Stream 3. Healthy Environment

Stream #3
Healthy Environment

luminescent corals

R&D Leader

Timothy Ravasi (OIST, Professor)

 

Projects

Environmental monitoring research and development for the maintenance and promotion of a “healthy environment”

PI: Timothy Ravasi (Leader)

The Marine Climate Change Unit studies the mechanisms of acclimation and adaptation of marine organisms to the environment. We are particularly interested in looking at ecologically relevant issues in light of rapid environmental changes, such as climate change. Using the latest genomics approaches, we seek to identify the molecular pathways responsible for the acclimation and adaptation of tropical fish to rising ocean temperatures and acidification.
 

Coral eDNA project

PI: Noriyuki Satoh

Sequencing the genomes of the major marine phyla helps explain relationships between organisms, both in terms of large-scale evolution and within their ecosystems. The Marine Genomics Unit's ability to quickly sequence large genomes has made it the first lab ever to decode the genetic sequences of a coral and a mollusk. The unit also has found evidence of a common ancestor that links humans to sea stars.
 

Ocean-based CO2 Removal and Simultaneous Monitoring of Physical Oceanography and Ocean Biogeochemistry

PI: Satoshi Mitarai

The Marine Biophysics Unit examines how ocean currents affect the marine life of hydrothermal vents and coral reefs around Okinawa. Using buoy deployments, population genetics, computer modeling, remotely and wave-operated vehicles, and physical oceanographic measurements, the unit is mapping the Kuroshio current circulation, tracking larval dispersal, hunting for the source of an invasive coral-eating sea star, and monitoring plankton health.
 

Preservation and utilization of environmental resources through real-time monitoring of the terrestrial environment

OKEON

The OKEON project, led by researchers at OIST, aims to foster an understanding of Okinawa’s complex ecosystems through collaborations between scientists and society. The project conducts various local environmental surveys with support from a wide range of organizations and people in Okinawa. OKEON works in cooperation with local universities, high schools, museums, and governments to connect people with their natural environment. The long-term objective is to inspire a generation that will continue to sustainably enjoy and appreciate the complex and beautiful environment that Okinawa provides.

 

Partner (Academic)

Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (Japan),
University of Tsukuba (Japan),
University of the Ryukyus (Japan),
RIKEN (Japan)

 

Partner (Business)

NTT Communications Corp. (Japan),
NTT DOCOMO Inc. (Japan),
Zamami Village Tourism Association (Japan),
yatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa (Japan), Okinawa Municipal Museum (Japan), Okinawa Prefectural Kyuyo Senior High School (Japan), Onna Village (Japan), Zamami Village (Japan)

R&D Plan and Goal



We promote research and development related to the conservation and utilization of environmental resources through genomics analysis, monitoring of marine and land environments, and other means to improve the quality of the environment and keep “healthy environment.

From R&D Leader



Our team measures “environmental health” on land and at sea, contributing to conserving and utilizing ecological resources. Our Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology allows us to understand the corals and fish communities that live there simply by analyzing the DNA present in seawater. So, in the ocean we can monitor changes in the ocean environment. For example, the results can be used to develop policies and guidelines for developing nearby resort hotels. In addition, we will use the scientifically collected data in the terrestrial environment to create educational programs. The program helps understand how natural and human-induced factors affect the environment, and it will promote the conservation and utilization of environmental resources.


Photo of Timothy Ravasi
Timothy Ravasi, OIST, Professor