Project Background and Objectives

Kawasaki town, Ichinoseki city is the confluence of one of the 3 rivers: the river Kitakami,, Satetsu and Senmaya. Kawasaki town is one of the worst flood-struck areas in Japan and a couple of floods hit the town every year. Therefore, the town has been working on its development, aiming at its symbiosis with the rivers. On the other hand, mitten crabs, which are used for a popular local dish, are decreasing in number due to its overfishing, changes in the river environment and water pollution.  Mitten crabs are in danger of extinction.

Therefore, The Kitakami Basin Ecosystem Conservation Association has conserved the ecosystem of the rivers and natural environment, which are life-friendly. In addition, the association has been working to further the town’s development, utilizing these natural resources.

Mitten crabs belong to Eriocheir, the Grapsidae family and they are distributed widely through Japan.

Project Abstract and Effects of Project

Cultivation of mitten crabs, which is from hatch to well-grown state, has been consistently done in a biotope to protect the ecosystem of the 3 rivers including the river Kitakami.

Half of cultivated young crabs are released into the rivers to keep the number of mitten crabs high and improve the water quality. At the same time, the organisation has offered opportunities to study the ecosystem and release young crabs to children at nursery schools, elementary schools and junior high schools as a part of environmental education so that children can learn how to protect the river environment and the importance of the rivers and life there. Also, 80% of the residual young crabs are sold and old crabs are sold in the form of soup and cookies

A crab dish contest is held every year and mitten crabs have started attracted people’s attention nationally by succeeding to the traditional food culture and creating westernised new food culture. The number of ground tours and visitors are increasing; it can be said that favourable outcomes in terms of the area’s development have been seen.

Distinctive Features of Project (Factors and Keys to Success)

Cultivation techniques used for the consistent production of mitten crabs are the first developed ones in the world by the organisation, and they are reliable. They have been spread to some areas; for example, the techniques have been transferred to Iwaki city in Fukushima prefecture to establish a crab farm.

Relevant Websites

• Wagamachi Genki Website (Japanese Only): http://www.wagamachigenki.jp/genki/report/041202-01.htm

References

• Introduction of the Citizens Activity Prize (The Yomiuri Shimbun Prize) of The 6th Japan Water Prize
• Wagamachi Genki Website
• “Kawa tono Fureai” (Kitakami River Support Association, 2004) (Japanese Only)

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