• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.484-491
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• 2015

The productivity of Manila clam(Ruditapes philippinarum) aquaculture farm is closely related to suitable site selection, so it is essential to assess the habitat suitable for aquaculture species in order to manage yield. This study evaluated the habitat suitable index(HSI) with 9 sites for tidal flat farm, Gochang(Hajun) on May 2014. The suitability index was selected Growth(hydrodynamics, chlorophyll a), Survival(sediment-sand, silt-clay) and Water Environment(dissolved oxygen, salinity). Both Weight and No weight were tried for objective judgment as HSI scoring method. As a result, it shows lower tidal flat(HSI; No weight: 0.60~0.76, Weight: 0.47~0.70) is higher than upper(HSI; No weight: 0.25~0.27, Weight: 0.09~0.10), hydrodynamics and sediment particle size are the most effective. This research can consider the potential suitable site for Manila clam through scientific approach, and provide the basis for optimal management practices in tidal flat farm.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.207-219
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• 2018

In this study, the ecological flow rate of the Zacco playtypus habitat was simulated based on the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) in reachs of urban and natural stream using the habitat suitability index (HSI) of the probability density function (PDF). To apply this method, PHABSIM model was used in this study. However, in this study, the HSI of the probability density function was developed by adjusting the parameters of the PDF based on Kang (2010) HSI. As a result, the normal distribution is closest to the ecological flow rate of the Kang (2010) in the urban stream. However, the two-parameter log-pearson distribution tended to be the closest in the natural stream. The ecological flow rate was simulated by the HSI and the reach of stream with the PDF. Based on the comparison of simulation results, we propose an ecological flow rate estimation method using probabilistic method.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.217-228
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• 2021

This paper discusses a methodology where an integrated modelling framework is used to quantify the risk derived from anthropic activities on habitats and species. To achieve this purpose, a tool comprising the Delft3D and HABITAT model, was applied in the Yeongsan river. Delft3D effectively simulated the operational condition and flow of weirs in river. In accuracy evaluation of the Delft3D-FLOW, the Bias, Pbias, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), and Index of Agreement (IOA) were used, and the result was evaluated as grade above 'Satisfactory'. The HABITAT calculated Habitat Suitability Value (HSV) for the following eight species: mammal, fish, aquatic plant, and benthic macroinvertebrate. An Area was defined as a suitable habitat if the HSV was larger than 0.5. HABITAT was judged accurately by measuring the Correct Classification rate (CCR) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). For benthic macroinvertebrate, the CCR and AUC were 77% and 0.834, respectively, at thresholds of 0.017 and 4 inds/m² for HSV and individuals per unit area. This meant that the HABITAT model accurately predicted the appearance of the benthic macroinvertebrates by approximately 77% and that the probability of false alarms was also very low. As a result of evaluating the suitability of habitats, in the Yeongsan river, if the annual "lowest level" (Seungchon weir: 2.5 EL.m/ Juksan weir: -1.35 EL.m) was maintained, the average habitat improvement effect of 6.5%P compared to the 'reference' scenario was predicted. Consequently, it was demonstrated that the integrated modelling framework for habitat suitability assessment is able to support the remedy aquatic ecological management.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.265-270
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• 2022

With the implementation of the fox restoration project, the number of foxes released into nature are increasing; therefore, in the future, foxes will be dispersed to other areas and will appear in human habitats. In this study, the habitat suitability index (HSI) of foxes was developed to predict and prepare for the effects. After extracting major environmental variables through literature research and GIS analysis, 5 suitability indices (SIs) were constructed. The forest physiognomy, slope, aspect, distance from water source, and distance from road are the main variables, and the arithmetic average value by giving twice the weight to the forest physiognomy is the HSI result. As a result of comparing with the data from the Natural Environment Survey, it is found that the fox coordinates have an average HSI value of 0.64, and the probability of appearance is high when it is 0.53 or higher. Using the results of this study, it is expected to be able to predict the distribution of foxes in advance, to use them as basic data for future restoration plans, or to identify the distribution of the species and the reduction plan in future environmental impact assessments.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.140-150
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• 2023

