• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.20-29
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• 2004

Macrobenthos species-area relationship was investigated and empirical models were estimated to enable comparisons among species numbers of different sample size. The study aims to choose a way to predict cumulative relative species number (CRSN) in a given sample size Saemangeum, located in the west coast of South Korea, were visited in Apr., May and Aug.,2002 and a total of 261 biological samples from 87 stations were obtained by employing a quantitative sediment sampler, Smith-McIntyre grab and design of 3 replicates at each station. Relative species numbers (%) were baselined at sample size of 1000 $\textrm{cm}^2$ and the patterns of CRSN along the axis of sample size were measured and observed. In correlation analysis performed on a set of abiotic and biotic variables, log-transformed CRSN showed the only significant relationship with log-transformed density. Based on the result, three models, Log CRSN 2000, Log CRSN 3000 and Log CRSN were produced. The former two were devised to predict CRSN at 2000 and 3000 $\textrm{cm}^2$ respectively, and the latter at various sample sizes and samplers (all p-values were <0.001). Database from other studies (intertidal or subtidal macrofaunal samples from Kyonggi Bay and Saemangeum) were used to evaluate validity of the models. Observed CRSN below sample size of 3000 $\textrm{cm}^2$ fell under the range of 95% prediction interval and this was appeared to provide reliability of the models below that sample size.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.303-312
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• 2008

Despite the impacts of the climate changes on the pelagic ecosystem, few studies have examined the pelagic-benthic coupling in the adjacent East China Sea and Korea Strait. Therefore, the species composition and abundance of the macrobenthic community, as well as the potential food sources of benthic fauna were investigated in the present study using stable isotope analysis (${\delta}^{13}C\;and\;{\delta}^{15}N$) for suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM), sedimentary organic matter (SOM), phytoplankton, and zooplankton. A total of 157 macrobenthic fauna were collected, and the density of the macrobenthic fauna ranged from 4 to 434 ind./0.25 $m^2$, with an average density of 149 ind./0.25 $m^2$. The density of the benthic fauna increased moving from offshore shelf sites to coastal sites adjacent to the Korea Strait. Cluster analysis showed that the macrobenthic communities consisted of three distinct groups: group A in the Korea Strait, group B in the East China Sea, and group C near Ieodo. The dominant species in group A were the amphipods Photis japonica and Ampelisca miharaensis, followed by the polychaete Scolotoma longifolia. Environmental variables, such as the temperature of the seawater and sediment, and oxygen, and chlorophyll a levels, appeared to affect the structure of the community, suggesting the importance of coupling with the pelagic system. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of SPOM and zooplankton ranged from -22.97 to -23.5% and -19.92 to -21.86%, respectively, showing a relatively narrow range(<1%) between the two components. The difference between the ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of SOM and pelagic organic matter was also within 1%, suggesting that the SOM originated from the pelagic system, which is an important factor controlling the macrobenthic community.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.491-503
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• 2014

This study was performed to investigate the community structure and health assessment of macrobenthic assemblages in Garorim Bay, West Coast of Korea. Macrobenthos were collected by van Veen grab sampler at May(spring) and July(summer) 2012. A total of 247 species occurred and mean density was $1,625\;ind.\;m^{-2}$, both of which were dominated by annelid polychaetes(120 species and $1,241m^{-2}$). Dominant species were the polychaetes Ampharete arctica, Lumbrineris longifolia, Mediomastus californiensis and Euclymene oerstedi, with a density of 445(${\pm}1,837\;ind.\;m^{-2}$), 103(${\pm}148\;ind.\;m^{-2}$), 55(${\pm}83\;ind.\;m^{-2}$) and 50(${\pm}104\;ind.\;m^{-2}$), respectively. The study area was divided into 3 station group based on the cluster analysis and nMDS ordination. These assemblage were : 1)the group 1 and 2 were associated with coarse sediment dominated stations and 2)the group 3 was connected with a mixed and fine sediment dominated stations group. The BPI and AMBI index were applied to assess the benthic ecological status. The ecological status of the Garorim Bay was "good status(slightly polluted)" to "high status(normal)" at most sampling stations during spring and summer. In conclusion, the two marine biotic index calculated shown that the Garorim Bay had a good ecological status.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.69-88
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• 2005

