• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.184-195
• /
• 2005

A preliminary quantitative model of the trophic structure in Gwangyang bay, Korea was obtained using ECOPATH and data from relevant studies to date in the region. The model integrates and analyzes biomass, food spectrum, trophic interactions and the key trophic pathways of the system. The bay model comprises 9 groups of benthic primary producer, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, bivalve, pelagic fish, demersal fish and piscivorous fish. The total system throughput was estimated at $2.4\;kgWW/m^2/yr$, including a consumption of $41\%$, exports of $9\%$, respiratory flows of $24\%$ and flows into detritus of $26\%$. All of which originate from primary producers measured at $52\%$ and detritus of $48\%$. The total biomass was seen to be high compared to the levels of Somme, Delaware, Chesapeake Bays and Seine Estuary. This seems to be possibly due to artificial bivalve aquaculture and overestimation of benthos and benthic primary producer groups. The deviation can be calibrated by neglecting aquaculture and decreasing the habitat area for the groups. The trophic network of the bay shows a low level of recycling and organization as indicated by Finn's cycling index $3.3\%$, Ascendancy $3.1\;kgC/m^2/yr$ bits, Capacity $5.1\;kgC/m^2/yr$ bits and Redundancy $2.2\;kgC/m^2/yr$ bits. A high relative ascendancy of $62\%$ and a low internal relative ascendancy of $18\%$ indicate the system is not fully organized and stable towards disturbances, depending upon external connections. Although the model should be continuously provided with field data and calibrated further in depth, this study is the first trophic model applied to the region. The model can be a useful tool to understand the ecosystem in a quantitative manner.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.38 no.4 s.114
• /
• pp.482-493
• /
• 2005

The objective of this research was to evaluate an sampling effect of fish species and individual number on sampling techniques of electrofishing and conventional capture methods of cast net and kick net in 38 stream sites sampled during June - September, 2005. For the study, sampling gears were categorized as three types of electrofishing method (EM), conventional sampling technique (CM), and the combined technique (CT) of the electrofishing and the conventional method to compare statistical differences. Major differences of species composition between the CM and EM method were found in some benthic species of Misgurnus mizolepis and Iksookimia koreensis along with lithophilic species of Pungtungia herzi. These species were predominated in the EM rather than the CM, indicating that conventional sampling can underestimate the abundance of benthic or lithophilic species. In contrast ,individual number of typical water column species such as Zacco platypus and Zacco temmincki were more sampled by the CM, so that these fish populations were community overestimated. Also, t-tests on the types of sampling gear from various watersheds of Chogang Stream, Yugu Stream, Daejeon Stream, and Gap Stream showed that total individual numbers and species number in each stream were significantly (t values = 2.806-6.896, p values<0.05, n = 5-14) greater in the CT than the CM. Similar statistical significance (p<1.001, n = (10-24) on sampling seasons were observed during the monsoon and postmonsoon. These results indicate that if the electrofishing is not added to the conventional gears, the abundance of fish population and community can be underestimated and some benthic or lithophilic species may be excluded from the analysis, resulting in overall errors including sampling, fish fauna, and final judgement of community abundance. Overall our results strongly suggest that new application of electrofishing method along with the conventional sampling gears reduce sampling bias on underestimation of the real fish populations and communities.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.181-192
• /
• 2011

Ballasting and deballasting of shipping vessels in foreign ports have been reported worldwide as a vector of introduction of non-native aquatic plants and animals. Recently, attention has turned to ballast water as a factor in the global increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Many species of microalgae, including harmful dinoflagellate species, can remain viable for months in dormant benthic stages (cysts) in ballast sediments. Over a period of four years, we surveyed ballast water and sediment of ships docked in two ports of Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Sampling conditions encountered while sampling ballast water and sediments were vastly different between vessels. Since no single sample collection protocol could be applied, existing methods for sampling ballast were modified and new methods created to reduce time and labor necessary for the collection of high-quality, qualitative samples. Five methods were refined or developed, including one that allowed for a directed intake of water and sediments. From 63 samples, 1,633 dinoflagellate cysts and cyst-like cells were recovered. A native, cyst-forming, harmful dinoflagellate, Alexandrium balechii (Steidinger) F. J. R. Taylor, was collected, isolated, and cultured from the same vessel six months apart, indicating that ships exchanging ballast water in Tampa Bay have the potential to transport HAB species to other ports with similar ecologies, exposing them to non-native, potentially toxic blooms.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.626-639
• /
• 2017

