ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the supply of nutrients through the complex biogeochemical cycling that underpins all the ecosystem services, which, in turn, provides the basis for bioeconomy. Iron, one of the essential elements for life, is usually found in low concentrations in oceans compared to on land. Thus, iron supply from the land to the ocean is a crucial process to foster phytoplankton growth in oceans. Recent studies show that the Amur River is supplying huge amounts of iron to the Sea of Okhotsk, and thus plays an important role in supporting the phytoplankton growth of the adjacent Oyashio Region. Hence, the Amur-Okhotsk ecosystem was named the ‘Giant-Fish Breeding Forest’ (GFBF), inspired by the Japanese traditional word Uotsukirin. Since large uncertainties remain in the system, not only continuous research, but also careful management of the system are required. The Amur-Okhotsk Consortium, established in 2009, might enhance communication and support to address conflicts between stakeholders and provide better management of the ecosystem.
