Imagine Tokyo Bay stretching out. This Inner Basin once had sandy shallows. Today, we see a vastly different landscape.
The Inner Basin’s story is one of change. It reflects Tokyo’s own evolution. Reclamation projects have shaped this area. Factories once dominated the reclaimed land. Now, office buildings and high-rise residences stand tall. Redevelopment has transformed the Inner Basin.
These tidal flats are part of Inner Tokyo Bay. This includes the Tamagawa river estuary. Sanmaisu in Tokyo is also part of it. Sanbanse in Chiba is too. Further locations are Shiohama and Yatsu-higata.
Efforts to conserve natural tidal flats remain essential. Sanbanse is a focal point. These tidal flats provide vital habitats. They are crucial for various bird species.
Many birds rely on the Inner Basin. Some breed here as residents. The Charadrius alexandrinus is one such bird. The Actitis hypoleucos also breeds here. The Himantopus himantopus does as well. Other birds visit to breed. The Charadrius dubius is an example. The Larus crassirostris is too. And the Sterna albifrons is another.
Winter brings a new set of visitors. The Anas crecca arrives then. The Anas penelope comes too. So does the Anas acuta. Many passage visitors pass through. The Charadrius mongolus is one. The Pluvialis squatarola is another. The Arenaria interpres also passes by. Other species include Calidris ruficollis and Calidris alpina. The Calidris tenuirostris visits as well.
The Tringa nebularia is another bird. And the Heteroscelus brevipes. The Inner Basin also welcomes the Xenus cinereus. The Limosa lapponica is there too. Numenius arquata and Numenius madagascariensis pass through. The Numenius phaeopus is another visitor.
The Inner Basin faces conservation issues. Infrastructure development poses a threat. The introduction of non-native species is also a concern. These factors impact the delicate ecosystem.
Part of the Inner Basin is under protection. It has designations like Wildlife Protection Area. Both the government and local authorities protect it. It is also a Ramsar Site. Despite these measures, constant vigilance is needed.
Until 1965, surplus water from Tamagawa Waterworks flowed into the inner moat. This discharge came from Hanzomon gate. After the Yodobashi water purification plant was abolished water quality deteriorated.
More recently, underground water purification facilities are emerging. These facilities are set up during office building redevelopment. Developers gain floor bonus in return for this public contribution. This modern approach mirrors flood control and water management of the past. Once, Daimyo oversaw these efforts. Now, developers take the lead.
Our journey ends here. Remember the ever-changing nature of the Inner Basin. It is a testament to Tokyo’s dynamic relationship with nature. Conservation efforts are vital. They ensure this area remains a haven for wildlife.