• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.233-250
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• 2019

A re-assessment of the age structure of the population of the Antarctic icefish Pseudochaenichthys georgianus based on body length data covering the years 1976-2009 and including larvae and postlarvae collected in 1989 and 1990 allowed us to define age groups 0, I, and II as containing fish with respective body lengths of 6-9 cm, 15-27 cm and 27-39 cm. Age at maturity (first spawning) was found to occur in age group III at body lengths that have been falling from 50.1 cm in 1979 to 45.4 cm in 1992. Considering postlarvae together with adult fish, the v. Bertalanffy growth curve parameters were determined as L_∞ = 60.62 cm, k = 0.4, t₀ = 0.25. Although the reasons for a maturity at shorter body lengths is not fully understood a host of environmental factors like increasing water temperatures and possibly changes in currents, interspecific competition, food availability, etc. are likely to be involved. Global warming (and not primarily overfishing) is likely to have been responsible for the disappearance of larger fish in the surface waters of South Georgia since 1977, for virtually all commercial fishing stopped in the early 1990s. On the other hand, the appearance of numerous younger spawning individuals suggests that larvae do survive in the colder deeper water below 200 m. The biomass of Ps. georgianus oscillates with a 4-year periodicity in contrast to that of the coexisting icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus: the former with a lower biomass in warm years and a higher one in cold years. The biomass of the third species of icefish in the region, i.e. Champsocephalus gunnari, also oscillates, but with a longer periodicity than that involved in the biology of the other two and its biomass increases in contrast to the other two species. The result is that the biomass all three species considered together is rather stable.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2009

Ecological characteristics of Cobitis pacifica inhabited in the Yeongok Stream, Gangwon-do, Korea was investigated from May 2006 to August 2007. The major habitat was composed of sand bottom with current velocities of $0.23{\sim}0.56m\;sec^{-1}$ and depths of $20{\sim}50cm$. The sex ratio of female to male was 1 : 0.93. It was presumed that the spawning season was the period of water temperatures of $25{\sim}27^{\circ}C$. Sexually matured individuals appeared over the two years of age. Frequency analysis of body length indicated that the group with $40{\sim}59mm$ in body length was one-year-old, the group of $60{\sim}89mm$ was two-years-old, the group of $90{\sim}109mm$ was three-years-old, and the group of over 110 mm was four-years-old. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was estimated as 809 per matured female. Main prey items were Ephemeroptera and Diptera.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.677-685
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• 2019

We investigated the ecological characteristics of kumgang fat minnow (Rhynchocypris kumgangensis) in the Eocheon stream from October 2017 to September 2018. The water temperature was 10.2- 14.3℃ and remained below 15℃ during the year. The fishes in cohabitation with kumgang fat minnow were Cottus koreanus (16.62%), Phoxinus phoxinus (10.74%), Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (1.55%), Oncorhynchus mykiss (0.56%), Zacco koreanus (0.28%), and Iksookimia koreensis (0.14%%). The ratio of females to males was 1:0.91 and did not vary widely. The frequency analysis of total length indicated that the fishes with less than 40 mm in total length were one year old, those with 40 - 69 mm were two years old, those with 70 - 84 mm were three years old, and those with 85 mm or more were four years old for individuals collected in May through June. The sexually mature fishes were over two years old. The spawning season was from late May to late August, and the water temperature was 12.5~14.5℃ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was from June to July, and the water temperature was 13.6 - 14.5℃ during the spawning period. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 1,006 (664 - 1,666) per matured female, and the matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 1.34±0.17 mm. The length-weight correlation of R. kumgangensis was BW = 0.00003TL^2.77 with the constant a as 0.00003, b as 2.77, the average condition factor (K) as 1.04(0.65~1.48), and the slope as -0.0012. The kumgang fat minnows inhabiting in the spring water had a longer spawning period, a fewer number of eggs in ovaries, and the lower condition factor (K) than those inhabiting other areas.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.348-362
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• 2023

