Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Phytoplankton and Primary Production

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Oceanography of the East Sea (Japan Sea)

Abstract

The northern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea) is dominated by the cold waters of the Liman Current, whereas in the southern part, the dominant current is the Tsushima Warm Current. Together with these major current systems, subpolar fronts and mesoscale eddies that form in the region exert a strong influence on the phytoplankton ecosystem in the East Sea. These conspicuous physical forcings are manifested as often clearly discernible features in temporal and spatial distributions, composition, abundance, biomass and production of phytoplankton. In short, diatoms and dinoflagellates are found to be the most diverse phytoplankton groups and are occasionally responsible for blooms in coastal waters. Diatoms are also abundant in frontal areas and in the rings of warm core eddies. Picophytoplankton groups are also found to be important phytoplankton in the East Sea, especially in warm seasons, and photosynthetic picoeukaryotes and Synechococcus show distinct seasonal and vertical distribution patterns. Recent field measurements indicated that the spatial distribution of primary productivity in the Ulleung Basin (UB) of the East Sea ranged from 172 to 358 g C m−2 year−1. This range of primary productivity is relatively higher than in other regions in the East Sea. The East Sea is a body of dynamic “non-oceanic” water with its own particular oceanic characteristics. Coastal upwelling and mesoscale eddies over a wide range of horizontal scales contribute to the high primary productivity in the UB. This vibrant primary production provides the foundation for a biological “hot” spot and strong support for an energetic biological pump cycle in the East Sea. Despite much progress in expanding knowledge of phytoplankton ecology in the East Sea, more studies on diversity, productivity, niche, and physiological adaptation to dynamic environments should be conducted to better understand ecological roles of phytoplankton in changing oceans.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aikawa H (1936) The planktological properties of the principal sea areas surrounding Japan. Bull Japan Sci Fish 5(1):33–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antoine D, André JM, Morel A (1996) Oceanic primary production: 2. Estimation at global scale from satellite (coastal zone color scanner) chlorophyll. Global Biogeochem Cycles 10(1):57–69

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Behrenfeld MJ, Falkowski PG (1997) Photosynthetic rates derived from satellite-based chlorophyll concentration. Limnol Oceanogr 42(1):1–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang KI, Teague WJ, Lyu SJ et al (2004) Circulation and currents in the southwestern East/Japan Sea: overview and review. Prog Oceanogr 61(2):105–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiba S, Saino T (2002) Interdecadal change in the upper water column environment and spring diatom community structure in the Japan Sea: an early summer hypothesis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 231:23–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiba S, Aita MN, Tadokoro K et al (2008) From climate regime shifts to lower-trophic level phenology: synthesis of recent progress in retrospective studies of the western North Pacific. Prog Oceanogr 77(2):112–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choe S (1972) Studies on the seasonal variations of plankton organism and suspended particulate matter in the coastal area of Ko-Ri. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 7(2):47–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi DH, Noh JH (2009) Phylogenetic diversity of Synechococcus strains isolated from the East China Sea and the East Sea. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 69(3):439–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi DH, Noh JH, Shim JS (2013) Seasonal changes in picocyanobacterial diversity as revealed by pyrosequencing in temperate waters of the East China Sea and the East Sea. Aquat Microb Ecol 71:75–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi JK, Kang YS, Noh JH, Shim JH (2011) The characteristics of phytoplankton distribution in the East Sea. In: Choi JK (ed) The Plankton Ecology of Korean Coastal Waters, Donghwa, p48–p67

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung CS, Shim JH, Park YC et al (1989) Primary productivity and nitrogenous dynamics in the East Sea of Korea. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 24(1):52–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Conkright ME, Gregg WW (2003) Comparison of global chlorophyll climatologies: in situ, CZCS, Blended in situ-CZCS and SeaWiFS. Int J Remote Sens 24(5):969–991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gamo T (1999) Global warming may have slowed down the deep conveyor belt of a marginal sea of the northwestern Pacific: Japan Sea. Geophys Res Lett 26(20):3137–3140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hashuimoto S, Shiomoto A (2002) Regional distribution of size fractionated chlorophyll a concentration at the sea surface water adjacent to Japan in May–June 2000. Bull Japan Soc Fish Oceanogr 66:148–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyun JH, Kim D, Shin CW et al (2009) Enhanced phytoplankton and bacterioplankton production coupled to coastal upwelling and an anticyclonic eddy in the Ulleung Basin. East Sea. Aquat Microb Ecol 54(1):45–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Jardillier L, Zubkov MV, Pearman J et al (2010) Significant CO2 fixation by small prymnesiophytes in the subtropical and tropical northeast Atlantic Ocean. ISME J 4(9):1180–1192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jo CO, Lee JY, Park K et al (2007) Asian dust initiated early spring bloom in the northern East/Japan Sea. Geophys Res Lett 34(5):L05602. doi:10.1029/2006GL027395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kameda T, Ishizaka J (2005) Size-fractionated primary production estimated by a two-phytoplankton community model applicable to ocean color remote sensing. J Oceanogr 61(4):663–672

