• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.45-67
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• 2008

Ocean climate variables ($1900{\sim}2005$), time series of catches ($1910{\sim}2005$) and body size data were used to assess the year-to-year and decadal scale fluctuations in abundance of the fish populations (Japanese sardine, anchovy, jack mackerel, chub mackerel, Pacific saury and common squid) that have spawning grounds in the East China Sea and its adjacent regions. A negative correlation between the abundance of pelagic fishes (e.g. jack mackerel) in the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) region and the Kuroshio-Oyashio Current (KOC) region was attributed to the climatic modulation of larval transport and recruitment, which depends on the winter monsoon-induced drift, current systems, and spawning season and site. The changes in abundance and alternation of dominant fish populations in the two regions in the 1930s, 1970s, and late 1980s mirrored changes in the climate indices (ALPI, AOI and MOI). Oscillations in the decadal climate shifts between the two regions led to zonal differences in larval transport and recruitment, and hence differences in the abundance of the pelagic fish populations. During deep Aleutian Lows, as in the 1980s, larval transport from the East China Sea to the KOC region increases in association with the strong winter Asian monsoon, cool regime and increased volume transport of the Kuroshio Current systems, whereas during a weak Aleutian Low (as in the 1990s), larval transport to the TWC region increased in association with a weak winter Asian monsoon, a warm regime, and increased volume transport of the Tsushima current system. We postulate that the increased chub mackerel abundance in the TWC region and the decreased abundance in the KOC region in the 1990s are partly attributed to changes in recruitment and availability to the fishing fleets under the warm regime in the spawning and nursery grounds in the East China Sea in association with the quasi-steady state of mild winter monsoon in the 1990s. The fluctuations in chub mackerel and jack mackerel abundance are under the environment-dependant growth form, although the tropicalization was identified in the TWC region. The density-dependant growth form was found in Japanese sardine populations, but no tropicalization by fishing was identified in the long ($10{\sim}15$ year) periods of abundance despite their short ($3{\sim}4$ year) generation time, suggesting that the environment-dependant growth form drove the changes in abundance. Year-to-year and decadal scale variations in abundance and population structure of the Pacific saury responded to climate regime shifts (1976/1977, 1988/1989), suggesting that the fish is a key bio-indicators for changes in the ecosystem.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.202-215
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the spawning preference of the Acheilognathinae fishes in relation to the shell size of host mussels after identifying the species of eggs and fries in the host mussel using our recently developed RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular marker at four sites [Hongcheon Naechoncheon (HN) and Deokchicheon (HD) from the North Han River basin and Jeongseon Goljicheon (JG) and Joyanggang (JJ) from the South Han River] in South Korea during May in each year between 2015 and 2018. The Acheilognathinae fish observed in the studied sites included one species (Acheilognathus signifer) in HN and JG, three species (Rhodeus uyekii, A. signifer, and Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in HD, and two species (A. signifer and Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in JJ, and we collected 982 host mussels (Unio douglasiae sinuolatus) that inhabited in all four sites. Using the RFLP molecular marker, we confirmed 46 eggs and fry of the Acheilognathinae fish (454 A. signifer, 43 Acheilognathus yamatsutae, and 149 Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in Unio douglasiae sinuolatus (N=163; 16.6%). We compare the average shell length, shell height, and shell width of mussels with [presence] eggs/fry and mussels without [absence] eggs/fry to examine the spawning preference according to the size of host mussels in each site. The results show that the shell length (1.98 mm), shell height (0.85 mm), and shell width (0.73 mm) of mussels with the eggs/fry were significantly larger (Mann-Whitney U test, P=0.002; difference=1.98 mm) than those of mussel without eggs/fry in HD where three species cohabitated. Although the shell length, shell height, and shell width of mussels with the eggs/fry were larger also in the other three sites, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, we analyzed the mean number of spawned eggs and fry of each species and found $9.31{\pm}5.94$ R. uyekii, $2.86{\pm}2.45$ A.signifer, and $2.50{\pm}1.32$ A. yamatsutae. R. uyekii spawned 6.45-6.81 more eggs than A.signifer and A. yamatsutae on average per mussel, and it was statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the three species of Acheilognathinae fish tend to prefer larger mussels as their spawning hosts, and this tendency increases when the number of cohabitating bitterling fish species increases. Moreover, A.signifer and A. yamatsutae spawned a smaller number of eggs evenly in more host mussels while R. uyekii spawned many eggs on relatively fewer mussels. We found mussels (N=4) having the eggs/fry of two coexisting species, A. signifier and A. yamatsutae in HD and JJ where more than two bitterling fish species occurred. It suggests the interspecific competition taking place between the Acheilognathinae fishes for utilizing the same resource of mussels for spawning when two or more species cohabitate. This study is expected help to understand better the spawning patterns and reproductive ecology of the Acheilognathinae fishes, which will provide insightful information for advancing our understanding of their ecological relationships - mutualism or host-parasitism - with host mussels.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.543-562
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• 1996

