GIAHS “Ayu of the Nagara River System”

From the headwaters to the mouth of the Nagara River, including the surrounding tributaries and paddy fields, approximately 100 species of fish and a wide variety of insects, birds and animals inhabit maintaining biodiversity.

【Upstream】

The source area of the Nagara River is in the mountains surrounded by snowy forests in winter. In the stream that flows between the large rocks, fish called mountain stream fish such as white-spotted char and satsukimasu salmon live. A mountain stream fish that grows large by eating insects and earthworms is one of the blessings brought by the rich forest.

【Midstream】

In the middle basin, fields spread covered by the Nagara River. The river streams with fast flowing waters giving rise to continuous rapids and trenches along the river channel, providing a variety of landscapes. A variety of creatures such as ayu, Japanese dace and salamanders, designated as a special natural treasure, can be seen in the river, and creatures familiar to human life, such as freshwater bivalves and genuine bitterling increase in number around the paddy fields.

【Downstream】

Further down the river, even in the downstream area where the stones of the riverbank are smaller and the river flow becomes larger and thicker, it maintains a clean stream while flowing through urban areas. As Ise Bay approaches, you will see fish laying in the sea, such as fourspine sculpin.