Long-Term Monitoring Plan for the Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site
(Amendment)
Kushiro Nature Conservation Office, Ministry of the Environment
Hokkaido Regional Forest Office, Forestry Agency
Hokkaido Prefectural Government
April, 2019
1. Objective
Long-term monitoring is implemented for adaptive management of the heritage site basedon scientific knowledge, within the scope of the management measures stipulated in theManagement Plan for the Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site.
This Plan was formulated in order to define the monitoring items and contents required for“effective and efficient” implementation of adaptive management.
2. Basic Monitoring Policy
This Plan establishes the evaluation items required for implementation of adaptive
management, and defines the monitoring items and contents used to obtain the necessary
data for each evaluation item.
1) Evaluation items
The following evaluation items are applied to determine whether the criteria of theShiretoko Natural World Heritage Site are being upheld, whether UNESCO and IUCN
recommendations are being complied with, and whether management is being carried out
according to the Heritage Site Management Plan. The reasons for selecting each
evaluation item are shown in Appendix 1.
I

The productivity of a unique ecosystem is being maintained.

II The interaction between marine and terrestrial ecosystems is being maintained.
III Biodiversity is being maintained at the same level as when the site wasinscribed on the World Heritage List.
IV Conservation of marine ecosystems within the heritage site is being balancedwith stable fishing through sustainable use of fisheries resources.
V

Impact of river constructions has been lessened so as to maintain river
ecosystems that can support salmonid species reproduction.
1

VI Excessive influence of high sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) population
density on the ecosystem of the heritage site is not occurring.
VII Recreational utilization of the site and other human activities are beingbalanced with conservation of the natural environment.
VIII Impacts, or potential impacts of climate change are being tracked early.

2) Monitoring items
A list of monitoring items used to obtain the necessary data for each evaluation item has
been prepared. Multiple monitoring items are set to evaluate each individual item. There
are some monitoring items that correspond to different evaluation items since the items
that contribute to the evaluation of multiple evaluation items are selected (so as not toincrease the number of monitoring items), There are 37 monitoring items in all, classified
as follows in accordance with the implementing body (Appendix 2).
i)

Monitoring items mainly implemented by relevant government agencies*In this case, “relevant government agencies” refers to the Ministry of the Environment,
the Forestry Agency, and the Hokkaido Prefectural Government.

ii)

Monitoring items implemented in cooperation with local governments, related bodies,
experts, and other government agencies besides those mentioned in i)

Surveys and research that does not fit the above two classifications will be considered andimplemented under a third classification, “iii) Other surveys and research”
3) Monitoring methods and evaluation criteria
Regarding the monitoring items for each evaluation item, the implementing bodies,
evaluation bodies, monitoring methods, evaluation indicators, and evaluation criteria are
as shown in Appendix 3. No evaluation criteria are established for the monitoring items
that are designed to collect basic information as reference data to be used for consideringvarious measures. Monitoring methods, evaluation indicators and evaluation criteria areto be “easily implementable,” “indicators that allow advance detection of future changes,”and “easy to evaluate.” The methods, indicators and criteria may be flexibly revised, evenduring the implementation period, as the situation requires.
4) Implementation of monitoring and sharing of results
Monitoring is implemented through close collaboration and cooperation among all
relevant parties, and information on monitoring and survey results are shared as needed.
3．Evaluation procedure2

Evaluation items are evaluated based on the evaluation of monitoring items. Eachmonitoring item is evaluated individually based on the monitoring results.
The Scientific Council makes evaluation of each of the eight evaluation items. In principle,
each individual Working Group and Advisory Panel1 (hereinafter referred to as “WG/AP”)
makes evaluation of each monitoring item.
Schematic diagram of evaluation procedure“Evaluation item”“Monitoring item”
Evaluation by each Working Group
Evaluation of “monitoring item”
Review by Scientific Council
Evaluation of “evaluation item”
Draft evaluation of “evaluation item”

Evaluation item for each Working Group are to be individually assigned in accordance withthe field of specialization, as follows, so as to harness the specialized expertise of each
Working Group. Each Working Group is to evaluate the monitoring item(s) relevant to that
Working Group’s evaluation items.
Marine Area Working Group: I, IV
Sika Deer and Brown Bear Working Group: VI
River Construction Advisory Panel: V
Appropriate Use and Ecotourism Working Group: VII
If it is difficult for the WG/AP to evaluate the monitoring results, it is not precluded for amember of the Scientific Council or an external expert or the Review Meetings who canmake an evaluation to make such an evaluation in place of the WG/AP.
Furthermore, each WG/AP independently or jointly prepares a draft evaluation for evaluation
items. The Scientific Council then confirms the draft evaluation and determines anevaluation for the evaluation item. Evaluation of the evaluation items is to start where
possible to complete the evaluation during the period of this plan.
4. Framework of the plan1) Duration of plan
1

The River Construction Working Group was reorganized as the River Construction Advisory Panel.

3

The duration of one period of the plan is 10 years, with the first period beginning in April
2012 and ending in March 2022. Deliberations on the continuation and/or revision of theplan are to be held every five years or so.
2) Other
Relevant government agencies determine the contents of monitoring projects each year
based on this Plan, and perform the necessary monitoring and surveys for that fiscal year
to the extent of their ability. If there is any monitoring item for which it is difficult or not
appropriate to conduct an evaluation annually based on factors such as theimplementation status of surveys, WG/AP which is in charge of the said evaluation will
determine an appropriate timing and other details of the evaluation. Each fiscal year, thedelegation of duties may be revised as needed.

