The Multiple Use Integrated Marine
Management Plan and Explanatory Material
for Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site

December 2007
Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan&
Hokkaido Prefectural Government

The Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management
Plan for Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site

December 2007
Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan&
Hokkaido Prefectural Government

Contents

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1(1) Background ....................................................................................................................... 1(2) Objective of the Plan ........................................................................................................ 1(3) Management Area............................................................................................................. 2
2. Basic Concept of Management............................................................................................... 3(1) Basic Policies..................................................................................................................... 3(2) Overview of Marine Ecosystem and Concept of Management in Shiretoko ................... 3(3) Concept of Management of Each Component in the Marine Ecosystem......................... 6
a. Marine environment and production in lower trophic levels .............................................. 6
b. Coastal Environment ........................................................................................................ 7
c. Fishes ............................................................................................................................... 9d. Marine Mammals ........................................................................................................... 11
e. Seabirds and Sea Eagles ................................................................................................. 14
f. Others ............................................................................................................................. 17
3. Management Measures ........................................................................................................ 18(1) Marine environment and production in lower trophic levels ........................................ 18(2) Coastal Environment ...................................................................................................... 19
a. Marine Pollution............................................................................................................. 19
b. Natural Landscapes ........................................................................................................ 19
c. Drifting and Washed-up Debris ...................................................................................... 19(3) Indicator Species ............................................................................................................ 21
a. Salmonids....................................................................................................................... 21
b. Walleye pollock ............................................................................................................. 21
c. Steller sealion................................................................................................................. 22
d. Seals .............................................................................................................................. 23
e. Spectacled Guillemot, Slaty-backed Gull, and Japanese Cormorant ................................ 23
f. Steller’s Sea Eagle and White-tailed Eagle...................................................................... 24(4) Other Components.......................................................................................................... 25
4 Administrative Structure and Operation ............................................................................. 26(1) Implementation of the Plan ............................................................................................ 26(2) Time Frame of the Plan .................................................................................................. 26

The Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management Planfor Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site

1. Introduction(1) Background・ In this management plan, “Shiretoko” refers to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage
Site (hereinafter referred to as the “heritage site”) and its surrounding sea areas.
Shiretoko is situated at the lowest latitude among the world’s seasonal sea ice in thenorthern hemisphere, and is featured by the interaction between a terrestrial ecosystem anda contiguous marine ecosystem with unique seasonal sea ice characteristics, andanadromous salmonids running up the rivers. 1
・ Shiretoko is an important area for a large number of marine and terrestrial species.
There are a wide variety of marine life inhabiting, including sea eagles and many otherrare species, a large number of salmonids running up the rivers, and marine mammals
such as Steller sealions and cetaceans. In addition, the area is internationally important
as a habitat of globally threatened seabirds and a stopover point for migratory birds. 1
・ In this management plan, “the waters surrounding Shiretoko” refers to the marine areaof the heritage site (hereinafter referred to as the “marine area of the heritage site”) andits surrounding sea area. The waters surrounding Shiretoko have a high productivity, andfor many years, fisheries activities have been conducted in harmony with the marine
life.
・ Taking advantage of the opportunity of inscription on the World Heritage list as anatural heritage, it was decided to formulate an integrated marine management plan inorder to keep ensuring both the conservation of marine ecosystem and the proper use of
the area for human activities, such as fisheries and marine recreation, in the future.
(2) Objective of the Plan
・ The objective of this plan is to satisfy both of conservation of the marine ecosystem andstable fisheries through the sustainable use of marine living resources in the marine areaof the heritage site 2

1
2

IUCN technical evaluation report, Shiretoko (Japan) ID No:1193 2005.7
Response to the letter from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) concerning Shiretoko (Japan).
(2005.3.30 A letter from the Director General of the Nature Conservation Bureau of Ministry of
the Environment to the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.)-1-(3) Management Area
・ The target area of this plan is the marine area of the heritage site that extends up to 3km
from the coastline (Figure1).

Figure 1. Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site-2-

2. Basic Concept of Management(1) Basic Policies
・ The premise of the Plan is legal restrictions relating to the conservation of the marine
environment, marine ecosystems and fisheries, and autonomous management measurescarried out by fishers based on fisheries-related laws, as well as voluntary restrictions on
marine recreation.2
・ The Plan defines measures to conserve the marine ecosystem, strategies to maintainmajor marine living resources, monitoring methods for those resources, and policies formarine recreation. Based on the Plan, proper management should be promoted.
(2) Overview of Marine Ecosystem and Concept of Management in Shiretoko< Ecosystem of the heritage site >・ The marine area of the heritage site is the southernmost region of the seasonal sea icethat is found in the northern hemisphere, and is affected by the East Sakhalin cold
current and the Soya warm current. This area has a complicated marine character createdby these two currents together with the intermediate cold water derived from the Sea of
Okhotsk, and forms the marine ecosystem where welter of organisms migrate and live.
・ The heritage site is an outstanding example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial
ecosystems. 1
・ In early spring, when sea ice melts earlier than in other areas, blooms of ice algae andother phytoplankton occur in the Shiretoko. As shown in Figure 2, diverse marine life,
including a wide variety of fish such as salmonids and walleye pollock, live in thewaters surrounding Shiretoko based on a food web that starts from phytoplankton,
seaweeds and sea grass, and detritus. 1
・ A lot of anadromous salmonids return to rivers in Shiretoko for spawning. Wild
salmonids (including hatchery-derived chum and pink salmon that reproduce naturally
in the rivers 3 ) running upstream serve as an important source of food for terrestrial
mammals (e.g., brown bear) and birds of prey (e.g., Blakiston’s fish-owl), andcontribute the biodiversity and the transportation of material to the terrestrial
ecosystem. 1 Salmonids are also important as marine living resources in the region, where
the hatchery programs of chum and pink salmon are carried out.
・ In the waters surrounding Shiretoko, fisheries activities have long been carried on
without giving the negative impact on the marine life.

3

Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site Scientific Council (First meeting in FY2006)-3-

6

Brown bearSea eagles
Fisheries

Stellersealion Seals

Seabirds

Toothed whale

Shark

5

Trophic level

Pacific
Flatfishes Cod
Rockfishes

4 Oceanperch

Bighand thornyhead3

Starfish
Crabs

2
1
0

Ray

Greenlings

Octopus

Echnoids

Seaweeds

LegendWalleyepollock
ArabesquegreenSaffron cod
ling
Sand lance

Prawn

Sea
cucumberYellowtail

Tuna

Salmonids

Bivalves

SnailsSquidsBaleen whale

SandfishPacific
herring
Other fishes

Sea PolycheatessquirtPacific
saury

Zooplankton(copepods,
krills)Japaneseanchovy
JapanesesardinePhytoplankton(includeice algae)

Detritus

Cold current
species

Mackerels

Warm current
speciesFigure 2. Food web in the Shiretoko-4-

Animals other thanfishes(Drawn up by the Marine Area WG
of the Shiretoko World Natural
Heritage Site Scientific Council)

< Adaptive management in Shiretoko marine ecosystem >・ In general, an ecosystem is a disturbed, uncertain, and complex system, and has astructure and function reflecting the interaction between the abiotic environment andorganisms. 4
・ The management of Shiretoko marine ecosystem, which has diverse organisms andunpredictable system, needs the adaptive management (see the note).
・ Therefore, based on a wealth of scientific information, this plan defined some species
that characterize the marine ecosystem in Shiretoko as indicator species. They are
selected from the keystone species, predators of higher trophic levels that have a great
impact on ecosystems, endangered species from a viewpoint of biodiversity
conservation, and other characteristic species constituting the food web in the waters
surrounding Shiretoko. By monitoring these indicator species, a marine environment
should be conserved and the ecosystem should be continuously managed adaptively. .
・ Since understanding the current situation of the ecosystem in the neighboring areas ofJapan and the Russia Federation is also necessary for adaptive management,
Japan-Russia cooperation such as information sharing, should be promoted in the fieldof conservation and sustainable use of the regional ecosystem.
(Note)
・Adaptive management is aiming the management and use of natural resources that allows
maintaining the structure and function of the ecosystem. Changes in the ecosystem are
predicted and monitored, and based on the results, the way of management and use are
flexibly reviewed and adjusted. These predictions and monitoring should be accompanied
by a feedback function. For the review and adjustment of management and use, it isnecessary that all of the parties involved share information, try to verify hypotheses
based on the results of the monitoring, and decide the direction they will take whilebuilding a consensus. 4
・In the waters surrounding Shiretoko, adaptive management has already been introduced tomaintain a stable fisheries through the sustainable use of marine living resources. For
example, the resources trend has been monitored. For walleye pollock, restrictions on
catch based on the TAC (Total Allowable Catch）system and an autonomous setting ofclosed fishing areas to protect spawning fish have been introduced. For chum and pinksalmon, targets for escapements, eggs, and juveniles of river-specific hatchery for chumand pink salmon are forecasted, while autonomous catch restrictions result in adequate
number of adults returning. 5

4
5

Iwasa, Y. et al. ed. (2003) Encyclopedia of Ecology. Kyoritsu Shuppan Co. Ltd.
Working document of the second meeting of Marine Area WG in FY2005.
-5-

(3) Concept of Management of Each Component in the Marine Ecosystem
a. Marine environment and production in lower trophic levels< Current situation of the component >・ The marine environment of the waters surrounding Shiretoko is influenced by theoceanic structure of the Sea of Okhotsk (East Sakhalin cold current, intermediate cold
water of the Sea of Okhotsk, seasonal sea ice). It is also affected by the Soya warm
current that flows in from the Soya Straits along the coast (shallow water along thecoast) and partially by warm surface water that flows in from the Pacific Ocean. 5-1
・ In winter, the East Sakhalin cold current shifts southward, and then the seasonal sea ice
formed in the northern part of Sea of Okhotsk covers this sea area. The sea ice melts byspring, but ice algae proliferate under the ice. 5-1
・ From spring to early summer, spring bloom of phytoplankton occurs. Then from summer
to fall, the production mechanism in lower trophic levels, which starts from theproduction of phytoplankton and lead to the reproduction of zooplankton, develops dueto the coastal upwelling caused by complicated ocean floor topography, tide, wind, andsome other factors.
・ The continuity of production in lower trophic levels as described above, except inwinter, leads to an increase in the biomass of zooplankton such as copepods and krill,that feed on the lower production and proliferate. This generates a diversity of marine
life including both sedentary and migratory species of fish, squids, seabirds, and marine
mammals, as well as the abundant biological production.
< Management strategy >・ Under the conditions mentioned above, in order to ensure the balance between
conservation of the marine ecosystem and sustainable fisheries based on adaptive
management, it is necessary to conduct research and monitoring and understandaccurately the trends and dynamics of marine environment, marine structure, andindicator species of the marine ecosystem, and others that provide basic data for thevarious analyses of the meteorological and oceanographic phenomena, the sea ice, andso on, in the waters surrounding Shiretoko.

5-1

Mizushima and Torisawa ed. (2003) Fisheries and Aquatic Life in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido
Shimbun Press.
-6-b. Coastal Environment
i. Marine Pollution< Current situation >・ Relevant laws strictly regulate the drainage of harmful substances into the waters fromfactories, businesses, ships, and so on. 6 Thus, the marine environment in the waters
surrounding Shiretoko is maintained in good quality.
< Challenges >・ There is a concern, however, that a great variety of marine contaminants from rivers
flowing into the waters surrounding Shiretoko, ocean currents, and the atmosphere may
threaten the life of marine life at higher trophic level as a result of biomagnification.
・ A potential threat of unexpected oil spill incidence, caused by oil development in
Sakhalin and the accident of ships passing through the waters surrounding Shiretoko,
can have a serious impact on the coastal ecosystem.
< Management strategy >・ Efforts to prevent the outflow of contaminants from terrestrial area should be continued
to conserve marine environment in the heritage site.
・ Against the marine pollution caused by unexpected oil spills, measures should be taken
quickly and accurately to protect the precious ecosystem. 7
・ For this purpose, all the institutions concerned, including the national government,
Hokkaido government, and the towns, need to cooperate and consider concrete measures
to confine the damage caused by oil spills to a minimum area.

6

Water Pollution Control Law; Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime
Disaster; Regulation of Sea Fisheries adjustment in Hokkaido
7
Oil Spill Accident Disaster Control Manual (Hokkaido); Plan for Cleaning of Spilled Oil (and HNS)
to Hokkaido Coastal Sea Area (Japan Coast Guard); Japanese National Contingency Plan for Oil and
HNS Pollution Preparedness and Response as amended in 2006 (Cabinet decision)-7-

ii. Natural Landscapes< Current situation >・ No vehicle road exists in most of the coastal area (land area bordering with the sea)
within the heritage site and the natural coast remains intact.
・ The coastal and the marine area of the heritage site are designated as the Shiretoko
National Park under the Natural Parks Law, where certain activities are regulated inorder to conserve natural scenic beauty and biodiversity.
< Management strategy >・ Efforts to conserve the excellent scenic beauty and biodiversity should be continued
based on the Natural Parks Law.
iii. Drifting and Washed-up Debris< Current situation >・ There are some drifting and washed-up debris observed in the marine area of theheritage area. 8
・ The problems caused by the drifting and washed-up debris, including those of foreign
origin, are becoming serious in recent years. Examples of the problems are deteriorationof the coastal function, of environment including the ecosystem, of scenic beauty,
threats to the safe passage of ships, and damage to the fishing industry. 9< Management strategy >・ The relevant agencies should work together to transmit the information concerning the
alleviation of the harmful effects on the marine ecosystem caused by drifting andwashed-up debris and the conservation of the coastal environment.
・ Cleaning garbage ashore on the coast in the marine area of heritage site should be
conducted regularly with the help of volunteer activities.

8
9

List of the Results of the Shiretoko Cape Volunteer Cleaning Projects in FY2005
Government response policy: Decision of the Headquarters for Promotion of Special Zones for
Structural Reform (February 15, 2006)-8-

c. Fishes< Current situation of the component >・ The number of fin-fish species observed in the waters surrounding Shiretoko has totallycounted 223 species that belongs to 74 families in 26 orders, of which 150 species are
identified in the marine area of the heritage site.
・ A large number of fishes including salmonids, walleye pollock, arabesque greenlings,
rockfish, cods, flatfish, and cephalopods, live in the marine area of the heritage site. The
area serves as a part of a migration route for the salmonids and walleye pollock thatwidely migrate and mainly feed on copepods and krill in the sea. 10
・ In the waters surrounding Shiretoko, fisheries activities have long been actively
conducted blessed by the rich biological production and a historical background basedon the fishing industry has developed in the region.
・ For the major marine living resources, there have been strenuous efforts made tomaintain a balance between the state of the resources and catch, and to realize thesustainable use. For example, surveys on trends of resources have been conducted, andregulations concerning the management and use of resources have been established andresources have been propagated, through fishery-related legislations and autonomous
measures implemented by fishers and their organizations based on fisheries related laws.
・ Principal capture fisheries has been continuously monitored, organized as statisticalinformation, and published since 1935.
< Selection of the indicator species >・ Keystone species include salmonids (e.g., chum, pink, and masu salmon), walleye
pollock, arabesque greenling, and Pacific cod.
・ Major species used by the fishing industry include salmonids, walleye pollock, Pacificcod, arabesque greenling and Japanese common squid. Among them, the catch of
salmonids and walleye pollock, which is fished only in Rausu side, are predominant.
・ Therefore salmonids and walleye pollock are defined as indicator species because they
are highly abundant, keystone species, important fishery species, and characteristic
species connecting between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems in this area.
< Management strategy >・ Proper resource management and the sustainable use of salmonids and walleye pollock
should be promoted under the relevant laws, such as the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries
Resource Protection Law, while reflecting the autonomous management efforts of thelocal fishers and their organizations, based on the information collected by themonitoring of the fishes and various surveys in the waters surrounding Shiretoko. (See
Note)

10

Nomination document of Shiretoko, 3a.6.5 Fishes-9-（Note）
In Japan, the sustainable use of marine living resources is promoted through a combinationof official and autonomous measures. Official restrictions include catch restriction under
the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries Resource Protection Law, and management of theamount of extraction of marine living resources and fish catch efforts based on the Law
Concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Life Resources which was establishedwhen the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into effect. Autonomous
resource management is conducted by fishers and fishery organizations utilizing various
surveys, aiming at the responsible use of resources and stable fishery management.

- 10 -

d. Marine Mammals< Current situation of the components >・ In the waters surrounding Shiretoko, 2 orders, 9 families, 22 genera and 28 species ofmarine mammals have been identified, including whales, dolphins and porpoises, Steller
sealion, and seals. 11
・ Marine mammals such as cetaceans are one of the higher-level predators in the food webof the marine area of the heritage site. The waters surrounding Shiretoko is used bythese marine mammals as a seasonal migration route and a foraging and breedingstites. 11
・ Protected by sea ice from their predators and the impact of ocean waves, the waters
surrounding Shiretoko is an important place for seals to forage, rest, and breed. The
marine area is also important as a wintering and foraging ground for Steller sealions due
to its high biological productivity.
・ There is a challenge in the relationship of the seals and Steller sealions with the fisheries
which is a key industry in Hokkaido. Proper management of the migrating populations
should be achieved while trying to alleviate the damage to the fishing industry. 12
Steller sealion< Current situation >・ From winter to spring, some groups of Steller sealions migrate to the waters surrounding
Shiretoko for wintering and foraging. They come from their breeding and haul out sites
in Russian waters. These groups mainly consist of the pregnant females that areimportant for maintaining the populations.
・ Considered to be declining in their population over the long-term and on a global scale(including Russian waters), Steller sealion is classified as Endangered (EN) in the IUCNRed List and as Vulnerable (VU) in the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment.
・ The population of Asian groups of Steller sealion marked a sharp decline until the
1980s, but has been gradually increasing since the early 1990s. The entire population
over Russia (calculated by adding the populations in the western part of the Bering Sea
and Komandorskie Islands to the Asian groups) is estimated to be increasing at anannual rate of 1.2% since 1989.
・ Along the coasts of Hokkaido, significant damage to the fishing industry by Steller
sealions, including damage to fishing gear such as bottom gill nets and set nets andtaking caught fish from nets, is a serious problem. Consequently, since 1994, thepopulation of Steller sealions has been controlled within the quota for all of Hokkaido,
in addition to various countermeasures against fishery damage. The quota is set up basedon the Fisheries Law and other regulations.

1112

Nomination document of Shiretoko, 3a.6.2 Marine Mammals
Fishery and Fishing Villages in Hokkaido 2006
- 11 -

・ The national government and Hokkaido government are also conducting the surveys andresearch, to alleviate damage to the fishing industry.
< Selection of the indicator species >・ The Steller sealion is a higher-level predator in the food web of the marine area of theheritage site.
・ Also, their population is considered to be declining internationally in the long-term.
・ On the other hand, there is damage to the fishing industry by migrating Steller sealions
in the waters surrounding Shiretoko.
・ Based on the above, the Steller sealion is defined as an indicator species.
< Management strategy >・ The population of Steller sealion should be managed based on the results of surveys andresearch on their ecology, number of migrating individuals, and number of animals
caught as bycatch, as well as based on the control quota under the Fisheries Law.

- 12 -

Seals< Current situation >・ Seals that breed on ice (larga seal, ribbon seal, ringed seal, and bearded seal) migrate to
the waters surrounding Shiretoko and breed on the sea ice. They feed on a wide variety
of marine animals including fish of Gadidae, Pleuronectidae, and Cotidae, squids, andoctopuses. 13
・ Seals were excluded from the protection under the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate
Hunting Law and there was no restriction on their capture until 2002. Since 2003, they
have been protected under the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law andtheir capture is restricted.
< Selection of the indicator species >・ Seals are higher-level predators in the food web of the marine area of the heritage site.
The area serves as a breeding and foraging sites for seals.
・ Feeding on krills, pups are strongly linked to the ecosystem of sea ice, i.e. its
environment and its component which forms their prey.
・ With increase in number of seals migrating to Hokkaido, damage to the fishing industry,
such as scavenging hauls, is increasing, while seals are being caught as bycatch throughfishnets. 13
・ Based on the above, all the species of seals that migrate to the waters surrounding
Shiretoko are defined as indicator species.
< Conservation management strategy >・ Surveys on the state of seal’s migration and damage to the fishing industry should be
conducted, and they should be managed in accordance with the Wildlife Protection andAppropriate Hunting Law.

13

Shiretoko Marine Mammal Migration Survey in FY2005 (Hokkaido)- 13 -

e. Seabirds and Sea Eagles< Current situation of the component>
・ The Shiretoko Peninsula and its surrounding marine area provide a diverse habitat forbirds. Here, 264 species of birds belonging to 50 families in 18 orders are identified, andmore than 30% of them use the marine area. 14
・ Among the birds identified in the Shiretoko Peninsula and its surrounding marine area,nine species are listed on both IUCN and Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOEJ)
red lists. They are: Japanese night heron [IUCN(EN), MOEJ(EN)], red-crowned crane[IUCN(EN), MOEJ(VU)], Blakiston’s fish-owl [IUCN(EN), MOEJ Endangered(CR)IA],Baikal teal [IUCN(VU), MOEJ(VU)], Steller’s sea eagle [IUCN(VU), MOEJ(VU)],
Japanese yellow bunting [IUCN(VU), MOEJ (Near Threatened: NT)], white-tailed eagle[IUCN (Least Concern: LC), MOEJ(EN)], yellow-breasted bunting [IUCN(NT),MOEJ(CR)], long-billed murrelet [IUCN(NT), MOEJ (Data Deficient: DD)]. Amongthem, Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles use the marine area as an importantfeeding ground. Blakiston’s fish-owls also use the coast as a foraging ground.
・ There are a large number of seabird colonies on the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Seabirds< Current situation >・ There are many seabirds such as spectacled guillemot, Japanese cormorant, andslaty-backed gull living on rocky coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. These seabirds areprotected under the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law. They use themarine area of the heritage site as a major habitat including building nest on the cliffs
along the coast in the heritage site. Thus, these birds can be considered as species thatcharacterize Shiretoko’s costal ecosystem.
・ In recent years, human activities such as excessive approach to nesting areas andfeeding by the tour boats in the waters surrounding Shiretoko, are affecting the behaviorof seabirds, thus potentially threatening them. 15
・ The spectacled guillemot is listed as Vulnerable on the MOEJ Red List.
< Selection of the indicator species >・ Spectacled guillemot is defined as an indicator species because the species isparticularly affected by such recreational use of the site by humans as mentioned above,
and, though locally propagating on the coasts from Hokkaido to Tohoku, its population
is declining and needs careful monitoring.
・ Slaty-backed gull and Japanese cormorant are also defined as indicator species because

1415

Nomination document of Shiretoko, 3a.6.3 Birds
The Shiretoko Nature Foundation “Changes and challenges in tourism use of Shiretoko before andafter inscription on the World Heritage List.” from the working document of the first meeting ofCentral Region of the Peninsula Zone Working Group, Committee on the Promotion of Proper Useof Shiretoko National Park in FY2005.
- 14 -

they are major seabirds breeding in large numbers in the coastal area of the heritage site.
< Conservation management strategy >・ Various surveys and collection of information should be continued, and these seabirds
should be properly managed in accordance with the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate
Hunting Law.

- 15 -

Sea Eagles< Current situation >・ The Shiretoko Peninsula is one of the major breeding grounds of the white-tailed eagle
in Japan. Furthermore, a large number of white-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea eagles
migrate to the area from Russia to winter. They are designated as Domestic Endangered
Species by the Law for Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(hereinafter referred to as “the Species Conservation Law”). 14
・ Steller’s sea eagle is classified as Vuneralble (VU) on both IUCN and MOEJ Red Lists,
while white-tailed eagle is classified as Least Concern (LC) on IUCN Red List and as
Endangered (EN) on MOEJ Red List.
・ Steller’s sea eagle breeds only in the far eastern part of Russia, mostly in northernEurasia. Their population is estimated to be around 5,000 individuals (including from1,830 to 1,900 breeding pairs). Shiretoko Peninsula is their major wintering groundwhere once more than 2,000 birds were observed. 14・ More than 20 pairs of white-tailed eagles breed in the Shiretoko Peninsula every year,
making the peninsula the most important breeding ground in Japan for this species. It isalso an important wintering ground where up to 600 individuals, including migrating
ones, are observed in winter.
・ The coast of Shiretoko Peninsula provides an important wintering and living
environment for Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle because it has rich foodresources, such as salmon, and there are good contiguous forests that serve as roosts foreagles on costal slopes.
・ There are incidents of eagles dying from lead-poisoning caused by lead bullets left in
the carcass of sika deer.
< Selection of the indicator species >・ Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle are higher-level predators in the food web of
the marine area of the heritage site. They also require careful monitoring from thestandpoint of protecting threatened species. Therefore, they have been defined asindicator species.
< Conservation management strategy >・ In line with the Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance ofViable Populations under the Species Conservation Law, strict protection andmanagement of Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle should be implemented,
including conducting field surveys of their state and surveys of migratory routes.

- 16 -

f. Others< Current situation of the component >・ In recent years, new recreational activities such as sea kayaking, personal watercraft,and scuba diving are becoming more popular in the waters surrounding Shiretoko, in
addition to the conventional sightseeing and leisure cruise, angling, and so on.
・ These activities not only bring economic benefits to the local communities throughtourism, but also are regarded important for cultural and educational purposes.
< Challenges >・ There is a concern that unregulated recreational use of the waters surrounding Shiretoko
may have adverse effects on the fishery activities, biological resources and so on.
・ Furthermore, the waters surrounding Shiretoko and the coastal area of the peninsula are
the habitat and breeding ground of the seabirds and marine mammals. There is a concernthat the human activities, such as navigation of these boats and personal watercraft, andunregulated feeding and watching at close range, may affect the survival of seabirds andmarine mammals.
< Management strategy >・ In order to prevent the negative impact of recreational activities on seabirds and marine
mammals, and to prevent interference with the local key fishery industry, marine
tourism should be managed through the rules for utilization formulated by theauthorities concerned including the national government, the Hokkaido government, andrelevant towns. 16 Monitoring the situation of recreational use should be continued andefforts should be made to raise awareness of the rules for utilization.

16

Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Apical Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko NationalPark.
- 17 -

3. Management Measures(1) Marine environment and production in lower trophic levels
・ To understand the marine environment and production in lower trophic levels such as
phytoplankton and zooplankton, that support marine ecosystem, marine surveys should
be conducted on the physical, chemical, and biological environment, using satellites,
survey boats, observation buoys placed in the ocean, and so on. 17
・ Because the production in lower trophic level is directly influenced by changes in themarine environment that in turn reflects global climate change, some features of marine
environment including the movement of sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk, seasonal andannual changes in the East Sakhalin Cold Current and the Soya Warm Current, andbehavior of the intermediate cold water in the Sea of Okhotsk, should be monitored.
・ Based on these surveys, changes in the productivity of zooplankton and phytoplankton
in the marine ecosystem in the waters surrounding Shiretoko should be studied, and thestudy should shed light on their dynamic state as a food resource to support species athigher trophic level of the ecosystem such as fish, their impact on the ecosystem’s
biodiversity, and so on.
・ These surveys are also important as monitoring of the environment in the waters
surrounding Shiretoko and should be continued and further developed.
・ In promoting the monitoring or research, the relevant administrative bodies, survey orresearch institutions, and local parties concerned, including fishery cooperatives, should
cooperate and coordinate and should enhance exchange information on the observation
system, the results of studies, and so on.
・ Based on the results of these monitoring and research, changes in the environment of themarine area of the heritage site will be understood, and further, changes in the marine
ecosystem will be predicted. All these results should be utilized for the realization ofconservation of the marine ecosystem and a sustainable fishery industry.

