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

Takeyoshi Nagai, Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan.

Hiroaki Saito, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Japan.

Koji Suzuki, Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Japan.

Motomitsu Takahashi, Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Japan.