This study analyzed the monitoring results of fishways at 16 weirs constructed on four large Rivers to provide data helpful for the operation and management of fishways. The average utilization rate of the fishways at the weirs was confirmed to be 64.9%. When comparing the dominant species in the mainstream and fishway monitoring results, differences were observed in 9 weirs (56.3%). This indicated that the species prevalent in the mainstream were not necessarily the ones most frequently using the fishways. The average number of individuals using the fishways per day was 336. When classifying the fish species using the fishway by life type, 92.3% were primary freshwater fish, and migratory species accounted for only 5.6%. Analysis based on the season of fishway usage revealed that an average or higher number of fish species used the fishways from May to October, with the highest number of individual users occurring from June to August. Between May and July, 80% of the fish species using the fishways were in their spawning period, while during other season, less than 40% were species that move during the spawning period. The fishways that showed a significant alignment between the spawning period and the fishway passage period were Rhinogobius brunneus, Leiocassis nitidus, Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae, Pseudogobio esocinus, Acheilognathus rhombeus, and Pungtungia herzi, in that order. When comparing the fishway monitoring results of the Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir and the Dalseong Weir with the upper part water level of the weir, both the number of fish species and individuals using the fishway showed positive correlations with the upper part water level of the weir. This suggests that a higher water level of the weir increases the inflow discharge within the fishway, leading to increased use by fish (number of individuals in Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir, P<0.001; number of species in Dalseong Weir, P<0.05). This study summarized and analyzed the results of fishway monitoring at 16 weirs built on four large Rivers, considering fishway efficiency, operation and management, monitoring period, and regulation of water level in the upper part of the weir. It is thought that this will help understand the status of fish use in fishways on large River and aid the construction, operation, and management of fishways in the future.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2020

This study investigated the ecological characteristics of Coreoperca herzi at Jaho stream from September 2018 to August 2019. This species inhabited riffle and midstream of the stream, where the riverbed structure was mostly covered with cobble and pebble. The depth of the habitat was 32-157 cm, and the velocity of stream fast at 0.64±0.28 (0.32-1.28) m/sec. The gender ratio of females to males was 1:0.95. The age according to the frequency analysis of total length indicated that the group with 42-80 mm in total length was one year old, the group with 80-130 mm was two years old, the group with130-200 mm was three years old, and the group over 200 mm was four years old. The total length of sexually mature fishes was 65 mm for females and 70 mm for males. The sexually mature individuals grown in nature had a smaller total length than those reared in a laboratory. The spawning season was from May to late July, and the water temperature was 18.4-26.4℃ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was from May to June, and the water temperature was 18.4-21.8℃ during the period. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 462 (151-919) per mature female, and the matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 2.31±0.33 (1.93-3.10) mm. Calculation length-weight relation of Korean aucha perch showed the constant a as 0.00002 and b as 3.01, condition factor (K) as 1.76 (1.01-2.63) on average, and the slope was a positive value of 0.0005.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.195-204
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• 2005

The population ecology of Rhinogobius brunneus was investigated on, tributaries of the Bukhan River from May 2003 to June 2005. The habitat was mostly a rapids area with pebbles and cobles in the lower part of the stream. The cohabitation fishes were Zacco platypus, Zacco temmincki, Microphysogobio yaluensis and Iksookimia koreensis. The males and females become sexually mature after one year. Spawning season was from May to June with water temperatures in the range $22{\sim}25^{\circ}C$. The prosperous period was from late May to early June. The average number of eggs in the ovary was $989{\pm}511$ (range, 151~2,209). The year-round sex ratio of female to male was 1 : 0.90. The total length in this population indicated that the below-40 mm group is one year old, 40~52 mm group is two years old, 52~65 mm group is three years old, and the longer-than-65 mm group is over four years old. There were no differences in total length distribution between the males and females. Nests were built up at a water depth of $13.7{\pm}5.8$ (5~31) cm and a current velocity of $9.6{\pm}4.8$ (10~19) cm/sec. Brood size (egg number) of the parental male was $1,974{\pm}1810$ (egg number = $95.022_{TL}-3507$, $r^2=0.3591$, N = 33). Newly hatched larvae that drifted downstream to the lake returned to the stream during late June to August; the smallest size in this population was 20 mm in total length.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.11-23
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to identify the ecological characteristics and biological interactions between species of the abandoned rice paddy field in mountainous areas and to suggest a management strategy for stable food chain formation and biodiversity enhancement. The study site is located in Uldae wetland of Songchu district Bukhansan National Park, site characteristics and biological habitat characteristics were identified through site survey and literature survey. With regard to physical environment, among geographical features, the Uldae Wetland and the neighborhood inside the basin was a gently sloping area($5{\sim}15^{\circ}$). And 64.0% of basin faced the north. With regard to water environment, the Uldae Wetland was wetland of rainfed paddy field depending on precipitation and the system of stream flowing into the wetland from valley. According to the results of examining flora in plant ecology, in general, they were herbaceous wetland species. 88.6% of existing plants inside the Uldae Wetland basin was a forest in the mountain. And Quercus spp. community and Pinus densiflora community accounted for 64.6% of that, and was dominant. Except for that, Salix koreensis community was distributed. The existing vegetation of Uldae Wetland inhabited wetland species and terrestrialization indicator species, and it was thought that partial terrestrialization inside the Uldae Wetland was in progress after the discontinuation of paddy cultivation, such as the expansion of Salix koreensis distribution area. In the status of appearing faunae in the Uldae Wetland with regard to wildbirds of appearing principal species, The Uldae wetland was based on a abandoned rice paddy field various wildlife, and was a wildlife feeding, spawning, and resting place. The water environment was an important factor in maintaining the wetland living creatures function, habitat of waterbirds and benthic macroinvertebrates, amphibians and odonate are spawning ground and habitat, it was affecting the vegetation ecosystem based on wetlands. In order to maintain the diversity of wildlife, it was important to maintain smooth water supply and water level. A stable food chain will be formed and the Uldae wetland biodiversity will be abundant by establishing the relationship between the species of Uldae wetland, which is abandoned rice paddy field, and the habitat environment favored by species belonging to the ecosystem stepwise linkage. The ecological characteristics of the Uldae wetlands and the relation between the species were analyzed and the environmental conditions were reflected in the planning and management plan of Uldae wetland ecology.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.429-436
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• 2013