17“Understanding of the changes in marine environment with the use of fixed-point observation by
setting buoys and satellite images.” as the working document No.3 of the second meeting of Marine
Area Working Group in FY2006.
- 18 -

(2) Coastal Environmenta. Marine Pollution
・ Prevention measures against marine pollution will be taken based on the relevant
legislations.
・ For the oil spill accidents caused by marine vessels, regional Council for
Countermeasures against Oil Spill Disaster is established based on the Law Relating to
the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster. In this Council, together with
the institutions responsible for the environmental conservation of the coastal waters
along the heritage site, concrete oil removal measures should be discussed. In the eventof an accident, the institutions concerned, including the national government, Hokkaido
government, and the towns, should work together to collect and remove the oil quickly
and adequately, and to conserve the marine ecosystem.
・Analysis of oil, cadmium, and other substances in the sea water and in seafloor sedimentshould be continued to understand the present state of marine pollution on the northeast
coast of Hokkaido potentially caused by the Sakhalin oil development. 18

b. Natural Landscapes・ Coastal area of the heritage site is designated as Special Protection Zone or Special
Zones of the Shiretoko National Park under the Natural Parks Law. Within this area,
certain activities are regulated in order to conserve scenic beauty.
・ The marine area of the heritage site is designated as an Ordinary Zone under the Natural
Parks Law. Within this area, certain activities, including land reclamation and new
construction beyond a certain scale, are regulated in order to conserve scenic beauty andbiodiversity.
・ For the conservation of scenic beauty, regular patrol should be conducted to accurately
monitor the state of natural environment and park utilization, as well as to instructvisitors and crackdown on violations.
・ In accordance with the changes of social conditions and other factors, park area and park
plan of the Shiretoko National Park should be reviewed approximately every 5 years
based on the scientific knowledge.
c. Drifting and Washed-up Debris
・ Information dissemination and awareness raising should be promoted regarding thecurrent situation of, and efforts made against the drifting and washed-up debris in themarine area of the heritage site, making full use of websites and other media, as well as
the facilities related to the heritage site, such as visitor centers.
・ While collecting information on the situation of drifting and washed-up debris, regular18

Marine pollution survey report (March 2006). Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department ofJapan Coast Guard.
- 19 -

cleaning should be conducted in cooperation and collaboration with the administrative
agencies concerned, with consideration given to the natural environment. They also
should cooperate with other activities including volunteer clean-up activities by local
governments, NPOs and so on.

- 20 -

(3) Indicator Species
・ Monitoring of the following indicator species should be conducted and continuous
management based on the concept of adaptive management will be implemented.
a. Salmonids
・ In order to maintain healthy interactions between marine and terrestrial ecosystems in
the heritage site, wild salmonids should be fully secured their escapement and natural
spawning, and should be avoided from those obstacles including the river artificial
constructions (e.g., dams) to the extent practicable. 19
・ Based on legislations including the Fisheries Law, set nets are designated as thestandard marine fishing gear for salmonids, and fishing is prohibited in all rivers andnear the mouths of certain rivers to improve success of natural spawning and hatchery
programs. Hatchery chum and pink salmon programs, combined with continued fishery
restrictions should ensure the protection and sustainable use of salmon resources.
・ To maintain and protect populations of naturally spawning salmonids, regular biologicalmonitoring and intensive surveys on migration pattern, escapement dynamics, andspawning of salmonids should be conducted. 20
b. Walleye pollock
・ For walleye pollock, gill net fishing and longline fishing are conducted in the waters
surrounding Shiretoko, mostly offshore of Rausu Town, with the permission of thegovernor of Hokkaido under the Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaidothat was established based on the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries Resources Protection
Law.
・ Under the Law Concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Life Resources
established based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the national
government and Hokkaido prefecture set the upper limit of catch [total allowable catch(TAC)] every year based on the studies including resource survey and resource
assessment conducted by research institutions, and control fish catch.
・ In addition to these restrictions based on these fishery laws, immature walleye pollock is
protected by resource management agreements signed by the all fishery organizations
throughout Hokkaido.
・ Further, local fishers are implementing autonomous management measures for theprotection of spawning fish, including restrictions on the period and area of fishing andon the mesh size of gill nets, with considerations given to their state of maturation andother factors.
・ Proper management and sustainable use of walleye pollock resources that migrate into
19
20

Working document No.1 of the first meeting of the River Constructions WG in FY2005.
Working document No.3 (chum salmon, pink salmon, salmonids) of the second meeting of Marine
Area WG in FY2006- 21 -

the marine area of the heritage site should be continued and promoted through measures
based on these fishery laws and the autonomous efforts of fishery operators andorganizations in the waters surrounding Shiretoko.
・ Russian trawlers are catching walleye pollock from the single stock in the Nemuro
Strait, which raises concerns about the impact on marine living resources and theecosystem of the waters. To address this concern, effort should be continued throughvarious conferences and networks of researchers, by gathering as much information as
possible on Russian resource management and other relevant issues, by exchanging
information on marine ecosystem conservation and other nature conservation issues, andby making the necessary appeals to the Russian side.
c. Steller sealion
・ Based on the Fisheries Law, Steller sealion is managed by a guidance to restrict the total
number of animals captured issued by the Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination
Commission every year. The same system has been applied to manage Steller sealions
inhabited in the waters surrounding the Shiretoko, based on the migration conditions anddamages caused by the animals to the fishery industry. 21
・ The number of animals to be captured is determined by calculating the annual number of
acceptable man-induced deaths (including all human-induced deaths such as bycatch)using the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) method based on the data of populations
migrating to the coast of Hokkaido, and by considering the number of bycatch deaths.
・ To understand the migration conditions and damages caused by the animals to thefishery industry, the national and Hokkaido governments conduct surveys and researchon the ecology and population of Steller sealion that migrate to the coasts of Hokkaido
as well as the damages to the fishery industry.
・ In addition, a system to understand the number of bycatch at any given time should beestablished, in order to enable more flexible management.
・ Through the enhancement of these efforts, an adaptive management based on scientificknowledge should be promoted and should result in the alleviation of damage to thefishery industry and maintenance of the Steller sealion population.

21

Working document No.3 (Steller sealion) of the second meeting of Marine Area WG in FY2006.
- 22 -

d. Seals・ Capturing seals requires the permission of the governor of Hokkaido based on the
Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law. 22
・ Permission to capture wildlife is given based on the criteria for examination defined inline with the permission policy incorporated in the Hokkaido Wildlife Protection Project
Plan that is reviewed approximately every 5 years. Permission to capture for the purposeof prevention of damage is given in light of the permission criteria such as minimal
capture period, minimum number of people engaged in a capture, and minimum numberof animals to be captured, from the perspective of wildlife protection.
・ Long-term monitoring of the population trend of the seals in the marine area of theheritage site as well as surveys of damage to the fishery industry should be continued.
Also, the proper operation of the capture permission system should be ensured andprotection and management of the seals should be promoted.
e. Spectacled Guillemot, Slaty-backed Gull, and Japanese Cormorant・ Capturing these seabirds is prohibited in principle based on the Wildlife Protection andAppropriate Hunting Law. The adequate protection and management based on the law
should be continued.
・ Various surveys as well as the collection of information on their state of distribution andpopulation should be implemented and then adequate protection and management should
be promoted. For the spectacled guillemot in particular, any decrease in the breeding
population should be avoided.
・ For recreational fishing boats and sight-seeing boats, compliance with the routes thatwill not give impact on seabirds and marine mammals is requested. As for the use of themarine area by power boat or sea kayaks, instruction should be given thoroughly incooperation with the institutions concerned, in order to alleviate any negative impact on
the seabirds. 23

22
23

Wildlife capture permission examination standard (Hokkaido)
Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Apical Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park
- 23 -

f. Steller’s Sea Eagle and White-tailed Eagle
・ Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle are designated as National Endangered Species
under the Species Conservation Law and Natural Monument under the Law for theProtection of Cultural Properties, and their hunting, killing or damaging, and transfer
are prohibited. Strict protection and management based on these laws should becontinued.
・ In addition, Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance ofViable Populations under Species Conservation Law are developed for both Steller’s sea
eagle and white-tailed eagle. In line with these programs, various projects including
studies and monitoring on migration routes across Hokkaido and their behavior, andrescue and rehabilitation of injured or sick birds, should be implemented. Also theresults of the surveys on nesting sites, the state of breeding, and so on, should beobtained in collaboration with the researchers or others who have already been studying
on them continuously. Based on the examination of the results of those projects andsurveys at the regular meeting of subcommittee on white-tailed eagle and Steller’s sea
eagle conservation and breeding under the Wildlife Protection Committee, adaptive
protection and management measures that will contribute to increasing their population
should be implemented. 24
・ The forests on the coastal slopes in the heritage site that provide an important wintering
ground for these birds should be conserved. Awareness raising activities should be
conducted to warn users not to get up close to the nesting site during the white-tailed
eagle’s breeding season.
・ The use of lead bullets is prohibited in hunting of large mammals to prevent the leadpoisoning of Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. 25

24

Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations for
White-tailed eagle (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of theEnvironment)
Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations for
Steller’s sea eagle (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of theEnvironment)
25
Hokkaido Prefecture Notification No.754- 24 -

(4) Other Components
Marine Recreation
・ For the proper utilization of the Shiretoko National Park, the surveys to understand thesituation of recreational use were conducted. Based on the result, desirable way ofconservation and utilization were discussed at the Committee on the Promotion of
Proper Use of Shiretoko National Park, and the Basic Plan on the Proper Use of theApical Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park, targeting the apicalregion of the Shiretoko Peninsula including the surrounding waters, was formulated in
December 2004.
・ Based on this basic plan, the request for recreational fishing boats and sight-seeing boats
to comply with the routes that will not give negative impact on seabirds and marine
mammals, fishery activities and so on, should be continued. While conducting regularmonitoring on recreational activities, the content of instruction will be reviewed. For theuse of the marine area by power boat or sea kayaks, instruction should be given
thoroughly in cooperation with the institutions concerned and other relevantorganizations, in order to avert any negative impact on the seabirds, marine mammals
and fishery activities. 23
・ Landing on the Shiretoko Cape for sightseeing using power boats may have negative
impacts on the natural environment. Therefore, since 1984, people have been instructed
to refrain from landing, based on the “Agreement on the instructions for usage
restrictions of the Shiretoko Cape area” by the administrative bodies involved. The
instructions should be carried out strictly and further reinforced. 26
・ For other recreational use of the coastal area, such as personal watercraft, diving, andother educational activities on sea ice in winter, continuous monitoring should be
implemented and concrete policies should be discussed.

26

Agreement on the instructions for usage restrictions of the Shiretoko Cape area
- 25 -

4 Administrative Structure and Operation(1) Implementation of the Plan
・ In order to accomplish the plan’s objectives, administrative bodies including the
Ministry of the Environment and Hokkaido Prefecture, that hold jurisdiction overvarious systems and measures related to Shiretoko, as well as relevant organizations
such as fishery cooperatives and research institutions, should closely cooperate topromote their respective measures for the conservation of the marine ecosystem in theheritage site and for stable fisheries and so on. At the same time, human resources whoare involved in these organizations should be developed.
・ The progress of the plan, including the results of various measures, will be disclosed andshared through the reports submitted to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site
Scientific Council and the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site Regional Liaison
Committee, the website of the Ministry of the Environment, the Shiretoko World
Heritage Conservation Center, the Rausu Visitor Center, and so on.
・ For the proper promotion of this plan, the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site
Scientific Council will provide advice as needed.
(2) Time Frame of the Plan
・ The period of this plan will cover until the fiscal year 2012. After 2012, the plan will be
reviewed and amended as needed approximately every five years, based on the changes
in Shiretoko’s marine ecosystem, the results of the management measures, and otherrelevant information.

- 26 -

Explanatory Material for
the Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management
Plan for the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site

December 2007

Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan&
Hokkaido Prefectural GovernmentS-- 1 -

Contents
1

Conservation of the coastal environment .............................................................................................. 1(1) Prevention of marine pollution........................................................................................................... 1(2) Conservation of natural landscape..................................................................................................... 7(3) Drifting and Washed-up Debris ....................................................................................................... 14

2

Indicator species .................................................................................................................................... 17(1) Salmonids ........................................................................................................................................... 22(2) Walleye pollock .................................................................................................................................. 29(3) Steller sealion ..................................................................................................................................... 37(4) Seals .................................................................................................................................................... 44(5) Spectacled guillemot, slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorant ............................................... 49(6) Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle ......................................................................................... 56

3

Other components (use of marine area) .............................................................................................. 63

4

Figure of Food web in the waters surrounding Shiretoko ................................................................. 70

5

Table of Surveys and monitoring in the waters surrounding Shiretoko .......................................... 75

1 Conservation of the coastal environment(1) Prevention of marine pollution
The problem of marine pollution cannot be solved solely by the efforts of a single country, but requires
measures based on international agreements. For this purpose, international treaties have been established
to regulate the dumping into the ocean of waste generated on land and to mitigate any damage caused bylarge-scale oil-spill disasters. Against the background of discussions on international efforts such as these,
Japan is trying to conserve the marine environment in a good condition by regulating the drainage or
dumping of oil, harmful liquid substances, and wastes into the ocean based on laws such as the Law
Relating to the Prevention of Marine and Air Pollution from Ships and Maritime Disasters, Waste
Management and Public Cleansing Law, and the Water Pollution Control Law, while establishingmeasures to control and remove spilled oil.
In addition to these regulations through laws, regional plans and manuals including a Oil Spill Control andRemoval Plan for the Hokkaido Coastal Sea Area and an Oil-Spill Accident Disaster Control Manual, havebeen developed and set down the prompt and appropriate actions to be taken in the event of major spills ofoil or other hazardous substances due to accidents or other incidents, to prevent marine pollution in thewaters around Hokkaido, including Shiretoko.

S-1

○

Spilled oil cleaning activities in Hokkaido○ Air surveillance of the state of oil spills

1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters (aircraft)
Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (helicopter)
Hokkaido (helicopter for fire-fighting and disaster prevention)
Response meeting for the organizations
involved
Liaison and coordination headquarters
Decisions on cleaning policy
Coordination of cleaning activities
Consolidation of activity information【1st Regional Coast Guard
Headquarters】
・Coordination of cleaning activities at sea【Hokkaido】
・Coordination of cleaning activities on
the coasts

Hokkaido Police Headquarters (helicopter)
Coast Guard Office and Station (patrol boat)○ Surveillance ofthe state of oil spills
and cleaning
activities

Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (survey and supervision
vessel)Hokkaido (regulatory vessel on fishing boat, test survey vessel)
Hokkaido Police Headquarters (police vessel)
Organization involved in the Council for Countermeasures against
Oil Spill Disaster
Fishery cooperatives (fishing boats)
Local chapters of the Organization on the response to the marine
oil spill, the Petroleum Association of Japan, and others
People responsible for the disaster, such as the owner of the vessel○

Cleaning activities(At sea and on land)

Maritime Disaster Prevention Center

Contracted disaster prevention implementation agents
Integrated coordination headquarters for
the Council for Countermeasures against
Oil Spill Disaster
Decisions on cleaning policy
Coordination of cleaning activity
Consolidation of activity information

Development and Construction Department, Hokkaido
Regional Development Bureau【Coast Guard Office and Station】
・Coordination of cleaning activities at sea

Hokkaido (prefectural office, subprefectural offices, anddistrict offices)
Hokkaido Police (Police headquarters, area headquarters,
police stations)Regional disaster response headquarters
or on-site response headquarters for the
subprefectural office
Decisions on cleaning policy
Coordination of cleaning activities
Consolidation of activity information○ Cleaning activities(On land)

Municipalities
Fire services
Local residents
Social welfare councils in the municipalities(Volunteer center)【Subprefectural Office】
・Coordination of cleaning activities on
the coasts

Hokkaido social welfare council
Ground Self-Defense Force

S-2(Volunteer center)○Applicable laws and regulations
Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine and Air Pollution from Ships and Maritime Disasters (Extract)
Law No. 136 of December 25, 1970
Last amended by Law No.62 of May 30, 2007
(Purpose)
Article 1 The purpose of this Law is to prevent marine and air pollution and maritime disaster by controlling the discharge
into the ocean of oil, noxious liquid substances and others and wastes, disposal of oil, noxious liquid substances and others
and wastes under the sea-bed from ships, offshore facilities and aircraft, emission of exhaust gas from ships, and theincineration of oil, noxious liquid substances and others and wastes on a ship and at off-shore facility, by securing appropriate
disposal of waste oil and by taking measures for the removal of the discharged oil, noxious liquid substances and others,
wastes and other substance, the prevention of occurrence and spread of fire at sea and the prevention of danger to shipping
traffic incidental to such fire and the line at sea and by securing appropriate enforcement of international convention on theprevention of marine and air pollution and maritime disaster, thereby contributing to the preservation of the marine and air
environment and the protection of people's lives and body as well as their property.
(Prevention of Marine and Air Pollution and Maritime Disaster)
Article 2 Every person shall exert himself not to pollute the ocean and the air by the discharge of oil, noxious liquid
substances and others or wastes, by disposal of oil, noxious liquid substances and others or wastes under the sea-bed fromships, offshore facilities and aircraft, by emission of exhaust gas from ships, and by other acts.
2. The master or owner of the ship or the manager or owner of the off-shore facility or off-shore dangerous substance control
facility or other persons concerned shall always take precautions against discharge of oil, noxious liquid substances, etc. or
dangerous objects, or against a fire at sea so that he can take measures to control the discharged oil, noxious liquid substances,
etc., or to fight the fire and prevent the spread of the fire, and shall endeavor to prevent marine pollution and maritime disasterby properly implementing the measures in case of such emergency.

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC CLEANSING LAW (Extract)
Law No. 137 of December 25, 1970
Last amended by Law No. 50 of June 2, 2006.
GENERAL PROVISIONSCHAPTER I(Purpose)
Article 1 This law is enacted for the purpose of preserving the living environment and improving public health through therestriction of waste discharge, appropriate sorting, storage, collection, transport, recycling, disposal, or the like of waste andconservation of a clean living environment.
(Responsibilities of Businesses)
Article 3 The businesses shall appropriately manage of, the waste left as a result of their business activities.
2. The businesses must endeavor to reduce the amount of waste by recycling or re-use of waste. The businesses shall assess
the handling or processing difficulty of the waste generated when the products, their containers or whatever they manufacture,process and seller the like are discarded. They shall develop such products, containers or the like which are unlikely to present
handling or processing difficulty, provide information on appropriate management of the waste generated when the products,
their containers or the like are discarded, or take some other actions to ensure appropriate management of the said products,
containers or the like without difficulty.
3. In addition to the preceding duties in this Article, the businesses shall cooperate with the central government and local
governments in their activities to reduce waste, ensure appropriate management and so on.

Water Pollution Control Law (Extract)
Law No. 138 of December 25, 1970
Last Amended by Law No. 68 of June 14, 2006
(Purpose)
Article 1 The purposes of this Law are to prevent the pollution of water (including form of deterioration of the condition ofwater other than the deterioration of water quality; the same hereinafter) in the Public Water Areas by regulating effluent
discharged by factories or establishments into the Public Water Areas, thereby to protect human health and to preserve theliving environment and to protect sufferers by setting forth stipulations regarding the responsibilities of the proprietors offactories or establishments to compensate the damage in cases where human health is damaged by polluted water orwastewater discharged from factories or establishments.

S-3

Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido (Excerpts)
Regulation No.132 of November 12, 1964
Last amended by Regulation No.158 of December 19, 2006
(Purpose)
Article 1 These Regulations intend to ensure the protection, nurturing and maintenance of fisheries resources in the sea as set
forth in Article 84, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries Law and to regulate fisheries and otherwise strive to make adjustments tofisheries, in order to establish order in fishery.
(Prohibition of Abandoning or Spilling Harmful Substances)
Article 33 No substances harmful to marine life shall be abandoned or spilled in the sea.
2. Should it be deemed for the protection and nurturing of fisheries resources, the Governor may order any person who has
violated the provisions of the preceding paragraph to construct facilities to eliminate the relevant harm or to modify theexisting facilities constructed to eliminate such harm.
3. The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to any person who shall be subject to the Water Pollution
Control Law (Law No.138 of 1970).

Japanese National Contingency Plan For Oil and HNS Pollution Preparedness and Response (Excerpts)
Cabinet order of December 8, 2006
Chapter 1 Purpose of the plan
Japan, as country surrounded by the sea with rich natural environment, benefits from its rich fishing grounds. It is essential for
Japan, therefore, to take actions immediately and effectively at early stage in order to protect marine environment, human lifeand property, in case of a pollution incident by oil, noxious liquid substances, hazardous substances, and other substances(hereinafter referred to as “Oil and HNS*”) in the sea near Japan. Given the fact that Japan is one of the biggest energy
importing country, it is also essential for Japan to have a system for Oil and HNS pollution preparedness and response. It is
important that national government, local governments, oil manufactures, shipping industry, mining industry, chemicalindustry, fishing industry and other parties concerned co-operate with one another according to the system.
This Plan, prepared to comply with Paragraph (1) (b), Article 6 of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness,
Response and Co-operation, 1990, and Paragraph (1) (b), Article 4 of the Protocol on Preparedness, Response andCo-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000, provides the above mentioned Japanesesystem. The purpose of this Plan is to satisfy the international requirement and to response for the Oil and HNS pollution
incidents immediately and effectively in order to protect marine environment, human life and property.

S-4

Plan for Cleaning of Spilled Oil (and HNS) to Hokkaido Coastal Sea Area (Excerpts)
Japan Coast Guard
August 15, 1996
Last amended on April 1, 2002
I. Purpose
This Plan is one prepared by the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard pursuant to Article 43-2 of the Law Relating to thePrevention of Marine and Air Pollution from Ships and Maritime Disaster (Law No.136 of 1970; hereinafter referred to as the“Marine Prevention Law”) and intends, based on the spirit of the National Contingency Plan for Preparedness and Response
to Oil Spills (Cabinet Decision of December 19, 1997), to enact measures necessary for controlling and removing oil(meaning “oil” as defined in Article 3, Item 2 of the Marine Prevention Law, hereinafter the same) in the event of spillage inan extremely large quantity in any of the marine areas listed in the items of Article 37-6 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of
the Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine and Air Pollution from Ships and Maritime Disaster (Ministry of Transport
Ordinance No.38 of 1971) and for eliminating danger associated with such oil, in order to ensure the prompt and appropriate
implementation of the measures for controlling and removing spilled oil, thereby contributing to the preservation of themarine environment and the protection of human life, body and property.
II. Target marine areas and their names
The marine areas and their names for which oil spill control and removal plans shall be prepared shall be as shown in Figure
1. (The rest omitted.)
III. Basic policy
1. Preparation of oil spill control and removal plans
The oil spill control and removal plans shall be prepared by taking into account the natural, social and economic conditions ofeach of the sixteen marine areas covered by the plans. Marine areas that are most likely to experience spill accidents involving
extremely large quantities of oil, based upon their ocean vessel traffic; weather and hydrographic conditions; past maritime
accidents and any other relevant factors therewith, shall be designated as the marine areas which are likely to suffer marine
pollution. In certain oil spill accidents, oil pollution may spread over marine areas covered by more than one oil spill control;
accordingly there may be overlap with respect to those areas’ removal plans due to the scale of the spill or the characteristicsof the spot of accident. In such case, measures shall be taken so that the respective oil spill control and removal plans for themarine areas shall be operated in mutual and organic cooperation with each other.

S-5

Hokkaido Region Disaster Prevention Plan (Excerpts)
Hokkaido
April 1964
Last amended on May 19, 2006
Chapter 8: Accident and Disaster Preparedness Plan
Section 1: Maritime Disaster Preparedness Plan
II. Oil Spill Preparedness Plan
1. Basic policy
In order to ensure early establishment of a framework to make initial response and to mitigate damage in the event of theoccurrence or threatened occurrence of significant marine pollution, fire, explosion or any other accident due to the large-scale
spillage of oil or other substances from an ocean vessel caused by a maritime accident such as collision, stranding, capsizing,
fire, explosion, submersion or engine trouble, each of the various preventive and emergency measures to be taken by theagencies involved in disaster prevention shall be subject to the provisions of this Plan.
Disaster planning against the spillage of hazardous materials or similar events in a harbor area shall be subject to Chapter 8,
Section 6 (Preparedness Plan Against Disaster Involving Hazardous Materials). Disaster planning for petroleum complexes
and other special disaster prevention zones shall be subject to the Hokkaido Petroleum Complex Disaster Prevention Plan.
2. Disaster prevention
All agencies involved shall cooperate with each other through their organizations for both the prevention of oil spill at sea
caused by maritime accidents and in the implementation of preventive measures necessary to mitigate damage.
3. Emergency measures against disasterAll measures to be taken in the event of large-scale spillage of oil and other substances shall be implemented in accordancewith the Oil Disaster Control Manual, in addition to the provisions of this Plan.

Oil Disaster Control Manual (March 2000, Hokkaido) (Excerpts)
I. General Provisions
1. Purpose
Pursuant to the Hokkaido Region Disaster Prevention Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Regional Disaster
Prevention Plan”), Chapter 8 (Accident and Disaster Preparedness Plan), Section 1 (Maritime Disaster
Preparedness Plan), subsection II (Oil Spill Preparedness Plan), this Manual intends to ensure the prompt andappropriate collection and removal of spilled oil in the event of large-scale oil disaster in any of the marine
areas around the Hokkaido region, thereby contributing to the preservation of the environment and theprotection of human life, body and property.
2. Disasters Covered
This manual shall cover all large-scale oil disasters, including without limitation marine or coastal p
ollution due to large-scale spillage of oil from an ocean vessel caused by a maritime accident suchas collision, stranding, capsizing, submersion or engine trouble or from oil production facilities.
3. Scope of Application
This manual shall apply to all oil disasters affecting any part of the marine areas around Hokkaido coveringfrom the coasts and coastal zones of Hokkaido through the Japanese territorial seas to the extent of the
Exclusive Economic Zone. Disaster prevention planning for the special disaster prevention zones (the five
districts including Kushiro, Tomakomai, Muroran, Kamiiso and Shiriuchi) under the Petroleum Complex
Disaster Prevention Law (hereinafter referred to as the “Petroleum Disaster Law”) shall be subject to the
Hokkaido Petroleum Complex Disaster Prevention Plan.

S-6

(2) Conservation of natural landscape
Shiretoko National Park is the area designated by the Minister of the Environment based on the Natural
Parks Law that mainly aims to protect natural scenic beauty. Boundaries of the park and the park plan thatdefines the park’s regulation plan, etc., will be reviewed periodically based on scientific knowledge and inlight of social changes. At the opportunity of reviewing the park plan, changes in the national park
management plan that stipulates the handling of permit approvals, etc., will be considered by a review
committee that will be held as needed and made up of academic experts and other relevant peoples.
○ Overview of Shiretoko National Park
Covering the northern half of the Shiretoko Peninsula that protrudes from the north-east edge of Hokkaido,
the park has outstanding and highly-primitive natural landscapes. A range of volcanic ridge mountains,
including Mt. Rausu (1661ｍ) which is the tallest, Mt. Iou (1563ｍ), and Mt. Shiretoko (1254ｍ), stretches
in a north-easterly direction, forms sea cliffs and water falls, and leads directly into the sea, resulting ininaccessible terrain.
Vegetation consists mainly of mixed forests with coniferous and broad leaf trees such as Sakhalin fir, Yezo
spruce, and Japanese oak, and covers a wide area at the base of the mountains. Around the ridge line,
Japanese stone pines range out together with communities of alpine plants, such as Rhododendron aureum
georgi, and Primula cuneifolia. Characteristic of the vegetation here are the alpine plants that occur at a
relatively low altitude and with a diverse vertical distribution in a small area, most of which remains in apristine state unaffected by human intervention.
Brown bears and sika deer live in the park, and the virgin forests are sanctuaries for endangered wildlife
species, including Blakiston’s fish-owls and white-tailed eagles. In winter, Steller sealions, seals, andSteller’s sea eagles, among others, come along with the sea ice.
The park is used mostly in excursions through which people visit Shiretoko-goko Lakes and other scenic
spots, using the Shiretoko Crossroad. However, observation of the magnificent mountain range, sea cliffs,
seabirds, and so on, from the sightseeing boats that cruise along the Shiretoko Cape and the Iwaobetsu
Coast is also popular. The number of visitors remains the same level in recent years at about 2.42 million(2006) annually, mostly from May to October.
[Representative visitor bases and destinations]
・Rausu hot spring facility complex
This is the only facility complex area in the park, and has a visitor center, accommodation, camping area,etc.
・Horobetsu area
This is where several facilities, including the Shiretoko Nature Center, are located, and they provide
information on the nature in Shiretoko, as well as nature interpretation activities.
・Shiretoko-goko Lakes
In this area, subsoil water from the Shiretoko mountain range forms pristine landscape of lakes andmarshes in Iwaobetsu’s lava plateau. The area also allows a scenic view of the Shiretoko mountain
range.

