Coastal Area 10101 Sarobetsu coast

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This is the coast of the Sarobetsu Plain on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido. These waters include spawning grounds of Japanese sand lance, rockfish, Pacific herring, Pacific cod, and others, while spawning grounds of the Alaska pollock, yellow striped flounder, Pacific cod, and others are spread out a little offshore. In addition, in the vicinity of the port of Bakkai in these waters, spotted seals are sighted frequently, and in recent years migrations of Steller sea lions, whose numbers have rebounded, can be seen as well (Sakurai et al., 2013). Asian clams and Hucho perryi have been confirmed to inhabit the vicinity of the mouth of the Teshio River. One distinguishing feature of these waters is the way a primeval environment continues from the shore area. The coastal zone is highly productive, flourishing with kombu kelp and sea urchin fishing.
While a road known as the Ororon Line parallels the straight coastline stretching from the Teshio River to Wakkanai, few private homes and other structures are visible, and the sandy shores are preserved in a highly natural state (the Wakasaka Coast). The Sarobetsu Plain (a wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention) unfolds inland. A primeval environment linking the primeval wetlands with the shore zone spreads across this coastal region.