East China Sea

The East China Sea, also known as the East Sea in China, is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, located east of mainland China, south of the Yellow Sea, north of the South China Sea, and west of the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is a semi-enclosed body of water that connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Tsugaru Strait, Korea Strait, and Miyako Strait. The sea is characterized by its relatively shallow depth, warm temperatures, and rich biodiversity.

Spotted ghoul – Inimicus sinensis

Peacock wrasse – Iniistius pavo

Decorated goby – Istigobius decoratus

Cookie cutter shark – Isistius brasiliensis

Celebes razorfish – Iniistius celebicus

Stony Coral – Isopora brueggemanni

Rippled rockskipper – Istiblennius edentulus

Spiny Scaleworm – Iphione muricata

Sand Goby – Istigobius hoshinonis

Blackspot razorfish – Iniistius dea

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Geography and Geology

The East China Sea covers an area of approximately 490,000 square kilometers (190,000 square miles), with an average depth of around 349 meters (1,145 feet). The deepest point is in the Okinawa Trough, reaching a depth of 2,719 meters (8,921 feet). The sea is bordered by China, Japan, and South Korea, with the Ryukyu Islands forming a natural boundary between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The seafloor is composed primarily of continental shelf, with a gradual slope towards the Okinawa Trough. The geology of the East China Sea is influenced by the interaction of the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.

Hydrology

The East China Sea is characterized by warm temperatures, with surface waters reaching temperatures of 20-28 degrees Celsius (68-82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months. The water temperature drops to around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter. Salinity levels vary across the sea, ranging from 30-34 parts per thousand. The currents in the East China Sea are influenced by the Kuroshio Current, which brings warm, saline water from the south. This current also transports nutrient-rich waters, supporting a diverse ecosystem.

Fauna

The East China Sea is home to a rich diversity of marine life. It is a major fishing ground, providing sustenance for millions of people in the surrounding region. Some of the most important commercial fish species found in the sea include mackerel, yellow croaker, sea bass, and shrimp. The sea also supports a variety of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds. Several endangered species, including the Chinese paddlefish, the Yangtze finless porpoise, and the dugong, are also found in the East China Sea, facing threats from overfishing and habitat degradation.

Environmental Issues

The East China Sea faces significant environmental challenges, including:

  • Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices have led to a decline in fish populations and the depletion of key species.
  • Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and oil spills contribute to water pollution and damage to marine ecosystems.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and acidification pose threats to marine life, coral reefs, and coastal communities.

Economic Importance

The East China Sea plays a vital role in the economies of the surrounding countries. It is a major source of seafood, minerals, and energy resources. The sea also supports shipping and tourism industries. The East China Sea also holds significant deposits of natural gas and oil, which are increasingly being explored and exploited.

Political Disputes

The East China Sea has been the subject of territorial disputes between China, Japan, and South Korea. The Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in Chinese), a group of uninhabited islands located in the sea, are claimed by both China and Japan. The disputed area is also rich in potential natural resources, further adding to the tension. These disputes have led to diplomatic friction and military activity in the region.