Formulated in February 2012
Partially revised (1st) in February 2015
Entirely reviewed (1st) in March 20194

Evaluation items and reaons for selection
Evaluation item

I

II

Basis for selection

The productivity of aunique ecosystem is being
maintained

Criterion (ix):This was one of the criteria on Shiretoko provides an outstanding example of the interaction of marine andwhich Shiretoko was inscribed terrestrial ecosystems, as well as extraordinary ecosystem productivity, largely
as a natural world heritage.
influenced by the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitude in the

The interaction between
marine and terrestrial
ecosystems is being
maintained

Criterion (ix):This was one of the criteria on Shiretoko provides an outstanding example of the interaction of marine andwhich Shiretoko was inscribed terrestrial ecosystems, as well as extraordinary ecosystem productivity, largely
as a natural world heritage.
influenced by the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitude in the

Biodiversity is being
maintained at the same
III level as when the site wasinscribed on the World
Heritage List

Biodiversity is being
maintained at the same
IV level as when the site wasinscribed on the World
Heritage List

V

Reason for selection

Appendix 1

Impact of river
constructions has been
lessened so as to maintain
river ecosystems that can
support salmonid species
reproduction

northern hemisphere.

northern hemisphere.
Criterion (x):Shiretoko has particular importance for a number of marine and terrestrial
species. Combining northern species from the continent and southern species
This was one of the criteria on from Honshu, the property supports a range of animal species. These include awhich Shiretoko was inscribed number of endangered and endemic species, such as the Blackiston’s Fish owl
and the plant species Viola kitamiana. The property has one of the highest
as a natural world heritage.
recorded densities of brown bear populations in the world. The property has
significance as a habitat for globally threatened sea birds and is a globally
important area for migratory birds.

This is recommended in the
UNESCO/IUCN Report.

This is recommended in the
UNESCO/IUCN Report.

Excessive influence of highsika deer population density
This is recommended in the
VI on the ecosystem of the
UNESCO/IUCN Report.
heritage site is notoccurring.
Recreational use of the siteand other human activities
VII are being balanced withconservation of the naturalenvironment.

This is stated in theManagement Plan for the
Shiretoko Natural World
Heritage Site.

Impacts, or potential
VIII impacts of climate change
are being tracked early.

This is stated in theManagement Plan for the
Shiretoko Natural World
Heritage Site.

Recommendation 4:
Consider identifying and designating locally relevant conservation zones,
including no take zones, and practices within the marine habitat to ensuresustainable productivity of the marine biodiversity, including for sustainableproduction of the fishery resource.
Recommendation 6:
Address the declining population trends of the two indicator species - Walleye
pollock and Stellar Sea lion – through sound management interventions for theirsustainable conservation within the property and through cooperative measureswith relevant parties for areas outside the marine component of theproperty.
Recommendation 7:
Continue and accelerate measures to promote the free movement of salmon
within the property and also to increase salmon escapement.
Recommendation 9:
Continue and accelerate monitoring efforts within the property, with particularattention to the impact of the modification of constructions on the movement ofsalmon populations within and outside the property.
Recommendation 10:
Clear indicators should be developed to help define acceptable and unacceptable
limits for the impact of grazing from Sika Deer on natural vegetation in theproperty.
p.9
4. Basic policies of management
f. Recreational use and conservation of the natural environment:
Conservation of the virgin natural environment will be ensured in a mannercompatible with its recreational use, including tourism, which is a majorindustry in the region.
p.9
4. Basic policies of managementg. Management from a broad perspective:
The heritage site will be properly managed in consideration of global issues suchas climate change, which have a serious impact on the site’s ecosystem.

List of long-term monitoring items

Appendix 2(1) Monitoring items mainly implemented by relevant government agencies
No.

Corresponding evaluation
items

Monitoring items

1

Observation of the water temperature and chlorophyll a using satellite remote sensing

I, IV, VIII

2

Fixed-point observation of water temperature using ocean observation buoys

I, IV, VIII

3

Seal survey

I, III, IV, VIII

4

Marine biota and distribution survey (shore region survey)

I, II, III

5

Shellfish quantative survey in shore region

I, II

6

Survey of spectacled guillemot, black-tailed gull, slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorant populations,
nesting site distribution, and number of nests

II, III, IV, VII

7

Survey of vegetation change (forest vegetation and grassland vegetation) in sika deer population control
area

VI

8

Survey of vegetation shift throughout the Shiretoko Peninsula (forest vegetation, coastal vegetation, andalpine vegetation)

III, VI, VIII

9

Growth and distribution surveys of the rare plant Viola kitamiana

III, VIII

10

Survey of sika deer status in their main wintering grounds (aerial counting survey and terrestrial counting
survey)VI

11 Terrestrial invertebrate survey (mainly insects)

III, VI

12 Terrestrial bird survey

III, VI

13 Survey of small- and medium-sized mammals (including survey of alien species)III

14 Preparation of wide-area vegetation map

III, VIII

15 Survey of damage to human activities caused by brown bears

VIII

16 Survey of the brown bear population in the Shiretoko Peninsula

II, III

17

Monitoring of the number of salmonnids migrating upstream, spawning grounds, and spawning beds inriversII, IV, V

18

Survey of freshwater fish, in particular the Dolly Varden that characterizes the freshwater ichthyofauna in
Shiretoko (including survey of alien species)

III, V, VIII

19 Management and measures for appropriate use

VII

20 Promotion of appropriate use and ecotourism

VII

21 Change in the number of visitors

VII

22 Survey of the number of wintering sea eagles

II

23

Survey of the Blakiston's fish-owl, including the number of breeding pairs, tagged youngs, dead, sick andinjured individuals and their causesIII

24 Tracking of the project implementation status through preparation of annual reports

III, VII

25 Tracking of the social environment through preparation of annual reports and so on

III, VII

26 Meteorological observation

VIII

2/11

List of long-term monitoring items

Appendix 2(2) Monitoring items that require cooperation from local governments, related bodies, experts, and other government agencies
No.

