Perceptions of marine pollution when intertwined with displacement: The case of Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

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Although a growing number of governmental bodies and civil society organizations are mobilizing to tackle marine pollution on both global and local scales, there is often a disconnect between the work of a few impassioned groups with the rest of the local community. To determine why this dichotomy exists, this research explores different perceptions of marine pollution through semi-structured interviews in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Marine pollution on the shores and in the thick vegetation along the coastline is a persistent feature on Miyakojima, however, local efforts are disjointed between island natives (insiders) and migrants from mainland Japan (outsiders). This research provides perceptions of marine pollution in the context of an island within a developed country, which is shaped by compounding senses of displacement that Miyakojima insiders are experiencing. Perspectives that have been unheard in marine pollution discourse are reflected on an ondo-sa map, which links interview content with local ontological understandings of the insider and outsider stratification regarding marine pollution. With neocolonialism continuing to mold the island’s economy and political hold, insiders’ relationships with the ocean have been changing. Engaging the local population with marine pollution activities therefore requires a more holistic consideration of Miyakojima's evolving political, economic, and social landscape. As such, NGOs, researchers, and other interested entities that seek to approach marine pollution issues on islands must acknowledge the inequities that continue to surface as neocolonial activities remain unchecked and accepted as the status quo.