LINE 253 Lake Imuta Alien Fish Species Removal Activity

On July 22, 2017 (Saturday), NTT West Kagoshima Group held the "FY2017 Lake Imuta Alien Fish Species Removal Activity" at Lake Imuta Natural Park located in Satsuma-sendai City.

Lake Imuta is registered as a Ramsar wetland site and renowned as the habitat for the bekko tombo dragonfly, which is designated as an endangered species of Japan. However, there has been an increase in the number of non-native fish species such as bluegills which may have a significant impact on the indigenous species.
As part of the "Midori Ippai Project" to conserve biodiversity, NTT West Kagoshima Group has been holding the "Alien Fish Species Removal Activity" since FY2015. This year, a total of about 130 participants who are employees and family members of NTT West Kagoshima Group took part in this activity to make contributions in some way for restoring the ecosystem by fishing alien fish species.

Blessed with fine weather on the day of the event, Mr. Kimotsuki, General Affairs Department Manager at NTT West Kagoshima Branch, greeted the participants and spoke about the significance of the activity in his opening address. This was followed by a briefing by the secretariat on information such as the guidelines for carrying out the removal activity as well as the precautions to take.
As the event took place during the summer vacation period, many employees also brought along their family members to the activity. The significance of removing alien fish species was presented in the form of a hand-drawn picture card show that was easy to understand, and the children listened to the explanation curiously.

The activity kicked off with some participants using the bamboo fishing rods prepared by the administrative office, while others using their own fishing lures and rods to catch the non-native fish species in their own ways.
There were a lot of tree shades along the lake with cool breeze blowing every now and then. Participants felt refreshed as they enjoyed the fishing experience while overlooking the seven mountains that surround the lake.
The removal activity ended in slightly more than two hours, and a total of 350 bluegills were caught. This is more than double of the number last year. Participants were also surprised as some even caught fish such as black bass and snakehead. At the closing ceremony, a lucky draw was also held which brought the event to an end on a high note.

NTT West Kagoshima Group will continue to actively promote environmental conservation activities that are closely tied to the local community, including those related to the conservation of biodiversity.

Organizing companies

NTT West Kagoshima Branch,
NTT Business Solutions,
NTT Marketing Act,
NTT Fieldtechno,
NTT Neomeit,
NTT Business Associe,
NTT-West Business Front,
NTT Finance

Venues

Lake Imuta Natural Park in Kagoshima Prefecture, Satsuma-sendai City

No. of participants

130