S-7

[Major events]
June 1, 1964:
February 4, 1980:
June 15, 1984:
December 1, 1990:
February 21, 1995:
August 20, 2003:
December 22, 2005:

Designation of Shiretoko National Park
Mt. Onnebetsu was excluded (It was designated as the Wilderness Area)
Overall review of the park area and of the park plan (reexamination))
Designation of vehicle restricted zones
Amendments to the park plan (1st review)
Amendments to the hiking trail plan
Changes of the park area(extension of the marine area)[Area by zone classification]
Park area (terrestrial area): 38,633ha−Special Zone: 38,633ha
・Special Protection Zone: 23,526ha (60.9%)
・Class Ⅰ: 3,822ha ( 9.9%)・Class Ⅱ: 3,249ha ( 8.4%)
・Class Ⅲ: 8,036ha (20.8%)−Ordinary Zone:
0ha
Park area (marine area):
22,353ha−Ordinary Zone:
22,353ha(Area by ownership (terrestrial area only))
Park area:
38,633ha−State-owned land:
36,215ha (93.7%)−Publicly-owned land:
758ha ( 2.0%)−Privately-owned land: 1,660ha ( 4.3%)(Administrative district- terrestrial area only)
Shari town, Shari-gun, Hokkaido:
23,011ha (59.6%)
Rausu town, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido:
15,622ha (40.4%)

S-8

○ Structure of the natural park system
The Natural Parks Law was promulgated on June 1, 1957 and put into effect on October 1 of the same year
in order to protect the places of natural scenic beauty while promoting their use for people’s health,recreation, and culture. (§1).
Natural parks include National Parks, Quasi-national Parks, and Prefectural Natural Parks*. Their structure
is as follows.
Designation of National/Quasi-national Park (§5, 6)
Park Plan (§7, 8)
Regulatory plan
Facility plan
Regulation forRegulation for
Facilities for
Facilities forprotection
utilization
protection
utilization

Designation of
special zone

Decision on park
projects

Ordinary zone(§26)

Maintaining landscape

Activity
regulations＊

Park projects (§9，10)
Activities are based on permission(Facilities for utilization)i) Roads, bridgesii) Open spaces, picnic sitesiii) Lodgings, shelter hutsiv) Rest facilities, observation facilities,
information boothv) Camp sites, athletic fields, swimming areas,skiing areas, skating parks, horse-back riding
facilitiesvi) Garages, parking lots, gas stations, etc.
vii) Transportation facilitiesviii) Water facilities, wastewater facilities,
medical/first aid facilities, public baths, public
toilets, etc.
ix) Museums, botanical gardens, zoos,
aquariums, natural history exhibition facilities(Facilities for protection)x) Vegetation restoration facilities, animal
breeding facilitiesxi) Erosion control facilities, fire control
facilitiesxii) Nature restoration facilities

Notification

Special zone

Zoning and protection (§13, 14)SpecialConservationofProtection original state
Zone
the
Class
Ⅰ Maintaining
current landscape as
Specialmuch as possible
Zone
Efforts of coordination
Class
Ⅱ
are
made
with
Specialagricultural, forestry
Zone
and fishery activities
Class
Ⅲ Ordinary agricultural,
forestry and fisherySpecialactivities are accepted
Zone
Marin
park Maintaining
marinezone (§24)
landscapeRegulated
utilization area(§15〜23)

Implementationof park projects

Management Plan
Prefectural natural park shall be defined by prefectural ordinances. (§59〜68)

S-9

○

Park Plan of the National Park
1． Objective of the park plan
A park plan aims to serve as a basic guideline for the appropriate management of the park by setting
policies to maintain the scenic beauty of the National Parks, as well as setting policies to develop thefacilities necessary for their use as park.
2． Composition of a park plan
A park plan consists of regulatory plans [a plan concerning regulations for protection (regulatory planfor protection) and a plan concerning regulations for use (regulatory plan for utilization)] and facility
plans [a plan concerning facilities for protection (facility plan for protection) and a plan concerningfacilities for use (facility plan for utilization)].
3． Points of concern when developing a park plan
When developing a park plan, attention is paid to consistency in the protection of the park andappropriate use, and full consideration is given to the latest information available, such as the National
Survey on the Natural Environment and various scientific surveys, as well as a variety of otherinformation, such as the cultural and social background of the region and the actual state of park
utilization.
4． Review of a park plan
A park plan is reviewed approximately every 5 years.
Points of concern when reviewing a plan are as follows (excerpt):
Regulatory plan： Revisions shall be made to maintain its suitability regarding the quality of the naturallandscape through the reassessment of landscape quality in each section in the area basedon materials such as scientific survey reports and recent changes in social conditions.
Facility plan： In order to ensure opportunities for appropriate park use that correspond to the qualityof the natural landscape while working to conserve the natural environment and from theviewpoint of promoting high-quality and sustainable use, the facility plan shall be
reviewed based on changes in social situations and with consideration for the actual stateof park utilization, impact on the scenic beauty, etc. This review shall also include theexamination of the need for, and feasibility of, the projects based on the existing facility
plan.
When amending a park plan, the Ministry of the Environment shall create a preliminary draft, whichshall be developed into a draft by the Ministry of the Environment through obtaining public comments
after coordination with the pertinent organizations, such as relevant local governments. The final
decision shall be made upon consultation with the relevant ministries, agencies, etc.

○

Review of the “park area”
Review work shall be conducted approximately every 5 years.
Points of concern when reviewing area are as follows (excerpt):
Changes shall be considered in cases such as when an area has been being considered for inclusion in
the park area, or when a scientific survey report or some other relevant documents found that a certain
area needs to be incorporated into the park area.

○

National Park Management Plan
1． Objectives of the National Park Management Plan
The National Park Management Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “management plan”) is drawn up
with the aim of ensuring that the reinforcement of the national park management operations are
tailored to the actual conditions of the region and to promote the proper protection and use of

S-10

National Parks.
2． Content of a management plan
(1) Overview of the National Park or management zone
(2) Basic management policy(3) Matters concerning the conservation of scenic beauty and the natural environment(4) Matters concerning the promotion of the appropriate utilization of the park(5) Matters concerning park projects and the handling of permission for activities, etc.
(6) Other matters necessary to accomplish the objectives of the management plan
3． The establishment of a management plan review committee and the holding of a management plan
liaison meeting
For the development of a management plan, a National Park management plan review committee
shall be formed as needed and will consist of academic experts in the field of natural environment
conservation, etc. In addition, a National Park management plan liaison meeting is held as needed inorder to promote and coordinate the management plans.
4． Operation of a management plan
A National Park’s administrative work, such as permission for activities is conducted based on the
management plan.
5． Amendments to a management plan
Basically, a management plan is amended at the same time as the park plan is reviewed, but partialchanges are made as needed.

S-11

○Applicable laws and regulations
NATURAL PARKS LAW (Extract)
Law No. 161 of June 1, 1957
Last amended by Law No. 50 of June 2, 2006.
(Purpose)
Article 1 This Law shall aim at the protection of the places of natural scenic beauty and also, through the promoted utilization
thereof, at the contribution to the health, recreation and culture of the people.
(Responsibility of the State etc.)
Article 3 In accordance with the basic intent of environmental conservation prescribed in Articles 3 to 5 of the Basic
Environmental Law (Law No. 91 of 1993), the State, local public bodies, park workers and visitors of the natural parks shallmake effort respectively to protect the natural scenic beauty and promote appropriate utilization.
2. In light of the fact that the protection of fauna and flora in the natural parks is significant for conserving the scenic beautyof the natural parks, the State and local public bodies shall take measures for conserving the scenic beauty of the natural parks
with the aim to ensure the diversity in the ecosystem and creature in the natural parks.
(Special Zone)
Article 13 The Minister of the Environment, in regard to the National Park and the governor of the prefecture concerned, inregard to the Quasi-national Park, may, for the purpose of preserving scenic beauty of the Park concerned, designate theSpecial Zone within its boundary (excluding sea areas) in accordance with the Park Plan.
3. Within the Special Zone (with the exception of the Special Protection Zone; hereinafter the same in this article), theactivities coming under any of the following items shall not be carried out without the permission of the Minister of theEnvironment in case of the National Park and that of the governor of the prefecture in case of the Quasi-national Park;
provided that the activity, that has already been under way at the time of the designation of the Special Zone concerned or the
expansion of its boundary, (except the work mentioned in item 5 below), or the activity mentioned in item 5, that has alreadybeen under way at the time of the designation of the lakes, marshes or swamps prescribed in the same item, or the activity
mentioned in item 7, that has already been under way at the time of the designation of the materials prescribed in the same
item, or the activity carried out as the emergency measure in case of disaster shall be excepted from this provision.
(1) Constructing, reconstructing or extending structures.
(2) Felling trees and bamboos.
(3) Mining minerals or extracting soil and stones.
(4) Causing increase or decrease of the water-level or quantity of water of rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps and wetlandsetc.
(5) Discharging polluted or waste water through the sewage disposal facilities into the lakes, marshes or swamps andwetlands designated by the Minister of the Environment or within a distance of one kilometer from there discharging
the same through the sewage disposal facilities into the water running into the designated lakes marshes or swamps
and wetlands etc.
(6) Putting up or setting up advertisements or those similar to them, or showing of advertisements or those similar tothem on the structures and the like.
(7) Accumulating or storing soil and stones or other materials designated by the Minister of the Environment in the open
air.
(8) Reclaiming the surface of water or reclaiming by drainage.
(9) Clearing land or changing the feature of land.
(10) Collecting or damaging alpine plants or other plants designated by the Minister of the Environment.
(11) Capturing or killing or wounding animals in mountains, or animals designated by the Minister of the Environment(hereinafter, the "Designated Animals" in this item), or collecting or damaging eggs of the Designated Animals.
(12) Altering the colors of roofs, surface of walls, fences and walls, bridges, steel towers, water-pipes or those similar tothem.
(13) Entering into wetlands or similar areas designated by the Minister of the Environment during the period designatedaccording to such areas.
(14) Using horses, vehicles or power-driven vessels, or landing of airplanes in areas designated by the Minister of theEnvironment other than roads, plazas, paddies, fields, pastures or housing lots.
(15) Any activity other than those mentioned in the preceding items which may affect the scenic beautyof the Special Zone and is prescribed by the Cabinet Order.
4. Neither the Minister of the Environment nor the governor of the prefecture concerned shall grant the permission prescribedin the preceding paragraph if any activity mentioned in the items of the preceding paragraph fails to comply with the standards
prescribed by the environmental ministerial ordinance.
8. One, who intends to plant trees and bamboos or pasture livestock within the Special Zone, shall previously notify the
Minister of the Environment in the case of the National Park or the governor of the prefecture concerned in the case of the
Quasi-national Park to that effect.
(Special Protection Zone)
Article 14 1.The Minister of the Environment, in regard to the National Park and the governor of the prefecture concerned, inregard to the Quasi-national Park, when specially necessary for the preservation of the landscapes of the Park, may designate
the Special Protection Zone within the Special Zone in accordance with the Park Plan.
3. Within the Special Protection Zone the following activities shall not be carried out without the permission of the Ministerof the Environment in the case of the National Park and without that of the governor of the prefecture concerned in the case of

S-12

the Quasi-national Park; provided that the activity, that has already been under way at the time of the designation of theSpecial Protection Zone concerned or the expansion of its boundary, (except the activity mentioned in item 5 or paragraph 3of the preceding article), or the activity mentioned in item 5, that has already been under way at the time of the designation of
the lakes, marshes or swamps and wetlands prescribed in the same item, or the activity carried out as the emergency measure
in case of disaster shall be excepted from this provision.
(1) Any Activity mentioned in the items 1 to 6, 8, 9, 12 and 13 of paragraph 3 of the preceding article.
(2) Damaging trees and bamboos.
(3) Planting trees and bamboos.
(4) Pasturing livestock.
(5) Accumulating or storing things in the open air.
(6) Setting fire or making fire.
(7) Collecting or damaging plants other than trees and bamboos, or collecting fallen leaves or fallen branches.
(8) Capturing, killing or wounding animals, or collecting or damaging their eggs.
(9) Using horses, vehicles or power-driven vessels, or landing airplanes in areas other than roads or plazas.
(10) Any activity other than those mentioned in the preceding items which may affect the landscapes of the Special
Protection Zone and is prescribed by the Cabinet Order.
4. Neither the Minister of the Environment nor the governor of the prefecture concerned shall grant the permission prescribedin the preceding paragraph if any activity mentioned in the items of the preceding paragraph fails to comply with the standards
prescribed by the environmental ministerial ordinance.
(Ordinary Zone)
Article 26 One, who intends to undertake the activities coming under any of the following items within National or
Quasi-national Parks other than Special Zones .or Marine Park Areas (hereinafter referred to as "Ordinary Zone") shall notify
the Minister of the Environment in the case of National Parks or the governor of the prefecture concerned in the case of
Quasi-national Parks of the matters prescribed by the environmental ministerial ordinance such as activity type, place,
implementation method and scheduled date of commencement; provided that the activities mentioned in items 1, 3, 5 and 7
which are necessary for fishery operations such as setting up fishing gear shall be excepted from this provision.
(1) Constructing, reconstructing or extending structures, whose scales are beyond the standards prescribed by theenvironmental ministerial ordinance (including reconstructing or extending in the case that the scale thereof is to be
beyond the standards prescribed by the environmental ministerial ordinance after the completion of the reconstruction
or extension concerned).
(2) Causing increase or decrease of the water-levels or quantities of the rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps and wetlands
within the Special Zone.
(3) Putting up or setting up advertisements or those similar to them, or showing advertisements or those similar to themon the structures and the like.
(4) Reclaiming the surface of the sea or reclaiming by drainage.
(5) Mining minerals or extracting soil and stones within one kilometer of the Marine Park Area.
(6) Changing the feature of the land.
(7) Changing the feature of the seabed within one kilometer of the Marine Park Area.
2. The Minister of the Environment, in regard to the National Park and the governor of the prefecture, in regard to the
Quasi-national Parks, may, for the purpose of preserving landscape of the Park concerned give orders, to the one who intends
to undertake or has undertaken the activity mentioned in any of the items of the preceding paragraph in the Ordinary Zone, toprohibit or restrict such activity or to take necessary measure, within the limits necessary for the protection of the landscapes
thereof.

S-13

(3) Drifting and Washed-up Debris
There is a growing concern regarding the deterioration of the coastal function, environment, and scenic
beauty including the ecosystem, as well as threats to the safe navigation of ocean vessels and damage tothe fishing industry due to drifting/washed up debris, including those from foreign sources. In order toaddress this issue, the Ministry of the Environment has taken the lead in setting up an “Liaison Meeting of
Ministries and Agencies Concerned on Drifting and Washed-up Debris” in 2000 for the purpose of
information exchange.
However, effective countermeasures have not been taken due to the difficulty of source measures thatinvolve relations with other countries, a large number of departments and agencies concerned, etc.
Therefore, beyond information exchange, the “Council of Ministries and Agencies Concerned on Driftingand Washed-up Debris Countermeasures (hereinafter referred to as the “Countermeasures Council”) was
newly established with the aim of exploring effective countermeasures. The council discussed source
measures, including international correspondence, and summarized immediate measures against
drifting/washed up debris in March 2007.
○ On the Council of Ministries and Agencies Concerned on Drifting and Washed-up Debris
Countermeasures (March 2007)
1．Development
The Countermeasures Council was held four times by the end of 2006 and conducted activities such ascompiling a 2007 budget on drifting/washed up debris, carrying out a questionnaire survey on the efforts oflocal governments, and holding meetings for the exchange of information on efforts being made by thenational and local governments.
Among measures compiled by the Countermeasures Council to be implemented by individual ministries in
2007and beyond, those for understanding the situation, source measures including internationalcorrespondence, and measures for the areas with serious damage were chosen for new budget allocation,
expansion of the existing measures, etc. Further advancement is expected from the effective
implementation of these measures. However, there are still issues to be solved.
2． Current situation of drifting/washed up debris
・ Estimated volume of the debris washed up on the domestic coasts: about 150 thousand tons/year(Estimated by the Northwest Pacific Region Environmental Cooperation Center based on thesurvey results on drifting/washed up debris from 2000 to 2005)
・ Debris believed to be from foreign countries (2005 survey by the Northwest Pacific Region
Environmental Cooperation Center)
National average: 6% by weight and 2% by quantity
3． Promotion of national efforts to address drifting/washed up debris(1) Basic government policy for handling drifting/washed up debris and the responsibilities of the parties
involved
The national government needs to advance measures against drifting/washed up debris including:“understanding the situation”, “source measures including international correspondence” and “measures
for areas with serious damage”. For the efficient implementation of these measures, it is essential for the

S-14

relevant ministries and agencies to work in close coordination.
The most effective immediate measure to take against issues such as the disposal of drifting/washed up
debris is to promote the building of a framework to allow mutual cooperation among the parties involved
to move toward a solution that is truly required in the field. Under this framework, it is necessary to further
deepen the exploration of a smooth implementation of treatment of drifting/washed up debris while
avoiding the confusion for the local governments that actually handle treatment in the field.
In addition, consideration for the expansion of necessary measures is required, while taking into
consideration the actual situation, the effects of various measures, etc.
(2) Immediate measures in 2007 and beyond［Understanding the situation］
Visual observation of drifting marine debris around Japan, washed up debris classification
surveys by citizens, development of prediction models, etc. will be implemented.
［Source measures including international correspondence］
Measures shall be taken, including surveillance by river management authorities, to prevent
waste that was dumped into rivers, etc., from flowing out into marine areas. The relevant ministries
and agencies shall conduct the collection of wastes and oil drifting on the surface of seawater, theresearch and development of predictive technology, the development/promotion of fishery material
recycling technology, the removal of sediments on fishing grounds, the promotion of controls on
the littering of container and packaging waste, etc. Policy dialog among the nations involved, active
participation in related international projects, etc., will also be promoted.
［Measures for areas with serious damage］
The national government will subsidize coast management authorities who conduct emergency
treatment on large amounts of drifted waste that cause a functional inhibition to a coast
conservation facility, and also subsidize municipalities who handle waste that has drifted ashore inlarge amounts outside of a coastal conservation zone, etc. The government also supports beach
beautification activities by providing, through private groups, the materials, necessary for thecleanup conducted by fishery operators, citizens' group, etc. Furthermore, under “the program tosupport local governments that are working hard”, it will support local governments that work on
environmental conservation activities related to drifting/washed up debris.
In order to explore reduction measures adequate for individual beaches and their waste situation,model beaches shall be selected to study source measures, efficient and effective treatment/cleanup
methods, etc., of washed up waste, promotion of cooperation among the parties involved including
NGOs, and effective measures such as beach cleanup and public awareness. In addition, policies on
dangerous objects, such as medical wastes and signal flares, that are washed ashore shall be
formulated for adequate management to always ensure the safe use of the coasts. When a large
volume of waste that is likely to have come from a single source is identified, investigation shall be
conducted in cooperation with the relevant local governments to identify the source and cause,
including the situation of coming ashore, looking into the possibility of it being either incidental or
accidental.
Technology to treat washed up wastes will be developed, including technology to incinerate saline
waste.

S-15

4． Future tasks
・It is necessary to steadily implement measures against drifting/washed up debris, as well as follow
up on the state and results of the implementation.
・It is necessary to reinforce cooperation among the parties involved, such as the national/local
governments, private groups, and researchers.
・Establishment of a system for the complete treatment, etc., of drifting/washed up debris, such as thedevelopment of a support system, including responsibility for the source, under role sharing
between the national and local governments is required after studying various indications ondrifting/washed up debris.
・As a source measure, it is necessary to conduct surveys in cooperation with the related government
ministries and agencies. Information provision is also required to provide and disseminate
information for public awareness in order to prevent individual citizens from becoming a source ofdrifting/washed up debris.
＜Members of the Council of Ministries and Agencies Concerned with Drifting and Washed-up Debris
Countermeasures: as of February 2007＞
Tadashi Harada:
Director-General for Policy Planning (Okinawa Affairs), Cabinet OfficeNobuyasu Kubo:
Director-General for Policy Coordination, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications
Koji Tsuruoka:
Director-General for Global Issues, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministryof Foreign Affairs
Akira Nakamae:
Deputy Director-General, Fisheries Agency
Yasutoshi Kojima:
Director-General of the Industrial Science and Technology Policy andEnvironment Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Takeshi Kadomatsu:
Director-General of the River Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure andTransport
Narikuni Nakao:
Director-General of the Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport
Mikio Kageyama:
Deputy Director-General of the Meteorological Agency
Mikio Ishibashi:
Director-General of the Guard & Rescue Department, Japan Coast Guard
Hideto Yoshida:
Director-General, Waste Management and Recycling Department, Minister’s
Secretariat, Ministry of the Environment
Hideki Minamikawa: Director-General, Global Environment Bureau, Ministry of the Environment
Tadashi Ohmae:
Director-General, Office for the Promotion of Special Zones for Structural
Reform, Cabinet Secretariat

S-16

2 Indicator species
Red List Category· IUCN Red List Category
Red list Category
for Ministry ofEnvironment
Extinct
Extinct in the
Wild

IUCN Red list Category
Evaluated

Adequated data

Extinct
Extinct in theWild
CriticallyEndangered
Endangered

Threatened

Threatened I A
Threatened I B

Vulnerable
Lower Risk

Threatened II
Conservation
Dependent
Near Threatened
Least Concern

Data Deficient
Not EvaluatedExtinct

A taxon considered to have become extinct.

Extinct in the Wild

A taxon known only to survive in captivity or cultivation.

Threatened I(CR + EN)

A taxon facing risk of extinction.
A taxon facing difficulty surviving in the wild if the factors that havebrought about its current situation continue.
Threatened I A
A taxon facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the
Critically Endangered (CR) immediate future.
Threatened I B
A taxon facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future but
Endangered (EN)not critically endangered.
Threatened II
A taxon with an increasing risk of extinction.
Vulnerable (VU)
A taxon that will be transferred to the Threatened I category in the near
future if the factors that have brought about its current situation continue.
Near Threatened (NT)A taxon facing difficulty in maintaining a viable population.
A taxon with a low risk of extinction but likely to be classified as
Threatened and transferred to a higher rank if a change in its habitat
conditions takes place.
Data Deficient (DD)A taxon with inadequate information to make an assessment of its risk ofextinction.
*The latest category was adopted by IUCN Council in 1994. The new system came into use in 1996.
(Extracted from website of Japan Committee for IUCN)

S-17

· MOE Red List Category■ Category definition
Category and basic concept Qualitative criteria
A taxon known to inhabit Japan in the past now
Extinct (EX)considered to have become extinct in Japan
A taxon considered to have including in captivity or cultivation.
become extinct in Japan(Note1).
Extinct in the Wild (EW) A taxon known to inhabit Japan in the past now
known only to survive in captivity or cultivation
A taxon known only toand considered to have become extinct in thesurvive in captivity or
wild in Japan.
cultivation.
(Reliable information)
1. Extinction in the wild has been confirmed byreliable surveys and records.
2. Inhabitation could not be confirmed by anumber of reliable surveys.
(Insufficient information)
3. A shortage of reliable information on
inhabitation over the past fifty years.
Threatened I (CR + A taxon that meets any of the Threatened I A
following criteria.
EN)
CriticallyEndangered
A taxon facing risk of(Reliable information)(CR)
extinction.
1. The entire known
population of a taxon has
A taxon facing
A taxon facing
decreased to critical levels. an extremely
difficulty surviving in 2. The habitat conditions of all high risk of
the wild if the factors
known habitats of a taxon
extinction in thethat have brought
have significantly
wild in thedeteriorated.
immediate
T about its current
3. The entire known
future.
H situation continue.
population of a taxon isR
exposed to capture orE
removal pressures thatA
outweigh its reproductionTcapabilities.
E
4. The intrusion of a differentN
species in almost all areasDof occupancy that bears therisk of hybridization withthe taxon.

Quantitative criteria

Threatened I A (CR)
A. Reduction in population size based on any of
the following:
1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected
population size reduction of ≥ 90% over thelast 10 years or three generations, whicheveris the longer, where the causes of the
reduction are clearly reversible andunderstood and ceased.
2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected
population size reduction of ≥ 80% over thelast 10 years or three generations, whicheveris the longer, where the reduction or its causes
may not have ceased or may not be
understood or may not be reversible.
3. A population size reduction of ≥ 80%,
projected to be met within the next 10 years or
three generations, whichever is the longer.
4. An estimated population size reduction of ≥80% over any 10 year or three generation
period, whichever is the longer, where thetime period must include both the past and thefuture, and where the causes may not haveceased or may not be understood or may not(Insufficient information
be reversible.
5. Due to no reliable
B. Extent of occurrence estimated to be less thaninformation following
100 km2 or area of occupancy estimated to be
inhabitation records fromless than 10 km2, and estimates indicating at
the not so distant past
least two of the following:(30-50 years) and no
1. Severely fragmented or known to exist at only
reliable surveys beinga single location.
conducted since then,
2. Continuing decline projected to be met in thewhether or not the taxon isextent of occurrence, area of occupancy,
extinct or not is a difficult
number of mature individuals, etc.
assessment.
3. Extreme decline in the extent of occurrence,area of occupancy, number of matureindividuals, etc.
(Note1) Taxon: For animals, either a species or subspecies. For plants, either a species, subspecies or variant species.
(Note2) The last ten years or three generations: The last ten years is to be used when the length of three generations isunder ten years. The length of three generations is to be used when it ismore than ten years in total.

S-18

Category and basic concept Qualitative criteria

Threatened I BEndangered (EN)A taxon facing ahigh risk ofextinction in thewild in the near
future but notcriticallyendangered.

S-19

Quantitative criteria
C. Population size estimated to number fewer
than 250 mature individuals and either:
1. An estimated continuing decline of ≥ 25%
over within three years or one generation,
whichever is longer.
2. A continuing decline, observed, or projected,
inferred, in numbers of mature individuals
and at least one of the following:(a) Population structure in the form of one of thefollowing:i) no subpopulation estimated to contain morethan 50 mature individuals.
ii) at least 90% of mature individuals in one
subpopulation.
(b) Extreme decline in number of matureindividuals.
D. Population size estimated to number fewer
than 50 mature individuals.
E. Quantitative analysis showing the probabilityof extinction in the wild is at least 50%
within 10 years or three generations,whichever is the longer.
Threatened I B Endangered (EN)A. Reduction in population size based on any of
the following:
1. An estimated population size reduction of ≥70% over the last 10 years or three
generations, whichever is the longer, where
the causes of the reduction are ceased andunderstood and clearly reversible.
2. An estimated population size reduction of ≥50% over the last 10 years or three
generations, whichever is the longer, where its
causes may not have ceased or may not be
understood or may not be reversible.
3. A population size reduction of ≥ 50%,
projected to be met within the next 10 years or
three generations, whichever is the longer.
4. An estimated population size reduction of ≥50% over any 10 year or three generation
period, whichever is longer, where the time
period must include both the past and thefuture, and where its causes may not haveceased or may not be understood or may not
be reversible.
B. Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than
5,000 km2 or area of occupancy estimated tobe less than 500 km2, and estimates indicating
at least two of the following:
1. Severely fragmented or known to exist at no
more than five locations.
2. Continuing decline projected to be met in theextent of occurrence, area of occupancy,
number of mature individuals, etc.
3. Extreme decline in the extent of occurrence,area of occupancy, number of matureindividuals, etc.
C. Population size estimated to number fewer
than 2,500 mature individuals and either:
1. An estimated continuing decline of ≥ 20%
over within five years or two generations,whichever is longer.
2. A continuing decline, observed, or projected,

Category and basic concept Qualitative criteria

Quantitative criteria
inferred, in numbers of mature individuals andat least one of the following:(a) Population structure in the form of one of thefollowing:i) no subpopulation estimated to contain morethan 250 mature individuals.
ii) at least 95% of mature individuals in one
subpopulation.
(b) Extreme decline in number of matureindividuals.
D. Population size estimated to number fewer
than 250 mature individuals.
E. Quantitative analysis showing the probabilityof extinction in the wild is at least 20%
within 20 years or five generations,whichever is the longer.
A taxon that meets any of the following criteria. Threatened II (VU)
Threatened II(Reliable information)
A. Reduction in population size based on any ofVulnerable (VU)
1. A large part of the population of a taxon has
the following:
A taxon with ansignificantly decreased.
1. An estimated population size reduction of ≥increasing risk of
2. The habitat conditions of a large part of the
50% over the last 10 years or three
extinction.
habitat of a taxon have significantly
generations, whichever is the longer, where
deteriorated.
the causes of the reduction are ceased andA taxon that will be
3. A large part of the population of a taxon isunderstood and clearly reversible.
transferred to the
exposed to capture or removal pressures that
2. An estimated population size reduction of ≥Threatened I category
outweigh its reproduction capabilities.
30% over the last 10 years or three
in the near future if
4. The intrusion of a different species in a
generations, whichever is the longer, where its
the factors that haveconsiderable area of occupancy that is capable ofcauses may not have ceased or may not be
brought about its
hybridization with a taxon.
understood or may not be reversible.
current situation
3. A population size reduction of ≥ 30%,
continue.
projected to be met within the next 10 years or
three generations, whichever is the longer.
4. An estimated population size reduction of ≥30% over any 10 year or three generation
period, whichever is longer, where the time
period must include both the past and thefuture, and where its causes may not haveceased or may not be understood or may not
be reversible.
B. Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than
20,000 km2 or area of occupancy estimated tobe less than 2,000 km2, and estimatesindicating at least two of the following:
1. Severely fragmented or known to exist at no
more than 10 locations.
2. Continuing decline projected to be met in theextent of occurrence, area of occupancy,
number of mature individuals, etc.
3. Extreme decline in the extent of occurrence,area of occupancy, number of matureindividuals, etc.
C. Population size estimated to number fewer
than 10,000 mature individuals and either:
1. An estimated continuing decline of ≥ 10%
over within 10 years or three generations,whichever is longer.
2. A continuing decline, observed, or projected,
inferred, in numbers of mature individuals andat least one of the following:(a) Population structure in the form of one of thefollowing:i) no subpopulation estimated to contain morethan 1,000 mature individuals.

