Marine Animals
Many different kinds of marine mammals can be found visiting the seas surrounding Shiretoko throughout the year including stellar sea lions, dolphins, orcas, sperm whales and sea otters. Whale species are often times observed rather sporadically but along the coasts of Shiretoko it is possible to observe them continuously for specific periods of time making this place an important area to observe marine species. The winter drift ice also supports many species as when spring comes and the ice melts, the phytoplanktons previously contained in the ice suddenly become very abundant. This results in zooplanktons and fish swarming to feed on them which in turn attracts many larger marine species – all coming to feed together!
Marine mammals living in Shiretoko
- Seals
- Stellar sea lions
- Dolphins
- Sperm whales
- Orca
- and more