Distribution of benthic macrofauna was surveyed in the subtidal area and on the sand flat of Sindu-ri coast during July 2002. A total of 134 species, 3,511 individuals and 388g biomass of macrobenthos were sampled inclusively from the study sites. 109 species with a mean density of $1,298ind./m^2$ and biomass of $69.4g/m^2$ were collected from 10 stations established in the subtidal area. Polychaetes were represented as a dominant faunal group of the subtidal area in both species richness and density with values of 54 species and $813ind./m^2$. Cluster analysis based on the faunal composition showed that the subtidal area could be divided into four stational groups according to sedimentary characteristics: Cirrophorus armatus - Lumbrineris longifolia association on the mud sediment with pebbles near aqua-farms; Aonides oxycephala association on the rocky bed; Scoloplos armiger - Grandifoxus cuspis association on the sand-dominated sediment along the lowest low water; a association with higher evenness on the sand-dominated sediment in the depth. Although having characteristics of high value in species richness, density and species diversity, the macrobenthic association around the farming area was dominated by the opportunistic species such as Lumbrineris longifolia and Tharyx sp. Natural community represented by S. armiger and G. cuspis was developed in most sand-dominated areas. 50 species were sampled with a mean density of $2,443ind./m^2$ and biomass of $381.3g/m^2$ from eight+ stations along two transects on Sindu-ri sand flat. Mollusks were represented as a dominant faunal group of the sand flat in species richness, density and biomass with values of 20 species, $1,345ind./m^2$ and $350.4g/m^2$, respectively. Umbonium thomasi, Veneridae sp., Mandibulophoxus mai, Armandia lanceolata, Eohaustorius spinigerus, Urothoe convexa were dominant species and these species accounted for over 83% of total individuals. There were three distinct zones of macrobenthos on Sindu-ri sand flat according to the extent of exposure time. The upper zone was dominated by Scopimera globosa, the middle zone was characterized by M. mai, and the lower zone was dominated by E. spinigerus. Sindu-ri coastal area was considered as a healthy habitat for macrobenthos, except for around the farming area. It was considered that Sindu-ri coastal area including the sand flat connected to the sand dune of natural monument was a valuable habitat as a protected site in having no pollution source and no artificial structure.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.299-312
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• 2013

This study analyzed the species composition and density of a macrobenthic community according to variations in the thermal discharge volumes of a nuclear power plant before, during, and after the shutdown of the nuclear power plant during two periods. In this study, 369 macrobenthic fauna species were collected, and their mean density was 1,712 ind. $m^{-2}$. The number of species and diversity of macrobenthic fauna decreased with distance from the thermal discharge area, regardless of whether the nuclear plant shutdown or not. Many macrobenthic taxa appeared near the thermal discharge area, but polychaetes species were more prominent in outer areas than at the discharge area. The density of macrobenthic fauna decreased with distance from the thermal discharge area during a plant shutdown in the fall of 2011, but increased, except at two sites, near the discharge area in the winter of 2012. Cluster analysis indicated that the spatial distribution of the macrobenthic community changed in areas near the nuclear power plant after a shutdown period; that is, the station group I, in areas near the nuclear power plant, became narrower after the shutdown, but it recovered to previously occupied areas after the nuclear power plant began operating again. Opportunistic species, such as the polychaetes Lumbrineris longifolia (= Scoletoma longifolia) and Mediomastus californiensis, which were present in high densities near thermal discharge areas, decreased after the shutdown but recovered after the plant re-opened. The number of species and diversity of the macrofauna and the density of dominant species showed a significant correlation with temperature, except in winter periods. The results of this study revealed that changes in the amount of thermal discharge before and after the shutdown of a nuclear power plant could exert an influence on the structure of macrobenthic community within the thermal discharge areas depending on the season.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.57-72
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• 2004