Zooplankton community structure and the factors correlated with community differences were examined in sandusky Bay (SB) and the open water of Lake Erie (LE, U.S.A.). SB zooplankton communities differed from those in LE by having a greater rotifer density and species richness. Keratella spp., Brachionus spp., and Pompholyx complanata dominated SB rotifers; Brachionus and Pompholyx were rarely seen in LE. Of 19 rotifer species observed, nine species were found only at SB sites. Ordination of zooplankton species abundance by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) showed an overlap between SB and LE sites, but indicated a portion of the space that was occupied by only SB communities. The seasonal trajectories of zooplankton dynamics in the ordination space at SB sites differed from that of LE. The zooplankton most important in forcing site separation along a DCA Axis I at SB sites were Brachionus angularis, Pompholyx complanata, Keratella valga, Keratella quadrata, Filinia terminalis (rotifers), and Eubosmina coregoni and Daphnia (cladocerans). These species had axis scores which were significantly correlated (p<0.01) with bacterial density and bacterial phosphorus, total phosphorus, and algal density. Very high baterial density and very abundant bacterivorous rotifers in SB suggest that the transport of bacterial carbon through rotifers may be a relatively important link to higher trophic leaels. We believe that this "microbial carbon flow" from the base of the food web may be important in determining the suitability of SB as a spawning site and nursery for larval and juvenile fish.nile fish.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2014

This study was conducted to observe the spawning behavior and early life histroy of elegant blenny, Omobranchus elegans reared in the laboratory. The elegant blenny were caught at Dolsan lsland, Yeosu-si, Jeollanamdo from June in 2012. As a result of observeation, male fish attracted female continuously and guide lead to spawning site and clean the surface of inner pant in oyster shell or barnacle shell. Female left after spawning and male protected their eggs until they had hatched out. The fertilized eggs were spherical in shape (mean diameter: 1.06 mm; mean oil globule diameter: 0.24 mm) and transparent. Larvae hatched at 203 hrs 40 mins after fertilization at $25.5{\sim}28.5^{\circ}C$ (mean $27.0^{\circ}C$). The newly hatched larvae were 3.04~3.09mm(mean 3.06 mm, n=10) in total length and their mouth and anus were already opened. They began to eat rotifer and transformed to postarvae stage. 10 days after hatching postlarvae was measured 6.39~6.45mm(mean 6.42 mm, n=10) in total length. 60 days after hatching juvenile was measured 21.5~22.2 mm (mean 21.8 mm, n=10) in total length with dosal fin rays XI-22; ventral fin rays I-2; anal fin rays II-23; caudal fin rays 21; pectoral fin rays 13.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.76-87
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of and to derive future maintenance-management measures of the constructed alternative habitat for the Kaloula borealis at the University of Seoul, examining the period between 2015-2017. The research was constructed in 2014 and in a $191m^2$ area. The performance evaluation was divided into maintaining the habitat of the target species, maintaining the population and reproduction rates of the target species, maintaining the habitat of the wild species, the resilience of natural ecosystems, and the harmony with the surrounding environment. In terms of maintaining the habitat of the target species, soil collected from the existing habitat of the Kaloula borealis and was the depth was increased to 30cm in the alternative habitat. An artificial water supply was required every year during the supporting the spawning and hatching of other amphibians along with the Kaloula borealis. The sources of water of the alternative habitat were both rain and tap water, as it cannot be maintained naturally. Additionally, the Kaloula borealis thrived because it inhabited the research site and the average temperature was $26.2^{\circ}C$ from April-June, which is when the Kaloula borealis spawns. In terms of maintaining the population and reproduction rates of the Kaloula borealis, they were evaluated to have stable rates of reproduction. In terms of maintaining the habitat of the wild species, studies on vegetation and the structure of the characteristics of prey or predators will be needed. Also, alien species, such as Humulus japonicus and Bidens frondosa needed to be removed to maintain the wetland ecosystem of the wild species. In the assessment of the resilience of the natural ecosystems, the mud was monitored, noting the changes in the depth of water, with steps taken to reduce the leakage of water. The mud collected from the Haneul Pond wetland, which is located around the research site was piled up. Also, partial mowing management and the inducement of a natural vegetation colony was required for vegetation management. It was also necessary to create porous spaces, such as old trees and tree branches to create a habitat with hiding places and feeding and spawning places for small organisms. In terms of the harmony with the surrounding environment, the following threat factors needed to be managed: amphibian roadkill by vehicles and pedestrians and artificial draining due to nearby user access. Based on the monitoring results, alternative habitat management measures presented the promoting various waterside structures, in which amphibians can spawn and hide in, managing the water environment consistently, managing the vegetation, focused on the habitat of the wild species, and managing the surrounding environment for the habitat. The creation of an alternative habitat should be managed through monitoring, reflecting the characteristics of the changes in the site. Also continuing efforts are also needed to improve the habitat of the target species.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.267-274
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• 2016

