Yabiji

Aerial view

Yabiji (八重干瀬) is the largest coral reef group in Japan, containing over 100 coral reefs and spanning about 17 by 6.5 km.[1] Known for being above water level several times a year, most visibly around March 3, it was made a Natural Monument of Japan in 2013 as a place of Scenic Beauty.[2] It is located about 6 km off the northern coast of Ikema Island.[3]

## Ecology

The reef contains about 300 kinds of coral.[4]

## Conservation history

The Ministry of the Environment has designated the reef as one of the 500 most important wetlands in Japan.[3] In 2018, it was discovered that the living part of the reef had decreased by about 70% since 2008 from coral bleaching, due to rising water temperatures.[4]

## References

1. ↑ "Yabiji coral reef community and tsunami stones designated as natural treasures". http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2012/11/26/8668/.
2. ↑ "Yabiji". https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/kyushu_okinawa/miyakojima/kanko/2007/.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Coral reefs of Japan". https://www.env.go.jp/nature/biodic/coralreefs/reference/contents/0405.pdf.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Tanaka, Seiji. "Coral reef deemed natural treasure dying at alarming rate". http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812240036.html.

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