Shiga Prefecture announced that it will launch a pilot program in July 2003 to exchange exotic, non-native fish species caught in Lake Biwa for coupons redeemable in local stores.

In April 2003, Shiga brought into force an ordinance that prohibits the release of harvested non-native fish back into Lake Biwa, in order to protect native fish. As a way of following up, a program was set up in which exotic fish caught in Lake Biwa and its satellite lakes are exchanged for what is called a "No-Release-Thank-You Coupon." For every 500 grams of exotic fish turned in, anglers are given a 100-yen ($0.83) coupon.

The actual work of exchanging fish for coupons is handled by a local non-profit organization with experience in issuing this kind of community currency. They man exchange centers in the area where they provide the service. The coupons are redeemable at about 300 partner stores in the prefecture, including restaurants, fishing supply stores, and convenience stores.

Shiga plans to issue 30,000 coupons and collect 15 tons of non-native fish by the end of September 2003. The fish will be processed into fertilizer. After the ordinance took effect in April, Shiga set up boxes and ponds at 46 places such as lakeside parks for anglers to deposit fish However, by early June only about two tons had been collected.



- New Ordinance Bans Release of Exotic Fish in Lake Biwa (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/151-j

Posted: 2003/07/28 08:58:06 AM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Local government , System/Law