• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.395-405
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• 2013

The aim of this study is to suggest an optimal survey method for coastal habitat monitoring around Weno Island in Chuuk Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This study was carried out to compare and analyze differences between in situ survey (PHOTS) and high spatial satellite imagery (Worldview-2) with regard to the coastal habitat distribution patterns of Weno Island. The in situ field data showed the following coverage of habitat types: sand 42.4%, seagrass 26.1%, algae 14.9%, rubble 8.9%, hard coral 3.5%, soft coral 2.6%, dead coral 1.5%, others 0.1%. The satellite imagery showed the following coverage of habitat types: sand 26.5%, seagrass 23.3%, sand + seagrass 12.3%, coral 18.1%, rubble 19.0%, rock 0.8% (Accuracy 65.2%). According to the visual interpretation of the habitat map by in situ survey, seagrass, sand, coral and rubble distribution were misaligned compared with the satellite imagery. While, the satellite imagery appear to be a plausible results to identify habitat types, it could not classify habitat types under one pixel in images, which in turn overestimated coral and rubble coverage, underestimated algae and sand. The differences appear to arise primarily because of habitat classification scheme, sampling scale and remote sensing reflectance. The implication of these results is that satellite imagery analysis needs to incorporate in situ survey data to accurately identify habitat. We suggest that satellite imagery must correspond with in situ survey in habitat classification and sampling scale. Subsequently habitat sub-segmentation based on the in situ survey data should be applied to satellite imagery.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2018

We investigated natural habitat of seagrass and created replacement habitat to monitor for restoration of the habitat which is expected to be damaged at Cheonseong harbor in Busan. Depth of water for natural seagrass habitat at Cheonseong harbor was 1.2~3.1 m and the water temperature was 7.4℃, salt concentration was 29.1 psu and pH was 8.05 in January, 2013. The density of seagrass was 167.1±16.4 shoots m^-2, the total length was 48.5±18.1 cm, the height of sheath was 9.1±2.8 cm and the width of leaf was 4.8±1.1 cm, respectively. We transplanted in December 2014 and monitored the habitat during 9 months after transplanted. In the beginning, the density of seagrass was decreased to 8.5 shoots patch^-1 in January and was increased to 19.0 shoots patch^-1 in April. The total height were 73.3±2.9~121.3±6.1 cm, the length of sheath were 9.6±0.6-21.0±1.2 cm, the width of leaf were 5.7±0.1~6.8±0.2 mm. It showed that all values were increased steadily until July and was decreased rapidly in August. Flowering shoot, which was not observed in the beginning of transplanting, started to be spotted in March and was continued to be seen during the monitoring period. We were able to observe seedling of germinated seagrass in seeds in the replacement habitat next year.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.236-244
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• 2014

This study considered a seagrass habitat in order to analyze the characteristics of a marine environment of seagrass located in the Seomjin river estuary, through an analysis of the distribution of the water depth, field observation, and three-dimensional numerical experiments using an EFDC model. The seagrass habitat was usually distributed at D.L(-) 0.5~0.0 m, and was hardly seen in the intertidal zone higher than that range. The distribution of the water temperature was within the range of $7.0{\sim}23.2^{\circ}C$, and the seagrass was demonstrated to have a strong tolerance to changes in the water temperature. In addition, the salinity distribution was found to be 27.2~31.0 psu, with suspended solids of 32.1 mg/L, which were higher than the previous research results (Huh et al., 1998), implying that there may be a reduction in the amount of deposits caused by the suspended solids. As for the sedimentary facies, they were comprised of 62.7% sand, 19.1% silt, and 18.2% clay, indicating that the arenaceous was superior and the sedimentary facies were similar to that of Dadae Bay. According to a numerical experiment, the maximum tidal current was 75 cm/s, while the tidal residual current was 10 cm/s, confirming that it sufficiently adapted to strong tidal currents. The erosion and deposition are predicted to be less than 1.0 cm/year. Thus, it is judged that the resuspension of sediments due to tidal currents and the changes in sedimentary facies are insignificant.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.957-970
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• 2016

This study diagnosed the status of marine environmental impact assessment(MEIA) for project near the habitat of marine protected seagrass species such as Zostera caespitosa, Zostera asiatica, Phyllospadix iwatensis. For the preparation of a marine environmental impact statement, different monitoring parameters are used without any specific guideline for the assessment of current status. And also, both tools and techniques for MEIA are needed to improve for implementing. The monitoring plans and parameters are not considered well with the accuracy of the environmental predictions and effectiveness of any applicable mitigation measures. This study suggested the reasonable standard of the MEIA for the conservation of the marine protected seagrass species which have the habitat located near affected area. The inshore seagrasses need to be monitored including shoot count based on the "No Net Loss of Seagrass" as part of the monitoring parameters to assess the status of marine environment of environmental impact statement. In a process of effect prediction, we suggested a concentration of 10 mg/L suspended solids which added by the new developmental project near seagrasses habitat, referring to study of overseas case. But a further study for an appropriate standard is necessary effectively. In a mitigating process, priority needs to be considered in order of avoidance, minimization, reduction, compensation. In a post-monitoring process, it is necessary to monitor the seagrass species abundance to identify the variation of b/a (before and after) project. And in a case of implementing transplantation, survival rate need to be included to determine a success of project.