Cichlid fish species exhibit characteristic sexual behaviors according to not only reproductive stages but also social status. In a reproductive season, Astatotilapia burtoni males compete for females and a small number of dominant winners finally obtain the chance of spermiation. In addition to the characteristic behaviors, the dominant males have relatively bigger gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) neurons in the preoptic area (POA) of brain compared to those of subordinate males. Although the stimulatory effect of GnRH1 in vertebrate reproduction is well established, little is known about the triggering signal pathway to control GnRH1 neurons and GnRH1-mediated sexual behavior. In the present study, we evaluated the potential effect of TOR inhibitor rapamycin in relation to the cichlid male behaviors and GnRH1 neuron. After 14 h and 26 h of intraventricular injection of rapamycin, behavior patterns of chasing and courtship display did not show significant changes between rapamycin- and DMSO-injected males. Behaviors of spawning site entry increased in rapamycin-injected fish at 26 h post-injection than at 14 h post-injection significantly (P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was a tendency that GnRH1 neurons' soma size in the POA shrank by rapamycin injection, whereas the testes did not show notable changes. Taken together, these results suggest the possible role of TOR signal on GnRH1-mediated sexual behavior in cichlid dominant males, although further biological characterization of the TOR signaling pathway will be required to clarify this matter.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.140-149
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• 2010

We determined the seasonal gonad maturation in Strongylocentrotus nudus sea urchins inhabiting an artificially enhanced seaweed forest along the Samchuk Coast of Korea from April 2006 to March 2007. A total of 30 sea urchins per month were collected from the study area, and gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad index (GI), egg diameter, and RNA/DNA variation were measured for each specimen. GSI values of female and male urchins achieved maximums of 17.6 and 17.0, respectively, in June. Based on histological studies, maximum GI values occurred in July (4.6 for females and 4.8 for males). A mean ovarian egg diameter of $73.7\;\pm\;14.2\;{\mu}m$ was measured in August; during the main spawning period in September, mean egg diameter reached a maximum of $74.2\;\pm\;17.8\;{\mu}m$. The RNA/DNA ratio and RNA content for both males and females showed a distinct peak during the ripe stage in July, but another peak occurred in the spring season from March to April, when urchins deposit protein into the nutritive phagocytes of immature gonads prior to gametogenesis. The reproductive cycle of S. nudus is divided into five stages: early active (December-May), late active (March-July), ripe (July-September), spent and degenerative (August-November), and inactive (October-February). Our continuous removal of sea urchins from the study area did not influence the reproductive cycle, as populations quickly recovered, and achieved normal gonad development cycle in the site.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.49-62
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• 2020

