Abstract
This study used numerical analysis to evaluate Enhalus acoroides seed dispersal in the northwestern sea area of Iriomote Island, Japan. Input data for numerical simulations were provided based on results of an ecological investigation of Enhalus acoroides and field observations of physical phenomena. Reproductions of coastal currents in the northwestern sea area of Iriomote Island were conducted using an ocean current model CCM. Enhalus acoroides seed dispersal characteristics were examined using particle tracking analysis.
Results showed that the average value of seed migration distance is 261 m per 2.4 hours, which is the average time of the seed flotation. Moreover, the exchange of seeds between the remote colonies was slight because of the short migration distance. The results show that Enhalus acoroides seed dispersal in the northwestern sea area of Iriomote Island is extremely weak.
