see abstracts

基調講演

KEYNOTE SPEACH

基調講演

ノア・イデオン（パラオ共和国下院議長）

ハワイ・パシフィック大学学士（理学）

1976年米国ハワイ経営学

職務

・1999年～2004年パラオ政府海洋資源部ディレクター

・2005年～現在ギワル州選出下院議員

・2009年～現在パラオ共和国下院議長

環境分野

・1994年パラオ環境協会を共同設立、1995年から 2000年まで常務理事

・1994年に制定された漁業法設立に関わる

・1995年コニュニティとの活動の貢献により、Goldman Environmental Prize受賞

・1997年パラオの海洋環境保護の拡大と研究を対象として、$15,000 Pew Fellowship Grant

を獲得

・2000年海洋環境保護の貢献により、タイム誌の「ヒーロー・フォー・ザ・プラネット」

（地球のヒーロー）の一人に選出

《パラオ保護区ネットワークの発展：ノア・イデオン》－80年代における政治的発展及び社会・経済面問題－主な漁業開発補助金及び起因する諸問題－失われていく伝統的管理システムへの挑戦地域社会の反応及び主な成果－パラオ独立 1994年－漁業法制定（RPPL4-18）1994年－パラオ環境保護協会 1994年－北部リーフ産卵チャネルにおける伝統的保護区 PAN法制度の発展－伝統的保護区の教訓からの構築－目的、デザインコンセプト及び趣旨－新省庁の設置（天然資源環境観光省MNRET）－持続可能な財政の構築拡大：ミクロネシア・チャレンジ－地域への貢献－国際的なパートナー及び支援者の増加－科学の構築及び気候変動問題の要因実行及び主要な挑戦－見習うべきモデルの不在－法律及び幅広い認識の違い－利用可能な財源により変化した行動将来的な成果－挑戦及び機会

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Honorable Noah Idechong

(Speaker of the House of Delegates, Republic of Palau)

Bachelor of Science, Hawaii Pacific College 1976 - Business Administration, Hawaii, USA 1999-2004 Chief of the Division of Marine Resources 2005 - present Delegate of Ngiwal State 2009 - present Speaker of Palau National Congress

Contributions towards environmental issues 1994 Co-founded The Palau Conservation Society

Exective Director from 1995 to 2000 1994 Headed community forums and led the drafting and initial implementation of what became the Marine Protection Act of 1994 1995, Achieved Goldman Environmental Prize for his work with communities. 1997, Awarded a $15,000 Pew Fellowship Grant to study and expand marine conservation efforts in Palau. 2000 Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Heroes for the Planet for his contribution to marine conservation.

《Development of the Palau Protected Areas Network : Noah Idechong》 Background -Political development & Socio-economic challenges of the 80's -Major fisheries development subsidies & issues arising -Challenging the eroding traditional management system Community Reaction and Major Outcomes -Palau Independence, 1994 -Fisheries Legislation (RPPL4-18),1994 -Palau Conservation Society, 1994 -Tradition Bul on Northern Reefs Spawning Channels PAN Legislation Development -Building from the lessons of the bul -Purpose, Design concept and objectives -New Ministry (MNRET) Created -Sustainable Financing established Scaling Up: Micronesia Challenge -Regional Commitments -Adding international partners and supporters -Building science and factoring in climate changes issues Implementation & Mainstreaming Challenges -No model to follow -laws and perception widely differs -funding availability have changed behaviors Future Outlook -Challenges and Opportunities

基調講演

土屋誠（1948年 11月１日愛知県生れ）

1976年３月東北大学大学院理学研究科博士課程生物学専攻修了

（理学博士）

1976年４月東北大学助手（理学部附属臨海実験所）

1983年９月琉球大学助教授（理学部生物学科）

1991年７月琉球大学教授（理学部生物学科、後改組により理学部

海洋自然科学科、現在に至る）

2002年４月琉球大学国際交流委員会委員長(2004年３月まで)

2006年４月琉球大学理学部長（2010年 3月まで）

【国際、社会活動】

Pacific Science Association（太平洋学術協会）評議員（2002－現在【2007 より事務局長】）

International Society for Reef Studies（国際サンゴ礁学会）評議員（2003－2006）

環境省中央環境審議会臨時委員(2003-現在)

日本サンゴ礁学会会長（2009年 7月－現在）

【主な著書】

「南の島の自然観察－沖縄の身近な生き物と友だちになろう－」東海大学出版会(1991)、「サ

ンゴ礁－生物が作った生物の楽園－」（平凡社）、「サンゴ礁は異常事態－保全のキーワードは

バランス－」沖縄マリン出版(1999)、「海洋ベントスの生態学：第４章種間関係」東海大学

出版会 (2003)、「日本のサンゴ礁（和文、英文）」環境省・日本サンゴ礁学会(2004)、「美ら

島の自然史―サンゴ礁島嶼系の生物多様性―」東海大学出版会(2006)、「サンゴ礁の地むや

み：生態系サービスは維持されるか」東海大学出版会(2009)、「ジュゴン：海草帯からのメッ

セージ」東海大学出版会(2010)、「Anguish of Coral Reefs」 (2011)、「サンゴ礁学」東海大

学出版会(2011)（いずれも共著）

《海洋保護区と生態系のネットワーク》

土屋誠琉球大学理学部

海洋保護区（MPA）を議論する場合に「ネットワーク」は重要なキーワードである。

そこでは、生物の移動の場所としての MPA 間のつながりの重要性、MPA に関わり

を持つ異なった立場の人々のつながり、メタ個体群の維持の場としてのＭＰＡ、など

が議論される。

熱帯・亜熱帯の沿岸に存在するサンゴ礁、マングローブ域、海草帯、干潟、砂浜等は

物質や生物の移動を考えると明らかにつながっている。また沿岸の管理を議論する際

には河川森林と沿岸のつながりも重要である。陸上から流入する栄養塩や土砂が沿岸

環境に影響を及ぼしているからである。時には生物の大量死を引き起こすこともある。

私たちはこれらのつながりに関して科学的な知見を集積しなければならない。

本講演ではこのつながりに関する研究を推進する上で、学際的な学問の発展を期待し

つつ、太平洋域における共通課題を確認し、ネットワーク構築の一助としたい。

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Makoto TSUCHIYA (Born in 1948)

Professor, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Specialization: Ecology, Ecosystem function of coral reef and

island ecosystems

1976 Graduated from Graduate School of Science of Tohoku University (D.Sc.).

1991-present Professor of University of the Ryukyus.

2005-2009 Leader of 21st Century COE (Center of excellence) Program

2006-2010 Dean, Faculty of Science

2007-present Secretary General of Pacific Science Association

2009-present President of the Japanese Coral Reef Society

Scientific contribution: 150 papers and 16 books (including book chapter)

《MPA and ecosystem networks in the Pacific Islands》

Makoto Tsuchiya

Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, 903-0213 Okinawa, Japan

“Network” is a keyword for the discussion of MPA and various aspects of networks will

be discussed for the management of coastal zone. They are regional network, global network,

management network, conservation network, social network , meta- population and

connectivity network.

Ecological connectivity among coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, mangrove forests,

seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and tidal flats is an important topic as well as the relationship

between terrestrial and coastal ecosystems from the viewpoints of animal migration and

biogeochemical cycles for the integrated management of coral reef and island ecosystems.

The community structures of coastal zones are considered to be controlled by the amount of

nutrients and organic materials carried by river systems.

This presentation will discuss the establishment of a new interdisciplinary scientific field

by demonstrating the ecological connectivity among ecosystems within the contact of the

coral reef and island ecosystems in the Pacific Islands.

ケースレポート

CASE REPORT

MPAs IN OKINAWA

Shinichiro Kakuma

Fisheries Extension Center

Okinawa Prefectural Government

1-3-2 Nishizaki Itoman Okinawa

901-0305 Japan

Eight types of fisheries related MPAs in Okinawa will be discussed:

1. Government designated Protected Waters in Ishigaki;

2. Sedentary species MPAs in Onna;

3. An emperor fish MPAs in Yaeyama;

4. Spawning aggregation MPAs in Yaeyama;

5. An emperor fish MPAs in Haneji-Nakijin;

6. Diving and fishing MPAs in Zamami;

7. A coral restoration MPA in Yomitan;

8. A grouper spawning aggregation MPA in Yaeyama.

There are so many commercially important fish species in common between Pacific Islands

and Okinawa. So MPA experiences in Okinawa, success or failure, could be useful in the

Pacific Islands.

Although the 2 government designated MPAs, Protected Waters (Hogo-suimen), in Ishigaki

have powerful legal basis, there are some problems on enforcement and flexibility. The rest

cases are all autonomous (self-imposed) MPAs that are considered more effective in Okinawa.

