ENGLISH

- Kelp Laboratory in Hokkaido University -

The north Pacific is one of most abundant regions of kelp bio-diversity in the world.
In Hokkaido, we have tried to understand the bio-diversity of kelp growing there, and to estimate their phylogenetic relationships. In addition, we have investigated the derivation of Japanese kelp, many of which are endemic species, using molecular methods. Furthermore, we have attempted to grasp genetic features and to conserve the extant resources of kelp in order to be prepared for predicted environmental change, and we have struggled with breeding of kelp to bring up commercial species that show high productivity.
Our laboratory is in the field Science Center Building in Sapporo Campus, Hokkaido University.

Contact information:
Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University
Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0809, Japan
TEL: +81(11)-706-2535

Head: Norishige YOTSUKURA, PhD [e-mail: yotsukur[at]fsc.hokudai.ac.jp]

- Oshoro Marine Station -

The Oshoro Marine Biological Station belonging to Hokkaido University was founded in 1908. The station is located in a small bay named Oshoro Bay on the west coast of Hokkaido. The bay is protected from wind and waves by steep rocky cliffs on both sides, providing a profitable collection place of shore animals and algae, as well as an area for various kinds of experimental work under natural conditions. Yearly variations of air temperature of this area are -4.1～20.9℃, the sea surface temperature and specific gravity are 5.1～21.9℃ and 20.39～25.60δ15 respectively. The bay is an inlet on the coast of a large bay, Ishikari Bay where the warm Tsushima Current prevails during summer to autumn, while in the other seasons the cold water of the Liman Current is mixed with coastal water. This results give characteristic features to the shore fauna, the flora and also those of plankton on the northern coast of Japan Islands facing the Sea of Japan. There have never been resident biologists at this station. Various kinds of collections and experiments have been made by visiting scientists. Students’ courses have been held frequently at this station. So far as reported, 208 species of marine algae have been collected on the shore. 389 species of invertebrates collected on the shore, by dredging and by commercial gill net fishing and 85 species of fishes collected on the shore and by commercial gill net fishing in the bay and neighbouring areas are listed. Plankton calendar dealing with 291 species is compiled. Seasonal changes in plankton abundance in each year from 1949 to 1969 are illustrated, indicating that there have been remarkable spring bloomings but not always. In some years autumn bloomings are more pronounced than spring bloomings.

Contact information:
Oshoro Marine Station, Hokkaido University
1-460, Oshoro, Otaru, Hokkaido, 048-2561, Japan
TEL: +81(134)-64-2303

Director: Norishige YOTSUKURA, PhD [e-mail: yotsukur[at]fsc.hokudai.ac.jp]