Clithon retropictus has been protected by the Ministry of Environment as an endangered species since 1998 and has been listed on the state red list of endangered species category II. It is viewed as a representative for all endangered species in the northeastern coastal waters of Korea. Most of the habitats of C. retropictus have been found to be in an unstable state because of development projects such as road construction, small stream development, irrigation for securing agricultural water, and flood prevention. These habitats are damaged by small stream maintenance projects and development, and the risk of damage is increasing and active efforts are needed in order to protect them. Although the Ministry of Environment is striving to preserve this endangered species, the habitat of C. retropictus is still facing external threats because it spreads to only a small area at high densities. Therefore, in order to protect the habitat of C. retropictus, a level II endangered species, it is urgent to make an effort to minimize habitat damage and to take measures for its protection.

• Sang Duk Choi(Department of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University)
• Hong il Jeon(Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University)
• No Yun Myeong(Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University)
• Sung Min Choi(Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University)
• Cheol Lee(Division of Logistics and International Commerce, Chonnam National University)
• Yun Keun An(Department of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University) Corresponding author