Shinji-ko. 08/11/05; Shimane; 7,652 ha; 35°26'N 132°58'E. NWPA. The seventh largest lake in Japan and one of the largest wintering sites of Anatidae species, with 21,000-48,500 per year. Shinji-ko offers an essential habitat for 80 brackish water species of fish and shellfish, including Japanese indigenous Shinjo-ko Goby and popular Shijimi or Corbicula clam. The site supports 240 species of waterbirds and more than 1% of the East Asian population of White-fronted Goose and Scaup. The lake provides the largest catch of Corbicula Leana, about 7500 tons, more than 40% of the country's total catch, and has a special connotation in Japanese seafood culture as 'Shinji-ko Shichi-chin' or '7 rare seafoods of Shinji-ko'. Bird watching, nature observation, Nature Museum visits, windsurfing, pleasure fishing and boating are popular activities. In recent years, reduction of pollution loads in this prefecture has become a priority, and there is a plan to employ effective measures for conservation and raise water quality. Ramsar site no. 1556. Most recent RIS information: 2005.