• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.267-273
• /
• 2010

From January to December 2007, we have investigated sediment types, environmental factors and density of clam Ruditapes philippinarum inhabited at Oeri, Naeri, Jonghyeon and Bangmiri tidal flats in Gyeonggi Bay off the west coast of Korea. Sediment types of Oeri and Jonghyeon were characterized with well sorted muddy sand. In contrast, Bangmiri tidal flat was mainly composed of poorly sorted gravelly muddy silt and Naeri was characterized with very poorly sorted muddy-sandy gravel. During the course of study, the surface water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH ranged 3.2 to $27.0^{\circ}C$, 21.7 to 33.3 ‰, 5.6 to 12.7 mg/l and 7.36 to 8.82, respectively. The suspended solid (SS) ranged from 3.2 to 1,266.0 mg/l and chlorophyll-a level in the water column ranged $0.3-36.1{\mu}g/l$, respectively. The density of clam in the study areas was mainly determined by the harvesting activities rather than the types of substrate. Relatively higher density of clam was observed in Oeri and Bangmiri where the clam seeds were sowed by the villagers. Condition factor of clams were found to be higher in Oeri where the substrate sorting was better with higher level of chlorophyll a. It was believed that sediment types and the level of available food the two governing factors controlling the density and growth of clam in Gyeonggi Bay.