Twenty years ago, a single moment changed everything. After witnessing a sea turtle laying eggs on the beach with her son, Yasuyo Yonekawa began working to protect nesting sites along Japan’s coast. Because North Pacific loggerhead turtles nest only in Japan, the health of these sandy beaches is directly tied to the survival of the species. In this video, she explains how marine debris, rising temperatures, and the loss of sandy shorelines are putting increasing pressure on turtle nesting.

To better understand and protect these fragile environments, METER sensors and data loggers have recently been installed in the sand to measure temperature and moisture, bringing a more scientific approach to habitat management. The work continues alongside local communities through beach cleanups and monitoring hatchlings, with the goal of helping more people understand why sea turtle conservation matters.