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is an apex predator of the riparian ecosystem. It is a keystone and an indicator species; consequently, its presence suggests a sustainable water environment. Otter is a keystone species as a predator at the top of the food web in the aquatic environment and an indicator species representing the health of the aquatic environment. Although Eurasian otters disappeared from the Han River urban water system because of anthropogenic activities like habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental pollution in the 1980s, the species were sighted in the Cheonggye Stream, Jungrang Stream, and Seongnae Stream, which are urban sections of the Han River, in 2016 and 2021. Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the habitat potential in the area for conservation and management measures to ensure its permanent presence. However, existing studies on otter habitats focused on natural rivers and reservoirs, and there is a limit to applying them to habitats artificially confined habitats in narrow spaces such as tributaries in urban areas of the Han River. This study selected the Cheonggye Stream, an artificially restored urban stream, to evaluate its potential as a habitat for Eurasian otters in urban water environments using the habitat suitability index (HSI). The HSI was calculated with selected environment attributes, such as the cover, food, and threat, that best describe the L. lutra habitat. According to the results, the confluence area of Seongbuk Stream and Cheonggye Stream and the confluence area of Cheonggye Stream and Jungnang Stream were suitable otter habitats, requiring appropriate conservation efforts. The HSI model suggests a valuable method to assess the habitat quality of Eurasian otters in urban water environments. The study is crucial as it can help rehabilitate the species' populations by identifying and managing potential Eurasian otter habitats in highly urbanized areas of the Han River basin and its tributaries.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to provide essential data necessary to assess ecological flow requirements by understanding habitat conditions for fish species through monitoring an ecological environment in the Korea stream (Dal Stream) and building related database. On-site surveys were conducted for identifying ecological and habitat conditions at the four monitoring sites. Fish sampling was carried out at the selected four sites (St.) during the period ranging from September, 2008 to September, 2009. At the four sampling sites, we measured water surface elevation, depth and velocity at the cross-sections. Optimal Ecological Flowrates (OEFs) were estimated using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) established for four fish species Zacco koreanus (St.1), Pungtungia herzi (St.2), Coreoleuciscus splendidus (St.3), and Zacco platypus (St.4) selected as icon species using the Physical HABitat SIMulation system (PHABSIM). Eighteen species (56.3%) including Odontobutis interrupta, Coreoperca herzi and C. splendidus were found endemic out of the 32 species in eight families sampled during this study period. The endangered species was collected Acheilognathus signifier, Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa and Gobiobotia macrocephala, and this relative abundance was 9.4%. The most frequently found one was Z. platypus (31.3%) followed by C. splendidus (17.6%) and Z. koreanus (15.7%). The estimated IBI values ranged from 27.3 to 34.3 with average being 30.3 out of 50, rendering the site ecologically poor to fair health conditions. For C. splendidus (St.3), the dominant fish species in the stream, the favored habitat conditions were estimated to be 0.3-0.5 m for water depth, 0.4-0.7 m/s for flow velocity and sand-cobbles for substrate size, respectively. An OEFs of 8.5 m³/s was recommended for the representative fish species at the St.3.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.450-463
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• 2023

The objective of this study is to derive the core habitat of the Kirengeshoma koreana Nakai utilizing Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models. Expert-based models have been criticized for their subjective criteria, while statistical models face difficulties in on-site validation and integration of expert opinions. To address these limitations, both models were employed, and their outcomes were overlaid to derive the core habitat. Five variables were identified through a comprehensive literature review and spatial analysis based on appearance coordinates. The environmental variables encompass vegetation zone, forest type, crown density, annual precipitation, and effective soil depth. Through surveys involving six experts, importance rankings and SI (Suitability Index) scores were established for each variable, subsequently facilitating the creation of an HSI map. Using the same variables, the MaxEnt model was also executed, resulting in a corresponding map, which was merged to construct the definitive core habitat map. Out of 16 observed locations of K. koreana, 15 were situated within the identified core habitat. Furthermore, an area historically known to host K. koreana but not verified in the present, Mt. Yeongchwi, was found to lack a core habitat. These findings suggest that the developed models exhibit a high degree of accuracy and effectively reflect the current ecological landscape.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2019

This present study conducted the impact of the restoration of low-flow channel on fish habitat in a reach of the Wonju Stream, Korea. The target species were Zacco koreanus, a dominant species in the middle- and upper-stream of Wonju Stream. The River2D model was used for the computation of the flow and the habitat suitability index model was used to estimate the quantity and quality of fish habitat using habitat suitability curves. In order to restore the study area, the low-flow channel was identified through the bankfull discharge of the study reach, and the best hydraulic section was designed. In addition, various restoration techniques were applied to the low-flow channel through rocks, pool/riffle structures, and the change of the channel width. Simulation results indicated that the restoration of the best hydraulic section effects decreased habitat suitability for the target species. However, when various restoration techniques were applied, the WUA (Weighted Usable Area) was improved by about 11%.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.2B
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• pp.193-203
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• 2011

With the recent growth of environmental and ecological interests, various river restoration and habitat environment creation projects are being carried out. For this, the estimation of the habitat flow discharge is important. In U.S. and Europe nations, The instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM) has been used to estimate the habitat discharge. IFIM is the method that can be applied to evaluate the flow discharge for the suitable habitat. To use the IFIM in river, a habitat suitability index(HSI) for the target organism is needed. However, HSIs for only two species of Zacco platypus and Zacco temminckii were proposed from the field monitoring. Thus, for the estimation of the ecological flow rate for a group of fish, the development of the HSIs for various fish are necessary. In this study, physical data such as water level and flow rate, chemical data such as acidity and dissolved oxygen, and life data such as fish types and population are collected in Keum river watershed. Based on the 2,736 field data, HSIs for the following 6 fish are developed: Zacco platypus, Zacco temminckii, Microphysogobio yaluensis, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Pungtungia herzi, Pseudogobio esocinus. Through the comparison with HSIs in the literature, the developed HSIs are modified. Also, the limits of Froude number, pH, and DO for 6 fish are proposed. The HSIs developed in this study can be utilized as a essential data for performing river project evaluations.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.213-223
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• 2022

This study was conducted to establish a Habitat Suitability index (HSI) based on literature research and field surveys on ecology and habitat of 'Hynobius leechii'. And this study will be used as basic data for qualitative evaluation of habitat environment. The survey sites were divided into natural habitats close to the prototype habitat and artificial restoration areas where Hynobius leechii was monitored. So the types of habitats were diversified. Hynobius leechii is a vulnerable species to climate change because it is affected by the microhabitat and has low mobility. HSI variables of Hynobius leechii were extracted through domestic and overseas literature, and standards were extracted from literature research and field survey. The standards were presented as a value of the physical allowable category in consideration of realization. To verify the study, an in-depth consultation was conducted by amphibians experts. HSI variables of Hynobius leechii were included 9 variables such as Overstory canopy cover(%), Understory cover(%), Water-pH, Soil-pH, Soil relative humidity(%), Leaf litter depth(cm), Rock substrates (%), Type of Coarse woody, Distance from Street or Pollutant(m).