Corresponding evaluation
items

Monitoring itemsa) Aerial observation of seasonal sea ice distribution by aircraft, satellites, and so on

I, IV, VIIIb) Biological survey of ice algaeI, IVc) Tracking of changes in fish catches based on Statistics on Fisheries in Hokkaido

I, III, IVd) Ascertainment and assessment of walleye pollock stock (survey used to set total allowable catch [TAC])

I, IVe) Walleye pollock spawning survey

I, IV

f)

Number of Steller sea lions migrating to the coat of Japan, number of dead individuals due to human activities, andI, IV, VIII
their sex and characteristicsg) Survey of damage caused by Steller sea lions

IVh)Survey of the reproduction status of the white-tailed eagle in their nesting sites and monitoring the number
II, IIIof fledglingsi)

Survey of the total number of wintering sea eagles throughout Hokkaido

IIj)tracking of changes in fish catches compared to Hokkaido Suisan Gensei [Statistics on Fisheries in
Hokkaido]IVk) Killer wale survey

I, III, IV, VIII

(3) Other surveys and research
No.

Corresponding evaluation
items

Monitoring items(1) Observation and prediction of changes in sea ice volume(2)

Capture, reproduction, population estimates, migration and distribution patterns of brown bears, and thestatus of their damage(3) Survey on the current status and changes to genetic diversity of salmonids(4)

Survey of seasonal migration of wintering sea eagle populations and consumption of human-provided andnaturally occurring food resources(5) Survey of damage caused by seals

3/11*Surveys and research which
provide evidence of heritage
site's value by clarifying
mechanisms of site's ecosystem,or contribute to the formulationof measures for specific matters,
are to be proactively pursued incollaboration and cooperation
with local governments, relatedbodies, experts, and othergovernment agencies.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item

I. The productivity of a unique ecosystem is being maintained

Evaluation
item

No.

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Water temperature and chlorophyll a

The figures do not deviate from the long-term fluctuation range (use themas primary data to evaluate other monitoring results).

Under consideration

Analyze MODIS data to observe the water temperature
Marine Area WG and chlorophyll a in the waters around the Shiretoko
Peninsula.

2

Fixed-point observation of water temperatureusing ocean observation buoys

MOE

Install one ocean observation buoy off the coast of Utoro,
Shari Town and off the coast of Konbuhama, Rausu
Marine Area WG
Water temperature
Town, respectively, to observe the water temperature
between spring and autumn.

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures).

3

Seal survey

Hokkaido Prefectural
Government

Marine Area WG Conduct visual surveys from land and ocean.

Number of migrating individuals

Any serious problem is caused in the protection and management of seals(any threat of extinction is caused).

4

Marine biota and distribution survey (shore region
MOE
survey)Conduct inventory surveys on fishes, sea algae, andMarine Area WG invertebrates in the shore region along the coast of theShiretoko Peninsula.

Biota, density, and distribution

The status and diversity are maintained almost at the same level as they
were at the time of inscription (or as of base data).

5

Shellfish quantative survey in shore region

Establish 50cm x 50cm quadrats in the fixed survey
points established off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula
Marine Area WG
Density and species composition
and record the number of individual shellfish that haveappeared inside the quadrants.

The status and diversity are maintained almost at the same level as they
were at the time of inscription (or as of base data).

a)

Aerial observation of seasonal sea ice distribution 1st Regional Coastby aircraft, satellites, and so on
Guard Headquarters

Marine Area WG Conduct surveys on the distribution status of sea ice.

Distribution status of sea ice

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Primary production biomass within
the sea ice during the time the ocean
is covered with sea ice*It is difficult to establish an evaluation criteria at this stage because there
is barely any accumulated data. Comprehending zooplankton biomass willallow to estimate a low-order food chain.

Fish catch

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

1

Observation of the water temperature andchlorophyll a using satellite remote sensingb) Biological survey of ice algaec)Tracking of changes in fish catches based on
Statistics on Fisheries in Hokkaido

MOE

Tokai University and
Hokkaido University

Marine Area WG

Comprehend the primary production biomass within thesea ice during the time the ocean is covered with sea ice.

Department of Fisheries
and Forestry, Hokkaido Marine Area WG Conduct surveys on fish catches.
Prefectural Government

Ascertainment and assessment of walleye pollockd) stock (survey used to set total allowable catch[TAC])

Fisheries Agencye) Walleye pollock spawning survey

Rausu Fisheries
Cooperative and Kushiro
Conduct surveys on the spawning sites and amount ofMarine Area WG
Fisheries Research
spawned eggs of walleye pollock.
Institute

Number of Steller sea lions migrating to the coat of Hokkaido Nationalf) Japan, number of dead individuals due to human Fisheries Research
activities, and their sex and characteristics
Institute, etck) Status of killer whales

Marine Area WG

Marine Area WG

Comprehend resource level and trends of walleye pollock
Resource level and trends(Gadus chalcogrammus ).

Conduct surveys on the number of migrating Steller sea
lions.

University Alliance for
Hokkaido Orca Research Marine Area WG Conduct individual identification surveys
Project (Uni-HORP)

4/11

It is generally maintained above the resource status at the time of
inscription.

