Japan · Spearfishing zone
Sakiyamawan-Amitoriwan Nature Conservation Area, Iriomote Island, Okinawa
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Sakiyamawan-Amitoriwan Nature Conservation Area, Iriomote Island, Okinawa.
Japan's only marine Nature Conservation Area (自然環境保全地域), in the western sea area of Iriomote Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama, Okinawa. Designated under the Nature Conservation Law and expanded on 17 Feb 2015 from 128 ha to 1,077.1 ha (renamed Sakiyamawan-Amitoriwan). Within the area the collection/harvest (採捕) of designated marine flora and fauna - 36 families / 327 species - is regulated, making it effectively a no-take zone for spearfishing of those species. Recognized as IUCN Category I (highest protection). Boundary points per the official Ministry of the Environment conservation plan: 24°20'53.0"N 123°40'50.1"E and 24°18'31.1"N 123°39'24.2"E; the listed point is a representative center.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
24.3300°N, 123.6700°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Japan
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.