Incorporating “the Logic of Subsistence” into a Method of Renaturalization: Fishermen’s Involvement in the Lake Biwa Non-indigenous Fish Eradication Project

<p>This article describes the seasonal work strategies of fishermen who carry out projects for eradication of non-indigenous fish in Lake Biwa and, incorporates this strategy (i. e., “the logic of subsistence”) into a method of renaturalization.</p><p>In Japan, projects aimed at the conservation of regional ecosystems have been initiated in various places. These projects are based on the “government’s new biodiversity strategy”. In Lake Biwa, the eradication of non-indigenous fish project, focusing on Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass and Bluegills, has been in operation since April 2002. However, there are sharp differences of opinion regarding this project. Advocates of eradication include ecologists and fishermen who favor the “idea of biodiversity”. They assert that these non-indigenous fish have negatively affected the ecosystem of Lake Biwa, and regard the conservation of indigenous species as important. Opponents include those involved in the leisure fishing industry and black bass anglers who stress the importance of the economic benefits and pleasures of bass fishing. Besides this controversy, the way in which the fishermen have adapted to the eradication project, has yet to be studied.</p><p>As part of the eradication project, Shiga Prefecture’s government purchases non-indigenous fish at a fixed price. Since the onset of the project, many fishermen have been carrying out the project between September and November, when there are few other fishing activities to be done in Lake Biwa. During this season, fishermen make their living from the project. From April to July, however, many fishermen do not try to catch non-indigenous fish. According to ecological research on these fish, it is important to catch them in the spring. The fishermen, however, give priority to their usual subsistence activities and sell indigenous fish to merchants (TAKIYA).</p><p>Fishermen carry out seasonal eradication activities as well as normal fishing activities throughout the year. Their “strategy” is based on two ideas: “stability of one’s livelihood” and “conservation of the regional ecosystem”. This article defines this strategy as “the logic of subsistence”. It indicates, however, that the non-indigenous fish cannot be eliminated as long as fishermen follow this pattern. Based on these findings, the key problem is the prefecture’s project of purchasing the non-indigenous fish at a fixed price. This article also incorporates the working pattern of fishermen (i. e., “the logic of subsistence”) into a method of renaturalization.</p>