Since an outbreak of fruit flies was confirmed in Yaeyama area in 1919, the movement of agricultural products had been prohibited or restricted under the Plant Quarantine Law, becoming a major obstacle to the promotion of agriculture in the area. The eradication of fruit flies has been a long-held dream of the residents, and with the support and guidance of the national government, Okinawa Prefecture began implementing a special pest control program in 1972. After a huge expenditure of 3.59 billion yen and the labor of 93,000 people, the Oriental Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) was eradicated in February 1986 by the "Male Elimination Method," and the Melon Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) was eradicated in October 1993 by the "Sterile Insect Release Method".
Since there is still a possibility of re-infestation from other areas where melon flies occur, the prefectural government is monitoring the southern and central Okinawa Island south of Uruma City, Miyako, and the Yaeyama area using traps for precaution and to prevent the re-infestation of melon flies. The number of sterile Fruit Fly released is 46 million/week in April and from October to March, and 68 million/week from May to September. A monument for the eradication of fruit flies is located 2 km away from the sterile insect release center.

Let’s enjoy the scenery around Ishigaki Island through 360-degree photos!

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