*Nikko Branch of Aquaculture Research Institute
Nikko Branch of Aquaculture Research Institute has history of over 100 years. It was established in Shobugahama in 1890 for a place of incubation. After that, aquacultural technology for trout and salmon was developed and spread that skill, and young fish and egg were distributed to the whole country until 1963. Moreover, it started basic survey as a research institute of Fisheries Agency since 1964.

A kind of salmon and trout is one of the most important fishery resources in the world. The salmon and its following kinship were born in the river and go out to the sea or lake. They spend a few years until they grow up, and come back to the home river for spawning. Nikko branch studies homing instinct in order to increase fish catch effectively.

For example, thyroid hormone stimulates salmon's brain for homing. Secretion of the thyroid hormone is promoted by environment and sex hormone, which controls maturity. In addition, salmon judges the home river by scent that the salmon remembered in its childhood. Also, salmon depends on visual sense when it goes through offshore to mouth of the river.

Nikko branch also studies influence of acid rain and environmental hormone, seed stock in the river and lake, management of fishing, superior species adapting biotechnology, and aquacultural technology of salmon and trout for healthier and faster growing. A part of facility is open through the year, and brook trout and Sockeye salmon sail in breeding ponds. Also, former main hall (Data hall today) displays contents of study and mode of salmon's life.