What is the impact of the pumice stone on Miyako Island? Can I enjoy my trip without problems?

Currently, the eruption of an undersea volcano at Fukutoku Okanobo in the Ogasawara Islands in mid-August has spewed a large amount of pumice, which has continued to affect Okinawa, filling the harbor with the pumice.

In this article, we present the possible effects of pumice stone on Miyako Island in the future and the results of a survey we conducted with guides who actually conduct tours in Okinawa about the effects of pumice stone.

 

What is pumice in the first place?

Pumice is a rock with many small holes created by the outpouring of gas when lava cools rapidly.

It is lightweight and floats on water, and is sometimes used in daily life to remove stains.

 

Causes of pumice occurrence

The cause of this pumice occurrence is said to be the eruption in mid-August of "Fukutoku Okanoba," a submarine volcano near Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands, about 1,400 km east of the main island of Okinawa.

 

Pumice Impact on Miyako Island

Pumice washed ashore at Urasoko and Bora fishing ports on the east side of the island between November 19 and 20, 2021, with only a small amount of pumice washing ashore at both ports,There has been no impact on ship navigation, etc.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

Miyakojima City is taking measures such as installing prevention nets with the cooperation of fishermen at Shimajiri Fishing Port, located approximately 10 km northwest of Takano Fishing Port.

The beaches on the east side of the island, which usually have a large amount of debris drifting ashore in winter, are expected to be prone to pumice damage.(Beaches to the west and south of the island, such as Maehama Beach, Sunayama Beach, Ingya Marine Garden, Painagama Beach, 17end on Irabu Island, and Watariguchi Beach, may have less pumice stone drift.)

Reference Site:11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters HP

 

What are the possible future impacts?

Pumice drift conditions fluctuate from day to day due to tidal currents and wind direction, but here is an overview of what the possible future effects could be.

 

Possible future impacts (1)
Fears of ferry cancellations

Ferries may be cancelled. Please check the latest ferry service status announced by each shipping company.

port of departure	isolated island	Ship Name
Miyako (Hirara Port)	variety of sesame (Japanese dish) (Futenma Port)	ferry
Miyako （Shimajiri Port)	god (Ogami Fishing Port)	Sumanus reticulatus (species of basidiomycete used in Chinese medicine) (Ojin Shipping Co., Ltd.)

 

Possible future impacts (2)
Fear of cancellation of tours using boats

Boat-entry snorkeling and diving trips to the point by boat may be cancelled for the same reasons as ferry cancellations.

 

Activities less susceptible to pumice stone

It would be a waste if you come all the way to Miyako Island and cannot do some activities due to pumice stone.

Here are some activities that are less susceptible to pumice stone and are offered year-round!

 

Pumpkin Cave Tour

This stalactite cave, known as the Pumpkin Hole, is believed to be inhabited by the god of the Dragon Palace, allowing visitors to experience the mystery of nature.One of the best power spots on Miyako IslandIt is.

The entrance is usually submerged underwater and appears only at low tide.

The Pumpkin Hole Tour, which allows visitors to step into a mysterious world that tickles their adventurous spirit, is highly rated by word of mouth.

 

Sea kayak (canoe) tours

The characteristics of a sea kayak (canoe) are anywayEasy, safe and secureThe paddling tour is a great way to learn how to paddle and ride a paddle. Even if you are a beginner, our guides will teach you how to paddle and ride from the beginning, and will always be there to support you!

The kayaks used on the tour are tandem (two-person) kayaks, so two parents and their children can ride in one kayak.

This is a great place for children to experience nature at the height of their playtime, and to create memories of family vacations.

 

Beach Entry Tour

Entering the water from the shore is called beach entry. Since no boat is used, it will be less susceptible to pumice stone.

Miyako Island has many good dive sites with coral and fish, even from the beach. Experienced guides will choose the best dive sites depending on the conditions at the time.

 

Stargazing Tour

It is said that conditions for stargazing are so good on Miyako Island that the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. In fact, there are few artificial lights such as street lamps, so there is a high probability that you will be able to take more beautiful pictures.

Furthermore, since the tour is held on land, it is basically unaffected by pumice. This is a popular tour for children as well, as they can learn how to see the stars and hear stories about the constellations from a guide who is an expert on the starry skies!

 

Indoor Activities

On Miyako Island, there are workshops where you can experience traditional crafts, perfect for souvenirs for yourself. Families especially enjoy making Okinawan-style handicrafts, such as shisa (Okinawan traditional Okinawan ornaments) and shell accessories.

Activities are held indoors on rainy days, and we also take precautions against the new coronavirus.

 

What do you expect to see drifting in the future?

The 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters conducted an aerial survey and found bands of pumice stone in five locations in the Miyako Strait between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island. We will continue to be vigilant.

Even if a large amount of pumice stone will cause damage in the future,It would be a shame to cancel the trip because not all the beaches will be filled with pumice soon.

The latest status of pumice stone drift is subject to change daily due to the influence of tidal currents and wind direction.11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters HPPlease check the following page for more information.

 

What is the local voice in Okinawa?

We actually did a survey on November 2, 2021 with guides who are conducting tours in Okinawa about the impact of pumice stone.

 

[SURVEY SUBJECT]

Businesses on Okinawa Island, Yaeyama (Ishigaki/Iriomote/Kohama Islands), and Miyako Island (approx. 60 businesses)

[Research Methodology].

Email (survey via Google Forms)

[Result]

Regarding the current damage caused by pumice stone,No impact so far (85.71 TP3T), ,Already affected (14.31 TP3T)This was the result.

The activities that have been or are being affected and the nature of the damage are still mostly tours that depart by boat.

*In a postscript, "We responded that there was an impact on snorkeling, diving, and kayaking tours.There has not been enough impact so far to warrant cancellation.They also responded, "We are very happy with the results.

 

Even if they drifted ashore.
Activity is unlikely to be cancelled.

Even on tours that use boats, most tours take guests to the best points based on the sea conditions of the day.

The impact of the pumice stone has not been enough to cancel the tour.In principle, the event will be heldI am sure you will be able to do the same.

 

summary

Not enough impact to cancel the tour at this time.

Tours are generally available.

Not all beaches are covered with pumice stone (our experienced guides will select the best spots depending on the conditions at the time).

The above is a summary regarding the impact of pumice on Miyako Island.

The latest status of pumice stone drift is subject to change daily due to the influence of tidal currents and wind direction.11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters HPPlease check the following page for more information.