Chiba flooding sweeps away 100,000 ornamental carp

Heavy rains and flooding caused by Typhoon Dujuan have devastated aquaculture operations in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture. Near Lake Inbanuma, approximately 100,000 Nishikigoi ornamental carp, which were prepared for upcoming sales, were swept away after embankments failed.

Kenji Tani, owner of a fish farm in Narita, reported that only about 200 to 300 fish survived the floodwaters, which reached heights of approximately 1.5 meters. Tani estimated the total damage to his facility, including equipment and infrastructure, at roughly 1 billion yen.

The flooding has also significantly impacted the local eel industry. The Inbanuma Fisheries Cooperative reported that most of its 50,000 cultured eels were likely lost, resulting in losses totaling hundreds of millions of yen. Local authorities are currently assessing broader damage to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors in the region.