• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.5
• /
• pp.509-517
• /
• 2009

Seagrass meadows are important biogenic habitats for a wide variety of marine animals and plants, a source of organic carbon for commercially important animals, and act as a nutrient filter in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. As such, mapping the distribution of seagrass beds provides us with an important component of management and conservation strategies. To survey seagrass distribution within Deukryang Bay, we directly observed seagrass beds using SCUBA in Boseong-gun, Goheung-gun, and Jangheung-gun. Seagrass distribution in Geogeum and Gumdang islands were not observed. Specifically, we monitored the distribution area, species composition, morphology, density, and biomass of seagrass meadows. Seagarss beds were mapped for Daikum-ri coast, Deukryang island, Yongjeong-ri coast, Samsan-ri coast and Ongam-ri coast. Total seagrass coverage in Deukryang Bay was $5.1\;km^2$, $4.8\;km^2$ of which was Zostera marina, $0.3\;km^2$ Z. caulescence and $0.01\;km^2$ Z. japonica. Z. japonica was found in intertidal zones, Z. marina was found from the intertidal to subtidal zones of 2 m MSL (mean sea level) depth, and Z. caulescence was found in subtidal zones of 2.5-5 m MSL.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.351-361
• /
• 2010

Among common estuarine submerged plants, seagrasses are the most extensively studied due to their ecological importance in estuarine ecosystems. Seagrass meadows are important biological habitats for a wide variety of marine animals and plants. They are a source of organic carbon for commercially important animals. Furthermore, seagrasses act as nutrient filters in estuarine and coastal marine ecosystems. As such, mapping the distribution of seagrass beds is important for management and conservation strategies. In order to survey the seagrass distribution within the Seomjin Estuary, We directly observed seagrass beds in Kwangyang and Hadong using SCUBA. The distribution area, species composition, morphology, density, biomass and productivity of seagrass meadows were examined. Seagrass meadows were distributed in the intertidal and subtidal zones of the Galsa tidal flats, and in the subtidal zone of the neighboring POSCO area. Patches of Zostera japonica was found at patches at the Galsa tidal flats intermediate point. The total estimated seagrass distribution area of the Seomjin Estuary was $1.84\;km^2$. Of the total, $1.83\;km^2$ was Zostera marina (eelgrass) and $0.01\;km^2$ was Zostera japonica (dwarf eelgrass). Zostera japonica was found in intertidal zones. Zostera marina was found from the intertidal to subtidal zones at a 2 m mean sea level (MSL) depth. The leaf productivity of Zostera marina was $4.47g\;DW\;m^{-2}\;day^{-1}$. The annual production of eelgrass was $1,632\;g\;DW\;m^{-2}\;yr^{-1}$, which corresponds to $731g\;C\;m^{-2}\;yr^{-1}$. The total production of eelgrass was $3,002\;tons\;DW\;yr^{-1}$, which corresponds to $1,343\;tons\;C\;yr^{-1}$.

• Ocean and Polar Research
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.239-247
• /
• 2008

Spatial distribution of water flow generated by tidal current was investigated within a Zostera marina(seagrass) bed in Wonpo Bay. Water flow and elevation were observed during the seagrass growing season. The spatial distribution of water flow was numerically estimated using roughness coefficient. Water flow inside the seagrass meadow was compared with the observed values. Velocity in Zostera marina vegetated areas was approximately $25{\sim}84%$ lower than that of unvegetated areas. However, flow direction was the same. Intensity of the flood tide diminished appreciably within the seagrass bed, while its pattern was also affected. It is therefore concluded that water flow is influenced by Zostera marina meadows.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.305-312
• /
• 2010

