Estimation of the Enhalus Acoroides Distribution Using Monthly Condition of External Forces by Wave Model in Northwest Coast of the Iriomote Island

A study reveals that the distribution of the endangered seagrass Enhalus acroides, known as Umishoubu, is significantly influenced by external forces such as wave conditions and currents. By analyzing data from 2013 and comparing it with wave models from 2015, researchers found that while calm conditions in June overestimated potential distribution areas, incorporating data from typhoon events or high-wave periods during winter reduced errors in distribution predictions. Longitudinal comparisons between 1989 and 2013 showed that seagrass beds had disappeared at the outer edges of these external force influences.

NAKASE, K., MURAKAMI, T., KOHNO, H., UKAI, A., MIZUTANI, A., & SHIMOKAWA, S. (2016). ESTIMATION OF THE Enhalus acoroides DISTRIBUTION USING MONTHLY CONDITION OF EXTERNAL FORCES BY WAVE MODEL IN NORTHWEST COAST OF THE IRIOMOTE ISLAND. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. B2 (Coastal Engineering), 72(2), I. https://doi.org/10.2208/kaigan.72.i_1429