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The Nansei Shoto subtropical marine ecosystems have unusually high levels of endemism for tropical coral habitat. Like a chain of precious jewels, the Nansei Shoto islands sparkle in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Japan and contain coral reefs that support fish, birds, and mammals. The water here is warm, clear, and nutrient-poor, qualities that have helped diverse reefs of coral develop over thousands of years.
The Nansei Shoto islands are quite isolated, which has made it possible for unique species to evolve. This archipelago of exposed tops of submarine mountains is more than 625 miles (1,000 km) long. Endangered northern right whales come to the coasts of Nansei Shoto to breed. Finless porpoises also swim and hunt in the rich waters. Loggerhead sea turtles rarely leave the water, which teems with anemone fish and nudibranchs -- mollusks without shells. Dugongs, manatee-like marine mammals, float and graze among dense sea plants and tropical algae. Anemone fish, Japanese parrotfish, and other fish species, as well as non-coral invertebrates and tropical marine algae, are also found here.
Threats to biodiversity come from sedimentation caused by the runoff of soil from agriculture and construction. Pollution, the illegal collection of reef resources, and an outbreak of the crown-of-thorns starfish (a predator of corals), are serious problems. Also, coral bleaching, caused from elevated water temperatures, has been reported.
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