Macrobenthic fauna were studied on a tidal flat in Garolim Bay in July 2002, in order to understand their spatial distribution with the surface sediment types. Forty-nine stations were set on the tidal flat. A total of 147 species was sampled with the mean density of $1,140ind./m^2$ and the mean biomass of $157.2g/m^2$. The polychaetes were speices- and density-dominant faunal group with 64 species and the mean density of $791ind./m^2$. Mollusks were biomass-dominant faunal group with $132.0g/m^2$. Major dominant species were two polychaetes, Mediomastus californiensis with the mean density of $374ind./m^2$ and Heteromastus filiformis with $224ind./m^2$. Also mollusks such as Umbonium thomasi, Batillaria cumingi and Ruditapes philippinarum was relatively high in the mean density, showing the density of 45, 42, $32ind./m^2$ respectively. Especially, U. thomas was distributed in the mouth of the bay, where sediment grain size is rather coarse, and R. philippinarum at near tidal channel. Based on the cluster analysis, the macrobenthic community on the tidal flat was classified into seven station groups depending on the benthic environmental parameters(sediment types). Compared with other Korean tidal flats, species richness of Garolim tidal flats is more and less low.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.343-352
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• 1998

The relationship between summer hypoxia in bottom water layer and benthic community structure was discussed at forty sampling stations in semi-enclosed Youngsan River estuarine bay, Korea. The oxygen deficient layer less than $2.0 mg/\ell$ was widely developed in the inner estuarine stations in summer due to the summer stratification. A total of 141 species was occurred, with a mean density of $1,923 ind./m^2$ and biomass of $79.44\;g/m^2$ in summer season. The species number was significantly increased with the increment of the bottom dissolved oxygen, whereas density and biomass were partially correlated within the low oxygen level of $2.0\;mg/\ell$. These results imply that benthic community structures are affected by bottom oxygen depletion in summer. Cluster analysis showed that the benthic community could be classified into three station groups. These station groups from the species composition coincided with the groups based on the environmental factors. This fact suggests that the overall spatial distribution of macrozoobenthos in Youngsan River estuarine bay in summer should be controlled by the summer hypoxia and clay content of the area. Group-I was located the innermost estunrine bay from Mokpo Harbour to near the dike, where summer hypoxia was developed and one bivalve Theora fragilis, two polychaetes, Tharyx sp. and Lumbrineris longifolia were dominated. Group-II, the central transitory area of the estuarine bay between two another stational groups, where two bivalves Theora fragilis, Raetellops pulchella and a polychaete Tharyx sp. predominated with relatively low density compared to that of Group-I. Group-III, the mouth part of the estunrine bay exposed to the open sea, where a polychaetes Poecilochaetus johnsoni and a bivalve Yoldia Johanni predominated.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.27-41
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate the community structure and health assessment of macrobenthic assemblages in Geoje-Hansan Bay, Southern Coast of Korea. Macrobenthos were collected by van Veen grab sampler at May (spring) and August (summer) 2013. The total species number and mean density were 300 species $7.6m^{-2}$ and $1,994ind.\;m^{-2}$, respectively. The major dominant species were the polychaetes Lumbrineris longifolia ($299{\pm}164ind.\;m^{-2}$), Aphelochaeta monilaris ($100{\pm}57ind.\;m^{-2}$), the bivalve Musculista senhousia ($91{\pm}96ind.\;m^{-2}$) and the polychaete Praxillella affinis ($80{\pm}66ind.\;m^{-2}$). From the community statistics [cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimentional scaling (NMDS) ordination], the macrobenthic community was distinguished into two groups of inner bay (farming ground of near Sandal Island) and channel station(from Hansan Island to Chubong Island) group. In this study, the ecological status was assessed by four biotic indices Shannon's H', the ATZI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) and the Environment Conservation Index (ECI). The ecological status of the macrobenthic community in Geoje-Hansan Bay were poorer in the inner bay station than in the channel station. The results of the present study showed that three biotic indices (Shannon's H', M-AMBI and ECI) were valid as an index for evaluating the ecological status than the AMBI.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.133-142
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the community structure of the macrobenthic invertebrates around Ui Island, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea. Benthic invertebrates were collected during May and September 2008 at seven stations. A total of 63 macrobenthic species was collected. The overall average macrobenthos density and biomass were 268 inds. $m^{-2}$ and 11.54 gWWt $m^{-2}$, respectively. Based on abundance data, there were 5 dominant species accounting for approximately 72.00% of total individuals. The polychaetes Notomastus latericeus, Scolelepis sagittaria, Amaeana occidentalis, Glycera chirori and the amphipoda Mandibulophoxus mai were found in high densities. The conventional multi-variate statistics (cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling) applied to assess spatial variation in macrobenthic assemblages. As a result, three communities could be distinguished: a sand dominated, a mixed sediment and a third community in the mud dominated station. The community in the sand dominated station was characterized by high abundance of the polychaetes S. sagittaria and the amphipods M. mai, Monoculodes sp. and Grandifoxus malipoensis. However, the most common species within the mixed sediment station were the polychaetes N. latericeus, A. occidentalis and amphipoda Urothoe sp.. Finally the mud dominated station was numerically dominated by the polychaetes Scolelepis sp., Heteromastus filiformis and Sigambra tentaculata. In conclusion, the sediment composition may be important factors controlling of the macrobenthic community structure in the study area.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.175-187
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• 1997

