• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.191-199
• /
• 2007

Seasonal variation in species composition of fish in the Saemangeum Reservoir was determined using seasonal samples collected by an otter trawl from April 2006 to February 2007 after the dike construction, and compared with the data obtained during the dike construction in 2001-2002. A total of 35 species, 8,960 individuals and 53,084.4 g of fish were collected during the study. Of the fish collected, brackish and coastal fishes such as Konosirus punctatus, Synechogobius hasta and Repomucenus lunatus, and migrant fishes such as Engraulis japonicus and Scomberomorus niphonius predominated in abundance accounting for 95% in the total number of individuals. Fish species composition and abundance showed a similar seasonal trend to those in the other western coastal waters of Korea. The resident species were mainly collected in spring and in autumn. The number of species and biomass were high in summer by the large amount of catch of migrating species. Catch was low in winter and only 2 species were collected. A brackish and coastal fish, K. punctatus and two migrant fishes, E. japonicus and S. niphonius were abundantly collected after the dike construction. However, the dominant fishes during the dike construction such as Leiognathus nuchalis, Neosalanx jordani and Chaeturichthys stigmatias were rarely collected. Fish density was $1,149\;inds./10,000m^2\;and\;12,644g/10,000m^2$ during the dike construction, and increased 6 times in the number of individuals ($7,467\;inds./10,000m^2$) and 3 times in biomass ($44,237g/10,000m^2$) after the dike construction. Annual species richness (R) and species diversity (H') decreased from R=0.0160 and H'=2.47 during the dike construction in 2001-2002 to R=0.0038 and H'=1.11 after dike construction in 2006-2006, respectively. These changes seemed to be related to the reduction of the saline area and degradation of water quality in Semangeum Reservoir after the dike construction.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.246-262
• /
• 2024

The survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the changes in fish fauna and community characteristics in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, Korea. During the survey period, 35 sites were selected, resulting in the collection of 7,817 fish belonging to 12 families and 40 species. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus, with a relative abundance of 34.5%, followed by Z. platypus at 28.7%. Other significant species included Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (10.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.3%), and Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.3%). Notably, four protected species - Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia brevibarba, and Cottus koreanus, designated as class II endangered wildlife by the Ministry of Environment- were identified. These species predominantly inhabit the middle and lower reaches, except for Gobiobotia brevibarba, which is found in the upper reaches. Nineteen species, accounting for a 47.5% endemism rate, were endemic to Korea. The study also noted the presence of one climate-sensitive species, Cottus koreanus, and two exotic species, Carassius cuvieri and Micropterus salmoides. Community analysis indicated a trend of decreasing dominance and increasing diversity and richness from upstream to downstream, with a distinct division into uppermost reaches, upper reaches, middle and lower reaches, and lakes. The construction of the Hwaseong Dam has had a significant direct and indirect impact on the fish community. The habitat and abundance of endangered species such as R. pseudosericeus, A. signifer, and G. brevibarba decreased dramatically immediately after the dam's construction, transforming the submerged area from lotic to lentic environments. Approximately 20 years later, the habitats have stabilized, leading to an increase in the fish population and a recovery of the previously diminished endangered species. The river health (FAI) was also evaluated, with 27 sites rated as very good (A), seven as good (B), and one as fair (C). However, endangered species such as A. signifer continue to face threats from dam and river construction, while C. Koreanus has experienced a severe population decline due to river works. Additionally, the presence of the ecosystem-disrupting species M. salmoides in Hwaseong Lake raises concerns. To ensure a stable habitat for fish in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, it is crucial to avoid indiscriminate river construction, urgently implement restoration policies for endangered species such as A. signifer, and develop management strategies to control the spread of invasive species such as bass.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.10
• /
• pp.40.1-40.14
• /
• 2016

