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An interdisciplinary study of the Kuroshio nutrient stream


The surface water of the Kuroshio, a western boundary current in the North Pacific Ocean, is nutrient-depleted and has relatively low primary productivity, yet abundant fish populations are supported in the region. This is called the "Kuroshio Paradox".


Kuroshio Current: Physical, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Dynamics presents research from a multidisciplinary team that conducted observational and modeling studies to investigate this contradiction. This timely and important contribution to the ocean sciences literature provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kuroshio.


Volume highlights include:





New insights into the role of the Kuroshio as a nutrient stream

The first interdisciplinary examination of the Kuroshio Paradox

Reflections on the influence of the Kuroshio on Japanese culture

Research results on both the lower and higher trophic levels in the Kuroshio ecosystem

Comparisons of nutrient dynamics in the Kuroshio and Gulf Stream

Predictions of ecosystem responses to future climate variability

Kuroshio Current - Physical, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Dynamics

Contributors vii





Preface ix





Section I: Introduction





1 The Kuroshio: Its Recognition, Scientific Activities and Emerging Issues 3

Hiroaki Saito





2 The Research Advancements and Historical Episodes brought by the Kuroshio Flowing across Generations 13

Takeyoshi Nagai, Kazuyuki Otsuka, and Hiroshi Nakano





3 The Gulf Nutrient Stream 23

Josep L Pelegri, Ignasi Valles?Casanova, and Dorleta Orue?Echevarria





4 On the Role of the Gulf Stream in the Changing Atlantic Nutrient Circulation During the 21st Century 51

Daniel B Whitt





Section II: Physical and Biogeochemical Dynamics





5 Structure and Impact of the Kuroshio Nutrient Stream 85

Kosei Komatsu and Yutaka Hiroe





6 Multiscale Routes to Supply Nutrients Through the Kuroshio Nutrient Stream 105

Takeyoshi Nagai, Sophie Clayton, and Yusuke Uchiyama





7 Contribution of Kuroshio Recirculation to Nutrient Transport Along the Kuroshio South of Japan: An Analysis of Model Results 127

Xinyu Guo, Yingying Hu, and Yoshikazu Sasai





8 The Kuroshio?Induced Nutrient Supply in the Shelf and Slope Region off the Southern Coast of Japan 137

Hiroshi Kuroda





9 Progress of Studies on Kuroshio Path Variations South of Japan in the Past Decade 147

Norihisa Usui





10 Island Mass Effect 163

Daisuke Hasegawa





11 Impact of Ocean Physics on Marine Ecosystems in the Kuroshio and Kuroshio Extension Regions: A High?Resolution Coupled Physical?Biological Model Study 175

Yoshikazu Sasai, Makio C Honda, Eko Siswanto, Sami Kato, Kazuyuki Uehara, Hideharu Sasaki, and Masami Nonaka





Section III: Ecosystem Dynamics





12 Phytoplankton Distribution in the Kuroshio Region of the Southern East China Sea in Early Spring 191

Toru Hasegawa, Satoshi Kitajima, and Yoko Kiyomoto





13 Spatial Variations in Community Structure of Haptophytes Across the Kuroshio Front in the Tokara Strait 207

Hisashi Endo and Koji Suzuki





14 Variability in Taxonomic Composition, Standing Stock, and Productivity of the Plankton Community in the Kuroshio and its Neighboring Waters 223

Toru Kobari, Yurie Kobari, Hiroomi Miyamoto, Yuji Okazaki, Gen Kume, Reo Kondo, and Akimasa Habano





15 Diverse Trophic Pathways from Zooplankton to Larval and Juvenile Fishes in the Kuroshio Ecosystem 245

Yuji Okazaki, Hiroomi Miyamoto, Koji Suzuki, Hiroaki Saito, Kiyotaka Hidaka, and Tadafumi Ichikawa





16 Feeding Ecology of Chaetognath Flaccisagitta enflata in the Kuroshio Region, Western North Pacific 257

Hiroomi Miyamoto, Dharmamony Vijai, Yuji Okazaki, and Hiroaki Saito





17 Reproduction and Early Life History of Mesopelagic Fishes in the Kuroshio Region: A Review of Recent Advances 273

Chiyuki Sassa





18 Variability in Growth Rates of Japanese Jack Mackerel Trachurus japonicus Larvae and Juveniles in the East China Sea - Effects of Temperature and Prey Abundance 295

Motomitsu Takahashi, Chiyuki Sassa, Kou Nishiuchi, and Youichi Tsukamoto





Index 309