S-20

Category and basic concept Qualitative criteria

Near Threatened (NT)

Quantitative criteriaii) all mature individuals are in one
subpopulation(b) Extreme decline in number of matureindividuals.
D. Population very small and population size
estimated to number fewer than 1,000 matureindividuals or population with a very
restricted area of occupancy or number oflocations
E. Quantitative analysis showing the probabilityof extinction in the wild is at least 10% within
100 years.

A taxon that meets any of the following criteria.

A taxon facing difficulty in Where it has been estimated that pressures on themaintaining a viablesurvival of a taxon continue to increase
population.
considering the changes in its habitat. Morespecifically, when either of the following has
A taxon with a low risk of significantly occurred, or will continue to occur
extinction but likely to be in an area of occupancy of the taxon.
classified as Threateneda) decreasing populationand transferred to a higher b) deteriorating habitat conditions
rank if a change in itsc) exposed to excessive capturing and removal
habitat conditions takes
pressures
place.
d) invasion of different species capable ofhybridization
A taxon that meets any of the following criteria.
Data Deficient (DD)A taxon with inadequate
information to make anassessment of its risk ofextinction.

A taxon with the following specific attributes,
making it likely to be transferred to theThreatened category if a change in its
environment takes place, however, anassessment of its rank cannot be made due toinadequate information.
a) population density is low and scarce in any
habitatb) habitat is localizedc) bio-geographically isolated distribution
characteristics (endemic species with a very
limited area of occupancy, etc)d) partial or whole life history requires special
environmental conditions●Appendix
Category and basic concept Qualitative criteria
Quantitative criteria
A local population of a taxon that meets any of
Threatened Local
the following criteria.
Population (LP)
1. A local population of a taxon deemed
A taxon facing a high risk necessary for assessment from its habitat andof extinction in a locallyacademic value and in accordance with species
isolated population.
listed in the Red Data Book, while its populationin an isolated habitat has been assessed to befacing an increased risk of extinction from a
regional perspective.
2. A local population of a taxon with regional
type attributes deemed to be significant from abio-geographical point of view and assessed to
be facing an increased risk of extinction.

S-21

(1) Salmonids
Salmonids are managed and used as marine living resources based on the fishery related laws, including
the Fisheries Law.
Within the heritage site, salmonid angling in sea and inland water is restricted mainly for the purposes ofprotecting fisheries resources. The impacts of constructions installed in rivers on salmonids have beenassessed within the site, and the structures of the constructions have been improved when necessary.
Set net fishing of salmonids is one of the major fisheries in the region. Hatchery programs of chum andpink salmon are being conducted in some rivers.
Outline of salmonids resource protection measures in the heritage site
Salmonids are protected as a resource under the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries Resources Protection
Law, as well as the Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido and the Regulation of Inland
Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido that was established based on those laws. Inland, the fishing of
salmonids, excluding juvenile masu salmon, is prohibited year round, while the angling of masu salmon
is prohibited at their seaward migration. In the sea, the fishing of juvenile salmonids is prohibited.
In the heritage site, the resources are protected under these fishery-related laws, and salmonids cancontinue to run upstream.
Among the 44 rivers that flow through the heritage site, 14 rivers have 123 river artificial constructions
in total. The structures of these constructions are being improved according to need, based on the resultof impact assessment on salmonids.

Inland［Major salmonid resource protection measures in the heritage site］
Salmonids
Description
Governing laws and regulations
Pacific salmon(excluding juvenile
masu salmon)

Year-round prohibition on ・Article 25 of Fisheries Resources Protection
angling and other
Law (Salmon)
protective measures
・Article 22 of Regulation of Inland Fisheries
Adjustment in Hokkaido (Salmon)
Juvenile Masu salmon Prohibition on fishing for ・Article 22 of the Regulation of Inland
the period of May1 - June
Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido
30
Pacific salmon

Sea○

Fishing prohibition on fish ・Article 35 of the Regulation of Sea Fisheries
smaller than 20 cm in total
Adjustment in Hokkaido
length［Progress of assessment and improvement of river constructions in the heritage site］
・Number of river artificial constructions: 123 in 14 rivers
・Assessment of impacts on salmonids in FY2005: 56 constructions in 6 rivers

S-22

△ 10 constructions in 3 rivers were assessed as needing consideration for improvement.

Three of them were improved in FY2006.
・Assessment of impacts on salmonids in FY2006: 42 constructions in 7 rivers△ It was found that the consideration for improvements were reasonable for 3 constructionsin 2 rivers.
○

Outline of the fisheries of salmonids
Basic use of salmonids resources is through set net fishing in the sea based on the Fisheries Law, etc.
Fisheries of salmonids in the heritage site include the “salmon set net fishery” and the “salmon set net
fishery” that are operated with a license of set net fishery rights issued by the Governor of Hokkaido andthe “small-scale salmon set net fishery” operated with the approval of a fishery cooperative that has alicense of common fishery rights. They constitute the major fisheries in the region.
Catch data of salmonids are utilized for understanding the amount of fish came back, ensuring sufficient
adults to carry out the hatchery program, and so on.
［Fisheries of salmonids in the heritage site］
Type of fisheryOperation period
Salmon set net fishery
September to December
Salmon set net fishery
September

Small-scale salmon set net July and August
fishery

Remarks
Set net fishery right・ Operation of a set net fishery requires alicense of fishery right issued by the Governorof Hokkaido
Common fishery right・ Operation of a small-scale salmon set net fisheryrequires the approval of a fishery cooperative
based on a common fishery right licensed by
the Governor of Hokkaido.

［Prohibition on fisheries of salmonids］
Description
Governing laws and regulations
Year-round prohibition on the purse seine fishing, the fixed ・ Article 36 of Regulation of Sea
gill net fishing of salmonids, and so on.
Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido○ Outline of salmon hatchery programs in the heritage site
Public-interest corporation use some of the rivers and the sea in the heritage site for hatchery programsof chum and pink salmon. Adult salmon for artificial reproduction are captured in 3 of the 44 rivers in
the region, while their fry are released into 6 rivers.
Hatchery programs are carried out based on the salmon breeding and release plan drawn up by Hokkaido
Prefecture. Every year, the return of chum and pink salmon is monitored. These monitoring data areused for the development of a breeding and release plan. When the number of adult fish for reproduction
is expected to be low from these data, fishers autonomously restrict their fishing operations in order tosecure parent fish.

S-23

［Rivers used for hatchery programs in the heritage site］
Sea (Bunkichi-wan)

Item

Number ofriversRivers in the heritage
site
Riversusedforhatchery programs● Capture ofadult

44 rivers

Remarks

Rusha riverSea (Moireusi)

Iwaobetsu river

6 rivers
3 rivers

・Chum salmon：2 rivers
・Pink salmon：3 rivers

Rusa river
Mosekarubetsu
river
Sashirui river□ Release offry

6 rivers

・Chum salmon：5 rivers
・Pink salmon：5 rivers

Other than the above, hatchery programs are conducted in the sea at 2 locations.

［Prohibition on capture and fishing near estuaries］
Description
Governing laws andregulations○Prohibition on capture and ・ Article 42 and Article
fishing near estuaries
42.2 of the Regulationof
Sea
Fisheries
Adjustment in Hokkaido＊Prohibited fishery：Small-scale set net fishery,
Bottom gill net fishery,
Fixed gill net fishery, etc.

S-24

Rausu river●□

LegendCaptureofparent fish
Fry release
Sea hatchery○Applicable laws and regulations

Fisheries Basic Act (Extract)
Act No.89 of June 29, 2001.
Last Amended by Law No. 89 of July 29, 2005.
Article 2 (Maintenance of Stable Supply of Marine Products)
2. Propagation and aquaculture of aquatic plants and animals shall, in view of living aquatic resources being a componentof ecosystem and limited, be promoted to secure its sustainable utilization by adequate preservation and management ofliving aquatic resources and harmony with the environment aiming at the correct implementation of United Nations
Convention on the Act of the Sea.
Article 16 (promotion of propagation and Aquaculture of Aquatic Plants and Animals) The State shall takemeasures such as promotion of production and release of seedlings of aquatic animals, improvement of aquafarms andothers necessary to promote the propagation and aquaculture of aquatic plants and animals in harmony with environment.
Article 17 (Conservation and Improvement of Growing Environment for Aquatic Plants and Animals)
The Stateshall take measures such as conservation of water quality, protection and development of breeding grounds of aquaticplants and animals, conservation and developments of forests and others necessary to improve the conserve the growing
environment for aquatic plants and animals.

Basic Act on Ocean Policy (Extract)
Act No. 33 of April 27, 2007
(Purpose)
Article 1 The purpose of this Act is, with regard to the oceans, to stipulate the basic principles, to clarify the
responsibilities of the State, the local governments, business operators and the citizens as well as to formulate the basic
plan with regard to the oceans and other basic matters with regard to the measures on the oceans, by establishing the
Headquarters for Ocean Policy in order to promote measures with regard to the oceans comprehensively andsystematically, through contributing to the sound development of the economy and society of our State and to improve thestability of the lives of citizenry as well as to contribute to the coexistence of the oceans and mankind, in consideration of
the fact that the oceans, occupying broad portion of the globe, are indispensable factors for maintaining the lives of theliving beings including mankind, and the fact that it is important to realize a new oceanic State in harmonization of thepeaceful and positive development and use of the oceans with the conservation of the marine environment, under theinternational cooperation, as our State surrounded by the oceans, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea and other international agreements as well as on the international efforts on the realization of the sustainable
development and use of the oceans.
(Harmonization of the Development and Use of the Oceans with the Conservation of Marine Environment)
Article 2 With regard to the oceans, in consideration of the fact that the development and use of the oceans are the basisof existence for the economy and society of our State, and that securing the marine biological diversity and conserving
other better marine environment are the basis of the existence of mankind and also indispensable for prosperous andaffluent lives of the citizenry, the positive development and use of the oceans shall be executed, aiming at allowing for thesustainable development and use of the oceans with conservation of marine environment in order to enjoy the benefit of
the oceans in the future.

S-25

Fisheries Resources Protection Law (Extract)
Law No.313 of December 17, 1951
Last amended by Law No.26 of March 31, 2006
(Protection of Passages for Anadromous Fishes)
Article 22 Each owner or occupant of a structure installed in any water providing passage for anadromous fishes shallmanage such structure in a manner that would not prevent anadromous fishes from swimming upstream.
2. Should any owner or occupant of such structure as set forth in the preceding paragraph be found by the Minister ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the prefectural governor to have failed to manage the structure in such manner as set
forth in the preceding paragraph, such Minister or governor may order such owner or occupant to manage the same inaccordance with the provisions of the said paragraph.
3. Should a prefectural governor give an order pursuant to the preceding paragraph, he/she shall notify the Minister ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries thereof without delay.
Article 23 The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may restrict or prohibit the construction of any structure ina defined area in water if he/she considers that such structure is likely to hinder the passage of anadromous fishes.
2. Should the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries intend to impose such restrictions as described within thepreceding paragraph, such restrictions may be replaced by an order to the person wishing to construct the structure toconstruct a passage for anadromous fishes or an alternative facility; or, should the construction of such passage oralternative facility be considered extremely difficult, to construct such facilities or take such measures as necessary for the
reproduction of anadromous fishes or other fishes in the water.
3. The person who received an order pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall, in accordance with the Ordinance of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, prepare a plan for the measures to be taken pursuant to such order andshall obtain the approval of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the plan.
Article 24 Should a structure be considered to hinder the passage of anadromous fishes, the Minister of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries may order the owner or occupant of such structure to conduct corrective engineering work toeliminate the hindrance.
2. Any order to conduct corrective work pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be given so that the total compensation
for such corrective work payable under the following paragraph would not exceed the amount of budget approved by the
National Diet.
3. Should an order to conduct corrective work be given under Paragraph 1 above, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries shall provide reasonable compensation to the right holder of the structure; provided, however, that nocompensation shall be provided to any person who is ordered to conduct corrective work under Paragraph 1 above due toviolation of an order given to such person under Article 22, Paragraph 2.
4. Should an order to conduct corrective work be given under Paragraph 1 above as a result of a petition filed by one ormore interested parties, the person(s) who filed such petition shall, in accordance with the provisions set forth by the
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, provide such compensation as set forth in the main text of the preceding
paragraph.
5. Any person who objects to the amount of compensation mentioned in the preceding two paragraphs may request, byinstituting a legal action, increase or decrease of such amount at any time during the first six months following the date on
which notice of such amount of compensation was received.
6. The national government shall serve as the defendant in the legal action mentioned in the preceding paragraph;provided, however, that in the case of Paragraph 4 above, the person who filed the relevant petition or the right holder ofthe relevant structure shall serve as such defendant.
7. Should an order be given to conduct corrective work with respect to a structure pursuant to Paragraph 1 above and if
such structure is subject to any lien, pledge or mortgage, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the person
who filed the relevant petition as mentioned in Paragraph 4 above shall deposit funds for such compensation as set forth inParagraph 3 or 4 above unless the holder of such lien, pledge or mortgage notifies waiver of such deposit.
8. Any such holder of lien, pledge or mortgage as mentioned in the preceding paragraph may exercise the holder’s rights
with respect to the funds for compensation deposited in accordance with the said paragraph.
(Prohibition of Inland Fishing of Salmon)
Article 25 Of the anadromous fishes, chum salmon shall not be fished in any inland waters as defined in Article 8,
Paragraph 3 of the Fisheries Law; provided, however, that this shall not apply to any inland fishing of salmon by any
person who has received a fishing license or has obtained permission of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
or of the relevant governor pursuant to the provisions of the Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries or the regulations enacted under Article 65, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries Law and Article 4 of this Law based onsuch license or permission.

S-26

Regulation of Inland Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido (Extract)(Period of Prohibition)
Article 22 The aquatic animals listed in the left column of the table below shall not be caught during the respective
periods shown in the corresponding parts of the right column of the said table.
Aquatic animal
Period of Prohibition
SalmonTrout (meaning masu salmon (excluding landlocked
All year roundmasu salmon set forth in the following paragraph),humpback salmon, red salmon, silver salmon andking salmon)
Landlocked masu salmon (meaning masu salmon Rivers within the jurisdictions of the Nemuro andduring the part of their life in which they remain in Abashiri Subprefectural Offices:
freshwater following hatching)
From May 1 to June 30
2. No eggs spawned by salmon or trout shall be collected.
3. No aquatic animals (including eggs or roes thereof), or product thereof, caught or collected in violation of theprovisions of the preceding two paragraphs shall be possessed or sold.
Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido (Extract)(Restriction or Prohibition by Body Length)
Article 35 Of the aquatic animals listed in the left column of the table below, no individual fishes whose length is thatshown in the corresponding part of the right column shall be caught; provided, however, that this shall not apply if suchindividual fishes are caught as juveniles for aquaculture based on a fishery right covering Type 1 Common Fishery orType 3 Demarcated Fishery or based on a common of piscary in connection with either of these types of fishery.
Name
Size
SalmonLess than 20 cm in total length
Trout
Less than 20 cm in total length
5. No aquatic animals, nor eggs or roes thereof, nor any product of any of these, caught or collected in violation of theprovisions of any of the preceding paragraphs of this Article, shall be possessed or sold.
(Period of Prohibition of Fishing)
Article 36 The fisheries listed in the left column of the table below shall not be conducted during the respective periods
shown in the corresponding parts of the right column; provided, however, that this shall not apply if any such fishery is
conducted based on a fishery right or a common of piscary or is conducted by a person with fishing license based onsuch license within the area specified in Table 2-2.
Name of Fishery
Period of Prohibition(1) Purse seine fishery of salmon and trout
All year round(2) Drift-net fishery of salmon and trout (except any such fishery thatinvolves the use of a powered fishing vessel)(3) Drift-net fishery of small salmon and trout (only if such fishery
From September 1 to
involves the use of a powered vessel less than 30 tons in gross tonnage) January 31 of the following
year(4) Fixed gill net fishery of salmon and trout
All year around(7) Small-scale set net fishery(8) Bottom gill net fishery
2. No salmon or trout, nor eggs or roes thereof, nor any product of any of these, caught in violation of the provisions of
the preceding paragraph (but only those relating to the fisheries listed in item 1 through 4) during the period from
September 1 of any year to January 31 of the following year shall be possessed or sold.

S-27

Fisheries Law (Excerpt)
Law No.267 of December 15, 1949
Last amended by Law No.93 of June 23, 2006
(Definition of Fishery Rights)
Article 6 For the purpose of this Law, “Fishery Rights” means the Set-Net Fishery Right, the Demarcated Fishery
Right and the Common Fishery Right.
2. “Set-Net Fishery Right”, “Demarcated Fishery Right” and “Common Fishery Right” mean the right to engage in set-net
fishery, the right to engage in demarcated fishery, and the right to engage in common fishery, respectively.
3. “Set-Net Fishery” means fishing which involves fixing of the fishing gear and:(1) in which the deepest part of the seabed area covered by the main net is at least 27 meters below the surface of thesea at the highest tide; and(2) which is conducted in Hokkaido mainly to catch salmon.
5. “Common Fishery” means any of the following modes of fishery conducted by sharing a certain area of water:(2) Type 2 Common Fishery: Fishing which involves laying of net fishing gear (including weirs) in such manner that
renders it immovable and which is not Set-Net Fishery or the mode of fishing specified in Item 5 below.
(Prohibition of Set-Net Fishery, etc. without Fishery Rights)
Article 9 No Set-Net Fishery or Demarcated Fishery shall be conducted without the corresponding fishery right orcommon of piscary.
(Fishing License)
Article 10 Each person who wishes to obtain fishing license shall apply for the same to the relevant prefectural governor
and receive from the same.

S-28

(2) Walleye pollock
Walleye pollock is managed and used as a marine living resource based on the fishery related laws,
including the Fisheries Law. Since 1997, an upper limit of catch (Total Allowable Catch: TAC) has been
set to control the volume of catch based on resource surveys, stock assessments, etc., conducted by thenational government through research institutions every year under the Act Concerning Conservation andManagement of Marine Life Resources that was established based on the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea.
In the waters surrounding Shiretoko, gill net and long line fishing of walleye pollock are conducted
offshore of Rausu town under the Governor of Hokkaido’s permission based on the Regulation of Sea
Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido that was established based on the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries
Resources Protection Law. They constitute the major fisheries in the region.
Regarding these fisheries, for the sustainable use ofmarine living resources, catch volume is controlled
based on the TAC set for each marine area, in
addition to the restriction on the number of ships
and type of fishing gear used and so on.
Furthermore, immature walleye pollock areprotected under an resource management agreement
on management of marine living resources signedby all fishery organizations in Hokkaido based on
the Marine Fishery Resources Development
Promotion Law. In the marine area offshore ofRausu town, to protect spawning fish, local fisheryoperators autonomously implemented restrictions
on period and area of fishing, and on the mesh sizeof gill nets, in consideration for their maturation
state.

［Major measures for management of marine living
resources in the waters surrounding Shiretoko］

Autonomous restriction area

Nemuro Strait
marine area with
TAC for walleye
pollock

The management of walleye pollock resources that migrate into the marine area of the heritage site issupported by measures based on the fishery-related laws and the autonomous efforts by fishery operatorsand organizations in the waters surrounding Shiretoko.
Information on catch of walleye pollock in the waters surrounding Shiretoko is utilized for stock
assessment and other studies.
Large Russian trawlers are identified operating in marine area offshore of Rausu town every year.

S-29

［Major measures concerning the management and use of walleye pollock in the heritage site］
Major management measures based on the Major management measures taken by fishery organizations
fishery-related laws
or fishers[The Law Concerning Conservation andManagement of Marine Life Resources]○Setting of Total Allowance Catch (TAC) andmanagement in the marine area of the Nemuro
Strait[Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in ○Autonomous management measures in the marine area
Hokkaido]
offshore of Rausu town
○Permission system for the fixed gill net fishing· Control of catch pressure through joint operationand the long line fishing of walleye pollock insystem, restriction of mesh size, use of small-sized gill
the marine area of the Nemuro Straits andnets, setting of prohibited fishing area or season, etc.
offshore of the Abashiri district· Restriction on the number and tonnage ofships, the operation period permitted,
restriction on the mesh size of gill nets, etc.
［ Marine Resources Development Promotion ○Resource Management Agreement of walleye pollock in
Law］
Hokkaido area
○Promotion of conclusion of agreement on· Content of agreement: Restraint on catch of immature
management of s by fishery operators, etc.,
fish (less than 30cm in body length or less than 34cm intotal length)○ Outline of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system
After the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into effect in 1996, Japan has been
controlling catch volume of major fish species by setting the upper limit of catch (Total Allowable Catch:
TAC) every year since 1997, for the conservation and management of marine living resources in Japan’s
exclusive economic zone, based on the Law Concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Life
Resources.
Currently, TAC is set for Pacific saury, walleye pollock, jack mackerel, sardine, Japanese common squid,snow crab, and chub mackerel and spotted mackerel based on the results of resource surveys and stock
assessments conducted by research institutions, in the light of economic and social conditions (i.e. fishery
management and other related factors).
TAC is divided among those fisheries controlled by the minister (the national government) and thosecontrolled by the governor (the prefecture), and the latter is further allocated to the various fisheries
controlled by the relevant governor.
Fishery operators are required to report to the national government or prefecture the catch of the fish
subject to TAC, while the national government and prefecture are responsible for announcing the catch
quantity and other relevant information, and instructions to suspend fishing as needed.

S-30

［Flow of stock assessment］

National Government (Fisheries Agency)* Commission of stock assessment survey

Regional block stock assessment meeting

Fisheries Research Agency* Report of thesurvey results

1.Planning of survey
2.Implementation of survey
・Collection of information on catch, survey byresearch ship, etc
3.Implemetation of stock assessment
・Analysis of the present state of the fisheries
・Analysis of the present state of the stock,etc

Study by the fisheries research institutes of
the respective blocks and external experts forthe prefectures*Report of the study results

National stock assessment meeting
Stock assessment report (decision on ABC)
*ABC report

Resource Management Committee of the Fisheries
Policy Council

National Government (Fisheries Agency)* Consultation
TAC draft is developed based on the ABC inconsideration of economic and social conditions* Report

National Government (Fisheries Agency)* ABC (Allowable Biological Catch)

Decision on TAC［TAC system flow chart］
National Government:
basic plan

Resource
Management
committee of theFisheries Policy
Council(Consultation andreporting on basic
plan)

TAC for each fish species

Allocated to individual
marine areas(*)

Allocation to
the fisheries
controlled by
the minister

Allocation to
the fisheries
controlled by
prefectures(*)

Fisheries adjustmentcommittees for themarine areas
concerned(consultation andreporting on the planfor Hokkaido)

Allocated to individual
fishery types(*) Consultation andreportingFishery operators controlled by
the minister

TAC agreement

Report on thequantity and otherinformation of catch

Fishery operators controlled by the governor

Announcement of
the quantity andother information ofcatch
Advice, guidance,
recommendation
Order on suspensionof fishing, etc

TAC agreement

Report on thequantity and otherinformation of catch

National Government

Announcement of
the quantity andother informationof catch
Advice, guidance,
recommendation
Order onsuspension offishing, etc
HokkaidoS-31

［Change in TAC of walleye pollock in the marine area of the Nemuro Strait］
Year
Marine area of the
Nemuro Strait
○

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

19,00019,00015,00014,00012,000(tons)
Remarks

Autonomous efforts of fishery operators and organizations for management of marine living
resources
The rational use of marine living resources is promoted in Japan through official regulations based on
fishery-related laws including the Fisheries Law and the autonomous efforts made by fishery operatorsand organizations.
In Hokkaido, fishery operators and organizations conclude Resource Management Agreement on fish
species including walleye pollock that migrate around in a wide area, by utilizing the Resource
Management Agreement system that is based on the Marine Fishery Resources Development Promotion
Law. The agreement on walleye pollock was concluded in 1994 and renewed every five years since.
In the marine area offshore of Rausu town, local fishery operators have been making continuous efforts
in the sustainable use of the walleye pollock stock, including the self-reduction of vessels, suspension offishing, setting of prohibited fishing areas and periods according to the state of gonad maturation of thefish, and the enlargement of mesh size of the gill net.

［Resource Management Agreement on walleye pollock］
Content of the Resource Management Agreement of walleye pollock in Hokkaido area
1. Target marine area:

Offshore area around Hokkaido (limited to the territorial waters and Japan’s exclusive
economic zone)

2. Target marine living resource:
3. Target fishery type:walleye pollock

Offshore trawl fishery
Walleye pollock gill net fishery
Walleye pollock long line fishery
Bottom gill net fishery that includes “walleye pollock” in its nameSet net fishery that includes “walleye pollock” in its name

4. Method of management of marine living resources(1) The fishing of walleye pollock that is less than 30cm in body length, or 34cm in total length, should not exceed
two tenths of the total weight of the walleye pollock catch in one operational voyage.
(2) In operating gill net, or long line fisheries, when the weight of walleye pollock that is less than 30cm in bodylength, or 34cm in total length, exceeds two tenths of the total weight of one net or one line catch, adequate
measures should be taken, such as moving to other fishing locations to avoid catching the walleye pollock thatare less than 30cm in body length, or 34cm in entire length.
(3) In operating bottom gill net or set net fisheries, when the weight of walleye pollock that is less than 30cm inbody length, or 34cm in total length, exceed two tenths of the total weight of one net catch, a part of the catchshould be returned to the sea.

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［Development of autonomous efforts for walleye pollock in the marine area offshore Rausu by fisheryoperators and organizations］
Year
Major efforts
Description
1990s
Restrictions on fishing gear
Enlargement of mesh size of the gill net (from 90㎜ andover to 97mm and over)
After 1996 Reduction on the number of Self-reduction on the number of vessels and suspension ofoperating vessels
operation (operating vessels numbered 324 in 1990 to 181
in 2003)
1997
Setting no-fishing areas
Decided with consideration for the condition of gonad
maturation and gathering state of parent fish
10 areas on the coast of Rausu in 2007
2001
Setting no-fishing periods
Decided with consideration for the condition of gonad
maturation and gathering state of parent fish
From 3/26 to 4/5 in 2007
Restrictions on fishing gear
Converted to a smaller gill net of 15.5 ｍ in height (from17.6 ｍ in previous years)
2002
Reduction of fishing pressure Fishing pressure was reduced by 20% through the joint
through joint operation system
operation of 5 vessels in one group, with one of thevessels suspending their fishing operations in turn.

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○Applicable laws and regulations
Fisheries Basic Act (Extract)
Act No.89 of June 29, 2001.
Last Amended by Law No. 89 of 2005.
（Maintenance of Stable Supply of Marine Products）
Article 2
2. Propagation and aquaculture of aquatic plants and animals shall, in view of living aquatic resources being acomponent of ecosystem and limited, be promoted to secure its sustainable utilization by adequate preservation andmanagement of living aquatic resources and harmony with the environment aiming at the correct implementation ofUnited Nations Convention on the Act of the Sea.