In early 1980s Onna fisheries cooperative association (FCA) started the sedentary species

MPAs showing it is easier to start MPAs targeting such species. Yaeyama FCA set the 4 MPAs

for an emperor fish, Lethrinus atkinsoni, in 1998-2002. They did not have good results in

terms of the stock recovery. Then the FCA started 5 spawning aggregation MPAs from April

to June in 2008 with 5 times larger size of MPAs. One of the most successful cases of MPA in

Okinawa is in Haneji-Nakijin. There fishers set 2 MPAs protecting juveniles of an emperor

fish, Lethrinus nebulosus, in close collaboration with scientists. They have been getting good

results that are proved with quantitative data. In 1998 Zamami FCA started 3 MPAs that

prohibited both fishing and diving cooperated with diving associations, because the corals

there were damaged by overuse of too many divers. We have many coral reef restoration

projects in Okinawa. At one of those sites, Yomitan, a MPA is planned with the cooperation of

Yomitan FCA. The last case is a MPA of a grouper, Epinephelus ongus, that makes massive

spawning aggregation for only a few days in a year. Although the MPA were set for 5 days,

we observed success in protecting the spawning.

For MPAs in Asia-Pacific including Okinawa where people are living close to the sea and

depending heavily on the marine resources, the concept of Sato-umi is important. Sato means

the village, umi means the sea in Japanese, and Satoumi are coastal sea areas in which there is

a harmonious coexistence of Nature and human-being. Satoumi might be created using MPAs

as tools in Asia-Pacific.

C-1

PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK IN PALAU

Joseph "Joe" Aitaro

Director, Bureau of Protected Areas Network, Ministry of Natural

Resource, Environment and Tourism, Republic of Palau

・ Objectives, sustainable financing and challenges and current update of the Protected Areas

Network in Palau.

・ The local partnership in Palau to ensure PAN.

・ How to prepare communities for the PAN.

・ What are the struggles the PAN will face in terms of community readiness and capacity to

implement the activities of the management plans so to achieve "Effective Conservation"

as stated in the Micronesia Challenge.

C-2

MARINE RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT BY

VILLAGE COMMUNITIES – A CASE STUDY OF THE ALEIPATA AND

SAFATA MPAS, SAMOA

Pulea E. Ifopo

Manager of Aleipata and Safata MPAs,

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,

Independent State of Samoa

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

・ Introduction

・ What is community-based marine resources conservation and management in the Samoan

experience;

・ Overview of the case MPAs (Aleipata & Safata;

・ Processes & undertakings

・ Operation & management processes;

・ Outcomes & Outputs;

・ Challenges & Successes

- How did and do we cope - lessons learnt?

・ Current & Way forward

- Where are we?

- Priorities and Work Plan;

C-3

口頭発表

ORAL PRESENTATION

NGERUANGEL MARINE RESERVE CASE STUDY

Gamberlyn Sherry Ngirmeriil*, Lolita Gibbons-Decherong, Yalap P. Yalap

Palau Community College

P.O. Box 09

Koror, Palau 96940

E-mail: [email protected]

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPA) in Palau has been progressing at a rather

rapid rate over the past 10 years, as compared to other islands in the Micronesia region. As

of 2011, there were a total of 42 protected areas in Palau, and a few more have recently been

designated within this year. Over 60% of these protected areas are members of the Palau’s

Protected Areas Network. This case study highlights a community-based approach that

established Ngeruangel Marine Reserve, one of the over 42 marine protected areas in Palau.

Ngeruangel is a pseudo-atoll in the Republic of Palau. Ngeruangel Marine Reserve was

established in 1996 and has continued to draw the attention of conservation agencies in Palau

due to the constant environmental threats. Ngeruangel Marine Reserve has its economical

and cultural significance to the people who reside on the nearby atoll of Kayangel. Like

most atolls in the Pacific, the livelihood and subsistence of the people of Kayangel is

marine-based. Their terrestrial resources are limited, and they forage their seas, including

waters around Ngeruangel to support their livelihood.

As an isolated atoll-state in the Republic of Palau, Kayangel has had its shares of threats to its

marine environment and resources from locally- to foreign-induced threats. Through all

these environmental threats, it has been realized at the community level, that the resources are

theirs, and the fate of their resources depends on them to work as a community. While their

marine resources may seem infinite with the vast ocean surrounding them, the community on

the island of Kayangel has come to realize that the threats to their marine resources will

continue, and that sustainability is not just for marine resources. Sustainability is necessary

for the continued existent of the people of Kayangel, their indigenous knowledge, and their

culture. In the past fifteen years, Kayangel has been persistent in pursuing its goals of

sustaining its marine environment and resources on Ngeruangel marine reserve, and with the

help of multi-agency partnerships, they have expanded their marine protected areas through

continued strong community ties. In March, 2012, the state government of Kayangel

increased the marine protected areas. From the single Ngeruangel Nature Reserve in 1996,

Kayangel’s marine protected areas now include waters within a 40 km radius surrounding the

inhabited atoll and continues southward to include its barrier reefs.

O-1

COMMUNITY-MANAGED SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS IN TONGA

(SMAs)

Tevita Latu Helu*

Atenisi University

Halaano, Kolomotu’a, Tonga


Under Fisheries Management & Conservation Act 2002, so far six local communities have

been designated as Coastal Communities with Special Management Areas (SMAs), for the

purpose of community-based fisheries management in their coastal areas. This was mainly

due to their general concern of declining coastal fisheries resources which they significantly

rely on for food and income (i.e. subsistence fisheries).

These communities therefore take the leading role in managing their coastal fisheries

resources with assistance from the Fisheries Division of Ministry of Agriculture & Foods,

Forests and Fisheries (MAFFF). Coastal community management committees (CCMCs)

and coastal community management plans (CCMPs) were developed to assist in their

management role. Key management objectives in their CCMPs include controlling fishing

activities, restoring fish stock and habitat in no-fishing areas (Fish Habitat Reserves (FHRs),

raising community awareness on fisheries conservation and management, promoting

sustainable fishing practices and improving living standard in the community. The Fisheries

(Coastal Communities) Regulations 2009 were also gazette to assist in the implementation of

their CCMPs and to complement existing fisheries legislation for enforcement within SMAs.

It is their community vision and goal that their SMAs and management efforts will help

revive the health and status of their coastal fisheries resources for current and future

generation.

Key words: special management areas, conservation, community-based fisheries.

O-2

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MARINE PROTECTION AREAS IN TUVALU

Siouala Malua*, Tupulaga Poulasi

Fisheries Department,

Ministry of Natural Resources,

Funafuti, Tuvalu


Tuvalu made of eight tiny atolls scattered around the group. Fisheries are important for

Tuvalu. With an EEZ of 900,000 km2 compared with a land area of only 23 km2 it is not

surprising that fish is the nation’s only significant natural resource.

The Fisheries Department has request SPC in assisting development of a framework for the

management of the coastal fisheries in 2006. There were

two islands (Nukulaelae & Vaitupu) have implemented

their Fisheries Management Plan, while the rest of the

islands have use traditional knowledge of its coastal

marine resources and have their own customs & cultures

to manage these resources. Nanumea & Nukufetau

established their MPAs by Tuvalu Association Non

Government Organisation and assistance from fisheries.

The consultations were conducted to selected people

including the Falekaupule (community elders), the

women’s committee and the youth group. The issues

discussed were mainly on assessing the degree of change

in fishing, seafood catches, and the marine environment

have undergone during recent years and analysing the

present condition of their marine environment and fish

stocks, identify the various causes of the problems, and

consider the most

A Nukulaelae marine protection area is their reefs

surrounding the main island (Fig 1) including the sea

cucumber MPA. However, Vaitupu Island MPAs were the

lagoon, main wharf, mangrove & Te loto lagoon (Fig 2).

practicable and possible solutions.

It is concluded to maintain the development of fisheries management plan to the rest of the

islands who have not done theirs yet in order to maintain the increase the number of marine

resources for the betterment of the community as well as the country as a whole.

O-3

Fig 1: Nukulaelae MPA

Fig 2: Vaitupu MPA

THE NEED FOR SCIENTIFICALLY CREDIBLE REASERCH TO

INFORM MANGROVE REPLANTING PROJECTS IN PAPUA NEW

GUINEA

Mazzella Maniwavie

Biology Department, University of Papua New Guinea

PO Box 276, University Post 134, National Capital District, PNG

E-mail: [email protected].

Mangroves are specialized group of plants that grow in the intertidal zone and form extensive

forests on the mudflats and banks of tropical and subtropical coastlines. Mangroves play a

vital role in providing ecosystem services. The diverse flora and fauna found in mangrove

forests socio-economic values of many coastal communities either directly through traditional

extraction of forest products or indirectly from coastal.

In recent years focus on mangrove forest rehabilitation and replanting has intensified

because mangrove forests have been proven to protect communities and ecosystems from

negative environmental changes caused by climate change. Mangrove forests in some parts

of the world have been overharvested and face eminent extinction.

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the focus is on reforestation of exposed and degraded coastal

forests as a least costly option to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. This

effort is supported by the government of PNG through the Office of Climate Change and

Development (OCCD). OCCD has an initiative to plant “Millions of Mangroves” .This

initiative will facilitate community-based mangrove planting as an adaptation measure against

the increased risk of coastal flooding posed by climate change.

