Biwa-ko. 10/06/93; Shiga, Honshu; 65,984ha; 35°15'N 136°05'E. Lake Biwa Quasi National Park Special Zone; Wildlife Protection Area; Anatidae Network Site. Surrounded by vast reedbeds, the country's largest lake is the world's third oldest. Seventy species of aquatic plants have been recorded, as well as numerous relict plants. 53 species of fish, of which 11 are indigenous, and 172 bird species use the area for feeding, roosting or staging. Waterbird counts record over 50,000 birds annually. Most of the site is composed of beaches or natural and urban park zones used for tourism and recreation. Pearl and fish production are economically important. There is increasing urban demand for water from the lake. Ramsar site no. 617. Most recent RIS information: 2008.