The 25th Global-COE seminar was held at Ehime University on 27th May, 2010. Prof. Izumi Kinoshita (Science Research Center, Kochi University) gave a talk on the ‘Ecology of Fish Larva: A Case Study in Ariake Sea.’ He started the presentation by explaining the geographical features of the Ariake Sea, which is a salt water body surrounded by Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto Prefectures. Isahaya Bay is a branch of the Ariake Sea. This bay has a very big tidal range as well as rich fauna with various endemic species including mudskipper, pen shell, fiddler crab, etc. Isahaya Bay is surrounded by a 7,050-meter-long dike. In 1997, the dike's gates were closed as a part of a reclamation project that aimed at farmland expansion and flood prevention. The shape of the Isahaya Bay Wetland has changed drastically by these activities. Dr. Kinoshita’s study focused mainly on the ecological changes that occurred in the Isahaya Bay because of this reclamation project. His team carried out ecological impact analyses to evaluate the effects of the reclamation process in the Bay. They assessed the changes in the water flow, salt content and biota in this region. In order to understand the impacts on biodiversity, they compared the samples collected from this bay in the 1970s (before the dike gates closed) with the samples collected in the 2000s and found that there was a gradual decrease in the number of endemic fish species. The 1970s samples were rich in various endemic fish embryos whereas there were only a few such species in the 2000s samples. Overall results revealed that the fauna in this region was adversely affected by this project. In addition to their ecological impact, the large-scale land reclamation activities also appeared to contradict some of the stated objectives of the government. Although one of the key objectives was to provide fields to the farmers in the area, the number of the farmers declined between 1985 and 1995.  

By closing his presentation, Dr. Kinoshita expressed his deep concern over the adversely altered ecological conditions of the Isahaya Bay.

Like Dr. Kinoshita’s team, I am also concerned that the original biodiversity and ecological stability might be lost by serious human interference due to the rapid developments in these areas, even before we realize them.

This kind of reclamation projects, if pushed through, would be a kiss of death to the ecology, particularly the biodiversity of the area involved. I don't see any reason why we should destroy the natural habitat of countless organisms when there are still ample untouched areas. What shall we do if there is no investor who would buy the place which is already destroyed? Just think.