Mangrove reforestation on a larger scale is new in PNG and only gained momentum in 2008,

beginning in Central Province and the National Capital District and now extending to other

parts of PNG. The primary goal of the rehabilitation program was to educate local community

members on the ecological value of mangrove ecosystems, sustainable use of mangrove

resources and rehabilitation of large tracts of mangrove forests which where traditionally

removed for human settlements and extraction of forest products.

Currently there is a flux of mangrove rehabilitation and restoration funds coming into PNG to

address climate change impacts and conservation groups are jumping at this opportunity. This

has resulted in ad hoc replanting without review of the effectiveness of past mangrove

replanting projects. Furthermore, baseline information on the suitable planting techniques and

environmental conditions for healthy mangrove growth is not available resulting in high

mortality of trees in most replanted sites.

My honours project will serve to identify optimal physical and physiological conditions

required for successful replanting projects. I will analyse data from 14 mangrove replanted

sites in Central province which have had survival rates between 0 and 93%. The analysed data

from this study should inform and improve the success of future mangrove replanting projects

in PNG.

O-4

MAJOR/CRITICAL MARINE ISSUES IN KIRIBATI

Ratita Bebe

Wildlife Conservation Unit

Environment and Conservation Division

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development

London, Kiritimati, Kiribati

Email : [email protected]

The purpose of this paper is to share information on major/critical marine issues in Kiribati

that commonly faced by people at urban centers on Tarawa (main island and capital) and

Kiritimati. This paper will focus on solid waste pollution, sewage pollution, overfishing,

climate change, over population, sand/gravel harvesting. It will also discuss marine

endangered species. Furthermore, this paper will also highlights the possible solutions to

these critical marine issues/problems including sharing information on existing legislations

and management put in place to solve/minimize these problems. Alternative approaches will

be also discussed. This paper also puts forward recommendations to address major/critical

marine issues in Kiribati. These recommendations will form the basis of request for

assistance from Kiribati, to address these issues/problems at the national level through

networking and partnership as appropriate.

O-5

LOCAL TSUNAMIS AND SUBMARINE LANDSLIDES IN SELECTED

PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS

Susanne M.L. Pohler

School of Marine Studies,

University of the South Pacific

Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands


In the 1990s several modest earthquakes occurred which generated surprisingly large

tsunamis without any significant transoceanic tsunami. The term”local tsunami” was coined

for them. A number of studies investigated these local tsunami events and concluded that

submarine landslides were to blame. In the Pacific local tsunamis caused by submarine

landslides have reached 26 m above sea level in 1992 (Flores Island, Indonesia) and 15 m

above s.l. in 1998 (Sissano, PNG). A submarine landslide typically begins as a submarine (or

terrestrial) slump which disintegrates into a debris flow as it accelerates down slope. Further

dilution of the sediments with seawater turns the flow into an increasingly diluted turbidity

current which can flow far away from the point of origin. Graded bedding develops as the

sediments settle out from the water column to form characteristic turbidite deposits. The

abundance of debris flow deposits and turbidites in the geological record is truly staggering

and suggests that tsunami waves originating from slope instability must have been frequent

occurrences affecting continental and island shores. The events in the 1990’s showed that

landslides can generate high waves with very little time for warnings which makes these

tsunamis particularly treacherous. Indeed, the largest run-up wave ever recorded for a tsunami

(554 m) was generated by a landslide (Lituya Bay, Alaska, 1958). Wave generation by

landslides depends largely on the volume of material that is displaced, the depth of water

above the slide scar and the speed with which the slide moves. Some of the largest known

submarine landslides involved between 600 and 20,000km3 of material. The resulting

displacement of water generated trans-oceanic tsunami waves of considerable height. The

Pacific Island Nations which constitute the USP region are of four principal types: (1) Islands

located over active subduction zones (Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu); (2) High

volcanic Islands with still active volcanism which formed over thermal plumes (Cook Islands,

Western Samoa); (3) Atolls which formed over long extinct and subsided seamounts (Kiribati,

Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu); (4) Islands located over an extinct

subduction zone (Fiji). It will be seen that all settings are highly vulnerable to

landslide-generated local tsunamis. For the purpose of this presentation the records of

submarine landslide generated tsunamis in the PICs of the USP region will be reviewed and a

compilation of the various triggering mechanisms for slope instability will be presented.

Furthermore the location of pre-historical submarine landslides will be investigated and

evaluated.

O-6

COASTAL INUNDATION CAUSED BY EXTRA TROPICAL STORMS:

MAY AND JUNE 2011 EXTREME SWELL EVENTS, FIJI ISLANDS

Jens Krüger*, Zulfikar Begg, Ron Hoeke, Herve Damlamian, Salesh

Kumar

Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC)

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

P.M.B., Suva, Fiji Islands


In May and June 2011, the southern shores of Viti Levu (17.8°S, 178.0°E), Fiji, were inundated along a 50 km section known as the Coral Coast. The inundations caused minor damage to infrastructure such as roads, buildings and seawalls, as well as erosion of beaches (and accretion at one survey location). The 20 May inundation coincided with spring high tides and no local weather disturbance was experienced. Instead, the inundation occurred as a result of exceptionally energetic surface gravity waves generated by a high pressure system 3-4 thousand kilometres to the southwest over the Tasman Sea. Dissipation of these waves on the fringing reefs along the Coral Coast appears to have led to high wave setup and runup, which, when coupled with high astronomical tides, resulted in the coastal inundation. A two-day field survey was undertaken 13 days after the 20 May event. Although evidence of coastal inundation is generally ephemeral, residual accumulations of debris and saltburn of vegetation were identified with the help of eye witnesses. The flotsam levels were used to estimate wave runup. Shore-perpendicular profiles were surveyed at nine separate locations along the Coral Coast using an auto-level and standard land survey techniques. Horizontal distances were measured landward from the base of the beach. Vertical control was established by referring local water levels to observations at the Suva tide gauge and reducing elevations to mean sea level. The average inundation was 40.5 m (ranging from 23.3 to 81.0 m), with runup averaging 3.7 m (2.0 to 5.0 m range). Current regulation for coastal development in Fiji stipulates a setback of 30 m from the high water line. No in situ ocean surface wave observations are currently available for Fiji. A 33-year time series of hindcast offshore wave data was obtained from the global ERA-interim fields provided by the European Centre of Medium Term Weather Forecasting for a point 150 km south-south west of Viti Levu. The wave data show incident waves with significant wave heights of 4.2 m, mean wave periods of 12.9 s, and a wave energy flux of 0.22 MW/m at the time of inundation. Extreme value analysis on declustered wave energy flux exceeding 0.20 MW/m shows that waves with characteristics similar to those that occurred on 20 May have a return interval of 1.12 years. While analysis suggests that such waves (called Loka in Fijian) are relatively common, having a 89% chance of occurring in any one year, it is primarily the stage of the tide that modulates the severity of coastal inundation. However, extreme swell wave events and coastal inundation are not restricted to Fiji. An event in early December 2008 caused widespread damage and overtopping, and displaced an estimated 50,000 people across the western equatorial Pacific. These events show that coastal hazards are not limited to tropical cyclones or localised weather phenomena, but may occur as a result of storms thousands of kilometres away. This study helps to understand these extreme swell events and provides baseline information that can underpin coastal planning and guide adaptation responses.

O-7

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (UNDP) SAMOA TSUNAMI EARLY

RECOVERY PROJECT: LESSONS LEARNT AND THE WAY FORWARD IN

RESPONDING TO NATURAL DISASTERS

Yvette Kerslake*, Nileema Noble, Filomena Nelson

United Nations Development Programme

Multi- Country office for Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau

Lauofo Meti Building, Matautu-uta, Samoa


The Early Recovery Project (ERP) was implemented in the aftermath of the Tsunami of

September 2009 in Samoa generated by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake which severely affected

the southern coastal areas of Samoa’s Upolu Island. Approximately 5,274 people have been

severely affected and 143 deaths have been reported. The tsunami had a severe impact on

the tourism industry with 5 tourists confirmed dead. This type of natural disaster is a rare

event for Samoa and caused extensive damages, injuries and losses to the population affected.

It has affected infrastructure such as roads, basic services such as water and electricity as well

as buildings for school, churches and houses. The livelihoods of many individuals, families

and indeed of the population in general have also been heavily affected, with devastation to

the natural environment in particular the coastal and marine resources as well as to small

family businesses and hotel operations. Local governance structures have also been severely

affected thus posing a threat to social cohesion and stability amongst the displaced

populations.

UNDP mobilized resources of $600,000.00 USD for implementation of the Samoa Tsunami

Early Recovery Project with four key areas of support: Co-ordination of Early Recovery

response; Livelihoods Regeneration; Disaster Risk Reduction and Governance. For

Co-ordination, the Early Recovery Framework Document was developed in conjunction with

the government and key stakeholders and provided the government with the foundation to

mobilize USD 100 million. For rehabilitation of livelihoods families were provided with

water tanks for provision of water supply for their daily needs, “cash for work” in village

clean up campaigns and also involved business trainings and received goods and equipment

for financing small business which includes food stalls (pancakes, pop corn and etc) lawn

mowing, material printing and etc. For Disaster Risk Reduction: DRR plans were developed

at the village level followed by DRR training and establishing of effective early warning

systems and has built capacity of communities to be better prepared in an event of a disaster.