Fisheries Law (Extract)
Law No.267 of December 15, 1949
Last amended by Law No.93 of June 23, 2006
(Orders Relating to Fisheries Adjustment)
Article 65 In order to regulate fisheries or otherwise adjust fishing activities, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries or a prefectural governor may lay down necessary ordinances of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries or regulations, as applicable, concerning any of the following matters:(1) Restriction or prohibition of fishing, collection or processing of aquatic plants or animals;(2) Restriction or prohibition of sale or possession of aquatic plants or animals, or products of any of these;(3) Restriction or prohibition relating to fishing gear or fishing vessels; or(4) Restriction of the number or qualifications of fishers.

Fisheries Resources Protection Law (Extract)
Law No.313 of December 17, 1951
Last amended by Law No.26 of March 31, 2006
(Orders Relating to Restriction of Fishing or Collection of Aquatic Plants and Animals)
Article 4 Should it be deemed necessary to protect and nurture fisheries resources, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries or a prefectural governor may enact ordinances of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries orregulations, as applicable, concerning any of the following matters:(1) Restriction or prohibition of fishing or collection of aquatic plants or animals;(2) Restriction or prohibition of sale or possession of aquatic plants or animals;(3) Restriction or prohibition relating to fishing gear or fishing vessels;(4) Restriction or prohibition of abandonment or spilling of substances harmful to aquatic plants or animals or any
other water contamination harmful to aquatic plants or animals(5) Restriction or prohibition of collection or removal of materials or substances necessary for the protection andnurturing of aquatic plants and animals; or(6) Restriction or prohibition of transplantation of aquatic plants or animals.

Regulation of Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido (Extract)
Regulation No.132 of November 12, 1964
Last amended by Regulation No.158 of December 19, 2006
(Fishing Permit)
Article 5 In addition to the modes of fishery specified in Article 66, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries Law, each person who
wishes to engage in any of the following modes of fishery shall obtain a permit from the governor for the relevant mode offishery and the relevant vessel if the proposed mode of fishery is any of those listed in Items 1 through 25 or for the
relevant mode of fishery if the proposed mode of fishery is that listed in Item 26:(5) Fixed gill net fishery of walleye pollock (only if such fishery involves the use of a powered vessel);(11) Long line fishery of walleye pollock;

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The Law Concerning the Conservation and Management of Marine Life Resources (Extract)
Law No.77 of June 14, 1996
Last amended by Law No.91 of June 29, 2001
(Definitions, etc.)
Article 2
2. For the purpose of this Law, “Total Allowable Catch” or “TAC” means, for each species of marine life resources, theannual upper limit of volume that is allowed to be collected or caught in the Exclusive Economic Zone.
5. For the purpose of this Law, “Designated Marine Life Resources” means Type 1 Designated Marine Life Resources
and Type 2 Designated Marine Life Resources.
6. For the purpose of this Law, “Type 1 Designated Marine Life Resources” means such portion of the marine life
resources that should appropriately be conserved and managed in the Exclusive Economic Zone by determining the
TACs or by similar measures and that shall be designated by Cabinet Order.
(Basic Plan)
Article 3 In order to conserve and manage the marine life resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone, the Minister ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall establish a basic plan for the conservation and management of marine life
resources (hereinafter referred to as the “Basic Plan”).
2. The Basic Plan shall include the following:(1) Basic policy on the conservation and management of marine life resources;(2) Matters concerning the trends of each species constituting the Designated Marine Life Resources;(3) Matters concerning the respective TACs for the species constituting Type 1 Designated Marine Life
Resources;(4) With respect to the TACs mentioned in the preceding item, matters concerning the respective volumes
designated for the types of Designated Fisheries defined in Article 52, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries Law, thetypes of fisheries subject to permission of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or any otherdisposition in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries under Article 65, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries Law or Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Fisheries
Resources Protection Law, and the types of all other fisheries designated by the ordinance of the Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the “Designated Fisheries, Etc.”);(5) If the volumes mentioned in the preceding item involve designation of the volumes for different operatingareas or different operating periods, matters concerning such volumes;(6) With respect to the TACs mentioned in Item 3 above (except the volumes mentioned in Item 4 and those forthe collection or fishing of Type 1 Designated Marine Life Resources conducted by any of the persons
designated by the Cabinet Order), matters concerning the respective volumes designated for the prefectures
whose jurisdiction includes any sea areas (hereinafter simply referred to as “Prefectures”);(7) Matters concerning measures to be implemented with respect to the volumes mentioned in Item 4 above (orthose designated under Item 5 above, if any; hereinafter referred to as the “Minister-Regulated Volumes”);
3. The matters mentioned in Items 3 and 8 of the preceding paragraph shall be determined based on their relations withthe matters mentioned in Item 2 of the said paragraph and with other marine life resources and by taking into accountthe fishery operation affecting, and other circumstances surrounding, the relevant Designated Marine Life Resources sothat they would be maintained at or restored to the level which would allow achievement of the maximum sustainable
yield.
(Prefectural Plan)
Article 4 Each relevant prefectural governor shall, in accordance with the Basic Plan, establish a prefectural plan
concerning the measures to be implemented with respect to the volumes mentioned in Item 6 of Paragraph 2 of thepreceding article or the amounts mentioned in Item 10 of the said paragraph (hereinafter referred to as “PrefecturalPlan”).
2. Each Prefectural Plan shall include the following:(1) Policy on the conservation and management of marine life resources;(2) Matters concerning the volumes mentioned in Item 6 of Paragraph 2 of the preceding article;(3) If the volumes mentioned in the preceding item involve designation of the volumes for different modes ofcollection or fishing of Type 1 Designated Marine Life Resources, different marine areas or different periods,
matters concerning such volumes;

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Cabinet Order for the Law Concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Life Resources (Extract)
Cabinet Order No.213 of July 5, 1996
Last amended by Cabinet Order No.349 of November 24,
2005(Type 1 Designated Marine Life Resources)
Article 1 The Marine Life Resources to be designated by the Cabinet Order as set forth in Article 2, Paragraph 6 of the
Law Concerning Conservation and Management of Marine Life Resources (hereinafter referred to as the “Law”) shall be
as follows:(ii) Walleye pollock
The Marine Fishery Resources Development Promotion Law (Extract)
Law No.60 of May 17, 1971
Last amended by Law No.131 of December 4, 2002
(Conclusion of Resource Management Agreement)
Article 13 Fishery organizations may, in order to rationalize the utilization of certain marine resources in a certain marine
area, conclude an agreement on autonomous management of such marine resources in such marine area (hereinafterreferred to as “Resource Management Agreement”) and may obtain the relevant government agency’s certification of theappropriateness of such Resource Management Agreement.
2.
Each Resource Management Agreement shall specify the following:(1) Marine area, type of marine resources and mode of fishery subject to the Resource Management Agreement;(2) Method of management of the marine resources;(3) Term of the Resource Management Agreement;(4) Measures to be taken against violations of the Resource Management Agreement; and(5) Other matters specified by the ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
(Mediation of Participation in Certified Resource Management Agreement)
Article 15 Should the fishery organizations that are parties to a Resource Management Agreement certified under Article
13, Paragraph 1 (hereinafter referred to as “Certified Resource Management Agreement”) be present, and request
participation in, their Certified Resource Management Agreement to the persons or entities, if any, who or which engage
in fishery utilizing such type of marine resources in such marine area as is subject to the Certified Resource Management
Agreement (only if the mode of such fishery is subject to the Certified Resource Management Agreement; hereinafterreferred to as “Specified Fishery Operator”), or the organization(s), if any, of such persons or entities, and who or whichhave not participated in the Certified Resource Management Agreement, and if any of such persons or entities sorequested fails to consent to such participation, the first-mentioned fishery organizations may, in accordance with therelevant provisions of the relevant ordinance of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, request the relevant
government agency to provide mediation necessary to obtain consent of such person or entity or organization.
2.
Upon receipt of a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the relevant government agency shallprovide mediation if it is deemed appropriate, in light of the provisions of Paragraph 1 of the preceding article, for the
person or entity which is not a party to the Certified Resource Management Agreement to participate in such Certified
Resource Management Agreement and if it is deemed particularly necessary to seek such person’s or entity’s participationin such Certified Resource Management Agreement in light of the contents thereof.

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(3) Steller sealion
From a long-term and regional perspective that includes Russian waters, the Steller sealion
population is estimated to be declining, while at the same time, the damage that Steller sealions
inflict on the fisheries industry is a growing concern. Consequently, from 1994, under the guidanceof the Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission in accordance with the Fisheries Law,
Steller sealions have been managed by annually restricting the number that can be caught inHokkaido with the aim of curbing the damage inflicted on the fisheries industry while at the sametime ensuring that the Steller sealion population is maintained.

Damage inflicted on the fisheries industry by the Steller sealion
Between autumn and spring, Steller sealions arriving from Russian waters cause havoc on thefisheries industry throughout the coastal waters of Hokkaido, mainly on the Japan Sea side, by
damaging fishing gear such as nets and spoiling fish catches. The situation is growing serious withthe damage inflicted on the entire prefecture of Hokkaido amounting to more than 1.5 billion yen in2005 and 1.46 billion yen in 2006.

百万円yenMillionDamage inflicted on the fisheries industry by
the Steller sealion and changes in the numberof トドによる漁業被害とトドの採捕数の推移（全道）Steller sealions caught in Hokkaido

1,800
1,600

300

1,551

254

1,465
1,377

1,400

1,309
1,221
1,051

1,060 1,053
517

1,000

1,012

800

446

381

543
568

600

106 108

419

433

111

114

706

625

112

653

582
535

114

109

150

496

101

96

97

200

754

1,100

547
684

1,176

1,023

106

105

91

100

498

66

380
207

219

535
290

90

792

614

242

162

200

66

507

672

594

590

674

693

250

1,324

1,275

1,218

193

1,200

400

Indirectdamage*Indirect間接被害額
damage
直接被害額
Directdamage*Direct damage
頭
Heads
採捕数
Numbers
Numberscaught*
caught

752

797
642

605

671

759

50

326

0

0
Ｈ元
’89

２
３
４
５
６
７
８
９
１０ ’99
１１ ’00
１２ ’01
１３ ’02
１４ ’03
１５ １６
’90
’91
’92
’93
’94
’95
’96
’97
’98
’04 １７’05 １８‘06

Notes: Amount of damage: aggregated annually (April to March)
Numbers caught: for 1989-1993: aggregated by fiscal year;
1994 onwards: aggregated by approved catch period (numbers caught between 1994 and 2005
include cases where Steller sealions were dropped overboard)
Indirect damage: spoiling fish catches; Direct damage: damaging fishing gear

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Subprefectural propotion of the roughly 1.5 billion yen of damage
inflicted on the fisheries industry in Hokkaido by the Steller
sealion in 2006
Nemuro subprefecture, 1％
Oshima subprefecture, 2％
Hiyama subprefecture, 4％Ishikari subprefecture, 6％

Shiribeshi subprefecture,
41％
Soya subprefecture, 25％
Shiribeshi subprefecture
Rumoi subprefecture
Soya subprefecture
Ishikari subprefecture
Hiyama subprefecture
Oshima subprefecture
Nemuro subprefecture

Rumoi subprefecture, 21％

Measures to prevent damage inflicted on the fisheries industry by the Steller sealion
With the aim of curbing the damage inflicted on the fisheries industry by the Steller sealion while atthe same time ensuring that their population is maintained, the following damage prevention
measures are being implemented by the national government and Hokkaido.
(1) Gaining an understanding of the ecology such as attributes of Steller sealions that visit Japan
Since 2004, the Japanese Government has commissioned the Fisheries Research Agency, an
incorporated administrative agency, to conduct research into and compile fundamental data on the
Steller sealion’s ecology and the numbers that visit Japanese waters.
(2) Measures to prevent damage inflicted on the fisheries industry(a) Promoting the use of reinforced small nets
Since 1998, Hokkaido government continues to subsidize projects for the joint use of reinforced
nets as a measure to prevent damage inflicted on small set nets and some others by the Steller
sealion.
(b) Development test of reinforced gill nets
The gill net fisheries industry is subject to the majority of damage inflicted by the Steller sealion.
As a preventive measure, since 2001 the Japanese Government has commissioned the Fisheries
Research Agency to conduct development test of reinforced gill nets that can prevent Steller sealion
damage.
Furthermore, in order to achieve the practical application of reinforced gill nets as soon as possible,
since 2003 Hokkaido government has cooperated with development test conducted by the Japanese
Government. By adapting to actual fishery conditions of various regions, Hokkaido government has

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implemented verification tests to look into work efficiency and catch efficiency of reinforced gillnets, and since 2006, the study has been conducted on a fully operational scale.
(c) Verification test of the repellant effects of fireworks
Hokkaido government subsidizes intensive fireworks repellant operations that have been
implemented by the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, while at the sametime verifying the efficiency of such operations and investigating more efficient repellant methods.
Management of the Steller sealion
Every year since 1994, the control of Steller sealions has been carried out in order to reduce thedamage inflicted on the fisheries industry, while setting a limit on the total number of Steller
sealions to be culled in Hokkaido under the guidance of the Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination
Commission in accordance with the Fisheries Law.
In August 2007, the Fisheries Agency submitted a report to the Hokkaido Fishing Zone
Coordination Commission entitled ‘Fundamental Policy for Management of the Steller Sealion andAllowable Number of Human Induced Mortalities’. The report compiled examination and research
results of the Steller sealion’s ecology and the numbers visiting Japanese waters, and based on
scientific examination (PBR method), the report stated that the annual allowable number of humaninduced mortalities for Steller sealions in the coastal waters of Hokkaido was 227 (including all
mortalities due to human induced factors such as bycatches).
The Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission has designated that the limit on the numberof Steller sealions that can be caught in 2007 in Hokkaido is 120 (however, if any rise or fall in theestimated number (107) of bycatches (by set net fisheries, etc) is anticipated, this limit can be
adjusted accordingly by the Committee).

Fundamental Policy for Management of the Steller Sealion and Allowable Number of Human
Induced Mortalities
August 2007
Fisheries Agency, Resources and Environment Research Division
I. Stock conditions
1. Stock trends• The Steller sealions found in Hokkaido belong to the Asian stock originating from anumber of rookeries located in the Kuril Islands and coastal regions of the Sea of Okhotsk(northern regions of the Sea of Okhotsk and Sakhalin). The whole population in Hokkaido
can be considered as a single management unit.
• Asian stock declined rapidly until the 1980’s, but it has been gradually increasing since theearly 1990’s. The entire population of the Steller sealion in Russian (which consists ofAsian population and the populations in the western part of the Bering Sea and the
Komandorskie Islands) has been increasing at an annual rate of 1.2% since 1989.
• The number of Steller sealions counted by direct observation at rookeries and haul-outs in
Russia was 15,676 in 2004, of which 14,650 were of Asian stock.

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• Since the 1990’s, rookeries have been established in the southern part of Sakhalin and the
population of the Steller sealion there has increased significantly.
2. Trends in appearances• Since the 1990’s, the number of haul-out rocks on the coastline of the Sea of Japan and thenumber of times Steller sealions have come ashore have increased in comparison to the
1980’s.
• Although Steller sealions often appeared on the Pacific Ocean coastline of Hokkaido up
until the late 1980’s, sightings have been rare in recent years.
3. Number of Steller sealions observed• Based on aerial surveys carried out in 2004 and 2005, the number (including offshore
sightings) of Steller sealions appearing in Hokkaido during winter is estimated to be 6,767.
II. Allowable number of human induced mortalities• The annual allowable number (including all mortalities due to human induced factors suchas bycatches) of human induced mortalities for Steller sealions in the coastal waters of
Hokkaido is determined in accordance with the Potential Biological Removal method(PBR)*.
• The allowable number of human induced mortalities for Hokkaido is determined inaccordance with the PBR level, which is calculated with a recovery factor applying
adaptively to an population estimate of Steller sealions in Hokkaido based on aerial
surveys.
• In addition, the allowable number of human induced mortalities for Steller sealions in
Hokkaido shall not exceed the level calculated from PBR for the number of Asian stock
which Steller sealions sighted in Japan belong to.
* With the uncertain data available, a method to estimate the number of animals that may be
harvested from a wild stock while allowing that stock to avoid extinction through humaninduced mortalities.
III. Applying PBR to 2007 and 2008 appearances• The PBR level has been calculated to be 227, and all human induced mortalities should bewithin this limit.
• The number of bycatch in Japan from recent years is not clear, however, interview surveys
with set net fisheries operators estimate the number to be between 55 and 107. When
applying this estimate of bycatch, the allowable number of catches in Hokkaido excluding
bycatches will be a minimum of 120 and a maximum of 172, including cases where Steller
sealions were dropped overboard.
• This number could be managed more flexibly with the establishment of a system that isable to continually ascertain the number of bycatch.
• However, until such a system is set in place, it is recommended that the safest possiblelevel for the number of bycatch is used.
• The above is a provisional assessment based on current data and shall be reviewed
accordingly with the accumulation of future data.

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IV. Points to note regarding management• Bearing in mind that the extinction of the Steller sealion must be prevented, by way ofadaptive management that takes into account a number of uncertainties, the managementof the Steller sealion should aim to alleviate the damage inflicted on the fisheries industry
and promote the sustainable utilization of Stellar sealion stocks.
• In addition to effectively managing catch quotas in accordance with the scale of damage
inflicted on the fisheries industry, intensive catches of Steller sealions that are inclined tofeed on fishing nets should be promoted, and examining ways to alleviate damage asalternative methods to shooting Steller sealions should also be carried out.
• The consumptive use of both direct catches and bycatches of Steller sealions should bepromoted.
• It is recommended that any changes to the allowable number of catches should be carriedout gradually with the continual monitoring of trends in Steller sealion stocks.
• Reasons other than the decrease in fisheries stocks and increases in Steller sealions that are
inclined to feed on fishing nets should be fully considered as factors for increases indamage inflicted on the fisheries industry by the Steller sealion.

PBR (Wade 1998, Barlow et al. 1995)
Excerpt from attachment to ‘Results of Fisheries Agency Survey on Steller Sealion Appearances’ (Fisheries Agency,
August 10, 2007)*PBR (Potential Biological Removal) is defined as the maximum number of animals, not including natural mortalities, that
may be removed from a stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum sustainable population(OSP).
*The US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) stipulates that stock assessments must include the calculation of PBRs.
*PBRs are to be calculated using the following formula.
PBR= NMIN×0.5RMAX×FR
Nmin: Minimum population estimate. In the case of Pinnipeds, the number of direct observations of haul-outs or the
lower limit of a 60% confidence interval of population estimate (N) when assuming it has a log-normal
distribution.
Rmax: Maximum net productivity rate.
Fr: Recovery factor applied to different ranks stipulated by the Endangered Species Act.
Barlow, J., Swartz, S.L., Eagle, T.C. and Wade, P.R. 1995. U.S. Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: Guidelines for
Preparation, Background, and a Summary of the 1995 Assessments. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-OPR-95-6, 76pp.
Wade, P.R. 1998. Calculating limits to the allowable human-caused mortality of cetaceans and pinnipeds. Marine Mammal
Science, 14(1):1-37.

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○

Applicable laws and regulations
Fisheries Law (Extract)

Law No.267 of December 15, 1949
Last amended by Law No.93 of June 23, 2006
(Instructions of District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission or Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination
Commission)
Article 67 If deemed necessary to ensure the reproduction and protection of aquatic plants and animals, to ensure theappropriate exercise of fishery rights or commons of piscary, to seek prevention or resolution of disputes over the use of
the fishing grounds, or otherwise to adjust fishing activities, District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission andHokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission may restrict or prohibit the collection or catching of aquatic plants
and animals, limit the number of fishery operators, restrict the use of the fishing grounds or give any other necessary
directions to persons involved.
(Fishing Coordination Commissions)
Article 82 The fishing coordination commissions shall consist of District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission,
Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commissions and wide area fisheries coordination commissions.
2. District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission, Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission and wide area
fisheries coordination commission shall be under the supervision of: the relevant prefectural governor; the prefectural
governor having jurisdiction over the fishing zone for which such district fishing zone coordination commission wasestablished; and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, respectively.
(Composition)
Article 85 District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission shall consist of Commission Members.
3. The Commission Members shall include the following:(1)
Nine members elected by the persons who are entitled to vote under the provisions of the following Article
out of those who are eligible to be elected under the provisions of the said Article; and(2)
Four members appointed by the prefectural governor out of academic experts and two members appointed by
the prefectural governor out of those who are deemed to represent the public interest of the relevant fishingzone.
(Establishment)
Article 105 If deemed necessary, a prefectural governor may establish, for specific purposes, a Hokkaido Fishing Zone
Coordination Commission for a fishing zone created by combining two or more existing fishing zones.
(Composition)
Article 106 Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission shall consist of members.
2. The members shall include the same number of members from each District Fishing Zone Coordination Commission
established for a fishing zone within the larger fishing zone under the jurisdiction of the District Fishing Zone
Coordination Commission, with the said members being elected in accordance with the procedures designated by theDistrict Fishing Zone Coordination Commission.
4. A prefectural governor who established a Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission in accordance with theprovisions of Paragraph1 of the preceding Article or who supervises any of the fishing zone coordination commissions
which established a Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4of the said Article may, if deems necessary, appoint, in addition to the members elected pursuant to the provisions ofParagraph 2 above, members from academic experts in a number no more than two thirds of the number of the members
so elected pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 2 above.

Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission Directive No.1 [August 10, 2007] (Extract)
2. Hunting license:
Each person who wishes to hunt Steller’s sealions in the marine area offshore of Hokkaido shallobtain license from the Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission.
7. Hunting period:
The hunting period shall be from October 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
8. Limit of the number of animals allowed to be hunted:
The Commission shall separately designate the upper limit of the number of Steller’s sealions
allowed to be hunted.

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Steller’s Sealion Hunting Licensing Rules (Extract)
Steller’s Sealion Hunting Licensing Rules Issued under Hokkaido Fishing Zone Coordination Commission Directive No.1
Dated August 10, 2007
6. Limit of the number of animals allowed to be hunted:
The upper limit of the number of Steller’s sealions allowed to be hunted as mentioned in Paragraph 8of the Commission Directive shall be One Hundred and Twenty (120).
However, if the number of animals caught as by-catch in set-net fisheries, etc. is expected to increaseor decrease from the current estimate of One Hundred and Seven (107), the upper limit of the numberof animals allowed to be hunted may be adjusted within the range of such increase or decrease.

Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Excerpts)
Law No. 88 of July 12, 2002
Last Amended by Law No. 67 of June 14, 2006
(Exclusion of application)
Article 80 The provisions of this Law shall not apply to the wildlife species that are likely to cause serious interference
on the maintenance of environmental hygiene, or that are under appropriate protection and management for hunting, etc.
by other laws and regulations, and are designated by the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment.
2. The provisions of Article 3, Paragraph 3, shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of theEnvironment provided in the preceding paragraph.

Enforcement Regulations for the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Excerpts)
Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment No. 28 of December 26, 2002
Last amended by Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment No. 3 of January 29, 2007
(Wildlife species excluded from application of the Law)
Article 78
2. Of the wildlife species designated by the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment as provided for in
Article 80, Paragraph 1 of the Law, the wildlife species that are under appropriate protection and management for hunting,etc. by other laws and regulations shall be marine mammals other than the wildlife species listed in the following table.
Family Species
Animal kingdom
Mammalia(1) Carnivora
Otariidae
PhocidaeJapanese Sealion (Zalophus californianus japonica)
Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)
Larga seal (Phoca largha)
Ringed seal (Phoca hispida)
Ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata)
Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus)(2) Sirenia
Dugongidae Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Remarks: The species’ scientific names are described parenthetically following their specific names.

S-43

(4) Seals
The capture, killing or wounding of seals are controlled under the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate
Hunting Law. The capture of harbor seal (phoca vitulina), which are an endangered species, requires thepermission of the Minister of the Environment, while the capture of other seal species requires
permission of the Governor of Hokkaido.
The Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law stipulates that the Minister of the Environment
establish basic policies to implement the wildlife protection projects and that prefectural governors
establish plans for the implementation of wildlife protection projects based on those policies.
In 2002, when revision of the law added “securing of biodiversity” to its purpose, seals were newly
included in the target species of the law as a result of the definition: “securing of biodiversity” to its
purpose and included a new definition of animals and birds to be protected under the law as “species thatbelongs to birds or mammals”. With seals covered under the law, surveys of their inhabitation wereconducted by the national government from 2002 to 2005, and it was reported that the population ofharbor seals was on the increase over the long term, and so was the population of spotted seals (Phoca
largha) in Hokkaido.
○

Population status in Hokkaido
Ministry of the Environment compiled the numbers of observation points and observed population in asimultaneous survey of the seal population conducted from 2002 to 2005. More spotted seals wereobserved along the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, while almost only harbor seals were found on
the Pacific coast.
Harbor seals are rarely seen in the marine area along the coasts of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

S-44

Observation points and observed population by year in a simultaneous census of the seal
population (Seals conservation and management report, March 2006, in Hokkaido)
Survey area
Along theSea ofJapan

Along theSea ofOkhotsk

Along thePacific
Ocean

Rebun
Rishiri
Soya
Bakkai
Teshio River to
Shosanbetsu
Haboro to Obira
Teuri
Yagishiri
Ishikari toHamamasu
Ishikari River
Otaru
Shakotan to
Furubira
Subtotal
Sarufutsu
EsashiMonbetsu
Abashiri
Shari to Utoro
Rausu toShibetsu
Hashirikotan
NotsukeSubtotal
NemuroHamanaka
AkkeshiTokachi River to
Otsu
Erimo Cape
Subtotal

Number ofpoints
2-4
12-13
4-7
1
8

March
2003
69
18
11
90
0

March
2004
217
5
47
94
0

March
2005
274
23
11
196
1

February
2006
426
14
16
182
0

13
3-4
2
4

0
37
93
-

0
23
91
-

0
118
245
-

0
137
200
-

1
4
1-5

0
0
1

0
0
2

0
0
7

0
1
0

2
2
1
5
3
5

319
0
0
0
0
0

479
0
1
0
0
0
12

875
0
0
0
1 (1RS)
5

984
0

1
0
1
4 (4)
78 (78)105 (105
0

0
0
13
3
0

3
0
9 (1RS)
0

0
0
25
2 (2)
2 (2)
59 (58)2 (1)192 (192)
379 (379)3

66 (59)66 (59)137 (130)
202 (193)

1
1
2-4
1-4
4-5
1-2
1

0
1
1
23

All figures show the total number of seals, with the number of harbor seals in ( ) and that of ringed seals(Phoca hispida) in ( RS)

S-45

○

Applicable laws and regulations
Basic Policies for the Implementation of Wildlife Protection Projects (Extract)
Ministry of the Environment Notification No.3 of January 29, 2007

Ⅰ. Basic Matters Concerning the Implementation of Wildlife Protection Projects
1. Basic Philosophy on Wildlife Protection and Proper Hunting(1) Basic Philosophy
The wildlife is one of the essential factors constituting the natural environment on which human existence is based.
While the wildlife enriches the natural environment, it also plays an essential role in the maintenance and improvementof Japanese people’s living environment. Despite its highly developed economy, Japan has a wide variety of wildlife.
Under the circumstances, Japan can be proud before the world of its continued efforts to build appropriate relationships
between people and wildlife and to maintain the biodiversity of the country.
However, today some species face continued reduction or loss of their habitat nationally or locally, while certain wildlife
cause serious damage to people’s living environment, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry, and ecosystems.
This has made it necessary to comprehensively protect and manage the wildlife by implementing measures forcontrolling the size of wildlife populations, managing wildlife habitats and preventing wildlife damage.
Hunting is not just for catching animals for fun or to utilize them as resources; it also serves to contribute to theprevention of wildlife damage as a means to control the size of wildlife populations. However, with the reduction in thenumber and the aging of hunters, it has become necessary to strive to train and secure hunters and to ensure proper
hunting by using measures including the prevention of danger posed by the use of hunting gear.
Under these circumstances, wildlife protection projects shall be implemented based on the philosophy for wildlife
protection and management that we should ensure the long-term, stable existence of local wildlife populations and theprevention of wildlife damage to the human living environment, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry andecosystems, while seeking to form a consensus among parties concerned from each of the international, national andlocal points of view.
In addition, considering the fact that wildlife protection and management involves dealing with the natural world wherecausal relations are not always known, we should use flexible management approaches and ensure the participation ofand cooperation among various parties in order to compensate for the uncertainty, through which the management of
wildlife protection areas and the implementation of the specified wildlife conservation and management plans(hereinafter referred to as the “Specified Plans”) shall be further improved in detail. At the same time, we shall promote
proper hunting in order to contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity, the conservation of the living environment
and the sound development of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry and shall, through these activities, aim tosecure the life of the people and the sound development of communities in which people can enjoy the blessings of thenatural environment.

