Several large seabirds have been added to the most sought-after list on a sacred island in Japan due to their excessive consumption and defecation.
Tokyo — The “shrine island” of Miyajima is one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. A quick ferry ride from downtown Hiroshima, the postcard-perfect locale is much-loved for its giant “floating” vermilion Shinto gate and sanctuary halls built over the water of Hiroshima Bay.
With a resident population under 1,500, the tiny island and World Heritage Site received almost 5 million tourists last year alone. But one breed of visitor in particular appears to have grown too fond of the charming island for its own good.
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Residents are tired of the kawa-u, also known as the great cormorant.
Descending on Miyajima’s protected forests in huge flocks, the snaky-necked diving birds — who’ve become known locally as “the black gang” — are ruffling feathers for two reasons.
Firstly, the great cormorant species, one of the 40 found globally and with four native to Japan, are highly adept and ravenous fish predators. These streamlined birds possess the ability to plunge nearly 100 feet below the surface in pursuit of their prey – and they have taken advantage of the tranquil, shallow waters surrounding Miyajima.
“The fisherman expressed sorrow to local network RCC, describing the influx of birds as a dire situation that affects his business greatly. He emphasized that this feeding spectacle renders him and fellow fisherman helpless, leaving them with no choice but to simply observe.”
He estimated that catches of valuable commercial fish, such as the conger eel, have decreased by 80%.
Birds in various areas of Hiroshima have successfully removed ayu, a type of sweetfish, from local rivers. ABC, a TV channel based in Osaka, reported that cormorants have caused over $1 million in losses for the Hiroshima fishing sector.
The insatiable birds, measuring almost three feet long, possess a distinctive trait of living in big groups, making them stand out among other large birds. Unfortunately, due to this reason, they are now unwelcome on the island of the gods.
The birds known for their hearty appetite produce large quantities of acidic droppings, completely covering trees and ground plants with a strong-smelling white powder.
As parts of the guarded woodland on the island of Miyajima deteriorate due to the layers of avian waste, creating barren patches of soil, the birds effortlessly migrate to the next group of trees.
According to Yosuke Shikano, an employee of the department in charge of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in Hatsukaichi city, which oversees Miyajima, the cormorant droppings have damaged 2.5 acres of forest near the popular tourist destination.
Similar to the United States, cormorants in Japan were previously considered at risk. However, due to conservation measures and initiatives to improve water quality, their populations have drastically increased. In the prefecture of Hiroshima, encompassing Miyajima, the number of great cormorants who migrate during the winter has surpassed 7,000 as of December, which is more than twice the amount observed in 2014.
Shikano shared that the city has attempted different methods that do not cause harm, such as using laser pointers and fireworks, to scare away the cormorants. In certain locations, they have also utilized fishing poles to launch and toss biodegradable tape as a means of deterring the birds in the trees.
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The city of Hatsukaichi plans to hunt hundreds of cormorants in their breeding nests on the far northwest side of the island, as the defensive campaign has not been able to reduce the winter migrant population quickly enough to their satisfaction.
According to Shikano, the species is endemic and complete eradication is not desired; however, their population must be controlled.
Source: cbsnews.com