Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
45 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/6.3
Fishy Business: A Complex Web of Invasive Species in Japanese Lakes
Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 08:16・2024/02/28
Upon its completion in the 1930s, Lake Tanuki transformed into an angler's haven, boasting a diverse range of fish species, including trout, koi (carp), black bass, bluegill, goby, and others.
However, akin to many freshwater bodies in Japan, nonnative species like bluegill, black bass, large-mouth bass, and sunfish have been repeatedly introduced into lakes and ponds for sport fishing, often neglecting the potential impact on native species.
Consequently, these invasive species have proliferated in Japanese freshwater ecosystems, leading to the depletion of native fish biodiversity. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Japanese government eventually enacted an ordinance in 2005, initially prohibiting the import and breeding of 37 nonnative species. This list has since expanded to encompass 97 species as of 2022.
Despite the necessity of such measures, the implementation of the ordinance faced resistance from industry groups, anglers, and fishing federations. The Japan Sport Fishing Association (JSA) contends that the decline in native species is not solely attributed to invasive species but also stems from the degradation of the natural environment—a predicament that Japan grapples with as well.
Across Japan, several local governments are actively allocating significant resources to eradicate alien species. They also sponsor commercial fishing initiatives with the goal of engaging anglers in reducing the numbers of these invasive species, discouraging catch-and-release practices.
For an intriguing exploration of this issue, delve into the National Geographic article linked below. It vividly details how a seemingly innocent gift from Chicago to Prince Akihito in 1960 initiated a prolonged ecological crisis, eventually prompting the Emperor to issue a formal apology in 2007 for inadvertently introducing one problematic fish to Japan.
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