S-46

Hokkaido Wildlife Protection Plan (The 9th) (Excerpts)
Revised: March 27, 2007
(Introduction)
Blessed with diverse natural environments, including forests and wetlands, Hokkaido has a variety of wildlife uniqueto the region in the country, including brown bears and Yezo sika deer as examples of mammals and Japanese cranes andhazel grouses as examples of birds. These animals and birds form a unique, rich fauna that is distinct from those found in
Honshu and southward. Hokkaido also plays an important role, not only in Japan but also internationally, as a breeding
place and a destination for migrating birds.
While this diverse wildlife symbolizes the blessings of nature in Hokkaido, some of the species have been reduced in
population size and are threatened with extinction because of changes in their habitats caused by the developmental
progress of the of
Hokkaido. On the other hand, other species have caused damage to the agriculture and forestry industries due to theirincrease in population size, causing friction with human activities. These circumstances have prompted requests forpromotion of the appropriate protection and management of wildlife.
Hokkaido from being damaged in the future. In response to this necessity, this Plan shall strive to reveal the actual
conditions of wildlife habitation and shall, based on scientific information thereon, promote comprehensive, systematic
approaches, including the designation of wildlife protection areas, the management of proper hunting, the protection ofendangered species and the removal of immigrant species.
For these reasons, in the formulation of the wildlife protection plans as set forth in Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Wildlife
Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Law No.88 of 2002) (hereinafter referred to as the “Law”), it is necessary toensure the appropriate protection and management of wildlife and their habitats as a whole, in order to prevent thebiodiversity of Hokkaido from being damaged in the future. In response to this necessity, this Plan shall strive to reveal theactual conditions of wildlife habitation and shall, based on scientific information thereon, promote comprehensive,
systematic approaches, including the designation of wildlife protection areas, the management of proper hunting, theprotection of endangered species and the removal of immigrant species.
＊ This Plan will be revised roughly once every five years by seeking advice from the Hokkaido Environment Council.
The 9th Hokkaido Wildlife Protection Plan (from April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2008)
Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Excerpts)
Law No. 88 of July 12, 2002
Last Amended by Law No. 67 of June 14, 2006
(Objective)
Article 1 This Law aims to ensure the life of the people, whereby the blessings of the natural environment can be enjoyedby the citizens; and serves to contribute to the healthy development of communities through such efforts as ensuringbiodiversity, protecting the living environment, and contributing to the healthy development of agriculture, forestry, andfishery; with the protection of wildlife and proper hunting; by preventing the wildlife from damaging the living
environment, agriculture, forestry, and fishery, or the ecological system; by preventing risks associated with the use of
hunting gears; and by implementing programs for wildlife protection.
(Basic Guidelines)
Article 3 The Minister of the Environment shall establish basic guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the “Basic
Guidelines”) to implement projects to ensure the protection of wildlife (hereinafter referred to as the “Wildlife Protection
Projects”) (snip).
(Wildlife Protection Project Plans)
Article 4 The prefectural governors shall formulate plans for the implementing the Wildlife Protection Projects to be
implemented by the prefectural governors in accordance with the Basic Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the “Wildlife
Protection Project Plans") (snip).
(Permission for Capture, killing or wounding of the Wildlife and Collection or damaging of Bird Eggs)
Article 9 Those who intend to capture, kill or wound wildlife or collect or damage bird eggs for the purpose of pursuing an
academic study; for the purpose of preventing the wildlife from damaging the living environment, agriculture, forestry, andfishery, or the ecological system; for the purpose of regulating the population of the specific wildlife as provided for in
Article 7, Paragraph 2, Item 5; or for the purposes as provided for in the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of theEnvironment shall obtain the permission of the Minister of the Environment in the following cases and obtain thepermission of the prefectural governor in other cases.
(1) The capture, killing or wounding of wildlife or the collection or damaging of bird eggs within the Wildlife Protection
Area designated by the Minister of the Environment as provided for in Article 28, Paragraph 1.
(2) The capture, killing or wounding of endangered wildlife species or the collection or damaging of eggs of birds
designated as endangered wildlife species.
(3) The capture, killing or wounding of wildlife by use of the nets or traps designated by the Ministerial Ordinance of the
Ministry of the Environment as significantly harmful to wildlife protection in consideration of the structure, material,
and the usage thereof.
2. Those who intend to obtain the permission as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall apply for the permission of
the Minister of the Environment or the prefectural governors in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial
Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment.

S-47

Wildlife Capture Permission Examination Standards (Extract)
April 1, 2000
Last amended: April 16, 2007
I. General Provisions
These Standards set forth provisions necessary to contribute to the appropriate and smooth examination in granting
license to Hunt wildlife or Collect wild bird eggs pursuant to the Wildlife Hunting Licensing Rules (hereinafterreferred to as the “Rules”). The terms used herein have the same meanings as in the related laws and regulations andthe Rules.
II. Examination Standards for Granting License for Damage Prevention Purposes
The examination standards for granting license for Damage prevention purposes shall be as follows, in addition to the“Standards for Granting License to Hunt Wildlife or Collect Wild Bird Eggs for Damage Prevention Purposes”
shown in the attached Table.
1. Eligible licensees(1) Eligible licensees shall include the following:a. Persons who suffered the damage;b. Corporations (i.e. the national government, local governments and the corporations designated by the Ministerof the Environment under the provisions of Article 9, Paragraph 8 of the Law); andc. Persons who are requested by any of the persons who suffered the damage or the Corporations to engage in the
Hunting or Collection on their behalf.
(2) Each person who engages in the Hunting or Collection under license shall meet the following requirements:
a. The person shall have his/her address in the administrative district of the municipality which experienced theDamage (hereinafter referred to as “Municipality”); provided, however, that if no one in such Municipality isavailable for the Hunting or Collection, the person may have his/her address in a neighboring municipality andshall be able to engage in the Hunting or Collection promptly.
b. If the person uses any hunting gear in the Hunting or Collection, he/she shall be registered as a hunter with thegovernor of Hokkaido for the relevant hunting gear under the provisions of Article 55, Paragraph 1 of the Law
within one year immediately preceding the date of application for license or shall have a hunting license andshall be able to compensate for any damage that may occur due to the proposed Hunting or Collection;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to any of the following persons:(a) Persons who have a net hunting license or a trapping license; provided that this shall apply only if the
proposed Hunting will take place within a housing plot enclosed by fences, railings or other similar
structures or if they intend to trap brown bears;(b) Persons who have no net hunting license or trapping license and who plan to engage in the Hunting; if a
Corporation intends to Hunt wildlife (except brown bears and wild boars) by any means other than those
involving the use of firearms and to cause one or more persons with a net hunting license or a trapping
license to engage in the Hunting and if it is expected that under the supervision of the said persons thehunters’ hunting skill and safety will be assured.
(3) The number of persons who may engage in the Hunting or Collection shall be limited to the minimum necessary
based on the consideration of the actual condition of the Damage, size of the damaged area and other relevant
factors.
Table: Standards for Granting License to Hunt Wildlife or Collect Wild Bird Eggs for Damage Prevention
Purposes (Excerpts)
Species of wildlife
Hunting
Hunters
Allowable catch perNoteperiodhunter(season)
Other species of wildlife
2 months or
10 or less10 or less individuals(including seals)
lessper species(all seasons)S-48

(5) Spectacled guillemot, slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorant
Cliffs higher than 100m along the coastline from Utoro to the Shiretoko Cape in the western part of theShiretoko Peninsula, providing breeding sites for seabirds such as the spectacled guillemot (Cepphus
carbo), slaty-backed gull (Larus schistisagus), and Japanese cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus). The
area is one of the world’s largest breeding sites for Japanese cormorants in particular. Capture, killing or
wounding of wildlife is regulated under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate
Hunting Law for the conservation of the ecosystem and for other purposes. Capture of endangered
wildlife needs the permission of the Minister of the Environment, while the capture of other species
requires permission of the Governor of Hokkaido. Because spectacled guillemots are designated as
endangered wildlife, as defined in the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law, their capture,killing and wounding needs the permission of the Minister of the Environment. Capture, killing or
wounding of wildlife in a National Wildlife Protection Area also requires permission from the Ministerof the Environment.
○

State of inhabitation for the spectacled guillemot, slaty-backed gull, and Japanese cormorant in the
Shiretoko Peninsula (2005 Bulletin of the Shiretoko Museum)1) Spectacled guillemot
Result of the 2004 census on the spectacled guillemot
Date
2
4
8
10
19
26

June
Numberof birds
66
46
61
90
92
97

Date
8
9
17
29
30
31

July
Numberof birds
68
148
64
117
107
108

Date
1
2
7
8

AugustNumberof birds
74
62
69
74

Eeishiredo
Cape
Utoro
HarborSurvey area：Marine area within 1km of the coast from
Utoro Harbor to the Eeishiredo Cape

Rausu
Harbor2) Change in the number of breeding (nesting) slatybacked gulls by zone (1997 to 2004)
Zone
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Total

1997
599
139
0
0
0
73
29
80
920

1998
637
238
0
0
0
271
68
257
1,471

1999
785
223
0
0
0
355
62
284
1,709

2000
569
354
0
0
0
191
36
297
1,447

2001
806
421
0
0
0
21
0
69
1,317

2002
642
31
0
0
0
20
0
119
812

2003
806
109
0
0
0
63
28
165
105
189
23
1,488

Survey Area in the Shiretoko
Peninsula
2004
784
95
0
0
12
16
20
153
149
303
77
1,609

Survey area: Coast from Utoro Harbor to Aidomari (see the figure to the right for zones)

S-49

Aidomari
Harbor3) Change in the number of breeding (nesting) Japanese cormorants (1997 to 2004)
Zone
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Total

1997
270
140
0
0
0
44
2
106
562

1998
194
159
0
0
0
66
20
163
602

1999
200
162
0
0
0
49
1
106
518

2000
214
209
0
0
0
67
23
107
620

2001
157
0
0
0
0
96
46
79
378

2002
63
114
80
0
0
0
0
48
305

2003
231
229
0
0
0
14
0
64
0
42
0
580

2004
97
137
0
0
0
15
63
64
54
37
0
467

Survey area: Coast from Utoro Harbor to Aidomari (see the figure to the right for zones)

S-50

○

Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area (outline)
Because the natural ecosystem in the Shiretoko Peninsula, including the surrounding marine area,
maintains pristine conditions, a large number of wildlife inhabit the area. Among them are endangered
birds, such as Blakiston’s fish-owls and white-tailed eagles in particular. There are also many seabirds,
such as the spectacled guillemot (which is one of the endangered bird species), slaty-backed gull, andJapanese cormorant, on the rocky stretches along the coast.
A stretch of area in the Shiretoko Peninsula is designated as a Wildlife Protection Area to serve as aplace for their conservation and breeding, as well as a habitat for other wildlife. In the area, zones where
the ecosystem is conserved especially well, and those that are important as habitat and breeding sites forwildlife, are designated as Special Protection Areas. Because the Rusha area is especially important for
further conservation, management, and breeding, the area is designated as a Designated Special
Protection Area.

【Area】
Wildlife Protection Area
Special Protection Area
Designated Special Protection Area

44,053ha
23,630ha
1,156ha【Date of the original designation】
March 31, 1982

Location of the Shiretoko National Wildlife
Protection Area, Special Protection Area,
and Designated Special Protection Area

LegendWildlife Protection Area
Special Protection Area

【Period of continuation】
From November 1, 2001 to October 31, 2021

Designated Special
Protected Area
National ParkThe Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area
and Special Protection Area were first designatedon March 31, 1982. The areas were expanded anddesignated again on November 1, 2001. At thattime, it was recognized that the designation wasnecessary, especially for the conservation of
wildlife, not only because the area’s purpose was
Scale: 1/200,000
the conservation and breeding of wildlife, butalso because the rock reefs found there were usedby seabirds as nesting sites, the area was used by
Blakiston’s fish-owls and white-tailed eagles as nesting sites, and the forests were used by Steller’s sea
eagles and white-tailed eagles as resting/roosting sites for wintering period. On November 1, 2001, a
Designated Special Protection Area was also newly designated.
The period of continuation of the Wildlife Protection Area is to be set as long as possible, within 20
years, in order to conserve stable habitats and the living environment of the wildlife. The period for the
Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area is 20 years.

S-51

○ Master plan of National Wildlife Protection Area
A master plan is drawn up for a National Wildlife Protection Area to define conservation management
policy. The plan describes matters such as the current situation of the Wildlife Protection Area, thepurpose of setting the Wildlife Protection Area, the conservation management of the Wildlife Protection
Area, the matters concerning permit approval, the matters concerning the improvement and managementof facilities, and other matters necessary for conservation management.
［Protection and Management of the Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area (Extract)］（The Master Plan）
1. Basic Policy
The Shiretoko Peninsula is a pristine wilderness area with a wide variety of wildlife. Its fauna includes large landmammals, such as brown bears and Yezo sika deer, as well as endangered species, including Blakiston’s fish-owls andwhite-tailed eagles which are large, endangered birds of prey.
For these reasons, the Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area shall ensure the protection of the habitats ofendangered wildlife species and shall, based on the maintenance and preservation of the natural succession andcirculation in ecosystems, consider necessary measures for wildlife species whose population have increased or
decreased considerably due to anthropogenic impact, after obtaining a scientific understanding of their living
conditions.
In addition, in order to promote the coexistence of people and wildlife, the Area shall provide the proper guidance
about people’s utilization of the Area, shall promote the dissemination of information and education on the ecology ofwildlife, and shall conduct the protection and management activities as follows.
2. Specific protection and management activities(1) Investigation of living conditions of wildlife
In the scientific, systematic protection and management of the wildlife protection area, investigation and researchshall be conducted on the living conditions, population trends, habitats, ecology and other conditions of wildlife
and, wherever necessary, a protection and management plan shall be considered for each target wildlife species. In
the operation of such plan, monitoring of the current status shall be conducted and revision shall be made asnecessary based on the feedback from such monitoring.
In order to promote these activities, the Area shall strive to collect data and other materials on Shiretoko
accumulated thus far and shall ensure active use of them, while conducting monitoring studies on the living
conditions of wildlife to ensure the appropriate protection and management of wildlife.
In particular, while this Wildlife Protection Area has been established as a place to ensure the protection of thehabitats of endangered bird and animal species, it has faced problems including the friction between brown bears
and people, the effect of the grazing pressure of Yezo sika deer on the natural vegetation, damage to agriculture
and forestry industries and wildlife traffic accidents, as well as the concern over the effect of raccoons and otherimmigrant species on native species. The Area shall strive to understand the living conditions of these species aswell as considering necessary measures to be taken based on the present condition, including the development ofprotection and management plans.
These investigations of living conditions shall be conducted in cooperation with other relevant organizations,
including Rausu town, Shari town which has conducted research activities on brown bears, Yezo sika deer andother species by using the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center as its base, and the Naturetopia Shiretoko
Foundation.
(2) Patrols
Patrols and other inspections shall be conducted by rangers and national wildlife protection area wardens and theSpecified Project for the Promotion of Private Sector Participation in Natural Environment Conservation Activities
for National Parks (Green Worker Project). In particular, efforts shall be made to tighten patrols in the DesignatedSpecial Protection Areas and to reinforce the patrolling system for the said areas with the cooperation of therelevant organizations.
Efforts shall also be made to cooperate and to share information with Blakiston’s fish-owl wardens assigned by the
Hokkaido Regional Forest Office , rangers assigned by Hokkaido and local towns and other parties concerned.
(3) Proper guidance about people’s utilization
Most of the districts in this Wildlife Protection Area have been designated as part of the National Park. As such,
the Area has been experiencing a number of intruders and has attracted a great deal of attention to their wildlife,
including endangered bird species and brown bears.
In particular, some people have attempted to feed red foxes or to approach the nesting grounds of birds of prey,including Blakiston’s fish-owls. Others have left litter in the Area, which may attract brown bears. Considerationmust be given to prevent these acts from affecting the habitats of these bird and animal species.
For this purpose, the Area will ensure the adequate consistency with the protection and utilization of the National
Park, will make efforts, through the visitor center and other facilities, to diffuse knowledge on and promote publicawareness of the protection and management of this Wildlife Protection Area, and will provide guidance to users
through patrolling activities by utilizing rangers, national wildlife protection area wardens and the Green Worker
Project and by other available means. In providing guidance, particular emphasis shall be placed on the preventionof hindrance to the protection, management or breeding of endangered bird and animal species that may be causedby entry of users into the Designated Special Protection Areas.

S-52

○

Outline of the wildlife protection measures

Purpose of the
Wildlife Protection
and Appropriate
Hunting Law

Measure-Conservation of
wildlife-Prevention ofdamage toagriculture,
forestry andfisheries-Hazardprevention

Conservation and maintenance of habitat
National
Government

Designation of National Wildlife
Protection Area, etc. (66 sites)

Basic policy ofwildlife
conservation
projects

Designation of Prefectural Wildlife
Protection Area (3,831 sites)

Wildlife hunting regulation
Prefecture
Wildlife conservation
project plan

-Operation of hunting system-Operation of hunting permission(Prevention of damage, etc., toagriculture, forestry and fisheries)

Purpose-Securing of
biodiversity-Conservation oflivingenvironment-Sounddevelopment ofagriculture,
forestry and-Designation of game species-Management of hunting system-Permission for hunting of wildlifethat requires special conservation
and breeding, etc.

Specified Wildlife
Protection andManagement Plan
(optional)

OthersSurvey of state of inhabitation
Released game, public awarenessactivity

The number of Wildlife Protection Areas is the data as of April 1, 2007

S-53

○

Applicable laws and regulations
Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Excerpts)
Law No. 88 of July 12, 2002
Last Amended by Law No. 67 of June 14, 2006

(Objective)
Article 1 This Law aims to ensure the life of the people, whereby the blessings of the natural environment can be enjoyedby the citizens; and serves to contribute to the healthy development of communities through such efforts as ensuringbiodiversity, protecting the living environment, and contributing to the healthy development of agriculture, forestry, andfishery; with the protection of wildlife and proper hunting; by preventing the wildlife from damaging the living
environment, agriculture, forestry, and fishery, or the ecological system; by preventing risks associated with the use of
hunting gears; and by implementing programs for wildlife protection.
(Basic Guidelines)
Article 2
The Minister of the Environment shall establish basic guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the “Basic
Guidelines”) to implement projects to ensure the wildlife protection (hereinafter referred to as the “Wildlife Protection
Projects") (snip).
(Wildlife Protection Project Plans)
Article 4 The prefectural governors shall formulate plans for the implementing the Wildlife Protection Projects to be
implemented by the prefectural governors in accordance with the Basic Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the “Wildlife
Protection Project Plans") (snip).
Article 8 The wildlife or bird eggs may not be captured, collected, or the like (collection or damage; the same shall apply
hereinafter) except for the following cases.
(1) The capture, killing or wounding or the collection or damaging of wildlife or bird eggs with the permission as provided
for in Paragraph 1 of the following article.
(2) The capture or the like of wildlife in accordance with the provisions in Article 11, Paragraph 1.
(3) The capture, killing or wounding or the collection or damaging of the wildlife or bird eggs as provided for in Article
13, Paragraph 1, in accordance with the provisions of the said Paragraph.
(Permission for Capture, killing or wounding of the Wildlife and Collection or damaging of Bird Eggs)
Article 9 Those who intend to capture, kill or wound wildlife or collect or damage bird eggs for the purpose of pursuing an
academic study; for the purpose of preventing the wildlife from damaging the living environment, agriculture, forestry, andfishery, or the ecological system; for the purpose of regulating the population of the specific wildlife as provided for in
Article 7, Paragraph 2, Item 5; or for the purposes as provided for in the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of theEnvironment shall obtain the permission of the Minister of the Environment in the following cases and obtain thepermission of the prefectural governor in other cases.
(1) The capture, killing and wounding of wildlife or the collection or damaging of bird eggs within the Wildlife Protection
Area designated by the Minister of the Environment as provided for in Article 28, Paragraph 1.
(2) The capture, killing and wounding of endangered wildlife species or the collection or damaging of eggs of birds
designated as endangered wildlife species.
(3) The capture, killing and wounding of wildlife by use of the nets or traps designated by the Ministerial Ordinance of the
Ministry of the Environment as significantly harmful to wildlife protection in consideration of the structure, material,
and the usage thereof.
2. Those who intend to obtain the permission as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall apply for the permission of
the Minister of the Environment or the prefectural governors in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial
Ordinance of the Ministry of the Environment.
(Wildlife Protection Area)
Article 28 Should the Minister of the Environment or the prefectural governor so recognize as especially necessary toensure the wildlife protection, he or she may designate the following areas as a Wildlife Protection Area in consideration of
the wildlife species and inhabiting conditions of the wildlife.
(1) Areas recognized by the Minister of the Environment as important for wildlife protection from the perspectives of theinternational or national wildlife protection.
(2) Areas within the prefecture concerned other than the area as provided for in the preceding item that are recognized by
the prefectural governor as important for wildlife protection from the perspective of the regional wildlife protection.
2. The designation or change of the Wildlife Protection Area as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be made with
the name, the area, and the period of continuation of the Wildlife Protection Area designated and the guidelines for theprotection established for the Wildlife Protection Area concerned.
11. Those who have the ownership or other rights for the land or trees/bamboo within a Wildlife Protection Area may notrefuse, without reasonable reasons, to provide facilities for nidification, water supply, feeding, and so on, which arenecessary for inhabitation and breeding of the wildlife, in such land or on trees/bamboo within the area by the Minister ofthe Environment or the prefectural governor.
(Special Protection Area)
Article 29 The Minister of the Environment or the prefectural governor may designate an area recognized as being
especially necessary to ensure wildlife protection or protection of habitats for wildlife within a Wildlife Protection Area asa Special Protection Area.
7.
In a Special Protection Area, the following behaviors are prohibited without obtaining a permission of the Minister ofthe Environment within a special protection area designated by the Minister of the Environment as provided for in

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Paragraph 1 (hereinafter referred to as a “National Special Protection Area”), or without obtaining a permission of theprefectural governor within a special protection area designated by a prefectural governor as provided for in the same
Paragraph (hereinafter referred to as a “Prefectural Special Protection Area”); except for behaviors stipulated as harmlessto the wildlife protection by the Minister of the Environment in a National Special Protection Area or by the prefectural
governor in a Prefectural Special Protection Area:(1) New construction, reconstruction, or enlargement of a building or other man-made structures;(2) Water area reclamation;(3) Felling of trees or bamboo.
(4) In addition to the behaviors listed in the previous three items, any behaviors stipulated by government ordinances as
behaviors likely to affect the wildlife protection by the Minister of the Environment in a National Special Protection
Area or by prefectural governors in a Prefectural Special Protection Area respectively.
8. Those who intend to obtain the permission as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall apply for the permission of
the Minister of the Environment in a National Special Protection Area or the permission of the prefectural governor in a
Prefectural Special Protection Area in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial Ordinance of the Ministry of theEnvironment.
9. Should the permission be applied for as provided for in the preceding paragraph, the Minister of the Environment or the
prefectural governor shall grant permission for the provisions in Paragraph 7; except for the case that the behavior
associated with such application falls under any of the following items:(1) A case that such a behavior may be significantly harmful to the wildlife protection;(2) A case that such a behavior may be significantly harmful to the protection of habitats of the wildlife
10. The Minister of the Environment or the prefectural governor may impose conditions to the permission as provided forin Paragraph 7 if it is recognized as necessary for the wildlife protection or the protection of habitats of the wildlife.

Enforcement Regulations for the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Excerpts)
Government Ordinance No. 391 dated December 20, 2002
Last Amended by Government Ordinance No. 327 dated October 12, 2006
(Behaviors requiring permission within a special protection area (Designated Special Protection Area))
Article 2 The behaviors stipulated by the government ordinance as provided for Article 29, Paragraph 7, Item 4 of the
Law shall be the behaviors described below that are done within an area designated by the Minister of the Environment (orby the prefectural governor in the special protection area designated by the prefectural governor) during the period
designated by areas (except for behaviors done on roads, open spaces, or other public spaces).
(1) Collection or damaging of plants other than trees or bamboo; collection of fallen leaves or fallen branches; capturing,killing or wounding of animals; collection or damaging of eggs of animals (except for behaviors to be done to run
agriculture, forestry, or fishery).
(2) Making of a bonfire or a fire of any kind.
(3) Use of horses or vehicles.
(4) Use of a motor-driven vessel (except for use of a vessel to run fishery or ship-operating business).
(5) Introduction of an animal that may be harmful to dogs or other wildlife.
(6) Photographing, video recording, sound recording, or observation of fauna and flora by a method designated by the
Minister of the Environment as being harmful to nidification of the wildlife.
(7) Playing of outdoor sports or outdoor recreation by use of balls or other objects.

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(6) Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle
Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles have been protected by their designation as a Natural
Monument in 1970, and as a “National Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora” under the Law for
the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora that was enforced in 1993, and theirhunting, etc have been controlled.
Recently, however, their stable existence in their natural habitat is being threatened due to the shrinkingof their habitats and breeding sites caused by development, etc., lead poisoning by lead bullets,
electrocution through contact with electric cables, etc., collisions with man-made constructions andmoving vehicles, etc. In addition, they show a strong tendency to depend on food derived from humanactivities.
Therefore, a plan for Protection and Breeding Program was developed in 2005 and its measures havebeen advanced at aiming to create conditions for Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles to stably
subsist in their natural habitat.
○

Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations
The Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations for the
Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagle was developed in December 2005 based on the Law for theConservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Under this program, measures have been
advanced to establish their stable existence in their natural state by understanding their inhabitation andbreeding state, as well as the mitigation, removal, etc., of factors that put pressure on their inhabitation
and breeding.
・The subcommittee on the protection and breeding of white-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea eagles,
Committee for Wildlife Protection Policy
The subcommittee on the protection and breeding of white-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea eagles,
Committee for Wildlife Protection Policy was set up in February 2006 to investigate protection
measures based on scientific knowledge focusing on the correct evaluation of the current state of their
inhabitation and habitat, protection of that habitat, methods of protection and breeding, etc., for theadequate advancement of protection measures for Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. The
subcommittee consists of representative researchers in respective taxonomic groups of wildlife,
representative experts in the protection and breeding of wildlife, etc., who are commissioned by the
Director-General of the Nature Conservation Bureau, The Ministry of the Environment.
＜Members of the subcommittee on the protection and breeding of white-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea
eagles, Committee for Wildlife Protection Policy＞
Yoichi Kawaguchi(Assistant Professor, Urban & Environmental Engineering laboratory,
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University)
Nobumichi Kurosawa (Representative, Network for the protection of eagles from lead poisoning)
Masao Kosuge(Director, Asahiyama Zoo)
Keisuke Saito(Representative, Hokkaido Raptor Research)
Saiko Shiraki(Assistant Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture)
Fusahei Sekiyama(Director, Raptor Ecology Institute)
Hajime Nakagawa(Director, Shiretoko Museum)Yuzo Fujimaki(Professor Emeritus, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary
Medicine)

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・List of protection and breeding projects for white-tailed eagle and Steller’s sea eagle in 2006
・Understanding of their state of inhabitation¾ Literary research¾ Monitoring and surveying to understand their inhabitation during wintering¾ Understanding of their food resource environment in natural rivers¾ Understanding the impact of human-induced food resources¾ Preservation and management of specimen
・Rescue of sick and wounded birds¾ Operation of the system to rescue sick and wounded birds¾ Development of hazard maps
・Ensuring cooperation for effective promotion of projects¾ Establishment of a liaison meeting of protection and breeding operators
・Other¾ Consideration of mid- and long-term targets for the future protection of the two species○

Lead poisoning prevention measures
Since around 1997, there have been cases of the lead poisoning deaths of Steller’s sea eagles andwhite-tailed eagles, mainly from eating sika deer flesh with remaining lead bullet fragments. Measures
were taken, including a call to hunters to switch from lead rifle bullets to less poisonous rifle bullets,
however this measure did not achieve the total elimination of lead poisoning deaths.
Hokkaido is working to root out the lead poisoning deaths of eagles by banning the use of lead rifle
bullets and lead shot for large-sized animals, not only in sika deer hunting, but in the hunting of any
animal, beginning in the hunting season of 2004.