Based on an ecological monitoring in a Korean stream (Gapyeong), Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) of nine fish species was developed for three physical habitat factors : current velocity, water depth and substrate. The species were chosen based on their abundance and frequency in the fish community of the Gapyeong stream. The Weibull model was used as the probability density function to analyze the distribution and number of each fish species according to the three identified physical factors, which showed good results. This HSI equation has advantages because it statistically expresses habitat preferences of fish species simply and clearly. From that, we can quantitatively deduce the central tendency and variation of environmental factors for fish distribution. The selected fish species showed different preferences for each habitat factor respectively. Although there are some exceptions, the distribution and abundance of individual species of nektonic fish (Zacco koreanus, Zacco platypus, Microphysogobio longidorsalis and Pungtungia herzi) were positively skewed to deep water and fine substrate while riffle-benthic fish (Koreocobitis rotundicaudata and Coreoleuciscus splendidus) were normally distributed at the shallow and coarse substrate zone. It seems that the species showing the positively skewed distribution to the current, Z. koreanus, Z. platypus, M. longidorsalis and P. herzi have adapted themselves to the fast current and have expanded their niche.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.603-617
• /
• 2018

This study surveyed the diversity and community characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates and freshwater fish, which are the main animal classifications in a hydro ecosystem, from May to September 2017 in the western plains of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The results showed a total of 125 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 66 families, 19 orders, and four phyla in the streams and wetlands. Among benthic macroinvertebrates, Coleoptera (27 spp.: 21.60%) was the largest group in terms of species richness followed by Odonata (26 spp.: 20.80%), non-Insecta (22 spp.: 17.60%), and Hemiptera (11 spp.: 8.80%) occupying in the lentic area. Of the feeding function groups (FFGs), predators (51 spp.: 56.67%) showed a relatively larger presence, indicating the dominance of hygrophilous invertebrates that usually inhabit the freshwater wetlands or ponds. Of the habitat oriented groups (HOGs), climbers (33 spp.: 24.44%) and burrowers (17 spp.: 12.59%) were the dominant groups. This observation is typical in a slow flowing habitat and can lead to the disturbance of the ecosystem due to cannibalism among predators. Cannibalism can be caused by stress induced by various population and environmental factors. For the ecosystem services benchmark (ESB) value, site 13 appeared to be the highest with 82 marks while other sites showed relatively lower rates and indices (III water quality class with ${\alpha}$-mesosaprobic). The analysis result of stability factors showed that almost all sites were evaluated to be the I characteristic group with high resilience and resistance or the III characteristic group that was sensitive to environmental disturbance and formed uneven and unstable communities. Of the freshwater fishes, 46 species (3,405 individuals) belonging to 39 families and 18 orders were identified in all the investigated sites. Among them, Cyprinidae (30 spp.: 65.2%) was the largest group, and Zacco koreanus was identified as the dominant species (728 individuals, 21.4%). The survey of freshwater fish communities found both stable communities (sites 7 and 13) with low dominant index (0.39) and high diversity index (2.29) and unstable communities (sites 2, 3, 8, and 10) in opposite tendency. This survey found five Korean endemic species, 17 species belonging to the export controlled species, two endangered species level II (Lethocerus deyrollei and Cybister chinensis), and rare species (Dytiscus marginalis czerskii) among benthic macroinvertebrates. The survey also found an invasive species, Ampullarius insularus, which was distributed throughout the whole area and thus can continuously disturb the ecosystem in the western plain area in the DMZ. Of freshwater fish, one natural monument (Hemibarbus mylodon) and three endangered species level II (Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia macrocephalus, and G. brevibarba) were observed. The survey also found four introduced species (Pomacea canaliculate, Carassius cuvieri, Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides) in the western DMZ area, indicating the need for the protection and conservation measures.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.194-202
• /
• 2003

Budgets for water, nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were determined in two 0.012 ha earthy-bottom ponds stocked with Israeli strain common carp at an initial stocking density of $20\;fish/m^3$. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations increased continuously but later decreased in pond A as a consequence of high nitrification. COD concentrations increased during the experimental period due to the accumulation of feed input. Nutrient budgets showed that feed represented $94-95\%$ of nitrogen input and about 99% of organic matter input. Fish harvest accounted for $40\%$ of nitrogen and organic matter input. Seepage and water exchange removed $15-17\%$ of nitrogen input but only $1-2\%$ of organic matter. Draining of the ponds removed $20-26\%$ of input nitrogen, mostly in inorganic forms, but removed only minus organic matter. Fish and water column respiration accounted for $39\%$ of organic matter input, and benthic respiration accounted for $7-12\%$ of organic matter input. No significant change of nitrogen and organic matter in both pond bottoms were found during the three-month growth period. The unrecovered input nitrogen, about $6.3-13\%$, was lost through denitrification and ammonia volatilization. On a dry matter basis, fish growth removed $31\%$ of total feed input and left $69\%$ as metabolic wastes.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 1989

