16 Tons of Non-Native Fish Collected from Lake Biwa in 2 Months

Shiga Prefecture has completed a pilot project to promote a prohibition on releasing non-native fish caught from Lake Biwa. The project was carried out for two months between July and September 2003. Under the project, people who caught exotic fish such as black bass in Lake Biwa or its satellite lakes could receive a type of community currency called a "No-Release-Thank-You Coupon" if they brought the fish to designated exchange centers instead of releasing them back into the lakes. One coupon, issued by a non-profit organization, was given for every 500 grams of exotic fish turned in.

The coupons were redeemable not only at 32 partner stores in the prefecture but also at about 220 storesparticipating in another local currency system called the "Ohmi-Thank-You Coupon," issued by the Community Currency Committee of Ohmi and circulated mainly at stores belonging to the Kusatsu City Shopping Arcade Federation. One "No-Release-Thank-You Coupon," entitled the bearer to 100-yen (U.S. $0.90) worth of goods or services. However, the coupons could not be converted into cash, and no change was given.

Over the two months, a total of 15,915.5 kilograms of non-native fish were exchanged for the coupons. Exotic fish were brought into the centers on a total of 3,847 occasions. However, the number of individuals who participated in the project might be more than is implied by this figure because some fish were brought in by groups or brought in a lump after fishing contests. Although the project was originally set to continue until the end of September, it was concluded on September 5 as all the 30,000 coupons prepared had been given out.

Based on the results of this test case, the Lake Biwa Recreational Activity Office will analyze problems involved and various evaluations of the project, and consider whether similar campaigns should be conducted in the future.

- Anglers Awarded Coupons in Exchange for Non-native Fish Caught (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/355-e

Posted: 2003/12/19 09:00:46 AM
Japanese version