Reprint of: Japanese marine biological stations: Preface to the special issue

This special issue of the Regional Studies in Marine Science includes eight articles of research subjects, most of which have been presented in the 2nd International Symposium of JAMBIO (Japanese Association for Marine Biology), held in December, 2014 in Tokyo, with a scientific topic entitled “Aquatic Ecosystems: Past, Present and Future”. Japan is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean of East Asia. The ocean surrounding this country is affected by several unique currents and by seafloor topography with several trenches and troughs. These situations bring richness and diversity in fauna and flora. From 1886, many marine biological stations were founded in Japan for education and research in marine biology. Since summarized information about Japanese marine biological stations is poorly available, here I overview their history, present status, and the future for these key infrastructures which are vital for the Japanese economy, research and education.