Background: Due to the paucity of oceanic resources utilized in the preparation of diets for cultured fish, commercial feed producers have been trying to replace fishmeal (FM) using alternative protein sources such as vegetable protein meals (VMs). One of the main drawbacks of using VMs in fish feed is related to the presence of a variety of anti-nutritional factors, which could trigger an inflammation process in the distal intestine. This reduces the capacity of the enterocytes to absorb nutrients leading to reduced fish growth performances. Methods: We evaluated the mitigating effects of butyrate and taurine used as feed additives on the morphological abnormalities caused by a soybean meal (SBM)-based diet in the distal intestine of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). We used three experimental diets, containing the same low percentage of FM and high percentage of SBM; two diets were supplemented with either 0.2% sodium butyrate or taurine. Histological changes in the intestine of fish were determined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Infiltration of $CD45^+$ leucocytes in the lamina propria and in the submucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also quantified by One-Step Taqman$^{(R)}$ real-time RT-PCR the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of a panel of genes involved in the intestinal mucosa inflammatory response such as $TNF{\alpha}$ (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and interleukins: IL-8, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-10, and IL-6. Results: Fish that received for 2 months the diet with 30% soy protein (16.7% SBM and 12.8% full-fat soy) developed an inflammation in the distal intestine, as confirmed by histological and immunohistochemistry data. The expression of target genes in the intestine was deeply influenced by the type of fish diet. Fish fed with taurine-supplemented diet displayed the lowest number of mRNA copies of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-8, and IL-10 genes in comparison to fish fed with control or butyrate-supplemented diets. Dietary butyrate caused an upregulation of the $TNF{\alpha}$ gene transcription. Among the quantified interleukins, IL-6 was the only one to be not influenced by the diet. Conclusions: Histological and gene expression data suggest that butyrate and taurine could have a role in normalizing the intestinal abnormalities caused by the SBM, but the underling mechanisms of action seem different.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.140-149
• /
• 2018

Seasonal variations in the community structure of larval fish assemblage in Jinhae Bay were investigated in February, May, August and November of 2015, and in the same months in 2016. During the study period, a total of 28 larvae species belonging to 24 families were collected. The dominant species were Clupea pallasii, Liparis tanakae, Callionymidae sp., Sillago japonica, Ernogrammus hexagrammus and Engraulis japonica. These six species accounted for 77.6% of the total number of larvae during the survey period. The larvae of C. pallasii and L. tanakae were exclusively caught in February 2015 and 2016, while those of Apogon lineatus and Sillago japonica were exclusively caught in August 2015 and 2016. Overall, species diversity of the fish larvae was highest in February and August, although it was relatively low in May. The results of the non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis using the number of individual larval fish showed that they are divided into four seasonal groups. Our results showed that the community of larval fish in Jinhae Bay was affected by seasonal changes in temperature and the emergence of spawning fish species. Additionally, we suggest that the high abundance of larval fish came from around Jam-do and the northern part of Chilcheon-do; these locations are the main spawning grounds of Jinhae Bay.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.175-182
• /
• 2010

From April to October 2008, fish fauna was surveyed at 25 sites in Lake Ganwol and Lake Bunam watersheds. There were 32 species of 25 genera and 10 families belonging to 5 orders. Among them, Zacco platypus (relative abundance was 28.0%) was dominant, followed by Hemiculter eigenmanni (24.3%), Carassius auratus (19.3%), and Pseudorasbora parva (10.8%). In comparison of specific frequency in fish community between two lakes, Z. platypus (36.6%) was dominant and P. parva (15.7%) subdominant in Lake Ganwol, whereas H. eigenmanni (35.2%) and C. auratus (30.4%) were dominant in Lake Bunam. Eight species including Acheilognathus chankaensis were known to be Korean endemic species, and exotic species was Micropterus salmodes. Biological indices of fish community indicated mostly similar values in 25 sites. Specific similarities of fish community in the sites were largely divided into two groups: a group of the Waryong Stream and the Dodang Stream where water flows throughout the year, and the other group of watersheds at Lake Ganwol and Lake Bunam where water was static. Fish fauna and structure of fish communities have some differences between Lake Ganwol and Lake Bunam watersheds, and also can be distinguished to the environmental factors of habitats in same watershed.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.49-60
• /
• 2014

