Biological Characteristics and Preservation of Dokdo Island

Dokdo, which is located in the middle of the East Sea, is a small island tilth a total area of 0.186 $\textrm{km}^2$. However, this small island, with its mild oceanic climate, has rich bio-resources and picturesque natural surroundings. Dokdo in the crystaline waters and In the central area of the deep sea is a treasury of algaes (sea oak, sea mustard, gulf weed, laver, agar-agar, etc.), molluscs (squid, ear shell, conch, etc.) and fishes (Alaska pollack, anchovy, saucy, herring, etc.). On the other hand, there are a lot of grasses and various kinds of grasses on the land of Dokdo. And a lot of back-tailed gulls (about 20,000 Individuals) live on this island. There have been disputes on the sovereignty over Dokdo between Korea and Japan. Japan has claimed sovereignty over Dokdo since Japan incorporated the island into Japanese territory in 1905 when it occupied the Korean Peninsula by force. Korea governed Dokdo not only before 1905 but also after its liberation in 1945. The Korean government, while heavily financing building facilities like pleas and quays, is endeavoring to preserve the natural surroundings of this island.