Dugongs, an endangered marine species, in 2012 were
inhabiting the reclamation site in Okinawa chosen for the relocation of the
U.S. Futenma base, the first time their presence has been confirmed there in
three years, a survey by the Okinawa Defense Bureau revealed Saturday.
Only a small number of dugongs live in waters near the
Japanese archipelago. But a survey report obtained by Kyodo News through a
freedom of information request confirmed seaweed had been eaten by dugongs at
the planned reclamation site between April and June last year.