Introduction: Processes and Dynamics in the Northwestern Pacific Ecosystems (from China-Japan-Korea Joint GLOBEC Symposium, 13-15 December 2002 at Ansan, Korea)

摘要

The northwestern Pacific Ocean at mid-latitude is a productive area. There is a typical temperate climate with sum-mer monsoon, and living organisms in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems have adapted to such seasonal changes. The broad continental shelf is well developed near the Asian continent, and nutrients from the continent result in biologically fertile regional seas. Moreover, warm and cold water masses are mixed offshore forming a sub-polar front system where planktonic organisms flourish. Consequently, the fish species are abundant. They migrate seasonally to spawn and feed between coastal and offshore areas or northern and southern habitats. Coastal areas, in general, provide good nursery grounds. For these reasons, for several decades this area has enjoyed the highest fish production in the world, so that it is nowadays regarded as one of the most important, productive ocean ecosystems.