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang JH, Kim WS, Chang KI et al (2004) Distribution of plankton related to the mesoscale physical structure within the surface mixed layer in the southwestern East Sea, Korea. J Plankton Res 26(12):1515–1528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang YS, Choi JK (2001) Ecological characteristics of phytoplankton communities in the coastal waters of Gori, Wulseong, Uljin and Youngkwang. I. Species composition and distribution (1992–1996). Algae 16(1):85–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Kang YS, Choi JK (2002) Ecological characteristics of phytoplankton community in the coastal waters of Gori, Wulseong, Uljin and Youngkwang. II. The distribution of standing stocks and environmental factors (1992–1996). J Korean Soc Oceanogr 7(3):108–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Kano Y, Baba N, Ebara S (1984) Chlorophyll a and primary production in the Japan Sea. Oceanography 34:31–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim D, Yang EJ, Kim KH et al (2012) Impact of an anticyclonic eddy on the summer nutrient and chlorophyll a distributions in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea). ICES J Mar Sci 69(1):23–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim HG, Lee SG, Jeong CS et al (1999) Harmful algal blooms in Korean coastal waters. In: PICES 8th annual meeting abstracts, p 27

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim KR, Kim K (1996) What is happening in the East Sea (Japan Sea)?: recent chemical observations during CREAMS 93-96. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 31:164–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim SW, Saitoh SI, Ishizaka J et al (2000) Temporal and spatial variability of phytoplankton pigment concentrations in the Japan Sea derived from CZCS images. J Oceanogr 56(5):527–538

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim T, Lee W, Kim G (2010) Hydrographically mediated patterns of photosynthetic pigments in the East/Japan Sea: low N: P ratios and cyanobacterial dominance. J Mar Syst 82(1):72–79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kisselew IA (1947) Phytoplankton of the Far Eastern Seas as indicator of characteristics of their hydrological regime. TrGoin 113:189–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Konovalova GV, MS Selina (2010) Dinophyta biota of the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan. In: Adrianov AV (ed) vol 2, Dal’nauka, Vladivostok, p 352

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuroda K (1987) Chlorophyll distribution in the Kuroshio region, south of Japan. Kousuiken note. Sora to Umi 9:19–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Kwak JH, Hwang J, Choy EJ et al (2013a) High primary productivity and f-ratio in summer in the Ulleung Basin of the East/Japan Sea. Deep-Sea Res I 79:74–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kwak JH, Lee SH, Park HJ et al (2013b) Monthly measured primary and new productivities in the Ulleung Basin as a biological “hot spot” in the East/Japan Sea. Biogeosci 10:4405–4417

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee DK, Niiler PP (2005) The energetic surface circulation patterns of the Japan/East Sea. Deep-Sea Res II 52(11):1547–1563

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee JY, Kang DJ, Kim IN et al (2009) Spatial and temporal variability in the pelagic ecosystem of the East Sea (Sea of Japan): a review. J Mar Syst 78:288–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee WH, Shim JH (1990) Distributions of phytoplankton standing crop and the associated TS properties in the southwestern East Sea (Sea of Japan). J Korean Soc Oceanogr 25:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Lie HJ, Byun SK, Bang I et al (1995) Physical structure of eddies in the southwestern East Sea. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 30(3):170–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Lim JH, Son S, Park JW et al (2012) Enhanced biological activity by an anticyclonic warm eddy during early spring in the East Sea (Japan Sea) detected by the geostationary ocean color satellite. Ocean Sci J 47(3):377–385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Longhurst A, Sathyendranath S, Platt T et al (1995) An estimate of global primary production in the ocean from satellite radiometer data. J Plankton Res 17(6):1245–1271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moon CH, Yang SR, Yang HS et al (1998) Regeneration processes of nutrients in the Polar front area of the East Sea. IV. Chlorophyll a distribution, new production and the vertical diffusion of nitrate. Bull Korean Fish Soc 31:259–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagata H (1998) Seasonal changes and vertical distributions of chlorophyll a and primary productivity at the Yamato Rise, central Japan Sea. Plankton Biol Ecol 45(2):159–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Noh JH, Yoo SJ, Kang SH (2006) The summer distribution of picophytoplankton in the western Pacific. Korean J Environ Biol 24(1):67–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohwada M, Ogawa F (1966) Plankton in the Japan Sea. Ocenogr Mag 18:39–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlova TY, Konovalova GV, Stonik IV et al (2002) Harmful algal blooms on the eastern coast of Russia. In: Harmful algal blooms in the PICES region of the North Pacific PICES SciRep 23, pp 47–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlova TY, Stonik IV, Aizdaicher NA et al (2008) Toxicity, morphology and distribution of Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha, P. multistriata  and P. multiseries (Bacillariophyta) from the northwestern Sea of Japan. Bot Mar 51(4):297–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orlova TY, Stonik IV, Shevchenko OG (2009) Flora of planktonic microalgae of Amursky Bay, Sea of Japan. Russian J Mar Biol 35(1):60–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ostroumoff A (1924) Noctiluca miliaris in symbiose mitgrünen. Algen Zool Anz 68:162

