Biodiversity Conservation Consider from the Marine Mammals

Abstract

The Japanese Islands are surrounded by the four seas where have the natural different characteristics. They are long from north to south, and have a growth continental shelf. In addition, the complicated submarine environment has very high productivity of biomass capacity conjointly. Although it has contributed to the coastal fishery, a decline in the biodiversity is caused now. On the other hand, although the land area of Japan is 60th in the world, the 200-nautical mile (370.4km) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is 6th in the world. The Marine Wildlife Center of Japan has investigated with Russian specialists using the system of "specialist exchange without visa" about the whales, marine mammals (steller sea lion, seals and sea otter), sea birds, and marine environment of the northern territories (Kunashiri, Etorofu, Habomai, and Shikotan islands) since 1999. In 2002, we conducted investigations about land (Etorofu) animals. It became clear that the land has also maintained the primeval ecosystem, and has deep relation with the sea ecosystem. I want to consider the policy of diversity preservation of Japan in the future, by giving an example of the marine animals about the primeval ecosystem of the northern territories where the biodiversity is preserved.