Lake Man, Wildlife refuge and lagoon in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Lake Man is a tidal mudflat and shallow lagoon covering roughly 27 acres where the Kokuba and Noha rivers meet near Naha Port. The water level rises and falls with the tide, creating zones of exposed mud and open water that shift throughout the day.
During the 1960s mangroves were planted here to stabilize the tidal flats and provide nesting areas for waterbirds. The site gained international recognition decades later when scientists documented its importance as a stopover for migratory species crossing the Pacific.
The Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center introduces visitors to regional traditions while promoting environmental education through guided nature programs.
Visitors can view the wetland from the road that runs along its eastern edge or visit the small nature center that overlooks the water. Low tide is the best time to see wading birds feeding on the exposed mudflats.
A small clam called Macoma nobilis lives only in this lagoon and nowhere else on Earth. The shell buries itself in the mud during the day and filters plankton when the tide comes in.
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