The ERP linked with the UNDP funded project for the Community Centered Sustainable

Development (CCSDP) programme ($500,000) ‘to make communities more self reliant, both

economically and socially, by improving and supporting livelihood options through the

responsible use and management of the environment. One of the important outputs of the

UNDP CCSDP programme was the development of the Village Sustainable Development

Plan (VSDP), the plan determines community priorities and strategies and activities to

address these priorities which include Health, Education, Sanitation, Tourism, Agriculture and

Fisheries. As a result, 23 VSDPs were developed and are currently being implemented. The

plans are extremely useful as a development tool and have built in the process in the Samoa

Community sector plan and are up scaling development of the VSDP and its implementation

across all of the 365 villages in Samoa for identifying the VSDP priorities for provision of

development services and enhancing livelihoods through local economic development and

environment management.

O-8

USING DNA BARCODING TO DISCOVER CRYPTIC DIVERSITY IN

POTENTIAL INVASIVE ALGAE SPECIES

Anna Simeon

University of Guam Marine Laboratory

UOG Station

Mangilao, Guam 96923


Marine ecosystems are increasingly affected by human activities ranging from pollution,

habitat degradation, climate change, to fishery exploitation and invasive species. Over the last

several decades, introduced algae have become an especially important focus of resource

managers because of their potential to have devastating impacts on reef ecosystems. In the

Mariana Islands, this is a critically important issue; the proposed military build-up from

Okinawa to Guam will increase boat traffic between many islands in the Western Pacific,

increasing the likelihood marine invasive species may establish and spread. It is necessary, as

both researchers and resource managers, that we understand patterns in floristic diversity so

we can identify invaders before they cause major environmental and economic complications.

The description of this diversity, however, is not as straightforward as it may seem. Most

studies use traditional to identify different taxa. This has been the standard for hundreds of

years, but the method has its limits; it is incapable of discovering diversity found at the

genetic level with little or no physical manifestations, known as hidden or “cryptic” diversity.

One way to explore this is through DNA barcoding, an approach that uses genetic markers to

identify and compare genetic variation among different individuals.

Using mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI-5P), this study examines the

cryptic diversity within the red algal family Galaxauraceae. Using sequences collected from

Guam, Okinawa, and the Western Pacific from the genera Galaxaura, Actinotrichia,

Dichotomaria, and Tricleocarpa, preliminary results suggest that extensive cryptic diversity

abounds in this group. Continuing efforts and analysis will further extend our knowledge of

the macroalgal diversity in the Western Pacific – a necessary step in understanding the risk of

invasive species.

O-9

SHELLFISH-MEDIATED BIOACCUMULATION OF HUMAN ENTERIC

VIRUSES IN THE HAWAIIAN MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Christina Connell*, Yuanan Lu

Departments of Microbiology and Public Health

University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu HI


Health risks associated with sewage-contaminated recreational waters are of important public

health concern. Reliable water monitoring systems are therefore crucial. Current recreational

water quality criteria rely predominantly on the enumeration of bacterial indicators, while

potentially dangerous viral pathogens often remain undetected. Human enteric viruses have

been proposed as alternative indicators; however, their detection is often hindered by low

viral concentrations present in the aquatic environment.

Reported here is a novel and effective laboratory protocol utilizing indigenous bivalve

mollusks for enhanced enteric virus detection in Hawaiian environmental waters. Marine

bivalve mollusks are filter-feeders, meaning that they process large volumes of water daily in

order to capture particulate matter for food. During this process, microbes present in the

surrounding water will bioaccumulate within the internal digestive tissues of the shellfish. As a

result of this natural concentration phenomenon, bivalves may act as bioindicators of microbial

contamination in the waters they inhabit.

Commonly found inhabiting Hawai‘i’s ocean environment is the marine bivalve Isognomon

spp. Ranging in size from 40-55 x 15-30 mm, this mollusk is usually found underneath rocks

and in reef crevices 1-2 meters below the ocean surface. It has no commercial value. For this

study, Isognomon spp. are collected from 12 coastal locations around the island of Oahu,

Hawaii, and nucleic acids are extracted from internal digestive tissues. Highly optimized

RT-PCR/PCR protocols are then applied to test for the presence of enterovirus, norovirus

genogroups I and II, adenovirus, and F-RNA coliphage. Shellfish collected from around the

island tested positive for several enteric virus types, indicating that these animals are indeed

natural and competent bioindicators of water quality. The sensitive and innovative viral

concentration techniques implemented here are valuable resources to aid accurate reflection of

microbial contamination in Hawaii’s environmental waters.

O-10

TOXIN DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS IN PALYTHOA TUBERCULOSA

COLONIES FROM ISHIGAKI AND THEIR MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

Aika Yamaguchi*, Maiko Tamura, Yosuke Taira, David Richter,

Sung-yin Yang, James D. Reimer, Holger Jenke-Kodama

Microbiology and Biochemistry of Secondary Metabolites Unit

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University

1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan


Palythoa are anthozoans belonging to the subclass Hexacorallia, and form colonies that are

common in both deep and shallow coral reef ecosystems. It is known that there are a variety

of microorganisms living in association with Palythoa species. Forty years ago a Palythoa

species was described as the source of palytoxin, one of the strongest non-peptide toxins

found in nature. However, the organism(s) actually producing the toxin has not been clearly

identified. Currently, there are many possibilities. Some authors favour the hypothesis of

bacteria being the producers of this toxin, but there is also evidence that dinoflagellates are

the source.

Palythoa tuberculosa is the most common Palythoa species found in Okinawa. Preliminary

observations indicate that the toxicity level of palythoa colonies varies considerably between

different locations. We have initiated genomic analyses of Palythoa in order to (1) study the

community structure of microorganisms inside the gastric cavity and the tissue of the animal

as well as the surrounding sea water, (2) analyze toxicity levels by cell-based lysis assays and

LC/MS and (3) find correlations between metagenomic data and data from chemical

experiments.

Here, we demonstrate the usefulness of an integrated ecological genomics approach for

analyzing compound patterns in microbial communities associated with a marine animal. We

sampled Palythoa at various sites of Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island, on the Okinawa Archipelago

for comparative analysis. The sampling was done in three different seasons (April, October

and January) so that toxin distribution patterns can be assessed over time. We found

significant differences in the toxicity levels of samples collected within a radius of less than

one kilometer. Next Generation Amplicon Sequencing of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic

microbial communities associated with the Palythoa tuberculosa showed differences that

might be correlated with the toxin patterns of each sample. These findings can also serve as a

basis for identifying the palytoxin producer.

O-11

EFFECTIVE RECOVERY AND DETECTION OF INFECTIOUS

ENTEROVIRUSES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL WATER

Zi Wang* and Yuanan Lu

Department of Public Health Sciences

University of Hawaii at Manoa

1960 East-West Road, Biomed D204, Honolulu, HI 96822, U.S.A


Enteric viruses are currently being tested and considered as a potential indicator for water

quality monitoring. Effective laboratory methods for viral concentration and detection are

essential since these human enteric pathogens exist in an extremely low number in

environmental water. Our laboratory has recently established some new techniques for

effective concentration and sensitive detection of these viruses using molecular based PCR

and RT-PCR.

To explore further the potential use of enteric viruses as an alternative bioindicator, optimized

laboratory conditions for efficient viral elution and infectivity of concentrated viruses from

environmental water needs to be established. This study has two arms: recovery of infectious

viruses from negatively charged filter membranes and viral isolation and infectivity from

shellfish tissues using poliovirus type 1 as a model. Spiked virus was concentrated on

type-HA filter membrane from 2-liter environmental water samples, and eluted out using 3

different elution buffers including NaOH, KH2PO4 and beef extract (BE) solution. Using a

viral plaque formation assay previously established in this laboratory, we have demonstrated

that recovery rates for infectious viruses from the filter membrane ranged from >92% to <5%,

indicating 3% BE in 50 mM glycine to be the most effective buffer for eluting infectious

viruses. Isolation and recovery of infectious viral particles from tissue homogenates of

shellfish species was also comparatively examined under laboratory conditions. Among three

different approaches tested, over 80% of infectious viruses were recovered through viral

precipitation overnight at 4°C with 10% PEG 6000, followed by ultracentrifugation with a

recovery rate of 52-56%, whereas a proteinase K based virus isolation method proved to be

the least effective. Experimental findings from this study have laid a solid base for effective

detection of infectious viruses from environmental waters and support the notion of using

human enteric viruses as a potential bioindicator to monitor and assess recreational water

quality in future.

O-12

GENETIC CONNECTIVITY OF THE LITTLE SPINEFOOT POPULATIONS

IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

Kensuke Iwamoto*, Hideyuki Imai

Okinawa Prefectural Fisheries and Ocean Research Center

Address: 1-3-1 Nishizaki, Itoman, Okinawa 903-0305, Japan


The pelagic larval stage is the primary mechanism for dispersal of fish among habitats. The

degrees to which larvae disperse and populations are connected may profoundly influence the

population dynamics of a species. Moreover, the stability and resilience of populations are

dependent on the supply of larvae, either locally or externally sourced. Thus, one must

identify and quantify the patterns of connectivity for effective management and conservation

of marine resources. Traditionally, connectivity has been estimated by population genetics due

to the impossibility of directly observing dispersal.

