Thu. May 1, 2014 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 213 (2F)

Convener:*Atsushi Watanabe(Department of Mechanical and Environmental Informatics Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering Tokyo Institute of Technology), Kazuhiko Fujita(Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of the Ryukyus), Chuki Hongo(Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus), Chair:Atsushi Watanabe(Department of Mechanical and Environmental Informatics Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering Tokyo Institute of Technology), Kazuhiko Fujita(Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of the Ryukyus), Chuki Hongo(Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus)

Coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves characterize tropical-subtropical coastal ecosystems, and possess high biological productivities and resultant active cycling of materials. Recently, these ecosystems have also been recognized as important reservoirs of so-called "blue carbon". However, degradation due to development of adjacent watersheds, reclamations of the waterfront, intensive aquaculture, and the threats of global warming and ocean acidification have been diminishing ecosystem functions rapidly. These ecosystems are in constant interaction, and an understanding of the relevant material cycles requires discussions among researchers studying these ecosystems from different points of view. Therefore, the main objectives of this session are (i) to provide opportunities for discussion among researchers working on coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves, (ii) to understand the characteristics of the ecosystem functions and their interactions, and (iii) to discuss guidelines for future research areas and for the conservation and management of these ecosystems. Specifically, the session targets studies on material cycles such as those for C, N, P, and other trace elements, freshwater and seawater cycles, and environmental records in sediments and organisms. Researchers and students from various fields such as geochemistry, ecology, oceanography, limnology, geology, and other related fields are expected to participate.