Numerical Analysis for Dispersal and Recruitment of Pelagic Larvae of the Land Crabs in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island

A numerical analysis of land crab larvae dispersal and recruitment in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, revealed that larvae exhibit a highly dispersive movement strategy. Most larvae were transported out of the bay within a week after release, with return rates to their release sites (< 0.01%) significantly lower than migration rates to adjacent habitats (< 10%). Larvae were predominantly released during nighttime high tides around new moon phases, with minor variations between species in timing and location. The study utilized field observations of larval release times, wind conditions, and river discharge data to simulate larval movement, highlighting the importance of considering meta-population dynamics for land crab conservation on Iriomote Island.

DOI, W., MUARAKAMI, T., YOSHIOKA, M., MIZUTANI, A., SHIMOKAWA, S., & KOHNO, H. (2018). NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR DISPERSAL AND RECRUITMENT OF PELAGIC LARVAE OF THE LAND CRABS IN AMITORI BAY, IRIOMOTE ISLAND. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. B3 (Ocean Engineering), 74(2), I. https://doi.org/10.2208/jscejoe.74.i_462