Medaka Extinction Crisis - March 1999

Medaka Extinction Crisis - March 1999

According to a 1999 report by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the medaka fish, native to freshwater regions of Japan, is facing extinction. A review of the Red Data Book highlighted 76 endangered freshwater fish species, including the Kawabata Moroko and Hotokedojo. The medaka, in particular, has been affected by habitat destruction due to the expansion of industrial areas, pesticide use, and water pollution (increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus). For example, industrial wastewater pollution is especially prominent around Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea. Additionally, the reduction of habitats and river development have restricted the areas where these fish can survive. Companies like Sumitomo Chemical are working on environmental measures, but significant improvement has not been achieved, making ecosystem preservation an urgent task.