Withdrawal of reclamation of Sanbanse, Chiba Prefecture - October 2001

Withdrawal of reclamation of Sanbanse, Chiba Prefecture - October 2001

In September 2001, Chiba Prefecture withdrew its plan to reclaim the Sanbanse tidal flat, which stretches from Ichikawa City to Urayasu City and Funabashi City. The Sanbanse is an important ecosystem area where approximately 50,000 migratory birds fly in annually and the annual catch of clams reaches approximately 1,500 tons. Initially, the plan was to reclaim approximately 350 hectares and develop an industrial zone and residential area, but opposition from fishermen grew stronger, and environmental groups submitted 52,000 signatures to the prefectural government. In addition, the importance of the natural purification function of tidal flats was reaffirmed when the problem of worsening water quality, such as the occurrence of blue tides in Tokyo Bay, was pointed out. In response, Chiba Prefecture abandoned its reclamation plan and announced a policy of investing 50 million yen by 2022 to promote the restoration of tidal flats and the protection of migratory birds.