This study was conducted as a basic study to develop the HSI(Habitat Suitability Index) model of Pelophylax chosenicus based on the research on the ecological and habitat status of Pelophylax chosenicus and the literature research on the HSI model. The habitat variables of Pelophylax chosenicus are the altitude of the spawning pond, the habitat area, the distance from wetland, the soil(aptitude grade for paddy field), the place for eating such as paddy field and wetlands(land cover) and the distance from Predator(Lithobates catesbeianus) distribution area. Based on the existing literature of Pelophylax chosenicus, the results of field surveys and expert opinions, the SI(Suitability Index) model and HSI model were developed and applied to the site to examine the applicability of the HSI model. As a result of application, SI 4 and SI 5 with varying SI values seem to have a major influence on the HSI. In addition, it is considered that the HSI model is an arithmetic mean of SI models, which has a major impact on HSI. The HSI model can be an important basis for the habitat evaluation and restoration model of Pelophylax chosenicus. In particular, it is highly applicable to the selection and evaluation of alternative habitats for Pelophylax chosenicus.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2008

An eco-washland is increasingly getting attentions as a new alternative plan for management of water resources because of role as flooding control and ecological park without social and ecological side effects. However, there is a lack of study regarding technological development and ecological guidelines to create eco-washland. This study was carried out to suggest ecological guidelines necessary for engineering process to create eco-washland. A study site was the lower reach of Seokjang stream connecting to Yimjin river, a candidate of new eco-washland, and Kumsa area in Namhan river was selected as a reference site. The analysis of ecological characteristics focused on vegetation, fishes, and birds. Major vegetation communities, composed of dominant species such as Salix koreensis, Salix gracylistyla, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Phragmites communis, etc., formed physical conditions along with other land uses including open water, sandbar, cultivated land, etc. Dominant species of fishes were some species belonging to Cyprinidae and Acheilognathinae, and in case of birds Anser albifrons, Anas platyrhychos, Anas poecilorhyncha belonging to waterbirds and Paradoxornis webbinanus dependent to forest edge were dominantly distributed. The results showed that complex wetland types associated with partially deep water and upland was the optimal eco-hydrological condition of washland. Cyprinidae and Acheilognathinae in case of fish and Egretta spp. (spring season) and Anas spp. (winter season) in case of bird were selected as target species for the these wetland types. Finally, a detail planning criteria to create habitats of these target species were discussed in terms of spawning, breeding, feeding, resting, refuge, nesting, etc.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.2 s.98
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• pp.63-70
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• 2002

Long-term changes of the fish fauna and its community structure from the Jungrang Creek of the Han River system in Seoul were investigeted from 1990 to 2000. Total species occurred during the survey period were 14 species in 6 families, and total individual number was 108,366. Fishes at the Jungrang Creek had not been distributed in the 1980s and 1990 because of heavy water pollution as well as environmental damage in the riparian areas. However, Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus in cyprinidae were rehabitated since the early 1990s when the water quality was improved because of foundation of sewage division pipe. Species nombers gradually increased to 6 species in 1996, 9 species in 1998, and 11 species in 2000. Individual numbers rapidly increased to 164 individuals in 1996, 146 individuals in 1998, and 108,094 individuals in 2000. A large number of Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus, which are abundantly distributed in the main course of the Han River, were found when they migrate to the upper reaches of the Jungrang Creek for spawning. Mass fish floatings were occurred on the 21st of April and the 11th of June in 2000 due to DO depletion at the lower site (Site 4) of discharging point of Jungrang sewage treatment plant and stagnant spot(Site 3) of dammed pool. Major dominant species were Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus (Cyprinidae). Others dominant species were Pseudorasbora lab대 (Cyprinidae) and Silurus asotus (Siluridae). Dominance indices were relatively high (0.79 to 1.00). Species diversity andrichness indices were relatively low (0 to 1.66and 0 to 1.41, respectively). Species diversity and richness indices were slightly higher at the middle reaches (Site 2 and Site 3) than the upper reaches and the mouth of the Jungrang Creek. However, the fish fauna of the Jungrang Creek was very poor and its community structure was very simple.