The little spinefoot Siganus spinus, commonly found on coral reef flats throughout the

Indo-Pacific region, is economically important in many pacific regions. Juveniles of several

siganid species are known to settle in shallow coastal waters during certain periods of the year.

In the Okinawa region, large numbers of S. spinus juveniles, collectively referred to as “suku”,

recruit to a back-reef moat during a specific lunar phase in early summer. Large schools are

caught via purse seining at this time. A typical commercial “suku” fishery can round up a

school of juveniles by purse seining, catching hundreds of thousands of juveniles in a single

haul. These fisheries may be causing the population declines that are responsible for the

reduced yields seen in recent years. A decrease in spawner biomass due to overharvesting may

have considerable effects on subsequent recruitment events and the long-term sustainability of

the fishery. Therefore, understanding the genetic variability, population structure, and gene

flow (i.e., connectivity) of S. spinus populations is necessary to develop effective resource

management plans to conserve wild siganid populations. The purpose of present study was to

determine the genetic variability and population structure of S. spinus in the western Pacific

by performing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence analyses.

In total, 446 nucleotide sequences were determined from 611 individuals sampled from 13

localities spanning from the south Pacific to the western Pacific regions, in which 36

polymorphic sites and 56 haplotypes were identified. Our results showed that populations

from 13 localities were grouped into four clades: the south Pacific group, Mariana group,

west Pacific group, and northwest Pacific group. Although this species has large dispersal

capacity, the significant correlation of isolation by distance was observed, which was also

indicating a low level of gene flow between populations. Previous studies have suggested that

fishes have broad distribution area, and longer pelagic duration and great mobility in early life

history may be advantageous for the return to natal reef habitats. Siganus spinus is a siganid

fish with a great dispersal strategy, which may also exploit its great mobility for

self-recruitment. The genetic structuring of populations of four groups should be caused by

limited gene flow due to isolation by distance.

O-13

REEF FISH SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS IN GUAM AND THE

RELEVANCE OF EXISTING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN

CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY AND FISHERY RESOURCES

Marylou K. Hildebrand

University of Guam Marine Laboratory

UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923 USA


Many species of reef fish aggregate in large numbers to spawn at specific times and sites.

These spawning aggregation sites are often not protected from exploitation and therefore

those fish present at the site are vulnerable to overfishing. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs),

if designed and positioned appropriately, can help conserve reef biodiversity and fishery

resources. Guam, the southernmost island in the Marianas Archipelago, has six MPAs.

These MPAs were established without much prior knowledge of reef fish spawning

aggregation sites, and therefore may not be protecting spawning fishes. To obtain an

accurate depiction of how Guam's MPAs have been affecting local reef fish populations, I

have been collecting data via GPS-tracked visual surveys, using manta tows and “long swims”

at fixed depths, in order to identify spawning aggregation sites and estimate densities of reef

fishes, especially parrotfishes (Pisces: Labridae: Scarinae) and surgeonfishes (Pisces:

Acanthuridae), that form spawning aggregations at those sites, and to determine if the

locations of these sites are inside or outside of existing MPA boundaries. These surveys will

be augmented soon by the use of a GPS-linked side-scan/down-scan sonar to map benthic

habitats of spawning aggregation sites. Habitat structure and geomorphology have been

implicated as factors influencing the distribution of reef fish spawning aggregations. The

goal of my research is to identify and map habitats that are important as spawning aggregation

sites in Guam’s waters and to compare the distributions of these sites with the corresponding

distributions of existing MPAs. This research is important for developing and implementing

plans for the conservation and management of reef fish species that are vulnerable to

over-exploitation when on spawning aggregation sites. This is especially relevant because

although spawning aggregation sites were not included intentionally in the original design of

Guam’s Marine Protected Areas, at least one protected area has, by coincidence, a

multi-species spawning aggregation site located within its boundaries.

O-14

HATCHERY-BASED AQUACULTURE OF SEA CUCUMBER AS A TOOL FOR

IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS IN THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Maevelannie Dannis*, Aireen Lebehn, Rensile Poll, Masahiro Ito

Aquaculture Research and Extension,

College of Micronesia Land Grant Program

P.O Box 1179, Kolonia Pohnpei, FM96941, Federated States of Micronesia


The sandfish Holothuria scabra is a tropical sea cucumber living in the tidal flat zone of the mangrove-covered coastal area in the lagoon environment. It forms one of the most important elements in the tropical ecosystem as detritus-feeding animals. In economic terms, the sandfish is also considered as one of three highest-valued tropical species in the bêche-de-mer, or processed and dried, sea cucumber trading business. However, the recent surveys worldwide have shown that over-exploitation is becoming a major concern. In Pohnpei State of the Federated States of Micronesia, the sea cucumber fishery was once prosperous but there has been chronic overfishing to the level of extinction of almost all high-valued species, which had led the State Government to ban the exporting of all the sea cucumber species. Enhancing ecologically important natural resources as well as rebuilding industry are urgent agenda in many of the Pacific Islands countries. Aquaculture with a hatchery-based approach is considered to be the most relevant way of rehabilitating wild stocks of the sandfish in Pohnpei. In 2008, the College of Micronesia Land Grant (COM) installed the hatchery and juvenile grow-out systems to conduct skill training of hatchery and ocean grow-out for the Micronesian technicians. A noble land-base system, habitat stimulator, was developed for a long-term research, of which the system holds 100-200 sandfish broodstock or growing several thousand juveniles per one 2500-liter raceway tank, having being 20 - 30 times higher stocking density compared to prevailing methods overseas. The habitat simulator uses a combined flow-through and a closed re-circulating water system by simulating the seagrass bed of tidal-flat environment in the mangrove coast. In order to evaluate the success of stock enhancement, the hatchery produced juveniles need to be distinguish from the wild conspecifics. The sandfish has been considered as a potential tropical species for stock enhancement programs; however, cheap and long-lasting tags have yet to be developed. According to the past studies by prominent overseas sea cucumber researchers, tagging of the sandfish in particular has been extremely difficult, in which T-bar anchor tags had been useless, zero retention rate at one month after tagging (Purcell et. al., 2006 and 2008). On the contrary, preliminary tagging experiments in Pohnpei indicated that commercially available T-bar anchor fish-tags remained attached far better than those reported overseas. The results of both adults and juveniles here were 75% and 62% at one month after tagging, respectively, with 95% overall survival rates. This is an example implying that the tagging experiments involve not only characteristics of tags but also much technical factors that can be improve through skill training as well. This presentation focuses on the sea cucumber research and extension work as one example of economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture development. Hatchery-based juvenile production work forms a basis of the restocking program, which leads to small-scale sea cucumber grow-out farmers either by private enterprises or community-based activities for improving livelihoods by rebuilding export industry in Micronesia.

O-15

ANGUILLIFORM FISH AND NEW CALEDONIA CORAL REEF

ECOLOGY

Marine Briand*, Yves Letourneur, Xavier Bonnet.

Laboratoire Insulaire du Vivant et de l’Environnement (LIVE)

Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie

BP R4, 98851 Nouméa cedex, New Caledonia.


Coral reefs are among the most diverse marine ecosystems, including more than 25% of the

world marine biodiversity. However, many species of these ecosystems are still poorly known.

Anguilliform fish (moray eels, conger eels, snake eels) are cryptic organisms. Some species,

seldom seen in living environment, are difficult to study. Nevertheless scientists estimate that

these high trophic level predators, which are abundant and diverse, are essential to coral reefs.

The main goal of this study is to highlight the role played by these species in New Caledonia

coral reefs.

For this study we use an unusual sampling method: we get Anguilliform fish from seakraits

(Laticauda spp.) by having them regurgitate their prey. In fact, seakraits, which are easy to

catch, feed almost exclusively on Anguilliform fish. More than 2,000 snakes were handled on

islets distributed along two coast-reef transects. The preys contained in their stomach were

collected. Almost 600 Anguilliform fish, belonging to 19 species (of which 7 main species),

were collected during two seasonal sampling campaigns.

The use of several efficient methods, such as analyse of gut contents, stable isotopes and

pollutants, enable us to

(1) reconstitute food webs architecture of the different species,

(2) underscore organic matter and contaminants (Ni, Co, Cr, PCBs, etc …) pathways

inside these food webs.

In a context of global change, with natural and anthropic pressures getting stronger, this study

aims to improve the understanding of coral reefs for a better management. Improving

knowledge about Anguilliform fish should enable stake holders to use them as environment

health bioindicators.

Key-words: Anguilliform fish, coral reefs, food webs, stable isotopes, contaminants.

