January 2, 2008

On January 13, 2008, Toyako Visitor Center is hosting "Lake Toya Signal Crayfish Forum" organized by Ministry of the Environment. The signal crayfish, whose inhabitation was recently confirmed in Lake Toya, is one of the alien species controlled by the Invasive Alien Species Act in Japan, and it is considered as a serious threat that endangers the ecosystem of the lake.

Various parties such as the local authorities, park rangers of the national parks in the area, researchers from universities and other institutions, and NPO are participating in this forum, and any citizens are welcomed. The participants will report on their activities and researches conducted to save the lake from the crayfish, and discuss what protective measures should be taken in order to preserve the natural environment of Lake Toya.

The program details are as follow. For more information, please contact Toyako Visitor Center.

• Organizer: Hokkaido Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment
• Location: Toyako Visitor Center
• Date and Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday, January 13, 2008
• Admission: Free