New Ordinance Bans Release of Exotic Fish in Lake Biwa

The local government assembly of Shiga Prefecture in western Japan passed and enacted an ordinance on recreational activities in Lake Biwa, prohibiting the release of exotic fish species. It will come into effect in April, 2003.

In order to reduce the environmental burden from recreational activities in Lake Biwa, the ordinance restricts the operation of pleasure boats and promotes activities that have less of an impact on the environment.

Under the ordinance the prefecture will draw up a basic plan and prohibit people from releasing exotic fish they have caught, such as bluegill, back into the lake. The ordinance states that these exotic fish species are detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem of the largest lake in Japan. In addition, the ordinance enables the designation of areas where the use of pleasure boats may be prohibited in order to prevent noise. It also bans the use of two-cycle engines, which emit excessive amounts of unburned gasoline, starting on April 1, 2006, with the exception of eco-friendly models.

Shiga Prefecture will examine new measures and revise the ordinance, if necessary, three years after it enters into force.



Posted: 2002/11/24 07:13:43 AM
Japanese version