Katherine Muzik Visits Okinawa

photo: Osamu Makishi

Affectionately known as "Katherine-san" in Okinawa, Dr. Katherine Muzik, an American marine biologist, is now re-visiting Okinawa from Hawaii. Her visit takes place at a critical juncture of Okinawa's struggle against the US military base construction in Henoko and Oura Bay. The public viewing of the Okinawa Defense Bureau's application for reclamation of waters is now underway  until July 18. 

Dr. Muzik will give a lecturer/workshop "Let the Ocean Stain Our Heats: A Love Story between the Mountains and the Sea" in Nago on July 5 and in Naha on July 6. 

Since she arrived in Okinawa a few days ago, she has been tirelessly working for her and Okinawa's causes, diving in Henoko and Oura Bay to assess coral conditions, holding a press conference, and meeting with her old and new friends.   

A strong advocate of nature conservation, Dr. Muzik played a significant role in helping Okinawan people stop the construction of an airport in the Shiraho area of Ishiagaki Island in the late 1980s.  Thanks to her work, Shiraho is now known to the world for its beautiful corals and the local people's lives connected to the sea.  

 We welcome Katherine-san to Okinawa. 

And, as we often say, let us hear "Katherine Musik talk about the Music of the Sea," and this time, the Music of the Mountains as well.