    Google Scholar 

  • Palacios DM, Bograd SJ, Foley DG et al (2006) Oceanographic characteristics of biological hot spots in the North Pacific: a remote sensing perspective. Deep-Sea Res Pt II 53:250–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park JG, Shim JH, Lee JB (1998) Long-term variation of phytoplankton biomass and implication in the East and the South Sea, Korea. Algae 13:123–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Park JS, Kang CK, An KH (1991) Community structure and spatial distribution of phytoplankton in the polar front region off the east coast of Korea in summer. Bull Korean Fish Soc 24(4):237–247

    Google Scholar 

  • Park KA, Kang CK, Kim KR et al (2014) Role of sea ice on satellite-observed chlorophyll-a concentration variations during spring bloom in the East/Japan sea. Deep-Sea Res I 83:34–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park MO (2006) Composition and distribution of phytoplankton with size fraction results at southwestern East Sea. Ocean Sci J 41(4):301–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park TS (1956) On the seasonal change of the plankton at Korea Strait. Pusan Fish Univ Res 1:1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Platt T, Sathyendranath S (1988) Oceanic primary production: estimation by remote sensing at local and regional scales. Science 241(4873):1613–1620

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Racault MF, Le Quéré C, Buitenhuis E et al (2012) Phytoplankton phenology in the global ocean. Ecol Indic 14(1):152–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rebstock GA, Kang YS (2003) A comparison of three marine ecosystems surrounding the Korean peninsula: responses to climate change. Prog Oceanogr 59(4):357–379

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roh TK, Kim YB, Park JL et al (2010) Plankton community response to physico-chemical forcing in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea during summer of 2008. Ocean Polar Res 32(3):209–289

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Bae SJ (1985) The distribution of phytoplankton in Yeong-il Bay. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 20:49–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Lee WH (1983) Plankton study in the southeastern sea of Korea (1). Phytoplankton distribution in September, 1981. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 18(2):91–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Park YC (1986) Primary productivity measurement using carbon-14 and nitrogenous nutrient dynamics in the southeastern sea of Korea. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 21:13–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Yang SR, Lee WH (1989) Phytohydrography and the vertical pattern of nitracline in the southern waters of the Korean East Sea in early spring. J Korean Soc Oceanogr J Kor Soc Oceanogr 24(1):15–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Yeo HG, Park JG (1992) Primary production system in the southern waters of the East Sea, Korea. I. Biomass and productivity. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 27:91–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JH, Yeo HG, Park JG (1995) Primary production system in the southern waters of the East Sea, Korea. II. The structure of phytoplankton community. J Korean Soc Oceanogr 30:163–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Shim JM, Yun SH, Hwang JD et al (2008) Seasonal variability of picoplankton around Ulneung Island. J Environ Sci 17(11):1243–1253

    Google Scholar 

  • Shiomoto A, Tanaka H, Hashimoto S et al (2004) Regional distribution of picophytoplankton in near-shore areas around Japan in early summer. Plankton Biol Ecol 51(2):71–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Shuntov VP (2001) Biology of the far Eastern seas of Russia. TINRO-Centre Press, Vladivostok

    Google Scholar 

  • Skvortzow BW (1931) Pelagic diatoms of Korean Strait of the Sea of Japan. Philip J Sci 46:95–122