Spawning sites and amount of
spawned eggs

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Number of migrating Steller sea lions

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Number of identified individuals

Under consideration*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item
Evaluation
item

No.

Implementing body

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Marine biota and distribution survey (shore region
MOE
survey)Conduct inventory surveys on fishes, sea algae, andMarine Area WG invertebrates in the shore region along the coast of theShiretoko Peninsula.

Biota, density, and distribution

The status and diversity are maintained almost at the same level as they
were at the time of inscription (or as of base data).

5

Shellfish quantative survey in shore region

Establish 50cm x 50cm quadrats in the fixed survey
points established off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula
Marine Area WG
Density and species composition
and record the number of individual shellfish that haveappeared inside the quadrants.

The status and diversity are maintained almost at the same level as they
were at the time of inscription (or as of base data).

6

Survey of spectacled guillemot, black-tailed gull,slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorantMOE
populations, nesting site distribution, and numberof nests

4

II. The interaction between marine and terrestrial ecosystems is being maintained

Monitoring item

MOE

Count the number of breeding in each zone from the
Utoro Port to Aidomari Port via the Shiretoko Cape. For Number of nests, number of colonies,
The number of nests is maintained almost at the same level as it was at the
Marine Area WG spectacled guillemot, count the number of individuals in and any drastic change in specifictime of inscription.
the ocean within the range where their population iscolonies
confirmed. Also record any change in the number of nests.

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Collect information on the number of individuals that
- Number of female brown bears thathave died due to human activities; survey on the long-term- The number of female brown bears that have died due to humanhave died due to human activities
trend of the population of brown bear (feces count survey,
activities in the past five years is less than 75.
- Increase/decrease in the number of
automatic camera survey, number of sightings from- No significant decline in the number of brown bears is cofirmed.
brown bears
sightseeing ships, etc.)

Monitoring of the number of salmonids migrating Fosrestry Agency and17 upstream, spawning grounds, and spawning beds Hokkaido Prefecturalin rivers
Government

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the number of parent fish migrating
upstream and spawning beds to estimate the number ofpink salmon migrating upstream in the Rusha River,Teppanbetsu River, and Rusa River.

22 Survey of the number of wintering sea eagles

MOE

Record the number of species, number of individuals, andMarine Area WG whether adult or young, alongside the coastal roads on the Number of wintering sea eagles
Shiretoko Peninsula, along rivers, and on drift ice.

The status is maintained almost at the same level as it was at the time of
inscription.

Survey of the reproduction status of the whiteh) tailed eagle in their nesting sites and monitoring
the number of fledglings

White-tailed eagle
Monitoring ResearchGroup

Number of pairs, success rate ofVisually comprehend the condition of the nesting sites of breeding, reproduction ability
Marine Area WG
white-tailed eagle(number of fledglings per breedingpair)

The number of pairs, success rate of breeding, and reproduction ability are
maintained almost at the same level as they were at the time of inscription.

16

i)Survey of the brown bear population in the
Shiretoko Peninsula

Relevant agencies

Survey of the total number of wintering sea eagles
Joint Research Groupthroughout Hokkaido

Marine Area WG

Comprehend the number of wintering sea eagles
throughout Hokkaido

5/11

Number of fish migrating upstream, Salmonids are migrating upstream in each river and continuallynumber of spawning beds, and impact reproducing.
of river constructions on fish
Obstacles posed to fish migrating upstream by river constructions are
migrating upstream and spawningcircumvented to the extent possible.

Carrying capacity for the winteringsea eagles

Reference data (no criteria)*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item

III. Biodiversity is being maintained at the same level as when the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List

Evaluation
item

No.

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Marine Area WG Conduct visual surveys from land and ocean.

Number of migrating individuals

Any serious problem is caused in the protection and management of seals(any threat of extinction is caused).

Marine biota and distribution survey (shore region
MOE
survey)Conduct inventory surveys on fishes, sea algae, andMarine Area WG invertebrates in the shore region along the coast of theShiretoko Peninsula.

Biota, density, and distribution

The status and diversity are maintained almost at the same level as they
were at the time of inscription (or as of base data).

Survey of spectacled guillemot, black-tailed gull,slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorantMOE
populations, nesting site distribution, and numberof nests

Count the number of breeding in each zone from the
Utoro Port to Aidomari Port via the Shiretoko Cape. For Number of nests, number of colonies,
The number of nests is maintained almost at the same level as it was at the
Marine Area WG spectacled guillemot, count the number of individuals in and any drastic change in specifictime of inscription.
the ocean within the range where their population iscolonies
confirmed. Also record any change in the number of nests.

3

Seal survey

4

6

8

Survey of vegetation shift throughout theShiretoko Peninsula (forest vegetation, coastal
vegetation, and alpine vegetation)

9Growth and distribution surveys of the rare plant
Viola kitamiana

Hokkaido Prefectural
Government

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Forest vegetation: seedling density,
lower branch density, compositionand height of lower layer vegetation,
rate of feeding traces and feeding
volumeCoastal vegetation/alpine vegetation:
composition of plant community,
vegetation heigh, rate of feeding
traces, and feeding volume

Forest vegetation: The conditions existing in or before the 1980 isrestored.
Coastal vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintainedor restored.
Alpine vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintained.

Distribution of the population,
number of individuals and coverageof the population monitored, andthreats to them

The population of rare plants are maintained.

MOE and Forestry
AgencySika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Conduct a regular vegetation survey in the fixed survey
areas established throughout the Shiretoko Peninsula tocomprehend the coverage, height, regeneration of theplants growing there and change in the rate of feeding
traces, feeding volume, and so on of sika deer.

