Marine macroinvertebrate fauna of the shallow coastal waters of the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage at Hokkaido, Japan

A comprehensive study of the Shiretoko Peninsula identifies 299 marine macroinvertebrate species across 11 phyla, including two species newly recorded in Japan. Conducted from 2006 to 2019, this research highlights significant biogeographical differences between the Sea of Okhotsk and Nemuro Strait sides of the peninsula, likely influenced by ocean currents, coastal topography, and drift ice. The findings underscore the peninsula's role as a boundary between distinct marine biogeographic provinces, with its unique environmental factors shaping its biodiversity. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine biota around Shiretoko, as these species serve as vital bioindicators for environmental changes.

Sonoda, T., Chiba, S., Yamazaki, T., Nobetsu, T., Fujiya, H., Komai, T., Nunomura, N., Shimomura, M., Tomikawa, K., Kakui, K., Hosono, T., Ito, A., Fujita, T., Kobayashi, I., & Goshima, S. (2024). Marine macroinvertebrate fauna of the shallow coastal waters of the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage at Hokkaido, Japan. Plankton and Benthos Research, 19(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3800/pbr.19.1