ISAHAYA, Nagasaki Pref. -- As far as the eye can see, cracks running through dried soil have taken over what was a resource-rich wetland only 50 days ago.
The tideland in Isahaya Bay, known worldwide for its ecodiversity, is disappearing under a controversial reclamation project promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and supported by the prefectural government.
Controversial because it appears to serve no purpose.