Seagrass beds are a type of coastal wetland with many ecosystem services and precious economic values. Seagrass meadows used to be widespread along the coasts in northern Chinese seas, yet they have long been overlooked and lack devoted study on their history and status. This paper firstly reveals, by synthesis of information on composition of seagrass species and their distribution, that the seagrasses in this region have experienced considerable declines, both in terms of distribution and biomass, from the earliest record to present days. Then, a case study at the seagrass bed of Chudao is described to show the status of representative seagrass meadows. The results indicate that the environmental condition is good, seagrasses are in recovery, the planktoners are healthy and rich fishery resources and the mammal finless porpoise are associated with the seagrass bed. The cause(s) of historical seagrass decline and current conditions are also discussed, and future recommendations on seagrass protection and mapping are suggested.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.106-116
• /
• 2020

To examine distribution of the Zostera species growing naturally in Ulleungdo, scuba diving surveys using ships were conducted along the coast and inside the harbors of the island at the end of September 2019. In areas of seagrass occurrence, environmental factors such as nutrient concentrations in water column and sediment pore water, salinity, and sediment organic content were also analyzed. Zostera caulescens meadows appeared in the relatively deep waters (14-24 m MSL) of Cheonbu-ri, Jeodong-ri, Sadong-ri, and Namyang-ri in Ulleungdo, and the total seagrass coverage was approximately 4.9 ha. Approximately 0.9 ha of Zostera marina meadow was found at the depths of 3-5 m MSL within Hyeonpo-hang in Hyeonpo-ri. The average shoot density and biomass of Z. caulescens were 121.9±9.7 shoot m^-2 and 99.0±13.2 gDW m^-2, respectively, with no significant differences by location. The average shoot density and biomass of Z. marina were 193.8±18.8 shoot m^-2 and 102.6±6.8 gDW m^-2, respectively. The nutrient concentrations in the sediment pore water and sediment organic content in the seagrass meadows in Ulleungdo were lower than those in eelgrass meadows on the southern and eastern coasts of Korea. These results will provide useful basic information for the marine protected species, Z. caulescens and Z. marina, and for the conservation of the waters of Ulleungdo, which has been designated as a marine protected area.

• Ocean and Polar Research
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.225-236
• /
• 2006

Seagrass meadows are considered as critical habitats for a wide variety of marine organisms in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. In many cases, studies on the spatial/temporal distribution of seagrass have depended on direct observations using SCUBA diving. As an alternative method fur studying seagrass distribution, an application of hydroacoustic technique has been assessed for mapping seagrass distribution in Dongdae Bay, on the south coast of Korea, in September 2005. Data were collected using high frequency transducer (420 kHz split-beam), which was installed with towed body system. The system was linked to DGPS to make goo-referenced data. Additionally, in situ seagrass distribution has been observed using underwater cameras and SCUBA diving at four stations in order to compare with acoustic data. Acoustic survey was conducted along 23 transects with 3-4 blot ship speed. Seagrass beds were vertically limited to depths less than 3.5m and seagrass height ranged between 55 and 90cm at the study sites. Dense seagmss beds were mainly found at the entrance of the bay and at a flat area around the center of the bay. Although the study area was a relatively small, the vertical and spatial distributions of the seagrass were highly variable with bathymetry and region. Considering dominant species, Zostera marina L., preliminary estimation of seagrass biomass with acoustic and direct sampling data was approximately $56.55g/m^2$, and total biomass of 104 tones (coefficient variation: 25.77%) was estimated at the study area. Hydroacoustic method provided valuable information to understand distribution pattern and to estimate seagrass biomass.

• 한국해양학회지
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.44-55
• /
• 1984

Abundances of small fishes that utilized seagrass meadows of Redfish Bay, Texas, were analyzed quantitatively to determine monthly changes of this concentrated subtropical fish community during 1982-1983. an effective quantitative sampler, a 1-㎡ thrown cage, yielded a total of 10,223 fishes that comprised 40 species in 23 families, with average total densities about 15 fishes/㎡ in shoalgrass meadow and 6 fishes/㎡ in turtlegrass meadow. The darter goby, pinfish, code goby, and Gulf pipefish were the four most abundant species, and accounted for approximately 85% of the number of fish collected. However, the two different meadows had different relative abundances of fishes. The darter goby numerically dominated shallower shoalgrass meadow, while the pinfish and code goby were the commonest fishes in deeper turtlegrass meadow. Seasonal changes in both species composition and abundances of fish populations were major characteristics in these subtropical seagrass medows. Peak abundance of total fishes occurred during spring, with a secondary peak in fall. Lowest abundance of total fishes occurred in winter. Each abundant species showed its own seasonal abundance pattern, and had a peak abundance 1-3 months separated from other species, with some overlap of increased larval recruitment. Such distinct seasonal abundance patterns with different times of peak recruitment. Such distinct seasonal abundance patterns with different times of peak recruitment among fish species seem to permit use of the seagrass habitats with reduced, seasonal competition.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.509-517
• /
• 1986