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

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the community structure and distributional pattern of meiobenthos on the sediment of the mangrove forest and seagrass bed in the Chuuk lagoon. The samples were collected by an acryl corer at 14 stations. Nematodes were the most abundant meiobenthos, followed by ciliophorans and polychaetes; these taxa comprised more than 70% of the total abundance at all stations. The meiofuuna sampled in seagrass bed were more diverse than those of mangrove substrates. Total densities were higher in mangrove stations than other sites, averaging 1,671 to $2,967inds/10cm^2$. Densities in seagrass area ranged between 605 and $1,053inds/10cm^2$. Biomasses, however, were higher in seagrass bed $(975-2,167{\mu}g\;free\;dry\;weight/10cm^2)$ than in mangrove area $(1,064-1,180{\mu}g\;free\;dry\;weight/10cm^2)$. Ordination chart by MDS of major meiofaunal density in each station showed difference between mangrove area and seagrass area in terms of habitat of meiobenthos.

• ALGAE
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 2007

Seagrass bed is an important component in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and habitats to a wide variety of marine organisms. Recently, seagrass coverage has declined significantly due to anthropogenic impacts such as cultural eutrophication and reclamation, and thus efforts are under way to prevent further losses and restore disturbed seagrass habitats worldwide. Seagrass transplantation techniques for habitat restoration include vegetative and seed-based methods. Seagrass seeds can be collected easily, and sowing seeds is an economically effective method for large-scale restoration. However, large numbers of seed can be lost by seed predation and physical disturbance in the planting areas. In the present study, Zostera marina seeds were coated with loess to reduce seed loss by predation and sweeping away by the water currents, and germination rates of coated seeds and seedling growth were examined to assess the feasibility of the seed-coating method for large-scale restoration. Germination rate of the coated seeds with loess was significantly higher than that of the uncoated seeds. Additionally, seedling growths were not significantly different between the coated and the uncoated seeds. These results suggest that coating of eelgrass seeds with loess enhances success of seed germintion with no harmful effects on seedling growth. Therefore, the seed coating method using loess may be an effective and applicable seedbased transplanting technique for large-scale restoration.

• ALGAE
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.379-388
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• 2005

Seagrass bed is an important component in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and shelter to a wide variety of fauna. Recently, seagrass coverage has declined significantly due to anthropogenic influences such as reclamation, dredging, and eutrophication and consequently, necessity of seagrass habitat restoration is rising. Transplantation experiments with Zostera marina using TERFS, staple method, and shell method have been conducted at Dadae Bay, Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay on the south coast of Korea to select an optimal transplanting method for restoration of Z. marina habitat. Three experimental sites located at the vicinity of natural Z. marina beds with an average water depth of about 4m. Z. marina plants, which were collected from donor bed in Koje Bay were also transplanted at 7 different time from October 2003 to July 2004 to find appropriate transplanting time. Density of Z. marina was monitored monthly at both transplanted areas and natural beds. Transplantation using the staple method showed the highest survival rate of transplant. Shell method was also an effective transplanting method at muddy areas in Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay, but not suitable at sandy areas in Dadae Bay. These results suggest that sediment composition of transplanting areas should be considered for the selection of the optimal transplanting method. Z. marina transplanted during fall usually showed the highest survival rate, while most Z. marina plants transplanted in summer died due to high lethal temperature during this period.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2003

To investigate the community structure and meiofaunal density in seagrass/bare non-seagrass beds, a survey was conducted at three seagrass bed locations in Doomoojin of Baegryongdo, inner harbor of Eocheongdo in May 1999, and Yulim of Dolsando for every month from February to July 1999. Meiobenthic samples were collected from sediments within seagrass beds (SB) and non-seagrass bed (or adjacent to barren sand area, NSB). Nematodes were the most dominant group among representative 13 meiofaunal groups. The sub-dominant groups were benthic for-aminiferans, benthic harpacticoids, and annelids. The highest density of meiofauna was recorded at a seagrass bed of Yulim (7,244 ind/10 $\textrm{cm}^2$ in June), and lowest density was recorded at a non-seauass bed of Baegryoungdo (438 ind/ 10 $\textrm{cm}^2$ in May). For vertical distribution, the highest density of meiofauna was recorded at 0-2 cm depth, and the density abruptly decreased with depth in all stations. The density of meiofauna in size between 0.125 m and 0.25 mm was maximum. Sediment types for the study areas ranged from sandy to sandy mud by the Folk's classification. The density of total meiofauna, the number of taxa, and the density of the dominant groups (nematodes, benthic for-aminiferans, benthic harpacticoids, annelids) between SB and NSB were significantly different. The results clearly showed the importance of seagrass bed as suitable habitat for meiofauna.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.533-542
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• 2011

Numerous seagrass habitat restoration projects have been attempted recently due to the remarkable decline in seagrass coverage. Seagrass transplants tend to adapt to a new environment after experiencing transplanting stress during the early stages of transplantation. Once acclimated, the transplants grow into healthy seagrass beds via vegetative propagation. The establishment and growth dynamics of transplanted seagrasses in bays and coasts are widely reported, but few studies have been conducted on estuaries in Korea. We transplanted Zostera marina in November 2007 and November 2008 in the Nakdong estuary using the staple method, and monitored the survival, adaptation, and growth dynamics of the transplants as well as environmental factors every month for 1 year. Both transplants adapted well to the new environment without initial losses and showed rapid productivity during early summer. However, density of transplants increased 320% in 1 year from the previous year's transplants but that decreased to 59% during the following year. This significant reduction in density in the second year may have been caused by exposure to low salinity (10 psu) for 3 weeks during the unusually long monsoon season. While the survival and growth dynamics of seagrass transplants planted in bays and coasts are mainly controlled by underwater photon flux density and water temperature, salinity was the critical factor for those planted in Nakdong estuary.