DOD’s Finding that New Japanese Base Won’t Harm Dugong Upheld

The U.S. Department of Defense reasonably concluded that the construction of a new base in Okinawa, Japan wouldn’t harm the local dugong population or its cultural significance, the Ninth Circuit ruled Wednesday.

Dugongs, which are related to manatees, are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Okinawa dugong is also a protected “natural monument” under Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

Environmental groups and three Japanese individuals argued the department violated the National Historic Preservation Act, which is similar to Japan’s law, when it decided there would be “no adverse effect” due to the “extremely low ...