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Welcome
To ReefLitter

We are the “plastic team” of the Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Laboratory, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan under Professor James D. Reimer. We study marine litter pollution of the Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan with special focus on coral reef ecosystems.

Our Reefs Need Attention
Our Reefs Need Attention

Hidden Pollution

Marine litter pollution of coral reefs does not receive attention like pollution of other places we can easily see, such as beaches, surface water, and other parts of marine ecosystems. This hidden threat continues to grow unnoticed beneath the surface, putting fragile reef ecosystems at serious risk.

Why It Matters

Considering the significant ecological role of coral reefs, we use www.reeflitter.com to spotlight the dangers of marine litter in these ecosystems. By sharing images from both recreational and scientific dives, we aim to consistently raise awareness among the public and policymakers, while building a visual archive to support research and education.

Join the Mission

We invite and thank you as you upload your marine litter pictures and share your dive with the world — your contribution helps protect coral reefs one photo at a time.

Our Team

Dr. Ifenna Ilechukwu

Postdoctoral Researcher

Edith Conn

Researcher

Mackenzie Stoeltje

Researcher

Prof. James D. Reimer

Professor & Marine Biologist

Our Publications

First records of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in Japanese waters of the East China Sea
Ilechukwu, I., Stoeltje, M., Conn, E., Reimer, J.D. (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118745
Abundance and distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches of remote islands of Okinawa, southern Japan
Ilechukwu, I., Fourreau, C.J.L., Stoeltje, M., Conn, E., Iwaki, Y., Reimer, J.D. (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109538
Marine litter on remote islands: case study of beaches in Ishigaki and Taketomi Islands, Japan
Ilechukwu, I., Stoeltje, M., Conn, E., Reimer, J.D. (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117797
Assessment of marine litter interactions with urban coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan
Ilechukwu, I., Das, R.R., Lalas, J.A., Jamodiong, E., Abram, A., De Palmas, S., Reimer, J.D. (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117248
Abundance and distribution of marine litter on the beaches of Okinawa Island, Japan
Ilechukwu, I., Das, R.R., Jamodiong, E.A., Borghi, S., Manzano, G.G., Hakim, A.A., Reimer, J.D. (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116036
Review of microplastics in museum specimens: an under-utilized tool to better understand the Plasticine
Ilechukwu, I., Das, R.R., Reimer, J.D. (2023)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114922

Let’s Work Together

Contact Us

We look forward to working with you in protecting our coral reefs and reducing marine litter. We welcome collaboration, questions, conversations and even a dive with you.
📩 Email us directly at info@reeflitter.com

Mailing Address

903-0213
1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa prefecture, University of the Ryukyus, Faculty of Science Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) laboratory