Coastal Area 16401 Echizen and Kaga coasts

Basic Information References

Reason(s) for selection Criteria

Characteristics References

These are the waters off the Echizen and Kaga coasts from Cape Echizen through the mouth of the Kuzuryu River to Kahoku Lagoon (the mouth of the Ono River). In the subtidal zone of the Echizen Coast unfold abundant seaweed beds, centered on Sargassum fulvellum species, which fish and other creatures use as spawning grounds and habitat. Rock fishing thrives here, centered on sea urchin, abalone, turban shell, and others, and the area is highly productive (Fukui Prefecture, 2005). In the vicinity of Kahoku Lagoon (the mouth of the Ono River) relatively large numbers of species and populations of snipe and plover are present during the migration seasons of spring and fall, and at least 1% of the minimum estimated population of Numenius phaeopus and spotted redshank has been recorded here. Other species recorded here are common redshank, oriental pratincole, and Latham's snipe (Ministry of the Environment, 2001).