Fish assemblages play an integral role in stream ecosystem and are influenced by stream environmental conditions and habitat disturbances. Fish community structures and habitat parameters of U.S. EPA rapid bio-assessment protocol were surveyed to investigate the effect of stream environment and habitat disturbance on fish communities at 13 study sites in the Gapyeong Stream, a typical gravel-bed stream. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on data from habitat assessment at each study site indicated that the study sites were differentiated by habitat parameters such as embeddedness, velocity/depth regime and sediment deposition, which were related with bed slope. A total of 46 species belonging to 12 families were collected in the Gapyeong Stream. A dominant species was Zacco koreanus, subdominant species was Z. platypus. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on species abundance classified fish communities into the three main groups along the stream longitudinal change. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) portrayed that fish community structures were related to major habitat parameters, i.e., epifaunal substrate/available cover, embeddedness, velocity/depth regime, sediment deposition, channel alternation and frequency of riffles. These results suggested that fish community structures were primary affected by the longitudinal environmental changes, and those were modified by habitat disturbance in the Gapyeong Stream, a gravel-bed stream.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.217-232
• /
• 2019

It was turned out by shrimp beam trawl monthly survey from March, 2015 to February, 2016 that different species composition and abundance of the fish assemblages in Sacheon Bay and coastal waters off Namhae, Korea were compared. As a result of monthly measured sea temperature and salinity of Sacheon Bay and coastal waters off Namhae, sea temperature of both areas was changed seasonally; however, differences in sea temperature occurred during certain periods depending on the region. Salinity was generally low in Sacheon Bay affected by fresh water, and both areas was low in summer and high in winter. A total of 73 species representing 37 families were collected in Sacheon Bay. The dominant fish species in terms of numbers and biomass were Liparis tanakae, $23,077inds./km^2$, $332.1kg/km^2$. A total of 91 fish species representing 49 families were collected in coastal waters off Namhae. The dominant fish species in terms of numbers were Leiognathus nuchalis, $139,683inds./km^2$ and biomass were Chelidonichthys spinosus, $1,078.6kg/km^2$. Analysis of dendrogram of the clustering showed that Sacheon Bay and coastal waters off Namhae were distinctive featured (global R = 0.691, p = 0.017). And except of summer season (July-October), there was a distinctive feature seasonally (global R = 0.844, p = 0.001). The fish species that appeared in common in both areas, where fish species caught in Sacheon Bay, an important inner bay,were smaller than those caught in coastal waters off Namhae appeared. It presented that Sacheon Bay plays a more important role in spawning and nursery ground for fisheries resource than coastal waters off Namhae, Korea.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.541-550
• /
• 2013

The objective of this study was to understand the distribution characteristics of largemouth bass as an exotic species in relation to water chemistry. The survey was conducted in 10 reservoirs in Korea that showed different properties in size, location and eutrophic state. Total number of fish species observed in the artificial reservoirs was 52 (13 family) and the relative abundance of the bass was 13% of the total, which is the third dominant species in the whole sample. The relative abundance of bass was the highest in the Pyungtak reservoir (60%), whereas the Daechung reservoir showed the lowest abundance (only 3%). Although no significance difference statistically were founded in the relationship between bass abundance and water quality parameters. The reservoir trophic state showed some relationships. As result, the higher abundance was observed in hypertrophic reservoirs that located in the esturine regions compared to other large and medium reservoirs classified as meso- or eutrphic state. In conclusion, bass distribution in the reservoir ecosystem can not be directly explained by water chemistry only but other environmental factors should be considered.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.259-273
• /
• 1998