Demersal fish community in Cheonsu Bay was analyzed using fish samples collected by a small otter trawl from March to November, 1986. Of the 32 species identified, Nibea argentatus, Chaturichthys stigmatias Crptocentrus filifer, Cynoglossus joyneri and Jonius belengeri pre-dominated in abundance. Based upon principal component analysis of species composition data, the fishes were grouped into resident, migrant and temporal species. Resident fish wintered in the deeper part of the bay, showing a peak in biomass during cold months. In spring, warm weather seasonals, adult N. argentatus and J. belengeri, migrated o the bay for spawing. However, the biomass of the migrant was not more than that of the wintered adult residents. From July to September, juveniles of many species were collected, but the number of individuals was smaller than that of the littoral or pelagic zones. This suggests that the deeper area of the bay did not serve as a main nursery ground of the juveniles with the exception of two migrant scianid fishes. As a result, the benthic fish of the bay were more abundant in cold months than in summer.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.195-205
• /
• 2013

Excessive input of organic matters from fish cage farming has been considered as one of the major factors disturbing benthic ecosystem, especially in semi-enclosed coastal waters. Recently offshore aquaculture in the vicinity of Jeju-do has been introduced to minimize that kind of negative impact. This study was conducted to investigate the ecological impacts of offshore aquaculture on the macrobenthic polychaete communities. A total of ten sampling works were carried out for 28 months, spanning from 10 days after starting giving feed to 3 months after stopping giving feed. During the study period, mean current velocity was quite strong with the range of 50 cm/s to 70 cm/s. TOC of surface sediment was constantly low. Significant changes in polychaete community were detected just three months after starting giving feed, which were the increase of the number of species and density at all stations. Up to 18 months after the start of farming, the amount of feed provided played an important role in the fluctuation of the number of species and density, especially at 0 m and 10 m stations. After reducing the amount of feed provided, dominance of some opportunistic species within 10 m distance from fish cages still lasted to the end of aquaculture. However, opportunistic species disappeared 3 months after the end of farming, which indicated the sign of recovery from the disturbance. From these results, the amount of food input and the period of cultivation were critical factors disturbing polychaete community and ensuing changes in this offshore and oligotrophic waters as well. In addition, study on the changes of polychaete community structure before and after fish farming showed more detailed changes in benthic ecological state than geochemical approach did.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.38 no.2 s.112
• /
• pp.188-195
• /
• 2005

The dynamics of the fish community in the Lake Hoengseong region, Korea, were investigated from April 2000 to November 2004. During the surveyed period 39 species belonging 10 families were collected, and there were 17 Korean endemic species (43.59%) including Rhodeus pseudosericeus. Dominant species were Acheilognathus lanceolatus (20.10%), Zacco platypus (15.94%), Z. temmincki (6.92%), Carassius cuvieri (6.33%), A. rhombeus (6.18%), Pungtungia herzi (5.13%), and Pseudorasbora parva (4.93), In the comparison community of fish according to ecotype by each studied years, benthic fished are gradually decreasing and pelagic fishes creasing. Also, according to the fish distribution, the fish community of each studied years was divided into 3 groups by UPGMA. Being based on the fish community, similarity analysis results of each artificial lakes and this lake were divided 2 groups by water system, and divided again 3 groups in the same water system. Fish Community of the Lake Hoengseong was similar with that of the Lake Chuncheon and Cheongpyeong of the Bukhan-River.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.217-225
• /
• 1998

This study was performed to compare the effects of a fish cage on the structure of meiobenthic communities at two locations during May, 1996. The number of meiofaunal taxa at the existing cage site and control site was 15 and 26, respectively. Nematoda was the most dominant group of meiobenthos. Nematoda and Sarcomastigophora comprised more than $90\%$ of total meiofauna at both sites. The total density of control site was 7,702 inds./$10\;cm^{2}$ which is 10 times more than that of fish cage site. The density was highest in the upper 1 cm and decreased with sediment depth. The nematodes/harpacticoid copepods ratio as an index of pollution monitoring for benthic ecosystem at fish cage site was two times higher than at control site. Kinorhyncha known to be sensitive to pollution stress was not found at fish cage site.