What is the impact of the pumice stone on Ishigaki Island? Can I enjoy my trip without problems?
Table of Contents
Currently, the undersea volcanic eruption that occurred in mid-August at Fukutoku Okanobo in the Ogasawara Islands has continued to spew large amounts of pumice, causing Okinawa to fill its harbor with pumice.
In this article, we will introduce the possible effects of pumice stone on Ishigaki 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 a submarine volcano, "Fukutoku Okanoba," near Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands, about 1,400 km east of the main island of Okinawa.
Impact on Ishigaki Island
As of 2021/11/24, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC, Kanagawa Prefecture) has announced that it expects the pumice to drift to Ishigaki Island on November 29 and Iriomote Island again on December 2 and that it will continue to affect the prefecture at least through the end of the year.
Ishigaki City, Taketomi Town, and the Yaeyama Fisheries Cooperative Association are increasing their vigilance, working with the prefecture to consider countermeasures.
Reference Site:Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Check out the ranking of popular plans in Ishigaki Island
What are the possible future impacts?
Pumice drift conditions fluctuate daily due to tidal currents, wind direction, and other factors, but here is an overview of what the possible future effects could be.
Possible future impacts (1)
Fears of ferry cancellations to remote islands
Due to the pumice stone, ferries and high-speed boats connecting Ishigaki Island with Iriomote/Taketomi/Kohama/Hateruma Islands and other remote islands may be cancelled due to the possibility of pumice stone being caught in their engines.
The service is currently operating as usual, so if you are planning to travelFerry Reservation PageWe recommend that you make reservations in advance after checking the operation status at
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 Ishigaki Island and can't do activities due to pumice stone.
Here are some activities that are less susceptible to pumice stone and are offered year-round!
SUP
SUP is an activity in which you ride on a highly buoyant board and enjoy a cruise by paddling with a paddle while keeping your balance.
Among them, mangrove SUP allows visitors to experience areas where mangroves grow thick and the river is narrow and rocky surfaces are exposed, and to enjoy the scenery of plants and animals that inhabit the mangrove forests.
Canoe/Kayak
Canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities because children from young children can participate and experience the mangrove jungle unique to the subtropical zone while riding in a canoe.
Many canoeing spots on Ishigaki Island have relatively calm waves, and even if you should fall in, you can rest assured that you are securely wearing a life jacket.
It is recommended for children and couples as it is very stable and can be enjoyed by two people.
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.
In Ishigaki Island, you can fully enjoy large creatures and corals even in shallow water.
Indoor Activities
Ishigaki Island has many traditional craft workshops and massage facilities that use Ishigaki Island's unique products, perfect for souvenirs for yourself.
Activities are held indoors on rainy days, and we also take precautions against the new coronavirus.
Stargazing & Night Tours
Iriomote Ishigaki National Park was the first place in Japan to be recognized as a "starry sky protected area" and is a popular spot for observing the beautiful stars shining in the night sky.
Many people may visit Ishigaki Island for stargazing. Since the event 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!
Check out the ranking of popular plans in Ishigaki Island
What do you expect to see drifting in the future?
It is currently impossible to predict how long the pumice stone drift to Okinawa will continue.
On November 26, the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters confirmed from the air that the pumice stone was also found drifting in a band in the waters around 11 km off the southern coast of Ishigaki Island and other areas, and that this was the first time it had drifted in the waters off the coast of Ishigaki Island.
In the future, it will be necessary to take measures such as calling attention to vessels navigating in the vicinity.
The latest status of pumice stone drift is subject to daily fluctuations 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.
Among them, all of the businesses on Ishigaki Island responded that they are "unaffected so far.
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 cause us to cancel the tour.In principle, the event will be heldI am sure you will be able to do the same.
summary
Currently, there is no impact on major tourist attractions in Ishigaki City.
Activities less susceptible to pumice stone are SUP, canoeing (kayaking), beach entry tours, indoor activities, and starry sky & night tours.
Tours are generally available.
Not all beaches are covered with pumice stone (our experienced guides will select the best points depending on the conditions at the time).
This is a summary regarding the impact of pumice on Ishigaki Island.
The latest status of pumice stone drift is subject to daily fluctuations due to the influence of tidal currents and wind direction.11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters HPPlease check the following page for more information.