The hydroacoustic surveys to provide the essential information for the assessment, management and utilization of fishery resources in the southern waters of Korea were carried out during five research cruises between October 1996 and October 1997 by the training ship KAYA of Pukyong National University. These hydroacoustic investigations were designed to obtain more precise estimates of the geographic distribution, absolute abundance and biological characteristics of the fishery resources, and the vertically integrated densities of fish in terms of volume backscattering strength(SV) by survey region and depth bins, such as the entire water column and the 0~ 10 m from bottom fraction, were measured separately. Hydroacoustic data were collected by using a Simrad EK 500 Scientific echo sounder operating at two frequencies of 38kHz and 120kHz and the data stored in field were later processed on a HP PC using a Simrad EP 500 echo integration and target strength analysis system. The biological compositions of echo signal were identified and sampled using a demersal trawl during daylight hours. The mean target strength to scale the echo integration data for hydroacoustic surveys was derived from the relationship between the SV and the weight of trawl catch per unit volume of the water column sampled by demersal trawls. The results obtained can be summarized as follow : 1. The mean volume backscattering strength for the entire water column in the southern waters of Korea between 1996 and 1997 were -67.2 dB and -70.9 dB at two frequencies of 38 kHz and 120 kHz , respectively, and for the bottom layer of the 0-10 m from bottom friction were -68.8 dB, -70.2 dB, respectively. That is, the volume backscattering strength for the entire water column at low frequency was higher than that at high frequency. 2. The relationship between the mean backscattering strength (〈SV〉, dB) for the depth strata of trawl hauls and the weight (C, kg/m3) per cubic meter of the catch sampled by bottom trawling in the southern waters of Korea in January and July 1997 were expressed by the following equations: 38 kHz : 〈SV〉= -28.2 + 10 log(C), 120 kHz : 〈SV〉= -32.4 + 10 log(C). The mean weight -normalized target strengths derived from these equitions were -28.2 dB/ kg, -32.4 dB/ kg at 38 kHz and 120 kHz , respectively. That is, the mean weight -normalized target strength at 38 kHz was 4.2 dB higher than that at 120 kHz. 3. The distribution density of fish in terms of biomass per unit volume in the southern waters of Korea were estimated to be 125.9 $\times$ 10-6 kg/m3 and 141.3 $\times$ 10-6 kg/m3 at 38 kHz and 120 kHz , respectively.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.476-486
• /
• 2009

Major objective of our study was to introduce initial researches of national long-term ecological monitoring studies on Daechung Reservoir, as one of the representative lentic reservoir ecosystems in Korea. For the long-term ecological research (LTER), we conducted preliminary field monitoring during 2008~2009 and analyzed biological parameters such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, and freshwater fish along with chemical water quality and empirical model analysis. According to phytoplankton surveys, major taxa have varied largely depending on seasons and sites sampled. Overall phytoplankton data showed that cyanophyta dominated in the summer period and diatoms dominated in the winter. In zooplankton analysis, 25 species including 20 rotifers, 3 cladocerans and 2 copepods were collected during the survey. The relative abundance of rotifers (86.5%) was always greater than that of cladocerans (6.3%) or copepods (5.1%). There were distinct spatial and inter-annual changes in the abundance of zooplankton in the reservoir, displaying similar patterns in three sites with the exception of S3 during the study. According to fish surveys, 8 families and 39 species were observed during 2008~2009. The most dominant fish was an exotic species of Lepomis macrochirus (23%), indicating an severe influence of exotic species to the ecosystem. TP averaged $17.9\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ ($6{\sim}80\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$), which was judged as a mesotrophy, and showed a distinct longitudinal gradients. TN averaged $1.585\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ during the study and judged as hypereutrophic condition. Unlike TP, TN didn't show any large seasonal and spatial variations. Under the circumstances, nitrogen limitation may not happen in this system, indicating that nitrogen control is not effective in the watershed managements. These data generated in the LTER station will provide key information on long-term biological and water quality changes in relation to global warming and some clues for efficient reservoir ecosystem managements.