The OIST Podcast

Bringing you the latest in science and tech from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), in English.

Okinawa’s hidden shark hotspots have a vital role as shark sanctuaries 04/17/2025

Okinawa’s hidden shark hotspots have a vital role as shark sanctuaries Okinawa and its surrounding waters represent what marine biologists call a "shark and ray hotspot" in terms of both diversity and conservation significance. In this episode of the OIST podcast, Dr. Fabienne Ziadi-Künzli, a marine biologist and shark researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), explained that this region creates unique habitats for sharks throughout their different life stages. Marine predators with surprising similarities to humans Okinawa hosts impressive species including tiger sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and hammerhead sharks, along with numerous deep-sea shark species that remain hidden from casual observers. "This area, for some reason, probably because of the habitats and currents, creates very unique habitats for sharks," Dr. Ziadi-Künzli highlighted. "Diversity is so high in this region and it's probably even underestimated because we do not really understand the full scope of the diversity yet." Despite their fearsome reputation, aggressive shark encounters with humans are surprisingly rare in Okinawan waters. Dr. Ziadi-Künzli attributes this to several reasons, including the protective lagoons and coral reefs that create natural barriers, along with the healthy state of local shark populations. When examining sharks during her research, she typically finds them well-fed with adequate resources for reproduction and survival. This contrasts sharply with overfished regions like the Red Sea, where more aggressive shark behavior has been observed. This suggests that maintaining healthy marine ecosystems benefits not just sharks but human safety as well. Sharks face numerous threats to their survival, with global fishing pressure representing the most significant challenge. Dr. Ziadi-Künzli highlighted the concerning practice of shark meat being sold under misleading or generic names such as "flake," "rock," or "white fish" in many countries, preventing consumers from making informed choices. Additionally, culinary demand for shark fins persists – most notably in soups – while both shark and especially ray skin are repurposed into luxury, high-end products. What makes sharks particularly vulnerable is their life cycle. "They have a similar life cycle like humans," Dr. Ziadi-Künzli explained. Despite their longevity, sharks mature slowly and produce few offspring with long gestation periods, making it difficult for them to rebound from intense fishing pressure. Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) In response to these challenges, Dr. Ziadi-Künzli and her colleagues have been working with the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) global conservation project, successfully proposing seven critical shark habitats in Okinawa Prefecture. These designated areas include bull shark nurseries in freshwater ecosystems of Iriomote Island and Naha, a nursery for juvenile lemon sharks and a congregation site for reef manta rays in the Yaeyama Islands, a scalloped hammerhead shark congregation site in Yonaguni Island, and deep-sea shark habitats near Onna-son and a remote underwater seamount." The ISRA project enables scientists to identify and map areas crucial for shark reproduction, feeding, and survival, providing valuable information for policymakers and conservation agencies planning marine protected areas. For more information on the ISRA project and ISRAs in Okinawa, see . Science and communities for shark protection Effective shark conservation requires collaboration with local communities and Dr. Ziadi-Künzli engages in outreach work to educate people about shark ecology and dispel misconceptions about these predators. One promising approach involves working with fishing communities to implement devices that emit electric pulses, deterring sharks from biting fishing hooks. This technology helps fishermen catch more of their target species while reducing accidental shark captures. Marine protected areas represent one of the most effective conservation strategies for sharks. Dr. Ziadi-Künzli advocates for establishing such areas in Okinawa, pointing to the ecological and economic benefits they bring. She emphasized that sharks maintain the health of marine habitats through their predatory behaviors. For example, tiger sharks control turtle populations, which in turn prevents overgrazing of seagrass meadows essential for fish reproduction and survival. Similarly, sharks influence coral reef health through predation on a variety of fish. "Sharks again have this cascading effect, not only on seagrass beds, but also on coral reefs...., we cannot just protect corals. That doesn't make sense because we need the sharks too, to protect the corals. It’s an integrated system..." Looking ahead, Dr. Ziadi-Künzli finds hope in the next generation's knowledge about marine ecosystems. During outreach events, she observes that children often demonstrate greater understanding of sharks than adults do. This knowledge may translate into more sustainable fishing practices as they grow up. There is also potential for developing shark tourism in Okinawa, similar to successful models in other regions. The economic value of living sharks far exceeds their short-term value as captured resources. While establishing comprehensive protection will take time, Dr. Ziadi-Künzli remains optimistic. "It takes time, but the development so far is very positive," she stated. /episode/index/show/oistpodcast/id/36080275

