Shiretoko
The Shiretoko Peninsula is located northeast of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The site includes the land and surrounding marine areas from the middle of the peninsula to the tip of the peninsula (Cape Shiretoko). It is an outstanding example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems and of extraordinary ecosystem productivity, which is largely influenced by the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. It is of special importance for many marine and terrestrial species, some of which are endangered and endemic, such as the Black's Fish Owl and the Viola yedoensis plant. The site is of global importance for endangered seabirds and migratory birds, many salmon species, and marine mammals including Steller sea lions and some cetaceans.