O-16

ポスターセッション

POSTER SESSION

DOPAMINE RECEPTOR D2R2 IN A TROPICAL WRASSE: MOLECULAR

CLONING AND EXPRESSION

Selma Bouchekioua*, Sung-Pyo Hur, Yuki Takeuchi, Akihiro

Takemura

Université Pierre et Marie Curie

7 Quai Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France


Monoamines are the first endogenous chemical signals involved in the regulation of the

hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis. Previous studies suggest that they contribute

significantly to the control of sex reversal in teleosts. This phenomenon is known to be

initiated by social cues, depending on the sex ratio in the population. However less is known

about the conversion of these external cues to internal chemical regulatory processes.

Dopamine appears to be a candidate for exercising inhibitory action on the initiation of sex

reversal. Nevertheless, according to our knowledge there is no report regarding to the

expression of the dopamine receptor in connection with sex change. The aim of this study was

to clone for the first time the gene of the dopamine receptor D2r2 in a common protogynous

coral reef fish, the threespot wrasse Halichoeres trimaculatus. A full-length cDNA of 1401 bp

encoding D2r2 was obtained from the brain of this species by 3’- and 5’-rapid amplification

of cDNA ends (RACE). This cDNA encodes a protein of 467 amino acids and shows high

similarity with that of the cloned flathead mullet, nile tilapia and black porgy receptor. The

distribution of D2r2 in the brain and in several tissues was determined using

reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In order to confirm the

involvement of dopamine in sex reversal and understand its metabolism through the

expression of its receptor in the brain, experimental sex changes were conducted so that to

compare dopamine levels and expression of D2r2 between males and females.

Keywords: Dopamine receptor; Sex reversal; Threespot wrasse

P-1

EFFECT OF LONG-AFTERGLOW-PHOSPHORESCENT PIGMENTS ON

GROWTH INDUCTION IN A TROPICAL SPINEFOOT

Chihiro Yamauchi*, Akihiro Takemura

Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the

Ryukyus,

1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.


Many animals perceive photic information obtained from the external environment and use it

for entrainment of various physiological activities. The previous study revealed that somatic

growth of juvenile goldlined spinefoot, Siganus guttatus, was stimulated under the long

photoperiodic conditions (LD14:10) using the green LED. The purpose of this study was to

examine whether somatic growth of this species is induced using LumiNova, which is long

afterglow phosphorescent pigments and emitted wavelength of lights around 530 nm after UV

exposure.

Juvenile fish (0 and 1 year old) were collected from the mangrove area of Northern Okinawa,

Japan, by using hand nets. They were kept in indoor circular concrete tanks with running

seawater and gentle aeration under the natural photoperiod at Sesoko Station (26°42′N,

127°52′E)，Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.

The fish were housed into two outdoor aquaria (60-L capacity) with running seawater; one

aquarium, but not another one, was covered with LumiNova sheets. Fish were reared under

this condition for at least 1 month. Body weight (BW) and total lengths (TL) of each

individual were monitored at intervals of 2 weeks.

LumiNova sheets emitted green light for at least 2 hours after sunset. Fish growth in aquarium

with LumiNova sheet was stimulated significantly. Compared with the 1-year-old fish, high

growth rate was obtained in the 0-year-old fish. It is likely that fish in aquarium with

LumiNova were reared under long photoperiodic conditions. It is concluded that since

LumiNova does not waste energy, it becomes a useful tool for aquaculture promotion.

Keywords: Eco-friendly, Rabbitfish, long-afterglow phosphorescent pigments, somatic

growth

P-2

INDUCED SEXUAL MATURATION IN THE TROPICAL DAMSELFISH

UNDER LONG-DAY CONDITIONS BY PHOSPHORESCENT PELLETS

Satoshi Imamura*, Md. Abu Jafor Bapary, Akihiro Takemura

Graduate School of Engineering and Science

University of the Ryukyus

Senbaru 1, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan


Photoperiod plays an important role in regulating the reproductive performance in many

fishes. Change in this external cue is percieved by sensory organs and transduced as internal

stimuli. However, few studies have been conducted to clarify physiological processes

regarding transduction of photic stimuli in fishes. In this regard, recent studies using the

sapphire devil, Chrysiptera cyanea, - a tropical damselfish - revealed that this fish species

repeats active reproductive performance under long-day conditions with suitable water

temperature, and that wavelengths of light from middle to long range are necessary for

initiation of reproductive performance. The purpose of the present study is to clarify

photosensitivity of this fish species and to utilize its ability for aquaculture promotion.

Long-afterglow phosphorescent pigments (LumiNova) were used to attempt this purpose.

Fitting a pellet with LumiNova on the head of fish out of breeding season resulted in an

increase in gonadosomatic index and apperance of vitellogenic oocytes in an ovary. It is

possible that light (520 nm) emitted from LumiNova after sunset is perceived by

photoreceptors and recognized as long-day conditions by fish. Thus, the productive endocrine

axis may be activated by long-day conditions of LumiNova.

It is concluded that stimulation of extra-retinal photoreceptors is needed for regulation of

reproductive performance in this damselfish species, and that long-afterglow phosphorescent

pigment can be used for energy-efficient aquaculture to regulate the reproduction of fish,

although its effect needs to be evaluated in different species.

Keywords: Extra-retinal photoreceptors, Long-day condition, Phosphorescent pigment,

Sapphire devil

P-3

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF NONVISUAL

PHOTORECEPTORS OF THE SAPPHIRE DEVIL, CHRYSIPTERA CYANEA

Yuji Sawada*, Yuki Takeuchi, Akihiro Takemura





Fish receive periodic changes in external photic stimuli with photoreceptors in the retinae and the extra-retinal organs, such as the brain and the skin, transduce them to endogenous signals, and then exert various physiological activities, including reproduction. However, little is known about the distribution and the physiological roles of photoreceptors in relation to reproduction. The aim of this study is to localize a non-visual photoreceptor – vertebrate ancient (VA) opsin – in the brain and eye of the sapphire devil (Chrysiptera cyanea). Specific antiserum against VA opsin was obtained by immunizing rabbits with synthesized peptides that designed from deduced amino acids sequence of VA opsin. Western blotting after SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses revealed that VA opsin immunoreactivity (47 kDa) appeared in the extracts of the brain and eyes, but not in the liver, intestine, and skin. Immunohistochemistry showed that VA opsin localized in the horizontal cells and amacrine cells in the eye. Immunopositive cells were observed in the ventral part of the lateral tuberal nucleus around the third ventricle of the diencephalon in the brain, where melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), which is involved in the body color change, is expressed. These results suggest that VA opsin in the eye plays a multiple roles in non-visual photoreceptive physiology including regulation of circadian rhythm, and that this opsin in the brain plays a role in body color change.

Keywords: Brain, Immunohistochemistry, Light, Photoreceptor, Teleost

P-4

LIGHT QUALITY INFLUENCES THE REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY IN

THE TROPICAL DAMSELFISH, CHRYSIPTERA CYANEA

Mohammad Abu Jafor Bapary*, Yuki Takeuchi and Akihiro Takemura

Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science


1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan


Photoperiodicity is a crucial determinant in the reproductive activities of the sapphire devil,

Chrysiptera cyanea, which is a reef-associated tropical damselfish. It is still unclear whether

light quality has an effect on reproductive activity of this species, although the sapphire devil

has adapted to the shallow and spectrally rich photic environment. The aim of the present

study was to examine the involvement of light quality in their ovarian development. During

the non-reproductive season (September), the fish were reared for 45 days under long

photoperiodic conditions (LD 14:10) of four different light wavelengths, which were created

using red (peak at 627 nm), green (530 nm), blue (455 nm), and white (5000 K) light emitting

diodes (LEDs). As a result, ovarian development occurred in the fish groups exposed to red,

green and blue LED lights, but not in those exposed to white LED and natural lights.

Gonadosomatic index was significantly higher in the fish group exposed to the red LED light

than in those of the other LED and natural lights. Histological observations revealed that

ovaries of all the fish reared under red LED light (10/10 individuals) contained vitellogenic

oocytes. Only a few fish in the groups of green LED light (4/10 individuals) and blue LED

light (2/10 individuals) contained vitellogenic oocytes in ovaries, while the fish in the white

LED and natural lights had oocytes at immature stages. These results indicate that the light

quality influences the ovarian development in the sapphire devil and the level of effectiveness

was red light > green light > blue light. The present results demonstrate that LED is a useful

tool for induction of gonadal maturation of reef fishes and that the order of efficiency of the

different wavelengths is partially determined by the characteristics of the shallow reef photic

environment. Because ovarian development was induced in the ophthalmectomized fish

reared under LD14:10, it is suggested that extra-retinal photoreceptors are involved in

perception and transduction of photic signals in this species.

Keywords: histology; light emitting diode; light wavelength; ovarian development;

Pomacentridae; red light

P-5

FRESHWATER DETECTION IN AMPHIBIOUS SEA SNAKES,

LATICAUDA SPP.

Noriko Kidera*, Ming-Chung Tu, Akira Mori

Department of Life Science

National Taiwan Normal University

No.88, Sec 4, Ting-Chow Rd., Taipei 117, Taiwan


Water is indispensable for any organisms. Most of marine animals possess physiological

osmoregulation system to survive in the environment surrounded by higher salinity than their

internal salinity. Sea snakes are also known to possess salt glands to excrete excess salts.