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Concerning the rare plants in the Shiretoko Peninsula
such as Viola kitamiana , conduct surveys on the growth
status and factors that threat their growth in their major
habitats.

Diversity has not generally declined in comparison with the situation at
the time of inscription.
Non-discovery of Designated Invasive Alien Species other than the large
earth bumblebee.
No significant increase in the large earth bumblebee.
Diversity has not generally declined in comparison with the situation at
the time of inscription.

11 Terrestrial invertebrate survey (mainly insects)

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Use pitfall traps, box light traps, and sweeping at theexisting vegetation protection fences and in the wider
Entomofauna, density, distribution,
survey area of feeding pressures in the Shiretoko Cape,and alien species distribution status
Horobetsu, Rausu and others (once every five years or so).

12 Terrestrial bird survey

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Record the species and numbers of individual birds
confirmed by the line census method or spot census
method.

MOE and Forestry
AgencySika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Install automatic cameras to understnd the invasion status Mammalian fauna, density,of raccoons. At the same time, record the occurring status distribution, and alien speciesof other mammals.
distribution status

Diversity has not generally declined in comparison with the situation at
the time of inscription.
Non-discovery of the raccoon.

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Prepare a 1:25,000 vegetation map and so forth by reading
the existing vegetation maps, aerial photos, satellite
Status of plant communities andimages, and so on, and conducting field surveys.
changes in high moors, forest limits,
Compare any change in high moors, forest limits, andand Japanese stone pine zones.
Japanese stone pine zones using new and old vegetation
maps and so forth.

No human-made change has been caused.
No change has occurred in the distribution of high moors, forest limits,
and Japanese stone pine zones.

13

Survey of small- and medium-sized mammals(including survey of alien species)

14 Preparation of wide-area vegetation map

MOE and Forestry
Agencyavifauna, density, distribution, andalien species distribution status

Survey of the brown bear population in the
Shiretoko Peninsula

Relevant agencies

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Collect information on the number of individuals that
- Number of female brown bears thathave died due to human activities; survey on the long-term- The number of female brown bears that have died due to humanhave died due to human activities
trend of the population of brown bear (feces count survey,
activities in the past five years is less than 75.
- Increase/decrease in the number of
automatic camera survey, number of sightings from- No significant decline in the number of brown bears is cofirmed.
brown bears
sightseeing ships, etc.)

Survey of freshwater fish, in particular the Dolly
Varden that characterizes the freshwater
18
ichthyofauna in Shiretoko (including survey ofalien species)

Forestry Agency

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the ichthyofauna, the number of river
Number of Dolly Varden, status ofresident type of Dolly Varden, and change in the water
alien species, and water temperaturetemperature in the Iwaubetsu River and so on.

16

6/11

The amount of resource is maintained. Eradicate alien species andminimize sighting information. No long-term rise in the water temperaturein the summer.

*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

III. Biodiversity is being maintained at

Evaluation
item

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item
No.

Monitoring item

Survey of the Blakiston's fish-owl, including the
23 number of breeding pairs, tagged youngs, dead,sick and injured individuals and their causes

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

MOE

Protection andRecovery Project
Review Meeting

Tag the pairs of Blakiston's fish-owls whose habitat isconfirmed to identify their hatchlings. Investigate thedead, sick and injured individuals upon their discovery .

Implementing body

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Number of pairs, breeding successrate (e.g. number of tagged youngs)

Number of pairs: Their number is maintained almost at the same level as it
was at the time of incription.
Breeding success rate (number of pairs with successful breeding/numberof breeding pairs confirmed): The rate is maintained almost at the samelevel as it was at the time of incription.

24

Tracking of the project implementation statusthrough preparation of annual reports

MOE, etc.

Scientific Council
Project implementation status byComprehend the project implementation status by relevant(matters to be
relevant institutions and various
institutions and various groups.
reported)groupsReference data (no criteria)

25

Tracking of the social environment throughpreparation of annual reports and so on

MOE, etc.

Scientific Council
Organize various statistics on demographics and industrial Population and number of people(matters to be
activities.
employed in each industry
reported)

Reference data (no criteria)

Tracking of changes in fish catches compared to
Department of Fisheriesc) Hokkaido Suisan Gensei [Statistics on Fisheries in and Forestry, Hokkaido Marine Area WG Conduct surveys of fish catches.
Hokkaido]
Prefectural Government

Fish catch

Number of pairs, success rate ofVisually comprehend the condition of the nesting sites of breeding, reproduction ability
Marine Area WG
white-tailed eagle(number of fledglings per breedingpair)

Survey of the reproduction status of the whiteh) tailed eagle in their nesting sites and monitoring
the number of fledglings

White-tailed eagle
Monitoring ResearchGroupk) Killer wale survey

University Alliance for
Hokkaido Orca Research Marine Area WG Conduct individual identification surveys
Project (Uni-HORP)

7/11

Number of identified individuals

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)
The number of pairs, success rate of breeding, and reproduction ability are
maintained almost at the same level as they were at the time of inscription.

Under consideration*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item

IV. Conservation of marine ecosystems within the heritage site is being balanced with stable fishing through sustainable use of fisheries resources

Evaluation
item

No.

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Water temperature and chlorophyll a

The figures do not deviate from the long-term fluctuation range (use themas primary data to evaluate other monitoring results)

Under consideration

Analyze MODIS data to observe the water temperature
Marine Area WG and chlorophyll a in the waters around the Shiretoko
Peninsula.

2

Fixed-point observation of water temperatureusing ocean observation buoys

MOE

Install one ocean observation buoy off the coast of Utoro,
Shari Town and off the coast of Konbuhama, Rausu
Marine Area WG
Water temperature
Town, respectively, to observe the water temperature
between spring and autumn.