Meet Sputniko!, the artist changing how we experience science through art 12/18/2024

Meet Sputniko!, the artist changing how we experience science through art OIST’s first exhibition by a visiting artist transforms data on coral reef health into a thought-provoking artistic experience. Hiromi Ozaki, known by her artist's name, , is a Japanese British artist combining art and technology to explore social issues. Her work integrates scientific concepts and emerging technologies to question perspectives and highlight important social and environmental issues. OIST science writer Merle Naidoo recently interviewed Sputniko! for the OIST podcast. Sputniko! frequently collaborates with scientists, as seen in her project titled “” involving bioengineered silk that combines genetic engineering with cultural mythology. Inspired by Asian mythologies about a red silk line that connects two people who are destined to be together, she collaborated with Prof. Hideki Sezutsu from the University of Tokyo, who also serves as the Research Director at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), to create genetically engineered red silk that contains the “love hormone” oxytocin. In this podcast episode, Sputniko! discusses the beginnings and challenges of her artistic journey, explaining how science and technology have become central themes in her work. She also shares the inspiration behind her latest exhibition, "," which was on display at the OIST Tunnel Gallery from November 29 to January 9. OIST初の客員アーティストは、展覧会で、サンゴ礁の健康状態に関するデータを新たな芸術体験へと昇華させました。スプツニ子！（）さんは、芸術とテクノロジーを融合させて、社会問題を探求している日本と英国のアーティストです。彼女の作品は、科学的な概念と新しい技術を融合させることで、私たちの視点に疑問を投げかけ、重要な社会問題や環境問題を浮き彫りにしています。この度、OISTのサイエンスライターマール・ナイドゥ―が、OISTポッドキャストでスプツニ子！さんにインタビューしました。スプツニ子！さんは、科学者とのコラボレーションも頻繁に行っており、遺伝子組み換え技術と文化的な神話を組み合わせた蚕を用いた「」プロジェクトはその一例です。「運命の赤い糸で結ばれた二人」というアジアの神話から着想を得たスプツニ子！さんは、農研機構（NARO)の研究領域長で東京大学教授の瀬筒秀樹氏と共同で、「愛情ホルモン」として知られるオキシトシンを含む遺伝子組み換えした赤い蚕を作り出しました。今回のポッドキャストでは、スプツニ子！さんが自身の芸術活動のきっかけと課題について語り、科学とテクノロジーが作品の中心的なテーマとなっていることを説明しています。また、11月29日から1月9日までOISTトンネルギャラリーで開催された展覧会「」のインスピレーションについても語ってくれました。 /episode/index/show/oistpodcast/id/34495770

Tech startup aims to shape the future of unmanned drone systems 11/27/2024

Tech startup aims to shape the future of unmanned drone systems From delivering medicine to managing drone fleets, Vyorius CEO Nishant Singh Rana shares his startup journey and insights. He discusses how Vyorius evolved from a drone manufacturer to a rising innovator in unmanned systems management. One standout story is their collaboration with the Indian government during COVID-19, where drone deliveries in Manipur cut vaccine delivery times from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes! Now based in Japan through the , Nishant is focusing on expanding in Asia, working with airlines, logistics companies, and more. His vision? Skies filled with autonomous vehicles, transforming industries while shifting human roles to higher-value tasks. Curious about the future of drones and autonomous systems? Listen to the full podcast here for more on Vyorius’ innovative approach and Nishant’s entrepreneurial advice. 医薬品の配送からドローン群の管理まで、Vyorius （ヴィオリアス）のCEOニシャント・シン・ラナさんは、自身のスタートアップの道のりと洞察を語ります。ニシャントさんは、Vyoriusがドローンメーカーから無人システム管理の革新的な新興企業へとどのように進化してきたかを説明します。コロナ禍では、インド政府と協力しました。インドのマニプール州では、車やボート、徒歩でワクチンを届けていましたが、従来は1時間半かかっていた配送が、ドローンを使うことでわずか15分に短縮できました。現在、を通じて沖縄に拠点を置くニシャントさんは、航空会社や物流会社などと協力しながら、アジアでの事業拡大に注力しています。ニシャントさんのビジョンは、空が自律型航空機で埋め尽くされ、産業が変革し、人間の役割をより価値の高い業務へとシフトさせることです。ドローンや自律システムの未来に興味がありますか？ Vyoriusの革新的なアプローチとニシャントさんの起業アドバイスの詳細はこちらのポッドキャストをお聞きください。 /episode/index/show/oistpodcast/id/34178040