# Sea Turtle Association of Japan, Kuroshima Research Station

> marine research institute in Okinawa, Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q7440032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7440032)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroshima_Research_Station)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sea-turtle-association-of-japan-kuroshima-research-station

## Summary
The Sea Turtle Association of Japan, Kuroshima Research Station, is a marine research institute based in Okinawa, Japan, dedicated to studying and conserving sea turtles. Established in 1973, it operates on Kuroshima Island in Taketomi Town and serves as a key hub for sea turtle research and conservation efforts in the region. The station is affiliated with the Okinawa Prefecture Museum Association and engages in both scientific research and public education.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1973 as a research institute focused on marine biology, particularly sea turtles.
- Located on Kuroshima Island in Taketomi, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
- Part of the Okinawa Prefecture Museum Association, as of 2025.
- Operates under the NPO Sea Turtle Association of Japan, with a website in Japanese (http://www.kuroshima.org/).
- Actively shares updates via Twitter (@kuroshimaRC) since 2017.
- Notable for its "Turtle Phone" project, which tracks sea turtle migrations.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Kuroshima Research Station established?
A: The station was founded in 1973, making it one of Japan's long-standing institutions for marine research and sea turtle conservation.

### Q: Where is the Kuroshima Research Station located?
A: It is situated on Kuroshima Island in Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, at the address 〒907-1311 沖縄県八重山郡竹富町黒島136.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the station's work?
A: The station specializes in research and conservation of sea turtles, including tracking their migrations and studying their habitats in the East China Sea and surrounding regions.

## Why It Matters
The Kuroshima Research Station plays a critical role in advancing the understanding and protection of sea turtle populations in the western Pacific. As a long-term research facility (operating since 1973), it contributes valuable data on marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activity on endangered species. Its work directly supports conservation strategies, such as habitat preservation and reducing bycatch risks, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity in the region. The station also bridges scientific research and public awareness, fostering community engagement through educational programs and initiatives like the "Turtle Phone" project. This dual focus on research and outreach underscores its significance in both local and global marine conservation efforts.

## Notable For
- **Longstanding Research Legacy**: Continuously operating since 1973, providing decades of data on sea turtle behavior and ecology.
- **Unique Location**: Situated on Kuroshima Island, a remote area critical for sea turtle nesting and migration studies.
- **Community and Global Engagement**: Combines local conservation work with international collaboration, exemplified by multilingual outreach (Japanese, English, Spanish) and participation in global research networks.
- **Innovative Tracking Projects**: Pioneered the "Turtle Phone" initiative, using satellite tags to monitor sea turtle movements across the East China Sea.

## Body
### Organization and History
- Founded in 1973 as a research institute under the NPO Sea Turtle Association of Japan.
- Affiliated with the Okinawa Prefecture Museum Association, reflecting its role in regional cultural and scientific heritage.
- Recognized as a non-profit organization (特定非営利活動法人) in Japan, emphasizing its public-interest mission.

### Research Focus
- Specializes in sea turtle ecology, including nesting patterns, migration routes, and conservation challenges.
- Publishes findings through its website and academic channels, with a focus on endangered species such as the loggerhead and green sea turtles.
- Collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and reduce turtle bycatch.

### Location and Facilities
- Based on Kuroshima Island, part of the Yaeyama Islands in southern Okinawa.
- Facilities include laboratories, observation areas, and equipment for marine fieldwork.
- Accessible via boat from Ishigaki Island, with the station’s remote setting minimizing human disturbance to marine habitats.

### Online Presence
- Website: http://www.kuroshima.org/ (Japanese-language content, with select English resources).
- Twitter: @kuroshimaRC (active since 2017, sharing updates on research and conservation activities).
- Tripadvisor listing (ID: 4326506) highlighting its role as an educational destination for visitors.

## References

1. [Source](https://okimu.jp/museum/column/1683626311/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://www.kuroshima.org/pg165.html)
4. [Source](http://www.kuroshima.org/index.html)