[H-GM03] Geomorphology

[HGM03-P07] Distribution of Large Benthic Foraminifers in one of Majuro’s Conservation Areas – Drenmeo Island

*Benedict Yamamura¹, Kazuhiko Fujita², Melba White³, Kyotak Ishiguro³, Hironobu Kan¹ (1.Kyushu University, Integrated Sciences for Global Society - Research Center for Coastal Seafloor , 2.Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, 3.Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority )

Keywords:Drenmeo island, conservation area, large benthic foraminifers, management plan

Climate change is having a huge impact on the island formation. In this study, we examined the composition and distribution of large benthic foraminifers (LBF) from 12 chosen sample sites (see map) within and outside of Drenmeo islet, one of the designated conservation areas in Majuro atoll. Samples were collected from the area to further investigate the sand built-up between the conservation area and the adjacent islet. The preliminary findings showed that the area is predominantly composed of two island-building LBF, namely Calcarina sp. and Amphistegina sp. The final results from this study will help stakeholders to amend the management plan to include the adjacent islet under the current management plan.