Local Column

COLUMN

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

2025-01-10 12:15

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 Situation on Ishigaki Island

First, let me introduce the current Ishigaki Island!

 

Speaking of Ishigaki Island,Blue, clean, crystal clear water.Many 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 Ishigaki Island?

 

Marine pollution is serious on Ishigaki Island.

Ishigaki Island has crystal clear waters where you can see coral and sea turtles even from 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

海洋ごみ 日焼け止めコラム

Marine plastics are a problem in the waters of Ishigaki Island.

 

Not only in JapanTrash from overseas also drifted ashore.Ishigaki Island is characterized by the fact 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.I am doing it.

 

Coral bleaching problem

石垣島の青の洞窟シュノーケル中のサンゴ

In the sea of Ishigaki IslandNumerous colorful coralsI am doing it.

 

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.

サンゴ 褐虫藻 日焼け止めコラム

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 accelerationThe company is doing this.

 

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.

 

Ishigaki Island Role of Coral

カラフルサンゴ

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 Ishigaki Island in various roles.

 

Here are three roles that corals play!

 

Nature's Breakwater

バリアリーフ サンゴ 高波

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 Ishigaki 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.Ishigaki Island is known for its beautiful ocean, which is second to none in the world.

 

Preparing the underwater environment

石垣島のカクレクマノミ

And coral is not only the appearance of the sea,Undersea environment.They 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 bodySh,Nutrition for small creatureswill be.

 

In addition, corals areRegulates CO2 concentration in seawaterI am doing it.

 

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?

サンゴ 白化 死亡 バラス

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

日焼け止め 日焼け止めコラム

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

紫外線吸収剤 日焼け止め

What is a UV absorber?Absorbs ultraviolet raysand transformed into heat, infrared, and other energiesand let it be released.

 

It is like putting a sponge on your skin that absorbs UV rays as if it were absorbing moisture.

Advantages

  • Transparent and non-whitening
  • Strong effect even in small doses
  • frictionless

demerit

  • A chemical reaction occurs on the skin, causing skin irritation.
  • Great impact on nature
  • It can also be taken up into the bloodstream.

 

ultraviolet scattering agent

紫外線散乱剤 日焼け止め

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.

Advantages

  • Natural inorganic powder is used.
  • gentle to the skin

demerit

  • Easily whitened
  • Less UV effective than absorbers

 

Sunscreen use is increasingly regulated in other countries.

海外 サンセット

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

パラオ 日焼け止めコラム

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, click here.

 

Sunscreen regulations in Hawaii

ハワイ 日焼け止めコラム

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, click here.

 

Ishigaki Island Travel Essentials
Recommended sunscreen

石垣島 服装

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

 

Compared to HonshuUltraviolet rays on Ishigaki Island areMore than twice as strongIt is said that the

 

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

 

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

 

"Sunscreen to apply."
Coral-friendly sunscreen

日焼け止め 塗る クリーム

."Coral-friendly sunscreen".

 

Among the sunscreens that can be appliedNature-friendly sunscreenwill be!

 

Manufactured with only natural ingredients

化学物質 人工 日焼け止めコラム

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!

Recommended for

  • Those who want something hypoallergenic that can be used for children.
  • Those who have sensitive skin and want something natural.
  • Those who prefer a higher PA value.

 

Use environmentally friendly sunscreens
Enjoy activities to the fullest!

Use eco-friendly sunscreen in the ocean of Ishigaki Island.ActivitiesEnjoy to the fullest!

 

Various marine activities are held on Ishigaki Island.

 

Ishigaki IslandRecommended Marine ActivitiesHere are three selections!

 

3 recommended marine activities in Ishigaki Island

Blue Cave Snorkeling

石垣島 青の洞窟

The first one I would like to introduce is,Snorkeling in the Blue CaveIt is.

 

On Ishigaki Island, there is a cave called the Blue Cave!

 

Cave Exploration and Snorkelingcan enjoySpecial OffersIt is!

石垣島 幻の島シュノーケリング

If you are lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles!

 

And not just sea turtles,Colorful corals and tropical fishYou can also see

 

Why not enjoy nature's aquarium?

 

Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe

Next, I recommend the scenic spots of Ishigaki IslandSUP/Canoe Experience in "Kabira BayIt is!

 

SUP, which has become a hot topic in recent years, offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to lie on the board or do yoga,

 

Various ways to enjoycan be done!

Ishigaki Island Kabira Bay Canoe/Kayak

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island is3 stars in the Michelin Green GuideIt is so beautiful that it has earned the

 

It is a spot you should enjoy at least once when you visit Ishigaki Island!

 

Mangrove SUP/Canoe

And last but not least,SUP/canoeing in the mangrovesIt is!

 

The charm of Ishigaki Island is not only the sea!

 

SUP/canoeing through the mangroves growing on the river.

Mangrove SUP

The mangroves block out the sun.It can be enjoyed coolly even in summer!

 

Recommended for beginners as it is calm and windless!

 

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!

 

Ishigaki 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.
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)