(1) Collects, analyzes and organizes information about coral reefs and makes the information available.

　To compose and maintain a database system, the Center collects literature on coral reefs, information on institutes and bodies concerned with the coral reefs, and data from monitoring conducted by the Center. The Center also makes efforts to widely distribute the information through the internet and other media.

(2) Monitors current state of coral reefs.

　It can be said that coral reefs form an ecosystem that continuously fluctuates while being influenced naturally and artificially in various ways. Therefore, to conserve coral reefs, it is essential for us to understand the current state of coral reefs by continuous monitoring. Besides monitoring the coral reefs around Ishigaki Island and Sekisei�Lagoon, the Center promotes and supports monitoring efforts that are carried out at both the scientist's level and citizen's level.

Fig, Coral coverage distribution derived from monitoring data

　The Environment Agency of Japan started monitoring the sea of Ishigaki Island and Sekisei Lagoon in 1998. The two figures above show the distribution of coral coverage around Ishigaki Island. The monitoring revealed the current state of the coral reefs that suffered seriously from the bleaching in 1998.

(3) Develops and strengthens public awareness of coral reef conservation.

　To successfully conserve coral reefs, it is essential that as many people as possible understand the importance of their existence. The Center holds adhoc exhibitions to promote understanding of the worth, importance and necessity of conserving coral reefs and conducts�activities for interpretation of nature in the fields, such as Iriomote National Park.

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