Trout fishing magazine ``Gijie'' ceases publication, partly due to deterioration of river environment due to climate change

A magazine specializing in fly and lure fishing that targets trout (salmon and trout) that live in rivers and lakes ceased publication this spring. The publishing recession is not the only factor behind this. It is said that the deterioration of the river environment due to climate change is also having an effect.

In April, Gijie, which was first published in 1997, announced in its magazine that it would cease publication after regular publication.

``Greetings regarding the suspension of publication of this magazine'' continues as follows. ``The main reason is that we have determined that it is currently difficult to create a magazine that will satisfy our readers.'' ``Abnormal weather caused by global warming, associated flooding, river restoration work, earthquakes, feeding damage from river cormorants, and the expansion of alien species...'' ``Fields are becoming rougher, and fish habitats and populations are on the decline.''

Gizzy was Japan's first magazine specializing in flies and lures, targeting trout such as yamame trout and char. Three years after its launch, it began to specialize in lure articles.

Although most of the articles were reportage accompanying anglers, we also included essays by experts who emphasized the importance of the river environment.

I have been conveying the charm of the river, but...

"A fisherman should be a keeper of the river." It reflected the strong feelings of Mitsuhiro Yamanaka (59), who served as editor-in-chief.

"I think I was able to not only convey the charm of lure fishing to many people, but also the charm of the river itself, where a variety of trout live from the mouth to the headwaters."

Mr. Yamanaka says this about the significance of the magazine, but he feels that the river environment has steadily deteriorated over the past ten years.

Large-scale floods occur every year in major rivers across the country, including the Tone River system and the Chikuma River system. Due to the intense heat and low rainfall, drought conditions are now common.

The reason he decided to suspend publication was during a fishing trip in September 2023.

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