The Ayu of Nagara River System: The Connection Between Ayu and the People of the Satokawa. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems GIAHS)

On the upper and middle courses of the Nagara River located in Gifu Prefecture exist thriving inland fisheries which revolve around a species of Japanese sweetfish called “ayu” (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis). Despite flowing through urban and residential areas, the pristine Nagara River that runs through the site’s centre boasts an abundance of clear, high quality water, and is also considered one of Japan’s three clearest rivers. The people of the region receive the river’s bounty and in tu rn strive to conserve it for future generations.