Churyeong Stream flows 37km from the mouth of Lake Okjeong and is impeded by many weirs that hamper the active movement of land-locked sweet smelt fish (Plecoglossus altivelis) that ascend and descend between the lake and the upper stream. In late December 2006, a fishway was constructed in a weir of the lower reach of Churyeong Stream, where juveniles begin their ascent to mature upstream. At 13 sites along the stream from April to October 2007, we investigated the effects of the newly constructed fishway on sweet smelt growth. After construction of the fishway, juvenile sweet smelt were able to migrate freely upstream, something that had previously only been possible when the weir was in flood. The body size of mature sweet smelt collected during the spawning season in September 2007 was greatly increased compared to previous seasons, measuring an average of $163{\pm}21.5mm$ in standard length. These measurements were 13mm, 20mm, and 57mm longer than body length averages for mature sweet smelt collected in 2006, 2004, and 2005, respectively. Therefore, it is likely to be necessary for the construction of fishways on streams and rivers containing land-locked sweet smelt populations to increase average body sizes and viability.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.256-265
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• 2019

We investigated the ecological characteristics of Phoxinus phoxinus in the spring water in Eocheon stream from January to December 2016. The water temperature was $9.7{\sim}14.3^{\circ}C$ and remained below $15^{\circ}C$ throughout the year. The fishes cohabiting with minnow were Rhynchocypris kumgangensis (70.14%), Cottus koreanus (13.63%), Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (3.16%), Oncorhynchus mykiss (0.97%), Zacco koreanus (0.49%), and Iksookimia koreensis (0.24%). The sex ratio of female to male was 1:0.86. The frequency analysis of total length indicated that the fishes with the total length of 30 - 50 mm were one year old, those of 50 - 65 mm were two years old, those of 65 - 75 mm were three years old, and those of 75 mm or more were four years old. The sexually mature fishes were 50 mm or longer for female and 60 mm or longer for male. The spawning season was from April to July, and the water temperature was $12.3-14.3^{\circ}C$ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was from June to July, and the water temperature was $13.8-4.3^{\circ}C$ during the period. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 508 per matured female, and the matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of $1.58{\pm}0.13mm$. The length-weight correlation of P. phoxinus was $BW=0.000007TL^{3.09}$ with the constant a as 0.000007 and the parameter b as 3.09. The condition factor (K) was 0.99 (0.76 - 1.32) in average.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.277-284
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• 2021

This study surveyed the ecological characteristics of Squalidus gracilis majimae at Nakdong River tributary Sinan Stream from January to December 2020. The species inhabited the riverbed that was mostly covered with gravel and sand. The water depth was 27-158 cm, and the average was rather deep at 54 cm. The stream velocity was slow at 0.41±0.19 (0.24-0.86) m/sec. The gender ratio of females to males was 1:0.73. According to the total length-frequency distribution, the age indicated that the group with less than 50 mm in total length was one year old, the group with 70-69 mm was two years old, and the group over 70 mm was three years old. The total length of sexually mature fishes was 50 mm for females and 60 mm for males. The spawning season was from June to July, and the water temperature was 20.9-23.4℃ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was July. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 1,009 (595-1,630) per matured female, and the matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 0.78±0.08 (0.57-0.83) mm. The live foods were S. gracilis majimae Protozoa, attached algae, zooplankton, and aquatic insects. The feeding habits of S. gracilis majimae are omnivorous, but more than 80% of the stomach content was aquatic insects, Chironomidae spp. The larger the size of this species, the greater the amount and frequency of eating aquatic insects, which are animal feeds. The population that ate aquatic insects did not eat vegetable food.