thus abandoned the effort. Local economy Rausu's local economy consists of three main sources: the fishing industry, Shiretoko tourism, and local businesses. Fishing industry Rausu is primarily a fishing town. One third of residents are supported by the fishing industry. The main intake by the fishing industry consists of kichiji rockfish (Sebastolobus macrochir), Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), konbu kelp, salmon, squid, and sea urchin. Particularly famous is Rausu konbu (Rausu kelp). There is no other place in Japan to harvest sea urchin from winter to summer other than Rausu. As for agriculture, in southern Rausu there is some dairy farming, but no land suitable for growing rice, produce, or other large scale agriculture. The lumber industry does not have much of a presence either (as it does in the rest of Hokkaido). 70% of the town's land is lush mountain forest, but it is mostly a part of the Shiretoko National Park. Local business Rausu's second major source of economic income is not any one specific industry, but rather the mix of local retail, municipal employment, food and beverage industry, etc. Shiretoko National Park The third major source of revenue for Rausu is related to Shiretoko National Park. The splendor of Shiretoko’s forests and the abundance of aquatic life in the Nemuro Strait form the basis of the local tourist industry. Due to the widening of Kunashiri Highway, in recent years whale and dolphin watching have become popular in the summer, whereas viewing Steller’s sea eagle, white-tailed (sea) eagles, (earless) seals, and drift-ice are popular in the winter. These activities are usually done by chartered cruises that cater to researchers, photographers, and bird watchers. Rausu is known for fresh rockfish, early-season salmon and salmon eggs, Alaskan pollock, squid, and sea urchin. The town has many bed-and-breakfasts, lodges, onsen hotels, restaurants, and bars. There is also a roadside station that sells local Shiretoko-area products. Local business groups Rausu Deep Ocean Fishing Association Rausu Fisherman’s Association Financial institutions Daichi Credit Union, Rausu branch Rausu Post Office Municipal services Japan Post Rausu Post Office (serves as a distribution point for Nakashibetsu Japan Postal Service Center hub) Misaki-chō annex of the Rausu Post Office Yagihama annex of the Rausu Post Office Minehama limited-service mail center Police force Rausu Police Department is a sub-station of Nakashibetsu Police Department Japanese military/Coast Guard presence Due to the close proximity of Russia and potential fishing-rights disputes, the Japanese