Numerical Research on the Environmental Response of Ago Bay with a Pelagic Ecosystem - Marine Sediment Coupled Model

Abstract

Ago Bay is famous for its scenic beauty and historical perarl cultivation. Once renowned by the abundant production of high-quality pearls, the productivity of pearls has fallen since several decades ago. A scientific research project promoted by Mie prefecture and JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) was conducted from 2004 to 2008 to investigate the cause, and collected many environmental data. Numerical models were also deployed for analyzing the material flow around the bay. The author, a member of the project, has continued the research work with Mie prefecture for two years after the project to advance the numerical models. This paper describes the detail of a pelagic ecosystem (lower trophic level) - marine sediment coupled model developed in the work and the results of the dynamical response analysis for Ago Bay to the various environmental conditions. A growth model of the pearl oyster studied in the above-mentioned project was improved and integrated in the new model. Several interesting features of the behavior of the bay were clarified and the important information for the future restoration activity were compiled by this study.