What kind of coral and skin-friendly sunscreen to use in Iriomote Island? We introduce sunscreens that local staffs also use!

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

 

Current Status of Iriomote Island

First, let us introduce the present Iriomote Island!

 

Speaking of Iriomote Island,Blue, clean, crystal-clear sea, magnificent expanses of wildernessMany 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 Iriomote Island?

 

Marine pollution is serious on Iriomote Island.

Iriomote Island has crystal clear waters where you can see corals and sea turtles even from the 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 Iriomote Island.

 

Not only in JapanTrash from overseas also drifted ashore.The characteristic of Iriomote 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 Iriomote 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 accelerationI am doing it.

 

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.

 

Iriomote 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 Iriomote 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 Iriomote 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.Iriomote Island is 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 bodyShi,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

 

Iriomote Island Travel Essentials
Recommended sunscreen

So far, I have shown you how sunscreens affect corals,

 

Compared to HonshuUltraviolet rays in Iriomote Island areMore than twice as strongIt is said that the

 

Therefore, in traveling to Iriomote IslandSunscreen is a must-have itemwill be!

 

Therefore, we recommend the following sunscreen for your visit to Iriomote Island!

 

"Sunscreen to apply."
Coral-friendly sunscreen

."Coral-friendly sunscreen".

 

This is one of the most popular 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 Iriomote Island.ActivitiesEnjoy to the fullest!

 

Various marine activities are held on Iriomote Island.

 

Iriomote IslandRecommended Marine ActivitiesHere are three selections!

 

3 recommended marine activities in Iriomote Island

Mangrove SUP/Canoe

First of all, I would like to introduce you to,SUP/Canoeing in a World Heritage SiteIt is!

 

The charm of Iriomote Island is its natural beauty, which is so great that it has been registered as a World Heritage site!

You can cruise the mangrove or ocean by SUP/canoe.

 

SUP/canoeing in the World Heritage Site will surely relieve your daily fatigue!

 

Splash Canyoning

The next recommendation is,Splash CanyoningIt is.

 

Canyoning is an activity to enjoy descending streams and enjoy natural athletic activities with only one's body!

 

Diving into the waterfall basin and water slidesEnjoy the...

Life jackets and helmets are worn for safety!

 

Dive into the great nature on Iriomote Island!

 

Barras Island Snorkeling

And last but not least,Snorkeling at the miraculous "Barasu IslandIt is!

 

On Iriomote Island, there is an island formed by the accumulation of dead coral "barasu.

 

Barasu Island is called a phantom island that appears only at low tide!

Snorkeling near such a miraculous island!

 

If you're lucky, you'll see a sea turtle.We can also meet!

 

Let's snorkel with all your might at the most spectacular spot in Iriomote 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!

 

Iriomote 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.

This article was written by.

Hello! I am Niwa-chan, your source for all things Iriomote Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently, based in Iriomote Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! and "I want to get local information about Iriomote Island! As a guide who actually works in the local area, we provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who "want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers by interacting with the local nature every day.

On Instagram, we share actual activities and beautiful Iriomote Island scenery in real time!
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