Shiretoko, Japan

Abstract

Shiretoko is a peninsula on the northernmost island of Japan. It is an admirable example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems and habitats, largely influenced by the formation of sea ice at the lowest latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. The sea is enriched by melting sea ice in spring and by a warm current in summer which produces and maintains an explosive growth of phytoplankton, the basis of extremely abundant life. Many rivers connect the sea with a wealth of pristine vegetation from the coast to volcanic mountain tops; one volcano has periodically erupted pure molten sulfur, and there are fumaroles and hot springs in the range. Both on land and in the sea, northern and southern species intermingle, resulting in great diversity of fishes and birds, as well as dense populations of bears and sea lions.