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures).

3

Seal survey

Hokkaido Prefectural
Government

Marine Area WG Conduct visual surveys from land and ocean.

Any serious problem is caused in the protection and management of seals(any threat of extinction is caused).

6

Survey of spectacled guillemot, black-tailed gull,slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorantMOE
populations, nesting site distribution, and numberof nests

1

Observation of the water temperature andchlorophyll a using satellite remote sensing

Monitoring of the number of salmonids migrating Fosrestry Agency and17 upstream, spawning grounds, and spawning beds Hokkaido Prefecturalin rivers
Governmenta)

Aerial observation of seasonal sea ice distribution 1st Regional Coastby aircraft, satellites, and so on
Guard Headquartersb) Biological survey of ice algaec)Tracking of changes in fish catches based on
Statistics on Fisheries in Hokkaido

Tokai University and
Hokkaido University

Count the number of breeding in each zone from the
Utoro Port to Aidomari Port via the Shiretoko Cape. For Number of nests, number of colonies,
The number of nests is maintained almost at the same level as it was at the
Marine Area WG spectacled guillemot, count the number of individuals in and any drastic change in specifictime of inscription.
the ocean within the range where their population iscolonies
confirmed. Also record any change in the number of nests.

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the number of parent fish migrating
upstream and spawning beds to estimate the number ofpink salmon migrating upstream in the Rusha River,Teppanbetsu River, and Rusa River.

Marine Area WG Conduct surveys on the distribution status of sea ice.

Marine Area WG

Comprehend the primary production biomass within thesea ice during the time the ocean is covered with sea ice.

Department of Fisheries
and Forestry, Hokkaido Marine Area WG Conduct surveys on fish catches.
Prefectural Government

Ascertainment and assessment of walleye pollockd) stock (survey used to set total allowable catch[TAC])

Fisheries Agencye) Walleye pollock spawning survey

Rausu Fisheries
Cooperative and Kushiro
Conduct surveys on the spawning sites and amount ofMarine Area WG
Fisheries Research
spawned eggs of walleye pollock.
Institute

Number of Steller sea lions migrating to the coat of Hokkaido Nationalf) Japan, number of dead individuals due to human Fisheries Research
activities, and their sex and characteristics
Institute, etc

Number of migrating individuals

Marine Area WG

Number of fish migrating upstream, Salmonids are migrating upstream in each river and continuallynumber of spawning beds, and impact reproducing.
of river constructions on fish
Obstacles posed to fish migrating upstream by river constructions are
migrating upstream and spawningcircumvented to the extent possible.

Distribution status of sea ice

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Primary production biomass within
the sea ice during the time the ocean
is covered with sea ice*It is difficult to establish an evaluation criteria at this stage because there
is barely any accumulated data. Comprehending zooplankton biomass willallow to estimate a low-order food chain.

Fish catch

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Comprehend resource level and trends of walleye pollock
Resource level and trends(Gadus chalcogrammus ).

It is generally maintained above the resource status at the time of
inscription.

Spawning sites and amount of
spawned eggs

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Number of migrating Steller sea lions

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Marine Area WG

Conduct surveys on the number of migrating Steller sea
lions.

Marine Area WG

Conduct surveys on damage caused by Steller sea lions to
Situation of damage
fisheryg) Survey of damage caused by Steller sea lions

Hokkaido Prefectural
Government

Analysis of oil, cadmium, mercury, etc. inj)seawaterHydrographic andAnalyze contamination concentration on the sea surface Contamination concentration on the
Oceanographic
Marine Area WG and in seafloor deposits by oil, PCB, heavy metal, and so sea surface and in seafloor deposits
Department, Japan Coaston
by oil, PCB, heavy metal, and so on
Guard

Concentration is at or below the standard figure.

k) Status of killer whales

University Alliance for
Hokkaido Orca Research Marine Area WG Conduct individual identification surveys
Project (Uni-HORP)

Under consideration

8/11

Number of identified individuals*It is difficult to establish specific numerical targets as these are basic
statistical data.

*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item

VI. Excessive influence of high sika deer population density on the ecosystem of the heritage site is notoccurring.

V. Impact of river constructions has been
lessened so as to maintain river
ecosystems that can support salmonid
species reproduction.

Evaluation
item

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Monitoring of the number of salmonids migrating Fosrestry Agency and17 upstream, spawning grounds, and spawning beds Hokkaido Prefecturalin rivers
Government

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the number of parent fish migrating
upstream and spawning beds to estimate the number ofpink salmon migrating upstream in the Rusha River,Teppanbetsu River, and Rusa River.

Survey of freshwater fish, in particular the Dolly
Varden that characterizes the freshwater
18
ichthyofauna in Shiretoko (including survey ofalien species)

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the ichthyofauna, the number of river
Number of Dolly Varden, status ofresident type of Dolly Varden, and change in the water
alien species, and water temperaturetemperature in the Iwaubetsu River and so on.

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Establish fixed survey areas and survey lines in forest
vegetation and grassland vegetation to survey thecomposition, vegetation rate, rate of feeding traces, andfeeding volume in vegetation, flowering densities ofbenchmark seeds, and so on. In addition, estimate therecovery process based on surveys of the fenced-in areasfrom which deers are kept out.

Seedling density, lower branchdensity, composition and height ofplant community, number of
The vegetation is restored to the staus before the 1980s.
flowering roots, rate of feeding traces
and feeding volume

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Conduct a regular vegetation survey in the fixed survey
areas established throughout the Shiretoko Peninsula tocomprehend the coverage, height, regeneration of theplants growing there and change in the rate of feeding
traces, feeding volume, and so on of sika deer.