Hokkaido announcement No.754
Based on the stipulation of article 15.1 of the Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law (Law No.88 of 2002), a
Designated Hunting Prohibited Area was designated where the capture (including killing and wounding) of wildlife throughthe specified hunting methods described below was prohibited. The designation is announced here based on the stipulation ofarticle 15.2 of the same law.
Hokkaido announcement No.537 of 2001 [restriction of hunting methods for game (deer)] shall be repealed on September 30,
2004.
August 20, 2004
Governor of Hokkaido, Harumi Takahashi
1 Title:2 Zone:3 Period of continuation:
4

Hokkaido Designated Hunting Prohibited Area
Throughout the Hokkaido area
Beginning October 1, 2004
(Beginning October 1, 2005 in the areas under the control of the Oshima and Shiribeshi
subprefectural offices)

Specified hunting methods(1)
Hunting methods that use rifle bullets made from lead-containing substances (excluding rifle bullets where theweight ratio of lead is not more than 50%, and more than half of the lead-containing parts are covered withsteel from the top to prevent lead from scattering when the bullet hits the target)(2)
Hunting methods that use shot made of lead-containing substances and where the diameter is more than 7mm

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○

Applicable laws and regulations

LAW FOR THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL PROPERTIES (extract)
Law No.214. Promulgated on May 30,1950
Last Amended by Law No. 73 of 2006.
(Purpose of this Law)
Article 1. The purpose of this Law is to preserve and utilize cultural properties, so that the culture of the Japanesepeople may be furthered and a contribution be made to the evolution of world culture.
(Definition of Cultural Properties)
Article 2. "Cultural properties" in this Law shall be the following:(4) Shell mounds, ancient tombs, sites of palaces, sites of forts or castles, monumental dwelling houses, and othersites, which possess a high historical and/or scientific value in and for this country; gardens, bridges, gorges,
sea-shores, mountains, and other places of scenic beauty, which possess a high value from the point of view ofart or visual appreciation in and for this country; and animals (including their habitats, breeding places andsummer and winter resorts), plants (including their habitats), and geological features and minerals (including
the grounds where peculiar natural phenomena are seen), which possess a high scientific value in and for thiscountry (hereinafter referred to as "monuments");(Designation)
Article 109. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology may designate important items ofmonuments as historic sites, places of scenic beauty, or natural monuments (hereinafter collectively referred to as"historic sites, places of scenic beauty and/or natural monument").,(Restriction on Alteration, etc. of Existing State and Order for Recovery to Original State)
Article 125. In case any person intends to do an act altering the existing state of a historic site, place of scenic
beauty and/or natural monument or an act affecting the preservation thereof, he/she must obtain the permission of
the Commissioner the Agency for Cultural Affairs; however, this shall not apply to the case where such act asaltering the existing state is merely a measure for maintaining the existing state of the property or an emergency
measure necessary for the prevention of extraordinary disasters or where the influence of the act which may affectits preservation is only negligible.
7. In case any person has done an act altering the existing state or affecting the preservation of a historic site, placeof scenic beauty and/or natural monument without obtaining the permission under the provision of paragraph 1 orwithout complying with the conditions of the permission given under Article 43 paragraph 3 applying mutatis
mutandis under paragraph 3, the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs may order him/her to recover isoriginal state. In this case the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs may give necessary instructions
regarding such recovery.
(Integrity of Surroundings)
Article 128. The Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs may, if he/she deems it necessary for ensuring
the preservation of the historic site, place of scenic beauty and/or natural monument, restrict or prohibit certain
kinds of act within a prescribed area or may order the provision of necessary facilities in such area.

Date of designation as a natural monument: January 23, 1970 (Notification No. 3 Issued by the Ministry of
Education)
Designation Criteria for Designated Special Historic Sites, Scenic Sites, and Natural Monuments, and Designated
Historic Sites, Scenic Sites, and Natural Monuments (excerpt)
Notification No. 2 dated May 10, 1951 Issued by the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Assets
Last amended by Notification No. 24 dated March 6, 1995 Issued by the Ministry of Education
Natural monuments
The fauna, flora, geologic features, and minerals listed below that are academically precious and arecommemorative of the nature of Japan.
(1) Fauna(i) Distinguished animals specific to Japan and their habitats(ii) Animals not specific to Japan but having the need to be preserved as distinguished animals in Japan and theirhabitats(iii) Animals or animal communities inhabiting in the natural environment that are specific to Japan(iv) Livestock animals specific to Japan(v) Distinguished animals, other than livestock that were imported from abroad to Japan and are in a wild condition
at present, and their habitats(vi) Samples of especially precious animals

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The Law for Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Extract)
Law No. 75 of 1992
Last Amended by Law No. 87 of 2005.
(Purposes)
Article 1
This Law is, in view of the fact that wild fauna and flora are an indispensable element of the wholesome life of
human beings not only as an importantconstituent of the ecosystems but also as that of the natural environmentas a whole,
aimed at conserving the wholesome natural environment byprotecting endangered species of wild fauna and flora and atcontributingtowards the maintenance of wholesome and cultured living of the people atpresent and in future.
(Prohibition of the Taking Etc. )Article 9
The taking, collection, killing or injuring (hereinafter referred to as "the taking etc.") of living individuals of
the national endangered species of wild fauna and flora and the temporarily designated endangered species (hereinafterreferred to as "the national endangered species of wild fauna and flora, etc." in this Section and Article 54 Paragraph 2)
shall not be committed. However, the same shall not apply in the cases mentioned in the following:(1) The cases where the taking etc. are conducted in regard to permission under the permission granted underParagraph 1 or Paragraph 2 of the following Article.
(2) The cases prescribed by a Prime Minister's Office Ordinance as necessaryto maintain living and not being feared as
detrimental to the conservation of the species.
(3) The cases where there are unavoidable reasons, such as the protection of human life or body, as stipulated by a
Prime Minister's Office Ordinance.
(Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations )Article 45 The Director-General of the Environment Agency and the heads of the administrative organizations of the
National Government to execute programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable
populations (referred to as "the Director-General of the Environment Agency and other National Government officials" inParagraph 3) shall hear opinions of the Nature Conservation Council to formulate programmes for the rehabilitation of thenatural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations in order to contribute towards proper and effective
implementation of the programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations.
2.
The programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations shall be
formulated on the species-by-species basis for the national endangered species of wild fauna and flora to be the objects ofthe programmes, covering the targets of the programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of
viable populations, the areas where the programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable
populations are to be executed, the substance of the programmes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and themaintenance of viable populations and other matters necessary for proper and effective implementation of the programmes
for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable population.
3.
The Director-General of the Environment Agency shall, when a programme for the rehabilitation of natural habitats
and the maintenance of viable populations has been formulated under Paragraph 1, announce its outline in the Official
Gazette and make available for the public perusal the programme for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and themaintenance of viable populations.
4.
The provisions of Paragraph 1 and the preceding Paragraph shall be applied mutatis mutandis to changes to theprogrammes for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations under Paragraph 1.

Programmes for Rehabilitation of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populationsfor Steller’s sea eagle
December 1, 2005
I. Objectives of the Project
Steller’s sea eagles are large birds of prey that migrate to Japan in winter to spend the season. In spring, they migrate to
Russia and breed around the Sea of Okhotsk. Though their main wintering place is Hokkaido, these birds are found in allparts of Japan.
In recent years, the stable survival of this species in the wild has been threatened due to causes including: the reductionof roosts and other habitats resulting from development and other human activities; the increased deaths and injuries ofthese birds due to such causes as lead poisoning caused by lead bullets, accidental electrocution caused by accidental
contact with electric lines or equipment, collision with buildings, and accidental contact with running vehicles; and theincreased tendency to depend on food resources arising from human activities.
This project aims to ensure the stable survival of this species in the wild by understanding the living conditions andhabitats of these birds and reducing, eliminating or otherwise controlling the factors exerting pressure on their survival.
II. Areas Covered by the Project
The whole country.
III. Contents of the Project1.
Understanding the living conditions, etc.
In order to implement this project in an appropriate and effective manner, the following investigations shall be

S-59

conducted and efforts shall be made to collect information on this species and the circumstances surrounding it andto understand the actual conditions facing the birds.
As the activities of these birds cover a large area, efforts shall be made to establish a system to collect information inan efficient manner.
(1) Investigation and monitoring of the living conditions
In order to understand the living conditions of these birds, including their migration, distribution, geographicalarea of activities and feeding behavior, investigations shall be conducted including periodic monitoring,bird-banding studies, and genetic diversity studies.
In addition, in order to understand factors contributing their mortality, any discovery of a dead bird in the fields
shall be followed by investigations, including the collection of information on the circumstances surrounding thecollection of the carcass and an inspection of the carcass.
(2) Investigation of the living environment
Investigations shall be conducted on such items as: the roosts of these birds; the environments used as feeding
grounds; and the feeding environment including types and amounts of food consumed and the degree of
dependence on food resources arising from human activities.
(3) Understanding the environment suited for survival
Based on results of the investigations set forth in (1) and (2) above, the environment suited for the survival ofthis bird species shall be found out.
2.
Conservation and improvement of the living environment in the habitats
The stable survival of this species in the wild requires such measures as: conservation of the living environment,
including roosts; and construction of the environment where the birds can survive without depending on foodresources arising from human activities. Accordingly, the following approaches shall be used based on findings andinformation obtained from the activities listed in Section 1 above.
If any land use project or development project that is likely to affect the survival of these birds is proposed to takeplace around any of their habitats, efforts shall be made, by improving the framework for communication with
relevant organizations or otherwise, to cause the entity conducting the project to give consideration to secure theenvironmental conditions required for the survival of these birds.
(1) Conservation and improvement of the living environment
Efforts shall be made to mitigate or eliminate any adverse effects on the living environment, including fish andbird species consumed by Steller’s sea eagles, in and around rivers and other inland waters and coasts and tosecure the natural living conditions of these birds by conserving and improving riverside forests and otherenvironmental elements.
(2) Prevention of lead poisoning
In response to the lead poisoning cases caused by lead bullets, the actual conditions of the lead poisoning facing
this species shall be investigated and, based on results of such investigation, efforts shall be made to prevent leadpoisoning by taking appropriate measures, enhancing the cooperation with relevant organizations and using otheravailable means.
(3) Countermeasures against accidents
In order to prevent death, injury and other damage to these birds caused by such accidents as electrocution
resulting from contact with electric lines or other electric equipment, collision with buildings, and contact withrunning vehicles, investigations shall be conducted as necessary and efforts shall be made to take available
measures, while cooperating with relevant organizations and obtaining understanding and cooperation fromparties concerned.
(4) Patrols of habitats
Efforts shall be made to collect information on careless human entry into areas surrounding the roosts or otherassembly places of these birds and to prevent poaching and other activities that are likely to have a harmful
effect on the survival of this bird species, by conducting patrols as necessary.
3.
Relief and protection of sick and injured birds
Sick or injured birds shall be taken to and protected at appropriate facilities. All birds recovered enough to survive inthe wild shall be returned to the wild in principle. In doing so, efforts shall be made to establish such methods toreturn recovered birds to the wild and such testing system as will ensure the prevention of any infectious disease
from being transmitted from the released birds to other birds of prey or other birds and/or animals and shall also bemade to find out about the living conditions of Steller’s sea eagles, by attaching transmitters to released birds ifnecessary.
4.
Promotion of the dissemination of information and education
To obtain satisfactory results from the conservation and breeding project for this species, it is essential to obtainunderstanding and cooperation from businesses conducting various business activities, the national government andrelevant local governments, and the general public including residents of the areas involved. Accordingly, thedissemination of information and education on the living conditions and environment of this species, the necessity of
its conservation, the progress of this project and related matters shall be promoted, and efforts shall be made toensure the development of appropriate local conservation activities.
5.
Securing cooperation for the effective promotion of the project
In implementing this project, efforts shall be made to ensure its effective promotion by ensuring cooperation among
parties involved, including the national government, relevant local governments, persons with technical knowledge

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on the ecology and other matters of this species, conservation groups participating in the planning of conservation
activities for this species, and residents in and around the habitats of this species.
In addition, adequate attention shall be paid to cooperation with conservation efforts being made in the framework
for international cooperation.

Programmes for Rehabilitations of Natural Habitats and Maintenance of Viable Populations for White-tailed eagle
December 1, 2005
I. Objectives of the Project
White-tailed eagles are large birds of prey that migrate to Japan in winter to spend the season. In spring, a major
portion of the population migrates to Russia to breed there, while part of the population remains in Japan and breeds
along the coasts or around inland waters in Hokkaido. Their main wintering places are Hokkaido and the northernpart of Honshu, though these birds are found in all parts of Japan.
In recent years, the stable survival of this species in the wild has been threatened due to factors including: the reductionof habitats and breeding places resulting from development and other human activities; the increased deaths andinjuries of these birds due to such causes as lead poisoning caused by lead bullets, accidental electrocution caused by
accidental contact with electric lines or equipment, collision with buildings, and accidental contact with runningvehicles; and the increased tendency to depend on food resources arising from human activities.
This project aims to ensure the stable survival of this species in the wild by understanding the living conditions,habitats, breeding conditions, breeding environment and other conditions of these birds and reducing, eliminating orotherwise controlling the factors exerting pressure on their survival and breeding.
II. Areas Covered by the Project
The whole country.
III. Contents of the Project1.
Understanding the living and breeding conditions, etc.
In order to implement this project in an appropriate and effective manner, the following investigations shall be
conducted and efforts shall be made to collect information on this species and the circumstances surrounding it andto understand the actual conditions facing the birds.
As the activities of these birds cover a large area, efforts shall be made to establish a system to collect informationin an efficient manner.
(1) Investigation and monitoring of the living and breeding conditions
In order to understand the living and breeding conditions of these birds, including their migration, distribution,
geographical area of activities, feeding behavior and breeding places, investigations shall be conducted
including periodic monitoring, bird-banding studies, and genetic diversity studies.
In addition, in order to understand factors contributing their mortality, any discovery of a dead bird in the fields
shall be followed by investigations, including the collection of information on the circumstances surrounding
the collection of the carcass and an inspection of the carcass.
(2) Investigation of the living and breeding environment
Investigations shall be conducted on such items as: the roosts of these birds; the environments used as feedingor breeding grounds; and the feeding environment including types and amounts of food consumed and thedegree of dependence on food resources arising from human activities.
(3) Understanding the environment suited for survival and breeding
Based on results of the investigations set forth in (1) and (2) above, the environment suited for the survival andbreeding of this bird species shall be found out.
2.
Conservation and improvement of the living environment in the habitats and of the breeding environment
in the breeding grounds
The stable survival of this species in the wild requires such measures as: conservation of the living and breeding
environments, including roosts and breeding places; and construction of the environment where the birds cansurvive without depending on food resources arising from human activities. Accordingly, the following approaches
shall be used based on findings and information obtained from the activities listed in Section 1 above.
If any land use project or development project that is likely to affect the survival or breeding of these birds is
proposed to take place around any of their habitats or breeding places, efforts shall be made, by improving theframework for communication with relevant organizations or otherwise, to cause the entity conducting the projectto give consideration to secure the environmental conditions required for the survival and breeding of these birds.
(1) Conservation and improvement of the living and breeding environments
Efforts shall be made to mitigate or eliminate any adverse effects on the living environment, including fish andbird species consumed by white-tailed eagles, in and around rivers and other inland waters and coasts and tosecure the natural living and breeding conditions of these birds by conserving and improving riverside forestsand other environmental elements.
(2) Prevention of lead poisoning
In response to the lead poisoning cases caused by lead bullets, the actual conditions of the lead poisoning facing
this species shall be investigated and, based on results of such investigation, efforts shall be made to prevent

S-61

lead poisoning by taking appropriate measures, enhancing the cooperation with relevant organizations andusing other available means.
(3) Countermeasures against accidents
In order to prevent death, injury and other damage to these birds caused by such accidents as electrocution
resulting from contact with electric lines or other electric equipment, collision with buildings, and contact withrunning vehicles, investigations shall be conducted as necessary and efforts shall be made to take available
measures, while cooperating with relevant organizations and obtaining understanding and cooperation fromparties concerned.
(4) Patrols of habitats and breeding grounds
Efforts shall be made to collect information on careless human entry into areas surrounding the roosts or otherassembly or breeding places of these birds and to prevent poaching and other activities that are likely to have a
harmful effect on the survival, nest building or breeding of this bird species, by conducting patrols asnecessary.
3. Relief and protection of sick and injured birds
Sick or injured birds shall be taken to and protected at appropriate facilities. All birds recovered enough to survive
in the wild shall be returned to the wild in principle. In doing so, efforts shall be made to establish such methods toreturn recovered birds to the wild and such testing system as will ensure the prevention of any infectious disease
from being transmitted from the released birds to other birds of prey or other birds and/or animals and shall also bemade to find out about the living conditions of Steller’s sea eagles, by attaching transmitters to released birds ifnecessary.
4. Breeding in captivity
In principle, breeding of this species shall be supported by ensuring the conservation and improvement of the wild
population in the habitats and breeding places. Meanwhile, in case the wild population experiences a rapid decline,
the possibility of introducing captive-bred birds to the wild shall be considered.
5. Promotion of the dissemination of information and education
To obtain satisfactory results from the conservation and breeding project for this species, it is essential to obtainunderstanding and cooperation from businesses conducting various business activities, the national government andrelevant local governments, and the general public including residents of the areas involved. Accordingly, thedissemination of information and education on the living and breeding conditions and environments of this species,
the necessity of conservation, the progress of this project and related matters shall be promoted, and efforts shall bemade to ensure the development of appropriate local conservation activities.
6. Securing cooperation for the effective promotion of the project
In implementing this project, efforts shall be made to ensure the effective promotion of the project by ensuring
cooperation among parties involved, including the national government, relevant local governments, persons withtechnical knowledge on the ecology and other matters of this species, conservation groups participating in theplanning of conservation activities for this species, and residents in and around the habitats and breeding places ofthis species.
In addition, adequate attention shall be paid to cooperation with conservation efforts being made in the framework
for international cooperation.

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3

Other components (use of marine area)
Since the 50’s of showa-era (from 1975 to 1984), tourists landing around the Shiretoko Cape fromfishing pleasure boats, etc., have become conspicuous. In order to protect nature and prevent the areafrom becoming a tourist site, visits by general tourists for recreational purposes have been restricted
through instructions based on the “Agreement on the instructions for use restrictions of the Shiretoko
Cape area” that was concluded in 1984 by the administrative bodies involved. Under the agreement, thelanding of general tourists, etc., from fishing pleasure boats for recreational purposes is prohibited.
Entering via land route, mostly by mountain climbers, are not banned for the time being, but instructions
shall be given to refrain from such visits, explaining the danger of the route and the prohibition of taking
rides on fishing boats, etc. Those who still desire to enter the zone shall be advised to go through aprocedure for entering a national forest. The organizations concerned have been implementing measures,such as joint patrols and the development of signs for instructing restrictions, in order to control use
based on “the agreement”.
In spite of various measures implemented by the institutions concerned after “the agreement”, thelanding by general tourists from power-driven vessels, such as fishing pleasure boats, showed no sign ofsignificant decline. Their impact on the pristine natural environment includes receding vegetation due tobonfires and trampling. There was also a concern about the impact on the breeding sites of birds, etc.,
and the invasion/expansion of alien plant species. In the marine area, new marine recreational activities,
such as sea kayaking, personal watercraft, and scuba diving are becoming popular in addition to fishing.
Because the marine area is a habitat and breeding ground for seabirds and marine mammals, as well as
an area for fishery activities, including the salmon and trout fishery, the establishment of rules for use
was required to ensure compatibility with them.
In response, review into the proper use of Shiretoko National Park began in 2001 and the Basic Plan on
the Proper Use of the Apical Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park was formulated in
December 2004. Based on this basic plan, instructions have been provided, according to the state of use,
to use the park for marine recreation only under the given rules in order to avoid impacting seabirds andmarine mammals, as well as the fisheries that are the key local industry.
○ Survey on the state of use of Shiretoko National Park
Surveys, on entering the Shiretoko Cape, number of visitors, and operation of sight-seeing pleasure boats,etc. have been conducted on an ongoing basis to understand the current state of use of Shiretoko National
Park. This survey results have been examined by the Committee on the Promotion of Proper Use of
Shiretoko National Park that consists of academic experts, organizations concerned, and administrative
bodies concerned in order to promote the appropriate conservation and use of the park.

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Example 1: Number of visitors to Shiretoko Cape area – year-by-year comparison (2006)

No. of visitors
Year ofsurvey

1996
1997
1998

SurveyperiodDays ofsurvey8/12-18
7
8/11-166
8/12-219
8/10-13
2001
6
17-20
2002
8/18-1912
2003
8/12-1762004
8/6-1611
2005
8/12-198
2006
8/11-17
7
Compared to a year ago
Compared to two years ago

Bunkichi Bay toAkaiwaBunkichi Bay toAidomari

Averagevisitors/dayPower-driven
vessels

Sea kayak

On foot

Bunkichi Bay toAkaiwaNo. ofgroupsNo. ofvisitors

No. ofgroupsNo. ofvisitors

No. ofgroupsNo. ofvisitors

141
353
200

20
59
22

19
42
24

78
299
123

6
4
5

13
24
25

6
6
6

50
30
52

83

14

12

44

1

2

6

37

17
13
10
8
13
163%
130%

34
15
14
8
10
125%
71%

124
60
69
39
40
103%
58%

5
1
5
5
4
80%
80%

21
1
28
15
34
227%
121%

13
7
9
5
5
100%
56%

58
19
23
26
15
58%
65%

203
80
114
66
89
135%
78%

84
149
100
-

Example 2: Understanding the routes taken by sight-seeing pleasure boats
From spring to summer, the Shari-side coastline of the Shiretoko Peninsula is an important nesting site forseabirds, represented by the spectacled guillemot. There was a concern regarding the disturbance of theiractivities by the sight-seeing pleasure boats that often navigate along the coast during this season. To
address this issue, pleasure boat operators are given instructions, etc., on how to navigate while keeping a
distance of more than 100m from the habitats and breeding sites of the seabirds.

2006
Ｈ１８年

2005
Ｈ１７年

Fig.12.
Sight-seeing pleasure boat route around the Furepe Cape and Man’s Tear
図 12．フレペの滝・男の涙周辺の観光船航路

Ｈ１８年
2006

Ｈ１７年
2005

Fig.13.
Sight-seeing pleasure boat route around the cliffs of the Goko Lakes
図 13．五湖の断崖周辺の観光船航路

データ：海域の利用と野生動物に対する影響調査（知床財団調査）

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○ Committee on the Promotion of Proper Use of Shiretoko National Park
1． Purpose of the establishment
The Committee on the Promotion of Proper Use of Shiretoko National Park that consists of academic
experts, organizations concerned, and the administrative bodies concerned was set up in order topromote the appropriate conservation and use of Shiretoko National Park based on the Basic Concept
on the Proper Use of Shiretoko National Park, formulated in 2001, in order to explore the desirable
conservation and use of Shiretoko National Park.
2．Items to be studied(1) Items concerning the basic plan for proper use(2) Items concerning implementation of the basic plan for proper use(3) Items concerning rules for use(4) Other items necessary to accomplish the objectives
3．Constitution
The committee consists of experts, local organizations concerned, and the administrative bodies
concerned.
(Experts)
Iwao Ogawa:
Representative of EcoNetwork
Akihiro Kobayashi:
Professor, Hokkaido College, Senshu University
Hisashi Shinsho:
Senior Technical Manager, Environmental Policy Division, Kushiro City
Tatsuichi Tsujii:
President of the Hokkaido Environment Foundation *Chair
Hajime Nakagawa:Director of Shiretoko Museum
Kohichi Nakayasu:
President of the Hokkaido Forestry Association
4．Discussion process
March 2002:
Establishment of the “Basic Concept on the Proper Use of Shiretoko
National Park”
December 2004:
Establishment of the “Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Apical
Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park”
September 2005:
Establishment of the “Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Central
Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park”
April 2006:“Request to refrain from entering the apical region of the Shiretoko
Peninsula”
March 2007:
Establishment of "FY2007 Implementation Plan for the Proper Use of
the Central Region of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Shiretoko National
Park”

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○

Applicable rules

Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Apical Region of the Peninsula Zone of Shiretoko National Park (Extract)
December 2004
1. Purpose of This Basic Plan
In order to properly conserve the pristine natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the “Apical Region of theShiretoko Peninsula”, this Basic Plan aims to prevent visitors from causing hindrance to the sustainable conservationof the landscapes and ecosystems, by specifying the way the appropriate use should be (the “Basic Policies” and the“Policies on Various Forms of Use”), the rules to be complied with (the “Regulation of Use” and the “Use Rules”),
and matters concerning management and operation.
2. Background(1) Past approaches
Since the 50’s of the Showa-era (from 1975 to 1984), tourists landing around the Shiretoko Cape from fishing pleasureboats, etc., have become conspicuous. In order to protect nature and prevent the area from becoming a tourist site,
visits by general tourists for recreational purposes have been controlled through instructions based on the “Agreementon the instructions for usage restrictions of the Shiretoko Cape area” that was concluded in1984 by the administrative
bodies involved. Under the Agreement, the landing of general tourists, etc., from fishing pleasure boats for recreational
purposes is prohibited. Visits via land route, mostly by mountain climbers, are not banned for the time being, but
instructions shall be given to refrain from such visits, explaining the danger of the route and the prohibition of taking
rides on fishing boats, etc. Interested climbers shall be advised to go through a procedure for entering a national forest.
The institutions concerned have been implementing measures, such as joint patrols and the development of signs for
instructions, in order to control use based on “the Agreement”.
(2) Present issues
In spite of various measures implemented by the institutions concerned after “the Agreement”, the landing by general
tourists from power-driven vessels, such as fishing pleasure boats, showed no sign of significant decline. Their impact
on the primeval natural environment includes receding vegetation due to bonfires and trampling. There was also a
concern about the impact on the breeding sites of birds, etc., and the invasion/expansion of alien plant species.
In the marine area, new marine recreational activities, such as sea kayaking, personal watercraft, and scuba diving are
becoming popular in addition to fishing. Because the marine area is a habitat and breeding ground for sea-birds andmarine mammals, as well as an area for fishery activities, including the salmon and trout fishery, the establishment ofrules for use has been required to ensure compatibility with them.
(3) Position in the Management Plan for the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Nominated Site
(The rest omitted.)
3. Target Area (The rest omitted.)
4. Basic Policies
Taking into account the philosophy of the Basic Concept on the Proper Use of Shiretoko National Park issued in 2001
and the contents of the Management Plan for the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Nominated Site issued in January
2004 as well as the characteristics of the region, the use of the Apical Region shall be regulated based on the following
basic policies:(1) The existing complete prohibition of landing in the region from power-driven vessels shall be applied thoroughly andmore rigorously, since this is not an appropriate use of this region and causes hindrance to its nature conservation.
(2) Entry to the land area on foot or by sea kayak or other human powered conveyance shall not be allowed without
restriction. Since parts of the land area covered by this Basic Plan contain places requiring protection andconservation, such as the habitats and breeding places of endangered animal species, sea-bird nesting colonies, fragile
plant communities and lands containing archaeological and cultural resources, specific “Utilization Rules” that suitthe characteristics and uses of these places shall be established to impose certain restrictions in order to avoid any
trouble in ensuring the conservation of the natural environment and the quality of natural experiences.
(3) With respect to the use of the marine area, the region contains habitats and breeding grounds for both sea-birds andmarine mammals and there is a concern that the navigation of ships and personal watercraft forsightseeing/recreational purposes, and disorderly feeding and watching, may affect the life of these sea-birds andmarine mammals. Accordingly, in order to prevent the detrimental impact of the recreational use of the marine area on
sea-birds and marine mammals, and to ensure the smooth achievement of the coexistence of the recreational use andsalmon fishing and other local fishing activities, that is a major local industry, “Utilization Rules” shall be establishedand efforts shall be made to disseminate and promote public awareness of these Rules.
(4) With respect to safety in use, efforts shall be made to improve the safety in use and to spread and promote awarenessof the sense of “self-responsibility” among Users by establishing a system to provide information in advance or a
preparatory lecture.
(5) In order to ensure the conservation of the pristine wilderness, it is desirable that Users behave and act in anature-friendly manner that would allow them to have nature experiences while reducing the negative impact onnature. For this purpose, efforts shall be made to improve the guidance systems including patrols, to disseminate
information and promote public awareness, and to improve the preparatory lecture, etc.
(6) It is important that local residents and businesses concerned who or which have daily contact with Users play a role inproviding guidance on or disseminating the “Utilization Rules”. By enhancing the cooperation with local residents aswell as with businesses concerned in or outside the local area, mechanisms (such as construction of networks) shall be

