Mikata-goko. 08/11/05; Fukui; 1,110 ha; 35°35'N 135°53'E. Quasi-National Park. A cluster of 5 brackish-semi-freshwater lakes (locally referred to 'the lakes with five colors') along the Rias Coast of Wakasa bay, surrounded by gradual hills and Mt.Baijo. Though the lakes are connected, each has different salinity, size and depth, which harbours variety of fish species, including different endemic fish species in natural and aquaculture areas, such as Gnathopogon elongates, Stripped bitterling Acheilognathus cyanostigma, Big-eye sardine Etrumeus teres and rare Piscivorous chub Opsariichthys unicirostris. The coastline thrives on fishery, tourism and gourmet seafood all year round. The freshwater vegetations are mainly reed, wild rice and water-chestnut. These lakes, except Hiruga-ko, are wintering site for more than 10,000 waterbirds and Pandion haliaetus (Osprey). Eutrophication is seen as a major threat to two of the lakes. Even though the site is developed for commercial fishery and aquaculture, fish catches in the recent years have been decreasing. The Seaside Nature Center of Fuikui operates 'Mikata-goko Nature School' with local organisations for observing life forms in rice fields around the lakes, fishes and migratory waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 1549. Most recent RIS information: 2005.