• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.369-383
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• 2006

The Saemangeum project is one of the biggest reclamation efforts in Korea and may cause coastal ecosystem change due to altered environments and habitat loss. Since February 2002, benthic environment and community structure in the Saemangeum studied area were studied to assess the influence of the project on macrofaunal community. The result of seasonal study from February, 2002 to August 2005 is reported here. Overall, changes of species numbers and dominant species of benthic animals in the periods before (1988) and after $(2002{\sim}2005)$ the Saemangeum dike construction were not evident both inside and outside the dike. However, local environmental and community change were noted The partial completion of Saemangeum dike $(4^{th}\;dike)$ in June 2003 altered water circulation and sediment deposition patterns both inside and outside the dike. Fine sediment was accumulated inside and outside the $4^{th}$ dike while coarse sediment dominated near the main channel (Sinsi gate). Benthic community resl)ended to the altered sediment type in these areas. Species number and diversity in both site was low compared to other sites. The dominant species in these areas were composed of the benthos that had not commonly occurred in the Saemangeum subtidal area.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.485-495
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• 2008

Tidal ranges of inner Saemangeum were largely reduced after the final dyke enclosure, resulting in the former tidal flats becoming either permanently exposed, still influenced by changing tide, or permanently submerged. The effect of reduced tidal range on survival and population stability of tidal flat macrofauna were investigated at three shifted habitats after the dyke completion. At the exposed area, several species survived for 80 days after the dyke enclosure. However, within 120 days, all macrofauna died off due to the elevated temperature during summer. At the intertidal area, some species were maintained until 170 days after the dyke enclosure with a large decrease of the faunal abundance. Species of the submerged area were seen to be more tolerant of the changed environments. The opportunistic species, such as Sinocorophium sinensis, Theora fragilis and Pseudopolydora Kempi, were massively introduced into the submerged area after the dyke enclosure, in which the benthic ecosystem was severely disturbed.