Introduction for This Book: General Aspects of the Coral Reefs of Japan

Abstract

Japanese coral reef ecosystems are characterized by high biodiversity. Their inherent beauty attracts many tourists, and they provide various kinds of ecological services such as sustenance, educational opportunities, and coastal protection; however, they are easily impacted by human activities. Japanese reefs range from subtropical reefs at the southern tip of the Ryukyu Archipelago to temperate reefs at Tsushima Island in the far north which marks the limit of coral reef distribution in the Pacific Ocean. Reef development in the region is extensive and diverse, and productive fringing reefs, submerged platforms, and mesophotic reefs have accumulated. A long history research on the coral reef ecosystems in Japan has provided important knowledge on basic sciences and conservation including fundamental aspects of the biology of coral reef organisms but also has broadened our understanding of the functioning and survival of coral reef ecosystems and those occurring at environmental extremities. In this chapter, as an introduction for this book, we synthesize some of the latest multidisciplinary information that is available about the coral reef ecosystems of Japan.