Landscape-bionomic approach to ecoregion zoning of northern seas on the example of the Sea of Japan

Biogeographic zoning of the ocean has traditionally relied on the biotic approach, i.e., the identification of unique floral and faunal complexes by analyzing specification of taxa — families, genera, and species. In the 2000’s, American oceanologists Spalding et al. developed new principles of ocean zoning, based on a set of natural conditions. The authors identified 12 kingdoms, 62 provinces, and 232 ecoregions or marine basins. Ecoregions are the smallest zoning units of the World Ocean with a relatively homogeneous biota. The authors also noted the distinctive geomorphological and hydrological conditions that determine the composition and structure of marine ecosystems. Ecoregions represent specific marine basins. Detailed zoning of marine ecoregions is necessary for assessing the biodiversity, productivity, and ecological state of the seas. The article formulates the foundations of landscape-bionomic zoning of the boreal and subboreal seas using the Sea of Japan as an example.