Abstract
Biological survey was conducted for three artificial tidal flats in Japan. As compared with natural tidal flat, artificial tidal flats are unstable in features, poor in biodiversity, and feeds fewer shorebirds. It is necessary for a principle that active natural tidal flats are strictly conserved, inactive flats are recovered, lost flats are restored, and local people are involved in planing. An environmental impact assessment and mitigation method should be conducted logically and scientifically. Recovery or restoration should be undertaken by the principles and guidelines for wetland restoration. Consensus of the stakeholders are indispensable to the decision making of tidal flat recovery plan.