Abundances of small fishes that utilized eelgrass meadows of Hansilpo, Chungmu, were analyzed to determine fish species composition and monthly changes of this temperate seagrass fish community during 1983-1986. A total of 4,646 fishes that comprised 35 species in 19 families was collected during the period of investigation. Pholis taczanowskii, Pseudoblennius cottoides, Tridentiger trigonocephalus, and Sryngnathus schlegeli predominated in ichthyofauna that occupied the eelgrass meadows most of the year. These four most abundant fish species accounted for approximately $64\%$ of the number of fish collected. Juveniles of economically valuable fish species such as Sebastes inermis, Platycephalus indicus and Limanda yokohamae were also collected in the study area. Seasonal changes in both species composition and abundances of fish populations were major characteristics in these eelgrass meadows. A peak abundance of total fishes occurred during spring, with a secondary peak during fall. The lowest abundance of total fishes occurred in winter. Each abundant fish species showed its own seasonal abundance pattern, and a peak abundance 1-3 months separated from other species with some overlap of the increased larval recruitment.

• 한국해양학회지
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.25-33
• /
• 1986

Ontogenetic food habits of the four most abundant fish species in seagrass neadows of Redfish Bay, Texas, were examined quantitatively during 1982-1983. The darter goby (Gobionellus bolelsoma) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) were trophic generalists, which used a wide range of food items. The darter goby had relatively diverse, omnivorous diet which included amphipods, copepods, polychaetes, filamentous algae, diatoms, and detritus. This species did not show distinct ontogenetic changes in foodpreferences. Unlike the darter goby, the pinfish showed ontogenetic progression of four feeding stages. An initial feeding stage was a planktivorous stage in which copepods were int major food items, followed by a carnivorous stage in which amphipods became the major food items, an omnivorous stage in which filamentous algae, diatoms, amphipods, and polychaetes were the major food items, and finally a herbivorous stage in which seagrass pieces with attached epiphytes and their debris were the major food items. The code goby (Gobiosoma robustrm) and Gulf pipefish (Syngathus scovelli) appeared to be relatively specialized in food havits as carnivorous. Similar ontogenetic changes in food habits were observed for these two species, i.e.initially, copepods were the major food items, followed by a gradual transition to amphipods with growth.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.27-35
• /
• 2010

Marked declines in seagrass meadows are increasingly being reported from coasts around Korea and many regions of the world. The transplantation of seagrasses has been attempted to mitigate and control their degradation from a range of anthropogenic factors. In this study, Zostera marina shoots, which were collected from a donor bed in Koje Bay, were transplanted in Jindong Bay in December 2004. In 2008, a comparative investigation of shoot morphology, growth, and reproduction strategy of Z. marina was carried out between the donor and transplant sites to assess their adaptation success. Shoot height, individual shoot weight, and leaf productivity at the transplant site were significantly greater than those at the donor site. However, below-/aboveground tissue ratio was significantly lower at the transplant site compared to the donor site. Z. marina survival was maintained through vegetative reproduction, while peak season for lateral shoot recruitment was late winter for both donor and transplant site populations. However, vegetative reproduction mainly occurred during late winter and spring at the transplant site, whereas lateral shoots were evident across all seasons except late spring in the donor site. More pronounced seasonal variations were found at the transplant site compared to the donor site. These results indicate that Z. marina populations at the two sites possess distinct phenotypic variations induced by different environmental conditions, and Z. marina transplants have adapted well to the new transplant environment.