- Field investigate
- Field Investigation
Field Investigation
Field investigation
On September 2, 2012 the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a field investigation of the Senkaku Islands.
From photographs and video taken as part of the investigation, it can be seen that the islands have an abundant natural environment, but there are concerns that the environment will worsen due to things such as landslides caused by feeding damage by goats and scattering of items drifting around the shore. The following is an introduction of the current state of the Senkaku Islands.
Overview of the field investigation
- Date and time
September 2, 2012 (Sun.) 6:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
(time of actual investigation) - Weather
Fair weather, average wind speed of 1.7m/sec., wave height of about 1m, spring tide (high tide 7:53 a.m. - low tide 2:17 p.m.) - Content
Environmental investigation (atmospheric and seawater measurement, observation of plants and animals), coastal area investigation (confirmation of suitability as a port of refuge, etc.), ocean investigation (water depth measurement, geomorphic and hydrographic investigation, etc.), real state investigation (confirmation of the state of flat land, etc.)
Ecology
- Air and seawater were collected at 13 places and general items were investigated.
- There was an extremely low concentration of toxic substances in the air (VOC).
- There was no pollution from nitrogen or phosphorous, and the water quality was outstanding.
There were many items drifting around the shore (trash, driftwood, etc.).
Six water places were confirmed on Uotsuri Island.
Coastal area and ocean
- A large number of wild goats were confirmed.
- There were several places where there had been landslides because goats had eaten the meadows.
Coastal area and ocean
- Four places suitable for a port of refuge, etc. were confirmed.
- It would be possible to build breakwaters, small craft basins, and facilities for docking ships, etc. on the East and West sides of Uotsuri Island.
- It would be possible to create a small craft basin on the South side of Uotsuri Island, between Kita-kojima Island and Minami-kojima Island.
*It is necessary to conduct a detailed investigation in the future.
- There are large areas of shallow water on the North side of Uotsuri Island, the Northeast side of Minami-kojima Island, and between Kita-kojima Island and Minami-kojima Island.
- There are many reefs and some coral inquilinisms on the seabed.
Real state evaluation and local opinions
Confirmation of the ratio of flat land to sloping land, land line, etc. in order to evaluate
Opinions of Ishigaki City and the Yaeyama Fisheries Cooperative Association
- There is potential as a place to fish, but stable operation is extremely difficult because of things such as restrictions in terms of facilities.
Summary
No air or seawater pollution was discerned, and it is an extremely good natural environment in which many wild birds can be observed. However, it was confirmed that it is in a state in which there are concerns about the environment worsening, such as landslides caused by feeding damage by goats and scattering of items drifting around the shore.
The building of facilities such as small craft basins, a radio relay station, and a weather observation facility is essential for stimulating the local fishing industry. As for ports of refuge, etc., it is necessary to conduct a more detailed investigation, but points were confirmed where it is thought possible to build them.
Details of the field investigation
- Documentary photographs of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's field investigation of the Senkaku Islands
- Written report on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's field investigation of the Senkaku Islands（
PDF） - Report on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's field investigation of the Senkaku Islands (video)
