Overview of the IBW

Abstract

Wetlands, such as mires and tidal flats, form a unique ecosystem, providing the habitat for various animals and plant species and of immense economic importance. There are 37 tidal flat wetlands in Japan, comprising of 335 km² in 1998 (reduced from 5 10 km² in 1991). Currently, these wetland areas are sharply reducing as development prqjects are undergoing on 16 of these wetlands (NACSJ 1998). One of such important and endangered wetlands is the Isahaya Bay Wet-land (see Fig. 3.1 for the location). This wetland is located in Isahaya Bay, a part of the Ariake Sea - quiet pocket bay in Nagasaki Prefecture, Western Japan, approximately extending to 100 square km. The Ariake Sea is famous as the home of mudskipper. It is also the biggest center of seaweed production, providing about two-fifths of the nori production of the nation (Mainichi 2001a). Also a total of 144 species of water bird including 60 species of shorebird have been recorded.