PROPOSALS FOR METHODS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE AMAGASAKI CANAL, FOCUSING ON TROPHIC LEVEL OF Tridentiger obscurus

Abstract

 This study focused on fish species to investigate methods for improving the environment of the Amagasaki Canal. Analysis of the food web revealed that a benthic fish species Tridentiger obscurus has an important role in transferring energy from primary producers to organisms at higher trophic levels. The result suggest that protection of the bottom dwelling T. obscurus is effective for improving the environment of the canal by making excessive nutrients ingestible for other organisms. When artificial shelters for T. obscurus was set in the canal, a large amount of mussel Xenostrobus securi attached to the shelter. The result insists that further improvements are needed to prevent clogging by the shells and make shelters available for T. obscurus.