The Vanishing Wingbeats - The Decline of Migratory Birds in Fujimae Tidal Flat (1996-1999)

The Vanishing Wingbeats - The Decline of Migratory Birds in Fujimae Tidal Flat (1996-1999)

According to a nationwide survey on the migration status of shorebirds and plovers conducted from the spring of 1996 to the autumn of 1998, the largest migratory site in Japan was found to be the Fujimae Tidal Flat in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. This tidal flat is particularly important as a habitat for many migratory birds, and in the autumn of 1998, it recorded the highest number of birds nationwide.

On the other hand, Isahaya Bay in Nagasaki Prefecture, which once boasted the largest number of migratory birds in Japan, saw a sharp decline after the completion of a dike in the spring of 1997, leading to the drying up of the tidal flat. While about 8,900 birds were recorded in the spring of 1996, by the autumn of 1998, the number had dropped to less than 100. This highlights the severe impact that land reclamation and changes in water environments have on ecosystems.

Fujimae Tidal Flat also faced a reclamation plan in the 1990s, but strong opposition from civic and environmental protection groups ultimately led to the project's cancellation. Later, in November 2002, it was designated as a Ramsar Convention wetland, gaining international recognition for its importance. However, development pressures continue to threaten tidal flats nationwide, putting many wetlands at risk of disappearing. Preserving tidal flats is not only crucial for biodiversity but also contributes to climate change mitigation and water purification.

Moving forward, it is essential to protect significant wetlands such as the Fujimae Tidal Flat and maintain habitats for migratory birds. Raising awareness among local residents and strengthening legal protections are indispensable. As international efforts for wetland conservation increase, Japan must also take swift action.

### Related Information
- The Ministry of the Environment's report, 'Future Approaches to Environmental Impact Assessment on Tidal Flat Ecosystems,' emphasizes the need to develop methods to accurately assess and predict the impacts of development on tidal flat ecosystems.
- WWF Japan's report, 'Biodiversity Conservation of Wetlands,' highlights the importance of studying and preserving tidal flat environments and their biodiversity.
- In February 2025, Nagoya City was recognized as the third 'Wetland City' under the Ramsar Convention in Japan. This recognition reflects the evaluation of Fujimae Tidal Flat's conservation efforts and the local community's commitment to environmental protection at an international standard.