Assessing the resilience of estuary ecosystems in disaster-prone times

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K12423
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 64040:Social-ecological systems-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Oka Kohei 広島工業大学, 環境学部, 准教授 (80573253)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: レジリエンス / グリーンインフラ / 絶滅危惧種 / 生息適地 / 災害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we were able to capture the dynamics of flora and fauna after disturbance in adjacent sand dunes, back marshes, and tidal flats, with a focus on estuary ecosystems. In addition, we were able to detect the resistance to disturbance and the pattern of subsequent recovery from various disturbances such as tsunamis, storm surges, and floods caused by heavy rain. In addition, by modeling suitable habitats for indicator organisms, we were able to predict what kinds of flora and fauna could recover from changes in ground elevation and soil caused by disturbance.

Free Research Field

保全生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

気候変動により高潮や豪雨などの災害リスクが高まる中、生態系を活用した防災・減災が注目を集めている。そのような中、本研究は、津波や出水などを事例とした攪乱に対する動植物の耐性や回復力を評価・予測することができた。これらの知見は、災害に強い生態系を創出したり、維持管理したりする上で、有益な知見になりうるものである。