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorokin YI (1977) The heterotrophic phase of plankton succession in the Japan Sea. Mar Biol 41(2):107–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stonik IV, Orlova TY (1998) Summer-autumn phytoplankton in Amursky Bay, Sea of Japan. Russian J Mar Biol 24(4):207–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonik IV, Orlova TY (2002) Phytoplankton of the coastal waters off Vladivostok city (the northwestern part of the East Sea) under eutrophic conditions. Ocean Polar Res 24(4):359–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stonik IV, Orlova TY, Lundholm N (2011) Diversity of Pseudo-nitzschia from the western North Pacific. Diatom Res 26(1):121–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonik IV, Selina MS (1995) Phytoplankton as indicator of eutrophic water levels in Peter the Great Bays, Sea of Japan. Russian J Mar Biol 21(6):356–359

    Google Scholar 

  • Suk MS, Chang KI, Kim SH et al (2002) Marine ecosystem responses to climate variability in the East Sea. Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Report No. BSPE 817-00-1396

    Google Scholar 

  • Talley LD, Tishchenko P, Luchin V et al (2004) Atlas of Japan (East) Sea hydrographic properties in summer, 1999. Prog Oceanogr 61(2):277–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teague WJ, Jacobs GA, Perkins HT et al (2002) Low-frequency current observations in the Korea/Tsushima Strait. J Phys Oceanogr 32(6):1621–1641

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uhm GB, Yoo KI (1967) Diatoms in the Korea Strait. In: Reports from the Institute of marine biology. Seoul National University, Seoul, pp 1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Vinogradov ME, Shushkina EA, Vedernikov VI (1996) Characteristics of the epipelagic ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean based on satellite and expeditionary data. Primary production and their seasonal changes. Oceanography 36(2):201–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada K, Ishizaka J, Nagata H (2005) Spatial and temporal variability of satellite primary production in the Japan Sea from 1998 to 2002. J Oceanogr 61(5):857–869

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamada K, Ishizaka J, Yoo S et al (2004) Seasonal and interannual variability of sea surface chlorophyll a concentration in the Japan/East Sea (JES). Prog Oceanogr 61:193–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamada T (1938) Report of the adjacent seas of Korea. In: Annual report of hydrographical observations. Fish Exp Station 8, pp 11–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Yanagi T (2002) Water, salt, phosphorus and nitrogen budgets of the Japan Sea. J Oceanogr 58(6):797–804

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoo S, Kim HC (2004) Suppression and enhancement of the spring bloom in the southwestern East Sea/Japan Sea. Deep-Sea Res II 51:1093–1111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoo S, Park J (2009) Why is the southwest the most productive region of the East Sea/Sea of Japan. J Mar Syst 78(2):301–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshie N, Shin KH, Noriki S (1999) Seasonal variations of primary productivity and assimilation numbers in the western North Pacific. In: Special reports on the regional studies of North-East Eurasia and North Pacific. Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, pp 49–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuenko Y, Selina M, Stonik I (2006) On conditions of phytoplankton blooms in the coastal waters of the north-western East/Japan Sea. Ocean Sci J 41(1):31–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea

    Joong Ki Choi

  2. Biological Oceanography and Marine Biology Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Ansan, 15627, Republic of Korea

    Jae Hoon Noh & Dong Han Choi

  3. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690059, Russia

    Tatiana Orlova

  4. Department of Oceanography, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea

    Mi-Ok Park

  5. Department of Oceanography, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea

    Sang Heon Lee

  6. Korea Ocean Satellite Center, Korea Insitute of Ocean Science and Technology, Ansan, 15627, Republic of Korea

    Young-Je Park

  7. Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 20523, USA

    Seunghyun Son

  8. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia

    Inna Stonik

Authors
  1. Joong Ki Choi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jae Hoon Noh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tatiana Orlova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mi-Ok Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Sang Heon Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Young-Je Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Seunghyun Son
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Inna Stonik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Dong Han Choi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joong Ki Choi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute of Oceanography School of Earth & Environmental Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (Republic of)

    Kyung-Il Chang

  2. Marine Production Management, Pukyong National University, Busan, Korea (Republic of)

    Chang-Ik Zhang

  3. Department of Radio Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea (Republic of)

    Chul Park

  4. Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Tech., Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Division, Ansan, Korea (Republic of)

    Dong-Jin Kang

  5. Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Tech., Deep-Sea & Seabed Resources Research Cen, Ansan, Korea (Republic of)

    Se-Jong Ju

  6. Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Tech., Korean Seas Geosystem Research Unit, Ansan, Korea (Republic of)

    Sang-Hoon Lee

  7. University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA

    Mark Wimbush

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Choi, J.K. et al. (2016). Phytoplankton and Primary Production. In: Chang, KI., et al. Oceanography of the East Sea (Japan Sea). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22720-7_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation