Research and surveys on the diversity of fish species from Kyushu to the Nansei Islands, and related projects and exhibitions.
Kagoshima University Museum
Professor
MOTOMURA Hiroyuki
Background and objectives of activities
The SDG Goal 14, "Protect the richness of the oceans," aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans and marine resources for sustainable development. The basic premise for proper efforts to conserve marine life is to identify "what species live where," but we still know very little about the taxonomy, distribution areas, and distribution patterns of each species of fish. It is necessary to clarify these and accumulate basic knowledge for goal 14.
Summary of Activities
Research and surveys on a comprehensive range of fish diversity from Kyushu to the Nansei Islands are continuously conducted to clarify the species and their distribution patterns in various marine and island areas. An inventory of fish species in the region based on specimens is prepared and the data is made publicly available on the web. The Center also promotes educational activities for the general public through special exhibitions on fish diversity using the specimens.
Expected Benefits
The accumulation of knowledge on how to identify (identification methods), habitat, and distribution areas of each species of fish will enable us to provide indicators of what can be done where and how to conserve which species.