Local News

Watermen in Saga and Nagasaki prefectures appealed to the courts the government’s ruling that the drain gates of the Isahaya Bay flood control dykes should remain closed on the basis that it damages the fishing industry. In contrast, those living on reclaimed land near the bay and local farmers are opposed to opening the gates. This week, the Nagasaki district court ruled against the watermen, saying that the project benefits the public and that keeping the gates closed will not harm the fishing industry. This decision runs counter to a ruling last December by the Fukuoka district court that preparations should be made over the next three years to open the gates to ensure that they are kept open after five years.