S-66

created by which the aforementioned function of local residents and businesses concerned will be performed
effectively.
The aforementioned “Utilization Rules” refers to “7. Regulation of Use” and “8. Use Rules” of this Basic Plan.
The “Regulation of Use” intends to control the respective uses of the various districts by taking their specific uses into
account. The “Use Rules” specify, based on the contents of the “Regulation of Use”, matters that require attention
from Users and activities prohibited to Users while they are in the region from the viewpoints of nature conservation,
security, etc.
5. Definition of “User”
For the purpose of this Basic Plan, the term “Users” refers to any and all persons who enter the “Apical Region” under
the above-described “Basic Policies” and whose use of the region falls under any of the uses listed in section 6 below,
including any and all persons who enter the region in order to conduct, lead, guide or transport these “Users” (guides,
ferry operators and other service providers) or who enter the region for data collection, photo-taking or similar
purposes.
“Users” do not include owners of fishing huts or any other persons who enter the region to conduct activities involved
in fishing or to manage land or facilities.
6. Policies on Various Forms of Use
Basic policies applicable to different forms of use shall be as follows:(1) Use for seashore trekking (The rest omitted.)(2) Use for seashore kayaking
Use for sea kayaking is relatively uncommon in the existing circumstances and would have only minor impact on thenatural environment. However, sea kayaking in the coastal marine area requires adequate understanding andknowledge of weather conditions in the area and high-level skills and also gives the Users unrestricted access to thecoastal area with pristine wilderness. For these reasons, there is concern that sea kayaking may affect the naturalenvironment, fishing activities, etc. In order to prevent any negative impact on these, use for sea kayaking shall becontrolled under the “Utilization Rules”.
(3) Use for mountain hiking (The rest omitted.)(4) Use for salmon fishing near the river mouth
Salmon fishing conducted by Users who land near the mouth of the river by ferry is relatively limited in terms of theperiod and area of entry. However, there is concern that disorderly entry and littering may affect the naturalenvironment, etc. For this reason, this form of use shall be controlled under the “Utilization Rules” in order to prevent
any negative impact on the conservation of the natural environment, based on the principle that this use shall belimited to a level at or below the present level.
With respect to other forms of fishing, including surf fishing and mountain stream fishing, specific policies on themshall be discussed in the future by taking their conditions into account.
(5) Use of the marine area by power-driven vessels
With respect to use of the coastal marine area by power-driven vessels (including tourist boats, fishing pleasure boats
and pleasure boats), since there is concern that this form of use may affect sea-birds, marine mammals, fishingactivities, etc., it shall be controlled under the “Use Rules” to prevent any negative impact on these animals andactivities.
(6) Landing from power-driven vessels
Landing in the Shiretoko Cape area of general tourists from power-driven vessels for recreational purposes has beenprohibited by the “Agreement” among the government agencies concerned. Landing in the Shiretoko Cape area or any
other parts of the “Apical Region” could involve transportation of a large volume of passengers and goods at one timeand may have an significant negative impact on the natural environment and the proper use of the environment.
Accordingly, landing of general tourists from power-driven vessels for recreational purposes shall remain prohibited
regardless of the type of vessel, whether tourist boats, fishing pleasure boats or pleasure boats, and the “Agreement”
shall be applied thoroughly and more rigorously.
However, treatment of return trips in “(1) Use for seashore trekking” and “(3) Use for mountain climbing” and ofpleasure fishing boats involved in “(4) Use for estuary salmon fishing” described above shall be considered separately
in the “Regulation of (respective) uses”.
(7) Other uses
For other recreational use of the coast, such as personal watercraft, diving, and experiential activities on sea ice inwinter, “Utilization Rules” specifying concrete policies shall be discussed while continuously monitoring usage.
In addition, requests shall be made to parties concerned for restriction of low-level flight of aircraft, as such flight islikely to have a negative impact on the comfortable use and wildlife.
Furthermore, with respect to the districts (including Rusha) with an increased need for measures to prevent friction
between Users and brown bears caused by their accidental proximity or contact, consideration shall be given to the
management system to tighten the restriction on entry.
7. Regulation of Uses
With respect to matters and methods relating to the regulation of uses in each form of use, discussion shall be made in
the following directions while ensuring adequate coordination with bodies and organizations concerned.
In addition, at the Ranger Offices for Nature Conservation of Ministry of the Environment, the Rausu Visitor Center,
the Shiretoko Forest Center, the Shiretoko Nature Center and other facilities, advance information shall be provided toS-67

Users who are considering entry to the Apical Region, including information on the danger in the use of, wilderness in,and the “Utilization Rules” applicable to, the region through brochures, web sites and other means.
Furthermore, a system shall be established for receiving, and making use of in the conservation and management
activities, information on the conditions of the natural environment obtained on-site by businesses, Users and otherentities.
(1) Uses for seashore trekking, seashore kayaking and mountain climbing(i) Proper modalities for and methods of prior notification, lectures, restriction of the place where and the period(s)during which entry is allowed, etc.
Users shall obtain necessary information in advance. Discussion shall be made on the proper modalities for: thesystem for providing Users with information and lectures that provides points to note, etc.; prior notification andreturn reports to be made by Users; and beneficiary charges. Discussion shall also be made on the places whereand periods during which entry should be restricted.
(ii) How to determine the number of Users who entered the region
With respect to the method for determining the number of Users who entered the region, discussion shall be madein the future on each form of use based on the principle that the number of such Users should be limited to a levelat or below the current level, by taking into account results of detailed surveys of usage involving such measures as
the installation of traffic counters along the routes through which Users enter the region by land.
(iii) Proper designation and method of designation of camping grounds
With respect to camping grounds, discussion shall be made on the proper designation of designated sites andcamping areas and on the “Use Rules”.
(iv) Treatment of use of ferries
Although in principle Users should both enter and leave the region on foot, discussion shall be made on thepossibility of allowing leaving (but not entering) by sea from some of the fishing areas.
(2) Use for salmon fishing near the river mouth(i) Proper definition and methods of definition of the zones where entry is allowed
Discussion shall be made in the direction of defining the zones where landing from ferries for salmon/fishing
purposes is allowed and of setting limits to the fishing zones.
(ii) How to determine the number of Users who entered the region
With respect to the method for determining the number of Users who entered the region, discussion shall be madeseparately on each district by taking into account results of more detailed surveys of usage and other data.
(iii) Proper designation and method of designation of camping grounds
Any camping shall be subject to paragraph (1) (iii) above.
(iv) Cooperation with ferry operators
Discussion shall be made on proper modalities for: the collection of information for adjustment of the uses by ferry
operators who transport Users to the aforementioned places for fishing purposes; prior notification and usage
reports to be made by these ferry operators; and dissemination of the “Utilization Rules” to these ferry operators.
8. Use Rules
In the “Apical Region”, the adjustment of uses described in Section 7 above shall be made as well as establishing the“Use Rules” to be complied with by various Users who enter the “Apical Region”, including those who enter themarine area by power-driven vessels, in accordance with the following items and ensuring the dissemination of and theprovision of guidance on such Rules.
In addition, since organizations, businesses, ferry operators and other parties concerned which provide on-site
guidance to Users on a day-to-day basis have voluntarily started to consider guidelines and other rules, future
discussions for establishing concrete rules shall be made in cooperation with these parties concerned.
(1) Common rules(Rules to be complied with by all Users of the Apical region regardless of the form of their use)(i) Rules on safety management and self-responsibility(ii) General rules(2) Rules for specific forms of use(Rules applicable to specific forms of use)(i) Rules on use for mountain-climbing(ii) Rules on use for salmon fishing near the river mouth(iii) Rules on use of the marine area by power-driven vessels
9. Management of Facilities (The rest omitted.)
10. Administration of Operation (The rest omitted.)
11. Reinforcement and Supplement of the Plan (The rest omitted.)

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Agreement on the instructions for usage restrictions of the Shiretoko Cape area (February 16, 1984)
1.Purpose of the restriction
Entering for recreational purposes is restricted to protect the natural landscape of the Shiretoko Cape that
contains communities of endangered plants and the habitats of a variety of wildlife.
2. Target of the restriction
The restriction covers entering by general tourists for recreation, but not entering to carry out the duties ofadministrative bodies or fishery activities. The treatment of entering for educational/research purposes shall be
examined on a case by case basis.
3.Scope of the restriction
The Special Protection Zone and the Class I Special Zone of the National Park in the apical area of the Shiretoko
Cape.
4.Contents of the restriction(1) Landing on the Shiretoko Cape area by fishing pleasure boats is not allowed based on the applicable laws
and regulations.
(2) Entering via land route, mostly by mountain climbers, are not banned for the time being, but casual visits
should be controlled as much as possible through the dissemination of information on the danger of the routeand the prohibition of taking rides on fishing boats, etc.
5.Method of instruction(1) Response to inquiries, etc.
Instructions should be given based on number 4 from above. Regarding entering via land route,instructions shall be given to refrain from entering the restricted area by providing an explanation of thedanger and the prohibition of taking rides on fishing boats, etc. Those who still desire to enter the
restricted area shall be advised to go through the procedure of entering a national forest.
Whenever possible, magazines, etc., shall be asked to refrain from introducing routes into the restricted
area.
(2) Setting of signs
Signs that indicate the content of use restrictions shall be set at the following four locations:Shari side: Bunkichi Bay and Aburako Bay of the Shiretoko Cape
Rausu Side: Aidomari and Kamoiunbe《Bodies concerned》
・Shari District Forestry Office (currently Abashirinanbu District Forest Office)・Shibetsu District Forestry Office (currently Konsentoubu District Forest Office)・Abashiri Coast Guard Station
・Rausu Coast Guard Station
・Abashiri Subprefectural Office・Nemuro Subprefectural Office・Shari town
・Rausu town
・Utoro Fisheries Cooperative
・Ranger Office of Shiretoko National Park (currently Utoro and Rausu Ranger Offices for Nature Conservation)

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4

Figure of Food web in the waters surrounding Shiretoko

In communities of species, relations such as predator, prey, and decomposition are all interrelated, forminga web-like structure. The food web is a concept used to describe the entirety of such relations by showing
the flow of material and energy among organisms. Creating the diagram of a food web sheds light on theinterrelation of the various species. In Figure 2 of main text of the management plan, the trophic level isshown on the vertical axis and biomass is shown by the size of the circle. Trophic levels were determined
mainly based on current knowledge, while biomass was determined by dividing the respective species’
catch in this marine area by the average of the total catch from 1993 to 2002. In the case of biomasses
being 1 and below, they are shown as 1, for the convenience of graphic display.
Detritus and phytoplankton that are the starting point of a food web are expressed with a square and theirbiomasses are assumed to be 5.0 due to a lack of data for estimation.
Patterns in the figure indicate cold current fish (wavy line), warm current fish (horizontal line), and animals
other than fishes (net pattern), respectively. Fishes are placed according to their tendency of seasonal
migration, with the tendency increasing from left to right.
【Reference】
Food web in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site
1. Target species in the food web were selected by the Marine Area Working Group.
2. Major food organisms are based on the Fisheries and Aquatic Life in Hokkaido, edited by Mizushima
and Torisawa, 2003.
3. Catch was calculated as an annual average based on the Actual State of the Hokkaido Fisheries, 1993
to 2002
4. The biomass index was an integer of the value obtained by dividing the catch of individual species withthe average catch of all species (Xi/M). The biomass index of the species with Xi<1 is shown as 1.
5. The biomass indices of detritus, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and “Fisheries” are relative values and do
not reflect their biomass.
6. Trophic levels were determined based on the Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis results (Kaeriyama, 2003)
and Ecopath ecosystem model analysis results (Aydin et al., 2003) and by using Tian et al. (2006) as
reference.
[Cited Literature]
1) Aydin, K. Y., G. A. McFarlane, J. R. King, and B. A. Megrey. 2003. PICES-GLOBEC international
program on climatic change and carrying capacity. The BASS/MODEL report on trophic models of the
Subarctic Pacific basin ecosystem. PICES Sci. Rep. 25: 1-93.
2) Hokkaido, 1993-2002 the Actual State of the Hokkaido Fisheries
3) Kaeriyama, M. 2003. Evaluation of the carrying capacity of Pacific salmon in the North Pacific Oceanfor ecosystem-based sustainable conservation management. NPAFC Tech. Rep. 5: 1-4.
4) Fisheries and Aquatic Life in Hokkaido, Edited by Mizushima and Torisawa, 2003 (Hokkaido Shimbun
Press) pp. 645
5) Tian, Y., H. Kidokoro, T. Watanabe. 2006. Long-term changes in the fish community structure from theTsushima warm current region of the Japan/East Sea with an emphasis on the impacts of fishing andclimate regime shift over the last four decades. Prog. Ocean. 68: 217-

S-70

6

Brown bearSea eagles
Fisheries

Stellersealion Seals

Seabirds

Toothed whale

Shark

5

S-71

Trophic level

Pacific
Flatfishes Cod
Rockfishes

4 Oceanperch

Bighand thornyhead3

Starfish
Crabs

2
1
0

Ray

Greenlings

Octopus

Echnoids

Seaweeds

LegendTuna

Salmonids
Walleyepollock

ArabesquegreenSaffron cod
ling

Bivalves

SnailsSquidsPacific
herring
Other fishes

Sea PolycheatessquirtPacific
saury

Zooplankton(copepods,
krills)Japaneseanchovy
JapanesesardinePhytoplankton(includeice algae)

Detritus

Cold current
species

Mackerels
Baleen whale

SandfishSand lance

Prawn

Sea
cucumberYellowtail

Warm current
speciesAnimals other thanfishes(Drawn up by the Marine Area WG
of the Shiretoko World Natural
Heritage Site Scientific Council)

Food web in Shiretoko
nameｔrophic level indicator of biomass

Xi/M

1 phytoplankton (ice algae)

15

2 seaweed
3 detritus
zooplankton (copepods,
4
euphausids)
5 echinoids
6 benthic-crustacea
7 bivalves
8 polychates

1
1

1
5

2

5

2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1

9 Pacific herring

3

1

0.00

10 anchovy
11 sardine
12 sand lance
13 Pacific saury
14 snails
15 sea cucumber
16 prawn

3
2.5
2.5
3
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0.00
0.00
0.01
0.12
0.01
0.00

17 squids

3.5

5

4.83

18 mackerel

3.5

1

0.00

19 octopus

4

1

0.17

20 crabs

2.5

1

0.04

21 fat greenling
22 baleen whale

4
3

1
1

0.01

23 walleye pollock

3.5

5

5.13

24 flatfishes

3.5

1

0.56

25 salmonids

4

12

12.74

26 arabesque greenling

3

2

1.99

3.5

1

0.07

4

2

1.57

3.5

1

0.16

30 saffron cod

3

1

0.05

31 ocean perch

3.5

1

0.00

3

1

0.01

5
5
5
5
4
4.5
5.5
5.5
5
4
4
3
2

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1

27 rockfish
28 cod29 bighand thornyhead

32 sandfish
33 toothed whale
34 Pinnipeds
Steller sealion
35 seabirds
36 ray37 sharks
38 brown bear
39 sea eagles
40 fisheries
41 tuna
42 yellowtail
43 starfish
44 sea squirt
45 Others

0.20

catch of fish

600.402
phytoplankton

0.01
0.96

16.879 seaweed
2836.995 phytoplankton, detritus
phytoplankton, zooplankton, krill,
small crustacean, fishes
0.398 copepod
0.477 phytoplankton
copepod, krill, fry in rarely
30.556 zooplankton
368.184 dead flesh (fishes）
19.398 detritus
11.53 benthic crustacea, detritus
krill, gammarus、planktonic
14249.529
crustacea, lanternfish, sardine
1.307 zooplankton, sardine
shellfishes, crustacea, fishes,509.143squids, sea cucumber, starfish,
benthic crustacea, squids,
130.129
bivalves, nereis
15.977 fishes, crabs, nereis, caprellids
0.986

copepod, krill, gammarus,
cannibalism
zooplankton, nereis, bivalves,
1650.672
starfish, fishes
zooplankton, jellyfish,37565.051
lanternfish, squids
5867.688 fishes, zooplankton
fishes, zooplankton, prawn,
220.127squids, nereis
fishes, crustacea, squids, (young
4633.453
fish : zooplankton)
484.856 brittle star
copepod, krill, gammarus、
161.694
prawn, nereis
8.875 same as rockfish
copepod, water flea, woodlouse,
17.144
krill, prawn, fishes
15114.441

0.00

4.913 fishes, squids, octopus, prawn,

0.00
0.00

3.245
1.481

951
2947.466552

S-72

food

Pacific herring

Fishery Production in Shari and Rausu

SquidsFat greenling
Anchovy

100,000

SardineMackerel
Pacific saury
Walleye pollock

10,000Cod
Echinoids
Flatfishes
Arabesque greenling

1,000

Seaweed

S-73

Ton

Salmonids
Rockfish
Saffron cod
Sharks100

Bighand thornyhead
SandfishBivalves
Ocean perch

10

Prawn
Octopus
Crabs
Snails

1

Tuna

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999
Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Sea cucumbers
Yellowtail
OthersShiretoko World Natural Heritage Site
The Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management Plan
１. Marine environment
and lower-level production

Capture Control（＊１）

Wildlife Protection andHunting Law, Fisheries Law

Understanding
trend of the marine
environment andecosystem

4. Marine mammals（Steller sea lions, seals）（＊4）

Conservation andmanagement
Conservation of the marine ecosystemin the heritage site

2. Coastal environment（＊2）

Marine Pollution
control, Oil spill
control measures

CoexistenceConservation andmanagement

5. Seabirds, sea eagles
（＊5）

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Stable fisheries through the sustainable
use of fishing resources
Regulation of theharmful substancedrainage, Preparation
for the oil spill incidents

Prohibition of hunting
Water Pollution Control Law,
Law Relating to the preventionof Marine and Air Pollution
from Ships and Maritime
Disasters, Hokkaido Regional
Disaster Management Plan

Resource
management

Resource management
based on the relevant laws
Voluntary restrictions

3. Fishes(Salmonids, Walleye
pollock）（＊3）
Ensuring the
upstream run ofsalmonids

Fisheries Law, Fishery Resource
Protection Law, Act concerning
Conservation and Management ofMarine Life Resources, Regulation of
Sea Fisheries Adjustment in Hokkaido

River Construction WG

Protection measures forseabirds, sea eagles
Reduce negative impact
on fisheries

Rehabilitation of natural
Habitats and Maintenance ofViable Populations
Wildlife protection and Hunting
Law, Species Conservation Law,
Law for the Protection ofCultural Properties

Management throughthe rules for utilization

6. Marine recreation

Raise awareness of
the rules for utilization

Conservation of theinteraction between
marine and terrestrial
ecosystems

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（＊6）

Basic plan on theProper Use of the Apical
Region of the Peninsula
Zone of Shiretoko N.P.
(＊ 1~6) correspond to the number of components in themonitoring list..

5 Table of Surveys and monitoring in the waters surrounding Shiretoko
Surveys and monitoring in the waters surrounding Shiretoko
Component of
the ecosystem

Subjects

Type of survey

N0.

1
Sea ice2
Monitoring

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4
Water
temperature,
water quality,
MarineChlorophyll a,environment andplankton, etc
lower-levelproduction

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Intensive survey

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S-75

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Biota

Marine pollution

Hazardous
substances

Inventory

Monitoring

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Survey area

Monitoring of marine pollution

12

Monitoring of the situation ofrunning upstream salmonids inShiretoko

13

Current situation of fisheries in
Hokkaido (same as No.18）

Transition of the catch

14

Study on the effect ofimprovements of the river
structures

Understanding the impact on therunning upstream

16

Analysis of petroleum oil, cadmium,
The Sea of Okhotsk
mercury and other substances in the（'97〜）
sea waters
Monitoring of the situation of
Two rivers in therunning upstream and the spawning
heritage area
beds on each rivers
Shari and Rausu
townsRivers of which
structures were
improved

・Survey on the upstream run of thesalmonids and the amount taken by
Iwaobetsu River,brown bears
Study on nutrient ciruculation by
・Survey on nutrient circulation by Rusha River,
the salmonids
analyzing carbon and nitrogen stable Teppanbetsu River
isotope in salmon, brown bear,
willow, etc
Survey on behavioral ecology ofSurvey on individual behaviour of
Shari and Rausu
pink and chum salmon in thethe salmonids
towns
coastal marine area

S-75

July

Monitoring schedule

Institution

Monitoring of the current direction,
1st Regional Coast Guard
flow speed, and surface temparature The Sea of Okhotsk Once a year
Headquarters
by survey boats
1st Regional Coast Guard
Monitoring of the sea ice condition
The Sea of Okhotsk Every month
Monitoring of the sea ice
Headquartersfrom aircrafts
Marine area with a
Monitoring of water temperature,radius of over 300km Throughout
Study of changes in the marine
Ministry of the Environment
sea ice distribution, and chlorophyll
encompassing thethe yearenvironment by satellite images
a by satellite remote sensing
Shiretoko Penninsula
Monitoring of the water temperature
Minisitry of the Environment
Throughout
Fixed-point observation by setting and the water quality (theRausu, Utoro（with the Rausu and thethe yearbuoys
concentration of salt, chlorophyll a)
Utoro Fishery Cooperatives)by observation buoys
Survey on the marine environment Monitoring of water mass structure,
Coastal zone of Shariand the ecological characteristics plankton, and nekton by acoustic
Once a year Hokkaido University
and Rausu townsof the spiecies consisted of themethod and the underwater robot
marine ecosystemcameraTwice a year Hokkaido University （at theMonitoring of the biological
Monitoring of benthos and fishes
Coastal zone of Sharicommunities with the underwater（autumn- request of the Minisitry ofwith the underwater robot
and Rausu towns
winter）
Environment）
robot
Monitoring of water temparature,salt concentration, zooplankton, andMonitoring of the deep water
Rausu
Every hour To be determined
phytoplankton in the deep sea water
pumped up
Shiretoko Museum of Shari
Shari and Rausu
As needed
Fish survey
Identification of new fish species
town
towns
Utoro side (3 points), Twice a year
Survey onbiota in the shallow
Survey on fishes, invertebrates, sea
Rausu side (3（once each in
Ministry of the Environment
waters along the coast of
grass, and sea weed in the shallow
points), and the cape summer andShiretokowatersarea (1 point)
autumn）

11

15

Frequency

Monitoring of the current in thesouth-western part of the Sea of
Okhotsk

Survey of the sea grass bed in the Survey on biota of seaweeds and sea Rausu（nearby Pekinshallow waters
grassesno-hana point）

Salmonids

Intensive survey

Contents

10

Monitoring

FishesSurvey title

Notes

06

07

08

09

10

11

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○ http://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KAN1/kaisyou/gaihou.html

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○ http://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KAN1/1center.html

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Implemented in cooperation with Hokkaido
University in 2006

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Implemented in cooperation with Hokkaido
University and Tokyo University ofAgriculture in 2006
Survey on the shallow waters, Basic survey
on conservation of the nature environment
Further schedule is to be determined

Ministry of the Environment○

Hydrographic andOnce a year Oceanographic Department,
Japan Coast Guard

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○ http://www.fishexp.pref.hokkaido.jp/marineinfo/internetdb/index.htm

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July -

Every year
July November

Hokkaido Government
Fishery Cooperatives (at therequest of Hokkaido
Government）
Hokkaido Government,
Hokkaido Regional Forest
Office○○○○○ http://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KANKYO/OSEN/gaiyo/osen04/osen04.htm○

Chum salmon, pink salmon, masu salmon（Dolly Varden); every two years after 2007

To be conducted for three years after the
improvement of the river structures.
Including Grant-in-Aid for Scientic Research

At the time of Hokkaido University （at therequest of Ministry of therunning
upstream Environment）

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At the time ofrunning
Hokkaido University
upstream○○○

Grant-in-Aid for Scientic ResearchSurveys and monitoring in the waters surrounding Shiretoko
Component of
the ecosystem

Subjects

Type of survey

N0.

17

Intensive survey

19
20

Evaluation of marine living
resources in the waters
surrounding Japan

Understanding and evaluation of thewalleye pollock resources

Nemuro Strait

Current situation of fisheries in
Hokkaido (same as No.13）

Transition of the catch

Shari and Rausu
towns

Marinemammals

Observation of breeding behaviors
Survey on breeding behaviors andby using of underwater robot
other activities
camerasMonitoring of the migration of,Monitoring of the migrating
and damages caused by the Stellar condition and fishery damages
sea lioncaused by the Steller sea lion

All over Hokkaido

22

Monitoring of population ofmarine mammals

Shari and Rausu
towns

23

Study on seals culled as pest in
the Rausu sea area

24

Monitoring of seabirds

25

Monitoring of habitats and nesting Survey on habitats and nesting sites
grounds
of seabirds

26

Survey on breeding status ofLong-term monitoring of seabirds seabirds along the coast of thePenninnsula

Shari and Rausu
towns

27

Monitoring of breeding status of
whitle-tailed eagle

Survey on breeding conditions ofwhite-tailed ealge

Shari and Rausu
towns

28

Monitoring of wintering
population

Survey on wintering population

Shari and Rausu
towns

Seals

S-76
Monitoring

Seabirds and sea
eaglesMonitoring
Sea eagles

29
Intensive survey

Proper use

All over Hokkaido

21
Monitoring

Sea birds

Rausu continental
shelf

Survey on populations migrating to
the coast of Japan, and sexing, age,
Resource monitoring of the Steller
body length, weight, maturity,
sea lionstomach and intestines contents ofthe captured Steller sea lions

Steller sea lions

Data base

Survey area

Walleye pollock
18

Marinerecreation

Contents

Frequency

Monitoring schedule

Institution
06

Monitoring
FishesSurvey title

30
31

Suevey on population and fisherydamagesSurvey on migration, and analysis offood habit, DNA, breeding condition
with the culled seals
Survey on population and breedingpairs on the Shiretoko Penninsula(spectacled guillemot, black-tailed
gull, slaty-backed gull, Japanese
cormorant)

Monitoring of migrating
Survey on migrating population
population
Programmes for Rehabilitation ofSurvey on wintering population andNatural Habitats andimpact of human-induced food
Maintenance of Viable
resources and so on
Populations for Steller sea eagle
Monitoring of the routes taken by
Monitoring of sight-seeing boats
sight-seeing boats

Rausu

Hokkaido National Fisheries
Research Institute, Fisheries
Research Agency; Hokkaido
Throughout
Kushiro Fisheries
the year
Experimental Station （at therequest of the Fisheries
Agency）
Fishery Cooperatives （at theEvery year request of Hokkaido
Government）
Hokkaido University （at theMarchrequest of Ministry of theEnvironment）
Rausu Fishery Cooperatives
Every year in the heritage site (at therequest of Hokkaido
Hokkaido National Fisheries
Research Institute Fisheries
Research Agency, Kushiro,
Eary
Wakkanai, Central Fisheries
November Experimental Stations,
mid May
Hokkaido University （at therequest of the Fisheries
Agency）
Winter season Hokkaido Government
January March

Shari and Rausu
towns

Shari

Rausu

The result of the above surveys shall be continually updated and publicized on the data base of the Shiretoko data center.

S-76

Shari

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Notes
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This monitoring is aiming to understand the○ situation of whole Hokkaido, and the data ofeach fishery cooperative is not publicized.

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○ http://www.hnf.affrc.go.jp/H-jouhou/todo/todo17.ppt#1○

Conducting every two years○○ Commenced from January 2004○

Marine Wildlife Center of
Japan

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Ministry of the Environment

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○ http://www.fishexp.pref.hokkaido.jp/marineinfo/internetdb/index.htm

Conduct simultaneously with No.6

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Ministry of the Environment

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Ministry of the Environment○○

Joint survey group （Shiretoko
Museum, Rausu Board of○
Education, etc）

December Rausu town
April

Summerseason09

http://abchan.job.affrc.go.jp/index.html

Shiretoko Seabird Society （atthe request of the Ministry of ○the Environment）
Seabird long-term monitoringgroup （Shiretoko Nature
June○
Foundation、Shiretoko
Museum、Rausu twon, etc）
White-tailed eagle monitoring
Throughout survey group （Shiretoko○
the year
Nature Foundation, Shiretoko
Museum, Rausu town, etc）

All over Hokkaido（Shari and Rausu）

08

Survey for TAC setting

SummerseasonJanuary February

07

Conducting every five years (as a part ofseabird sruvey at "Monitoring site 1000" ）To be determined for 2008 and after