Forest vegetation: seedling density,
lower branch density, compositionand height of lower layer vegetation,
rate of feeding traces and feeding
volumeCoastal vegetation/alpine vegetation:
composition of plant community,
vegetation heigh, rate of feeding
traces, and feeding volume

Forest vegetation: The conditions existing in or before the 1980 isrestored.
Coastal vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintainedor restored.
Alpine vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintained.

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Aerial counting survey: Fly a helicopter at low altitudes
throughout the entire Shiretoko Peninsula once every five
years to count the number of wintering sika deer and torecord their location information. The survey has been
conducted annually in some parts of the Peninsula (entire
heritage area) since 2014.
Terrestrial counting survey: Light census in major
wintering spots, etc.

Aerial counting survey: Number ofdeer spotted during the wintering
period (spotting density)
Territorial counting survey: Numberof deer spotted in each unit of
distance or per indicator

Aerial counting survey: The number is controlled less than five to ten deer
per square kilometer in the Shiretoko Cape district and less than five deer
per square kilometer in the Horobetsu-Iwaobetsu district and RushaAidomari district (the Rusha district is not included in the target area)
Terrestrial counting survey: The number is controlled under the level
recorded at the time a survey began in each survey area (1988 in the
Horobetsu-Iwaobetsu district; 2009 in the Rusha-Aidomari district; 2007
in the Makoi district; and 2004 in the Minehama district).
Diversity has not generally declined in comparison with the situation at
the time of inscription.
Non-discovery of Designated Invasive Alien Species other than the large
earth bumblebee.
No significant increase in the large earth bumblebee.
Diversity has not generally declined in comparison with the situation at
the time of inscription.

No.

7

8

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Forestry Agency

Survey of vegetation change (forest vegetation and
MOE and Forestry
grassland vegetation) in sika deer population
Agencycontrol area

Survey of vegetation shift throughout theShiretoko Peninsula (forest vegetation, coastal
vegetation, and alpine vegetation)

Survey of sika deer status in their main wintering
10 grounds (aerial counting survey and terrestrial
counting survey)

MOE and Forestry
AgencyMOE, etc.

Evaluation Indicator

Number of fish migrating upstream, Salmonids are migrating upstream in each river and continuallynumber of spawning beds, and impact reproducing.
of river constructions on fish
Obstacles posed to fish migrating upstream by river constructions are
migrating upstream and spawningcircumvented to the extent possible.

11 Terrestrial invertebrate survey (mainly insects)

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Use pitfall traps, box light traps, and sweeping at theexisting vegetation protection fences and in the wider
Entomofauna, density, distribution,
survey area of feeding pressures in the Shiretoko Cape,and alien species distribution status
Horobetsu, Rausu and others (once every five years or so).

12 Terrestrial bird survey

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Record the species and numbers of individual birds
confirmed by the line census method or spot census
method.

9/11

Evaluation Criteria

avifauna, density, distribution, andalien species distribution status

The amount of resource is maintained. Eradicate alien species andminimize sighting information. No long-term rise in the water temperaturein the summer.

*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation itemVII. Recreational use of the site and other human activities are being balanced with conservation of the naturalenvironment.

Evaluation
item

No.

6

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Survey of spectacled guillemot, black-tailed gull,slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorantMOE
populations, nesting site distribution, and numberof nests

Survey of damage to human activities caused by
15 brown bears

19 Management and measures for appropriate use

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Count the number of breeding in each zone from the
Utoro Port to Aidomari Port via the Shiretoko Cape. For Number of nests, number of colonies,
The number of nests is maintained almost at the same level as it was at the
Marine Area WG spectacled guillemot, count the number of individuals in and any drastic change in specifictime of inscription.
the ocean within the range where their population iscolonies
confirmed. Also record any change in the number of nests.

MOE, etc.

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Number of incidents where a brownbear caused physical damage toCollect information on damage and dangerous incidents humans; occurrence of dangerous
caused by brown bears, problematic behavior by people, incidents; problematic behavior by
and the operation status of facilities through questionnaire people; operation status of facilities;
surveys, reports by people, implementation of measuresnumber of brown bear captured asagainst brown bears, etc.
harmful animals; damage to theagriculture, forestry, and fisheryindustries caused by brown bears.

MOE, etc.

Appropriate Useand Ecotourism
WG

Refer to the contents of the Shiretoko White Paper,materials on the Review Meeting on Appropriate Use and
Implementation status of management Management and measures are implemented to carry out "9. Implementing
Ecotourism, and the interviews conducted toand measures
Measures" of the Shiretoko Ecotourism Strategy.
administrative organs and so on to select and list
management practices and measures for appropriate use.

- Incidents of hysically harm to people by brown bears are controlles.
- The number of dangerous incidents arising from problematic behavior of
people and dangerous incidents related to fishing activities are controlled
to a total of 12 or less during a five-year period- Damages caused to agriculture in Shari Town and the affected area are
reduced by 10% by JFY2020 in comparison with JFY2016

20 Promotion of appropriate use and ecotourism

MOE, etc.

Appropriate Useand Ecotourism
WG

Comprehend the status concerning the promotion of
appropriate use and ecotourism based on interviews toparties involved in the use of the heritage area.

Project implementation status basedon the Basic Policies of the Shiretoko
Ecotourism Strategy,
Appropriate use and ecotourism are promoted based on (1) and (2) of "5.
increase/decrease in users, change in Basic Policies" of the Shiretoko Ecotourism Strategy.
customer segments, concerns about
the natural environment

21 Changes in the number of visitors

Relevant government
agencies and business
operators, etc.

