The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutrients and phytoplankton. This study was done by the comparison to two costal areas Mokpo, which inflow fresh water, and Wando. In August, salinity of the sea water decreased by 3.5-4.5‰ in Mokpo coastal area, but was not nearly decreased in Wando coastal area. This suggests a lot of fresh water inflow in Mokpo coastal area. DIN and DIP were decreased by water temperature increasing in Wando. However, in Mokpo, DIN and DIP were increased greatly during the summer season. Nitrogen was limited to a 10 N/P ratio especially during the summer season in Wando coastal area while phosphorus in Mokpo coastal area was limited with over 28 N/P ratio in all the seasons. Coefficient of determination(r2) between DIP and Chl.-a was 0.91 in Mokpo coastal area. On the other hand, Coefficient of determination(r2) between Chl.-a and DIN, DIP were 0.93 and 0.89, respectively, in Wando coastal area. These results suggest DIP in Mokpo and DIN and DIP in Wando might be limited at the increase of phytoplankton.

• Woo-Hang Kim(Faculty of Ocean System Engineering, Mokpo National Maritime University) Corresponding Author
• Yong Sik Lee(Aquaculture Environment Institute, NFRDI)