Sea Turtle Research Center
Founded in 1973, Kuroshima's Sea Turtle Research Center has been performing important work in the field of sea turtle research and conservation for almost 40 years. Kuroshima is frequented by several species of sea turtle which habitually travel to its beaches to lay eggs. The center's primary activity involves catching and tagging turtles, including loggerheads and greens, which are subsequently returned to the ocean. The tags, which can be tracked via satellite, have provided invaluable information relating to the migratory habits of sea turtles and have assisted the tasks of both identifying and combating threats to these species.
The research center's staff have developed a productive working relationship with local fishermen, with one member of the team being permanently based at the fishing port in order to facilitate the process of tagging and releasing turtles which have become trapped in fishing nets.
The research center is open to all for a reasonable admission fee of just 300 yen. There is a pool outside which typically houses around a dozen turtles, all of which will be returned to the ocean after having been examined and tagged.
There are also two smaller tanks inside the building, each of which contain a single turtle. These provide visitors with the chance to get face-to-face with these beautiful creatures, but it has to be said that the tanks are rather small, and despite all the valuable work which the center performs it is a shame to see these oceanic turtles kept in such cramped conditions. In addition to the turtles there are many tropical fish and crustations on display.
Museum
The research center also has a small museum which contains an eclectic collection of exhibits, most of which are related to the ocean, although the large section of a satellite which is on display clearly falls into its own category. The management are clearly fans of taxidermy; mounted on a wall are examples of all the main species of sea turtle and a table is host to a display of stuffed birds (which in all honesty verges on being slightly creepy).
Also of interest is an impressive display of coral in addition to the backbone of a whale which was found beached on Iriomote island.
Recommended
The research center is well worth the modest entrance fee, and grumbles aside about some of the cramped conditions, the work which is performed here is very important and worthy of support. Plan for between 30 minutes and an hour to take in all the exhibits. The building is air-conditioned and a visit to the center offers a great way of escaping the summer sun.
Access
The center can be found at the end of a dirt track (pictured). If approaching from the north this will be a right turn.
Map
