Regarding the alien species of red-eared turtles and American crayfish, the government has decided to prohibit their release and sale into rivers and ponds while allowing them to be raised and captured as conditional alien species from June this year.
Red-eared sliders, also known as green sliders, began to be imported as pets in the 1950s, and since they were released into the wild, they have spread all over the country, affecting native turtles and aquatic plants. increase.
It is estimated that 1.6 million individuals are currently being raised in about 1.1 million households.
American crayfish are also highly reproductive and have a major impact on ecosystems, such as depriving other organisms of their habitat, but many households keep them as pets.
Therefore, if red-eared sliders and red-eared crayfish are designated as invasive alien species for which breeding is prohibited, there is concern that more individuals will be abandoned in rivers and ponds. On the other hand, the Cabinet decided on the 20th to prohibit the sale, purchase, import, and release to the outdoors.
The regulation will start on June 1st, and violations will be punished with imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen.
The Ministry of the Environment said, "We want them to take responsibility and keep them until the end. If you have no choice but to let them go, we want you to find a new owner such as an organization that will take them in free of charge and never let them go outside."
The Ministry of the Environment has set up a consultation hotline to provide consultation on breeding and other matters.
Phone is 0570-013-110.