Benthic community structure was studied in Chinhae Bay during 3 years from June 1987 to May 1990, based on the samples from 12 stations on the seasonal, bimonthly or monthly basis (lim and Hong, 1994a, b). A total of 287 species was sampled with mean density of $1045.5\;ind./m^2$ and biomass of $98.48g/m^2$ during studyperiods. Of these species, there were 91 species of crustaceans $(31.7\%)$, 88 of polychaetes $(30.7\%)$, 56 of molluscs $(19.5\%)$, 22 of echinoderms and 30 of the micellaneous species. Polychaetes were density-dominant faunal group with a density of $824.7\;ind./m^2$, comprising of $18.6\%$ of the total density of the benthic animals. It was followed by molluscs with $14.62\;ind./m^2$ $($14.4\%\;of\;the\;total\;density)$ crustaceans with $50.5\;ind/m^2\;(4.6\%)$ and echinoderms with $13.4\;ind/m^2\;(4.6\%)$. Molluscs were the biomass-dominant faunal group with a mean biomass of $54.62\;g/m^2$. It was followed by polychaetes with $21.74\;g/m^2$ and echinoderms with $6.66\;g/m^2$. Based on community analysis, species richness, diversity and evenness showed decreasing trends toward the inner bay from outer stations, whereas dominance showed increasing. The three most dominant species Lumbrineris longifolia, Paraprionospio pinnata and Theora fragilis had densities over $40\%$ of the total density of benthic organisms in Chinhae Bay. Seasonal changes of benthic communities in the inner bay were high compared to those of the outer bay. It was mainly due to the occurrence of hypoxic condition in the inner area of the bay. Cluster analysis showed that the benthic community could be divided into four stational groups, that is, Group 1, the innermost area, which received the most heavy anthropogenic effects including seawage and waste water, Group II, the central area of the bay, Group III, the transitional area, Group IV, the mouth pan of the bay exposed to the open sea. The areal groups based on the environmental factors coincided with the zonal groups from the species composition. This fact suggests that the overall spatial distribution of macrobenthos in Chinhae Bay was controlled by the sediment organic carbon content of the bay.