A review of the coastal marine ecosystem research at Syowa Station, Antarctica

Abstract

Results of marine biological research on the coastal marine ecosystem in the Syowa Station area (69°00′S, 39°35′E) in conjunction with BIOMASS are reviewed. This research aimed at the collection of year-round information on the basic elements in the ecosystem of the region in the 1982-84 winters. General information on the ecology of bacteria, phytoplankton, ice algae and zooplankton; sinking and decomposing processes of organic particulates produced; overwintering strategy of krill; and ecology of benthos is given. Based on the above investigations, some research topics for a recently proposed international program, "Coastal and Shelf Studies in the Ecology of the Antarctic Sea Ice Zone" were suggested.