p>A new air base is being constructed in Japan at Henoko Bay, working together with the United States on this project. Such a base would hinder the current existence of the critically endangered Okinawa Dugongs. The Dugong is a mammal that is related to the manatee, sharing the same type of plump body structure. However, they have a fluke-like tail. They live predominantly in the coastal waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, grazing along the shallow grassy areas.
These “sea cows” will be in grave danger if this plan to implement a military base in Japan. Read http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=1798 for further details on this issue and concern. The project would threaten and possibly destroy this mammal’s last refuge. Not only would this plan affect the health of the Dugongs, it can harm the beautiful coral reef that supports some rare and amazing small critters common in the area.
Our efforts in this petition is to ensure that this proposed military base at Japan’s Henoko Bay is stopped, saving the endangered Okinawa Dugongs, other sea life and coral reefs. You can help us in our efforts by signing and sharing this petition. Many of the Okinawa residents and government officials oppose this base and we want to fully support them.
President Barack Obama and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe – We strongly urge you to halt the construction of the U. S. Marine Corps base that is planned for Japan’s Henoko Bay, Okinawa. This would be one of the worst sites for military operations, endangering the Dugong which is highly endangered and protected under the U. S. Endangered Species Act. Such a plan would also affect the already threatened coral reefs and that supports some rare and amazing small critters common in the area. Do everything you can to put a complete stop to this plan, looking into other safer alternatives.
