Author(s)

K. Nakamura, M Tsukidate & Y. Shimatani

Abstract

The Artificial Floating Island (API) was constructed near Tsuchiura Port on Lake Kasumigaura. It measures 92m long by 9.5m wide, consisting of 40 smaller segments. Initially, six aquatic plants were vegetated on this structure. After three years, an abundant Common Reed community was established, producing a standing crop of 4,047kg dry weight for the whole API. The API also attracted fish and other aquatic animals, including aquatic insects that were more numerous than in control areas. Although the number of species of terrestrial insects was almost the same in all waterside stations, its population in the API was smaller than those in other control stations, especially since ground surface insects could hardly be f

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