Appropriate Useand Ecotourism
WG

Comprehend the number of users in major user facilities
through the user number count based on user counting
and surveys, etc.

Number of users in each user facility No criteria (monitoring to comprehend the actual usage status)

24

Tracking of the project implementation statusthrough preparation of annual reports

MOE, etc.

Scientific Council
Project implementation status byComprehend the project implementation status by relevant(matters to be
relevant institutions and various
institutions and various groups.
reported)groupsReference data (no criteria)

25

Tracking of the social environment throughpreparation of annual reports and so on

MOE, etc.

Scientific Council
Organize various statistics on demographics and industrial Population and number of people(matters to be
activities.
employed in each industry
reported)

Reference data (no criteria)

10/11*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.

Appendix 3

Monitoring methods for long-term monitoring items for each evaluation item

VIII. Impacts, or potential impacts of climate change are being tracked early.

Evaluation
item

No.

Monitoring item

Implementing body

Evaluation body
(WG and so on in
charge)Monitoring method

Evaluation Indicator

Evaluation Criteria

Water temperature and chlorophyll a

The figures do not deviate from the long-term fluctuation range (use themas primary data to evaluate other monitoring results).

Under consideration

Analyze MODIS data to observe the water temperature
Marine Area WG and chlorophyll a in the waters around the Shiretoko
Peninsula.

2

Fixed-point observation of water temperatureusing ocean observation buoys

MOE

Install one ocean observation buoy off the coast of Utoro,
Shari Town and off the coast of Konbuhama, Rausu
Marine Area WG
Water temperature
Town, respectively, to observe the water temperature
between spring and autumn.

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures).

3

Seal survey

Hokkaido Prefectural
Government

Marine Area WG Conduct visual surveys from land and ocean.

Number of migrating individuals

Any serious problem is caused in the protection and management of seals(any threat of extinction is caused).

Forest vegetation: seedling density,
lower branch density, compositionand height of lower layer vegetation,
rate of feeding traces and feeding
volumeCoastal vegetation/alpine vegetation:
composition of plant community,
vegetation heigh, rate of feeding
traces, and feeding volume

Forest vegetation: The conditions existing in or before the 1980 isrestored.
Coastal vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintainedor restored.
Alpine vegetation: The conditions in or before the 1980s are maintained.

Distribution of the population,
number of individuals and coverageof the population monitored, andthreats to them

The population of rare plants are maintained.

1

Observation of the water temperature andchlorophyll a using satellite remote sensing

8

Understanding vegetation shift throughout theShiretoko Peninsula (forest vegetation, coastal
vegetation, and alpine vegetation)

9Growth and distribution surveys of the rare plant
Viola kitamiana

MOE and Forestry
AgencySika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Conduct a regular vegetation survey in the fixed survey
areas established throughout the Shiretoko Peninsula tocomprehend the coverage, height, regeneration of theplants growing there and change in the rate of feeding
traces, feeding volume, and so on of sika deer.

MOE

Sika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Concerning the rare plants in the Shiretoko Peninsula
such as Viola kitamiana , conduct surveys on the growth
status and factors that threat their growth in their major
habitats.

No human-made change has been caused.
No change has occurred in the distribution of high moors, forest limits,
and Japanese stone pine zones.

The amount of resource is maintained. Eradicate alien species andminimize sighting information. No long-term rise in the water temperaturein the summer.

14 Preparation of wide-area vegetation map

MOE and Forestry
AgencySika Deer and
Brown Bear WG

Prepare a 1:25,000 vegetation map and so forth by reading
the existing vegetation maps, aerial photos, satellite
Status of plant communities andimages, and so on, and conducting field surveys.
changes in high moors, forest limits,
Compare any change in high moors, forest limits, andand Japanese stone pine zones.
Japanese stone pine zones using new and old vegetation
maps and so forth.

Survey of freshwater fish, in particular the Dolly
Varden that characterizes the freshwater
18
ichthyofauna in Shiretoko (including survey ofalien species)

Forestry Agency

River
Construction
Advisory Panel

Conduct surveys on the ichthyofauna, the number of river
Number of Dolly Varden, status ofresident type of Dolly Varden, and change in the water
alien species, and water temperaturetemperature in the Iwaubetsu River and so on.

26 Meteorological observation

MOE and Forestry
AgencyScientific Council Conduct surveys on the temperature, precipitation,
Temperature, precipitation,(matters to be
insolation, snow depth at Shiretoko Pass, Cape Shiretoko,
insolation, snow depth
reported)
Mt. Rausu, etc.

The figures do not deviate from the long-term fluctuation range (use themas primary data to evaluate other monitoring results).

Marine Area WG Conduct surveys on the distribution status of sea ice.

Distribution status of sea ice

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Number of migrating Steller sea lions

None (This item is for comprehending changes in the natural environmentand so on and collecting basic information to consider various measures)

Number of identified individuals

Under considerationa)

Aerial observation of seasonal sea ice distribution 1st Regional Coastby aircraft, satellites, and so on
Guard Headquarters

Number of Steller sea lions migrating to the coat of Hokkaido Nationalf) Japan, number of dead individuals due to human Fisheries Research
activities, and their sex and characteristics
Institute, etck) Status of killer whales

Marine Area WG

Conduct surveys on the number of migrating Steller sea
lions.

University Alliance for
Hokkaido Orca Research Marine Area WG Conduct individual identification surveys
Project (Uni-HORP)

11/11*No. corresponds to the same no. in Appendix 2.