Because of this, it has been thought that they are able to maintain water balance without

consuming freshwater. Recent studies, however, demonstrated that amphibious sea kraits

(Laticauda spp.) refuse seawater and require freshwater or highly dilute water to maintain

water balance. Furthermore these studies revealed that the sea kraits are quite abundant at

sites where freshwater are available. These facts suggest that the sea kraits require not only

the physiological osmoregulation function but also the ability to detect freshwater. Using

Laticauda species, we investigated their ability to discriminate water salinity. Dehydrated sea

kraits were placed in Y-maze apparatus where freshwater and seawater were flowing out. Sea

kraits selected the side connected to freshwater source more frequently than the seawater side.

This result suggests that these sea kraits discriminate water salinity for detecting freshwater

sources.

Keywords: Sea snakes, Behavioral osmoregulation, Water salinity, Trailing behavior

P-6

DIVERSITY OF SHALLOW WATER SEA CUCMBERS IN THE RYUKYU

ISLANDS

Tohru Naruse*, Yoshihisa Fujita, Masami Obuchi, Daisuke Uyeno,

François Michonneau, Gustav Paulay

Tropical Biosphere Research Center

Iriomote Station, University of the Ryukyus

870 Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa 907-1541, Japan


Sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) are common marine invertebratesin shallow

waters. They are conspicuous inhabitants of many environments including intertidal reef flats,

coral reefs, sandy subtidal habitats. Despite their remarkable appearance and slow-moving

behaviour, there is surprisingly little information on their diversity and distribution around the

Ryukyus. Several species of sea cucumbers are harvested and sold at high prices, which has

resulted in dramatic decrease in their abundance world-wide due to overfishing. Lack of

accurate species identification and of basic biological information prevents us from planning

the resource management of these organisms.

Given this situation, we decided to survey the shallow water sea cucumber fauna around the

Ryukyu Islands. Extensive field surveys were conducted in June 2010 and May 2011 as well

as at other times as opportunities allowed. As a result of our study, we have so far documented

more than 70 species of sea cucumbers from the Ryukyu Islands. Although recognizing so

called “morphospecies” (species that can be distinguished from others by their distinct

morphological features) is relatively easy in a given area, it can be challenging to assign

correct scientific names to some morphospecies. In our poster, we introduce the diversity of

sea cucumbers in the Ryukyus. We also show why it is difficult to assign correct scientific

names to many, and discuss a local effort to eventually solve this taxonomic problem.

Keywords: Sea Cucmbers, Ryukyu Islands, Biodiversity

P-7

PRACTICING BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH — KUMEJIMA 2009

Tohru Naruse*, Tin-Yam Chan, Peter K.L. Ng, Yoshihisa Fujita

Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropical and Island

Studies (current affiliation: Tropical Biosphere Research Center,

Iriomote Station), University of the Ryukyus

870 Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa 907-1541, Japan


We had an opportunity to conduct an international workshop “Kumejima Marine Biodiversity

Expedition —KUMEJIMA 2009”. KUMEJIMA 2009 was carried out as part of a scientific

collaboration “Joint Research on the Biodiversity of the Marine Benthos” recently completed

between the Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropical and Island Studies of

the University of the Ryukyus, the Center for Marine Bioscience & Biotechnology of the

National Taiwan Ocean University, and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research of the

National University of Singapore. The workshop aimed to explore the biodiversity of a wide

variety of landscapes of Kumejima Island from deep water (>600 m depth) to intertidal flats.

During this two-week workshop, more than 50 scientists and students from 17 research

institutions in 7 countries participated. The workshop was very successful, with the discovery

of many taxonomically and biogeographically interesting species and helping to build a series

of important collections of marine organisms in the Ryukyu University museum. Moreover,

the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to interact with international

colleagues through practical activities.

In general, there are limited supports for the very basic area of investigation (like this

expedition). However these researches provide better understanding of environments. It also

allows academic communities, policy makers and publics to plan more practicable

environmental managements and conservations.

Keywords: marine benthos, Ryukyu Islands, biodiversity, expedition

P-8

ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN CORAL REEF AND RIVER

SYSTEMS: COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PALAU AND OKINAWA

Noelle Wenty Oldiais*, Mimura, Izumi, Yuka Yano, Makoto Tsuchiya,

Dativa Shilla Joseph, Yimnang Golbuu





An ecosystem is “a comprehensive body including biological communities and the

surrounding inorganic environment in a certain area, and a comprehensive system in which

organisms interact with the external physicochemical environment in a complex manner.”

The inflow of terrigeneous fine particles, which is a factor in disturbing coral reefs, is a good

subject for discussing the linkage between land and coral reefs. In Okinawa, these particles

are called as “red soil”. Okinawa Prefecture enforced the ordinance for preventing the runoff

of red soil, etc. in 1995, to restrict the runoff amount. However, after heavy rain, a large

amount of red soil runs off from existing agricultural land, etc. It can be easily imagined that

when the red soil particles indigenous to Okinawa run off at the time of rain, a variety of

nutrients are conveyed to sea areas. However, there is little information on what kinds of roles

are taken by the materials conveyed from terrestrial regions in coral reefs. This is also true in

Palau. We recognized the similar situation in places. The effect of the fine particles shoaled be

analyzed for the coastal management and sustainable use of coral reef and island system.

Organisms, organic substances, and nutrients move and circulate across the areas that have

been recognized individually as ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangrove zones, seaweed

areas, and sandy beaches. Accordingly, it is natural to consider that the dynamics of an

ecosystem is closely related to the dynamics of neighboring ecosystems. Recently, the

research into the linkages among ecosystems became important. Researchers started

attempting to discuss the connectivity and networks among ecosystems from various

perspectives, while focusing on the diversity of ecosystems. It is expected that the roles of

each ecosystem in nature will be revealed.

We have just started the cooperative research on this topic between UR and PICRC. Since

most of coastal zone is surrounded by a dense populations of mangrove species in Palau,

organic materials derived from mangrove trees must be important food sources for coral reef

animals. Dynamics of these materials will be investigated in this program.

P-9

SHORT-TERM TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF NUTRIENTS

AND ORGANIC MATERIALS IN THE ISLAND RIVER SYSTEMS OF

OKINAWA, JAPAN

Seiji Arakaki, Izumi Mimura*, Ohnmar Myint, Shadrack Ulomi,

Baraka Sekadende, Kimberly K. Takagi, Tomihiko Higuchi, Hiroyuki Fujimura,

Kana Matoba, Shusei Kobayashi, Ryota Tsurumi, Itay Cohen, Shachar Koren,

Tamotsu Oomori, Makoto Tsuchiya





The movement of materials between ecosystems is a common process in nature. Rivers

transport materials via water movement and connect terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In

addition, abiotic transportation processes are modified by biotic process (i.e. photosynthesis,

respiration, feeding, excretion and migration). Thus, the shorter, narrower features of Island

river systems probably have unique functions and processes in regards to material

transportation to the marine environment. Although knowledge of river ecosystems are

necessary for a comprehensive understanding of island ecosystems, there is a paucity of basic

information. The purpose of the present study is to clarify temporal and spatial dynamics of

materials in island river systems. This study was conducted in two rivers on Okinawa island.

Genka River is surrounded by natural forest while Mukue River is under intensive human

activity. We measured diurnal and spatial variations in water temperature, PH, DO, ORP,

currents and nutrients (nitrate and ammonium) at four sites in each river (upper, middle, river

mouth surface and bottom.) Floating and deposited plant materials were observed in Genka

River. Litter bags were used to assess leaf decomposition over a three week period.

Nutrients in Mukue river were 10- 100 times higher than those in Genka River. This is

clearly due to anthropogenic influx from the basin. With respect to spatial variation within a

river, both nitrate and ammonium showed higher concentrations in the middle sites, except

ammonium in Genka River. Day- night variation of nutrient dynamics was obscure at both

rivers, but fluctuation with the tide was detected in both the river mouth surface areas; high

concentrations occurred at low tide. Leaves were decomposed by about 40% of the initial

weight over three weeks, however there were no significant differences between sites. The

C/N ration gradually decreased at all the sites except for the upper stream.

P-10

DECOMPOSITION PROCESS OF THE SEAGRASS THALASSIA

HEMPRICHII IN OKINAWA, JAPAN

Yuka Yano*, Kanjana Adulyanukosol, Makoto Tsuchiya



Nishihara Okinawa 903-0213, Japan


Patterns of weight loss in decomposing leaves and sheaths of the seagrass Thalassia

hemprichii were studied using litter bags in relation to the dynamics of their organic carbon

and nitrogen contents in a seagrass bed of Bise, Okinawa. Comparisons were made between

different parts of the seagrass (leaves and sheaths), between seasons April to May (Spring),

July to August (Summer) and October to December (Autumn) 2007, and between habitats,

sandy substrate with T. hemprichii showing a very low-density (St. 1), sandy substrate with T.

hemprichii showing high-density (St. 2), coral-gravel substrate with T. hemprichii and the

coral, Montipora digitata (St. 3), and sandy substrate with rich growth of both T. hemprichii

and Cymodocea rotundata (St. 4). The weight of sheaths with a lower initial N concentration

(high C/N ratio) decreased during the first 2 weeks of the experiment, but was relatively

constant thereafter. On the other hand, the weight of leaves with a higher initial N

concentration (low C/N ratio) decreased gradually throughout the experiment. This finding

implies that the seagrass degradation pattern varies depending on the part of the plant. In

addition, the content of organic nitrogen in the decomposing leaves and sheaths varied

seasonally. The weight loss pattern of leafs and sheaths were consistently low in autumn, and

high in summer in the 1st week of the experiment. The total nitrogen content of leaves was

higher in summer than in other seasons. The biomass of T. hemprichii showed seasonal

variation and was depending on the habitat. This was true for both density and shoot height.

The net loss of the carbon and nitrogen was 12.831 g m-2

and 0.634 g m-2

respectively at St. 3,

which had the highest T. hemprichii biomass, and 1.228 g m-2

and 0.057 g m-2

at St. 1 where

the biomass was the lowest.

P-11

CHANGES IN RIVER MORHOLOGY OF NADI RIVER USING GIS AND RIC-NAYS

Savou Rusila Tiko*, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Eizo Nakaza, and Tsunakiyo Iribe

Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture



E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Since 1983, there have been some major floods that have affected Fiji with damages to

agricultural crops and livestock, loss of human lives, damages to roads and bridges, and

infrastructure thus having serious social and economic implications. Relief and rehabilitation

costs are high. With increased frequency of floods in Fiji and its effects on the economy, the

Government of Fiji has placed a priority on research on floods.

Nadi basin was identified as the most vulnerable to flooding and has been placed as first

priority for the IWRM (Intergrated Water Resource Management). Nadi River, with its

length of 69km and area of 516km2 may be the smallest watershed on the mainland Viti Levu,

Fiji; but this basin is of vital importance to Fijis economy. It hosts Fijis only international

airport, the center of tourism and it provides water for domestic uses as well as agricultural,

hydropower to around 51,000 people.

The Nadi River morphology has changed in the last century,

due to the geological, topographical and climatological

conditions, as well as due to the human impact. It is

important to study river morphology to have a better

understanding of river processes thus giving the ability

to make proper management strategies on rivers. In the

following research, cross-sectional depth data of 1998

obtained from JICA was used in simulating the Nadi river

system using RIC-Nays. Simulations were run for the 6km

to 13km along the river reach in the vicinity of Nadi Town.

RIC-Nays rendered a visual view of the river on the

computer and by adjusting the parameters we are able to

project the eroding and aggradation areas along the river.

SuperMap was also used to register aerial photographs of

1994 and 2010, and overlaying these photographs outlining

the riverbanks and comparing the years to see which parts

of the riverbank is eroding and accumulating.

When comparing results between aerial photographs and

RIC-Nays simulation it is clearly seen that results rendered

by RIC-Nays complement the changes seen in the aerial photographs through time that is

between 1994 and 2010. These results could be used in managing the river, for example,

which areas are to be protected since RIC-Nays is able to project future processes of the Nadi

River.

Figure 1: Showing areas that are

eroding and accumulating using GIS

and RIC-Nays.

P-12

LARGE-SCALE NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF TSUNAMI IMPACT ON COASTAL

AREAS

Rahman Md. Mostafizur*, Savou Rusila Tiko, Tsunakiyo Iribe, and Eizo Nakaza



Senbaru 1, Nishihara, Nakagami, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan


Recently, huge tsunami struck Indian Ocean (2004), Solomon Island (2007), Chile (2010) and

Tohoku region of Pacific Ocean of Japan (2011), and caused huge damages around these

regions. From the traces of the tsunami attacking, it was cleared that the tsunami bore caused

such severe damages on coastal structures. Estimating the run-ups of the tsunami bore has

been great demand.

Overwhelming tsunami wave phenomenon cannot be understood by only experiment. The

numerical simulation is a very powerful tool to understand the tsunami phenomenon in a wide

area. Especially, the MPS (moving particle semi-implicit) method is one of useful methods for

the three dimensional simulation of breaking tsunamis.

The 3D-numerical simulations, done by the

personal computers, have some problems

such as the demands of the great

computational time and the huge memory

capacity of computers. In this study, to

overcome those problems, a hybrid parallel

computing method was adapted. Results

from the proposed technology gave better

performance for the large-scale numerical

simulations as shown in Figure 1.

To do the more large-scale numerical

simulations, a latest parallel computer

system (the mini supercomputer named Ei, 2012) has been installed in the Research Center

for Disaster Prevention in Island Regions of the University of Ryukyus. It is expected to have

one hundred times of the memory capacity and the calculation speed than the existing

personal computer system. It should be a solution for the large-scale simulation works on

tsunami phenomenon in the Pacific Regions.

Figure 1. An example of the inundation of a tsunami in an imaginary coastal community simulated by the Large-scale numerical simulation method.

P-13

DISTRIBUTION OF THE PINE TREES DROWNED BY TOHOKU TSUNAMI ALONG

SENDAI COASTAL AREA IN MIYAGI PREFECTURE

Kento Inagaki*, Rahman MD.Mostafizur, Uzoru Tokuhisa, Eizo Nakaza,

Tsunakiyo Iribe





On March 11 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of northeast Japan. This

earthquake generated a massive tsunami that devastated Tohoku region as well as a wide

range of localities around the Pacific Ocean. In Sendai city of Miyagi Prefecture, coastal area,

pine trees had been planted along the coast with around 500m width was washed away, and

scattered over the direction to 5km inland. In this study, completed data of aerial photo

images which were taken just after the tsunami were used as Geographic Information System

(GIS) analysis to be observed the devastated area. The characteristics of tsunami run-up,

erosion characteristics of forest were represented by GIS analysis of pine trees scattered along

the coast of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Figure 1 shows the aerial photo

image of Sendai City, Miyagi

Prefecture before the tsunami

disaster. Referring the pine trees

as mathematical vector quantities

whose direction are from the root

to tip, we measured the vectors of

pine trees from the aerial photo

images that were taken just after

the disaster.

Figure-2 shows the mean pine tree

vectors averaged within a lattice

of 100m square. The total number

of driftwood was amounted to

21054. This distribution

represents the characteristic of

tsunami run-up traces. These

driftwoods were distributed in the

wide wake zone behind vegetation

and houses where flow velocity of

tsunami may be comparatively

weak.

Figure 1: The aerial photo image of Sendai City,

Miyagi Prefecture before Tsunami

Figure 2: The mean vectors of pine trees averaged in

the lattices of 100m square

P-14

DEVELOPING A SEA-LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM WITH LOW POWER RADIO

TELEMETRY FOR DENSER TSUNAMI OVSERVATION NETWORKS

Hiroshi Inoue

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention

1-3 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan


One of the biggest lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 was that

many people lost their lives by not knowing the massive tsunami approaching to them.

Many, if not all, people could have escaped from the tsunami by running to high grounds even

in few minutes. Informing people of precise tsunami information only few minutes before

arrival is therefore vital. For a Pacific-wide tsunamis, PTWC issues warning firstly from

seismic information and, subsequently update the bulletins with the sea-level data observed at

more than 100 stations. A country needs to watch the tsunami arrival times and heights

observed at the islands along the approaching way of tsunami. Present spacing of the

network can provide tsunami information few hours before it hits a country in average. It is

therefore necessary to deploy denser network to get the closer, thus the more accurate

information of tsunami. Such warning system can be realized by installing hundreds of

real-time sea level observation stations on remote islands, small off-shore island and tips of

peninsulas in the Pacific.

We are developing a cost-effective and robust sea-level observation system for denser tsunami

observation networks. The system consists of a water pressure sensor, a digitizer, a radio

transmitter, batteries and an antenna built in a single pipe. It measures the sea level every

few seconds and transmits the data up to several tens of kilometers by a very slow but

ultra-low power spread spectrum VHF radio named MAD-SS. The device is easy to install

and can be operated more than several months by dry-cell batteries in the pipe or a small solar

panel. Unlike using cell-phone system, the radio telemetry is reliable even during a crisis

and free of charge. We installed a system for testing at a breakwater on Kamishima Island at

the mouth of Ise-bay and transmit the data to Mie University in Tsu City 45 km away.

Another system is tested at Hasaki Oceanographic Research Station of PARI in Ibaraki

Prefecture, for the purpose of developing a method of installing the sensor in sand, which

gives more freedom of site selections. Installing the systems to Albay Gulf and Manila Bay

of the Philippines and West Sumatra, Indonesia is planned. The system can also improve

monitoring storm surges, crustal movements and long-term sea-level changes. We propose

deployment of such systems in the Pacific regions to strengthen the preparedness of the island

countries and the countries around the basin including Japan against the threats of tsunami

and other disasters.

Fig.1 Ise bay Fig.2 Tide gauge on Kamishima Fig.3 Receiver and data

P-15

Documents

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