This study utilized over 20 years of daily bivalve harvesting records from a local fisherman on Yubudo Island to examine potential structural changes in bivalve resources as perceived by the local community following a distant oil spill event. Temporal analyses revealed that while Mactra quadrangularis was historically the dominant commercial bivalve, the harvest of Meretrix petechialis significantly increased after 2007. Notably, during a period of severe regional decline in Meretrix production across Chungcheongnam Province (2008-2012), Yubudo maintained relatively stable yields. These findings suggest that, amid widespread depletion of major bivalve resources due to pollution, there was a shift in local bivalve resource utilization from Mactra to the higher-value Meretrix in the Yubudo area, which was not directly impacted by contamination. This indicates that Yubudo may have served as a substitute production area during the regional decline in bivalve resources. This study is significant as it quantitatively demonstrates how large-scale regional changes in bivalve resources can indirectly influence local resource utilization by integrating long-term harvesting records with community perceptions.

This study examined the vertical distribution of conservative elements (Al, Fe, Li, and Cs) and trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in sediment cores collected from the tidal flats of Yubudo in the Geum River estuary. Two sediment cores were obtained from different depositional environments: an estuary-proximal mudflat (Core A) and an offshore-influenced sandflat (Core B). These cores were subsampled at 2 cm intervals for ICP-MS analysis. The conservative elements displayed consistently higher concentrations in the finer-grained Core A, reflecting natural enrichment associated with silt and clay-dominated sediments. All seven trace metals were found to be below the Threshold Effect Level (TEL), indicating a low potential for ecological risk in both cores. The higher concentrations of trace metals observed in Core A were interpreted as natural enrichment due to the greater proportion of fine-grained, estuary-derived sediments rather than anthropogenic accumulation. These findings provide a geochemical baseline for understanding natural variability in the Yubudo tidal-flat system and offer crucial information for the future conservation and management of the tidal flats in the Geum River Estuary.

본 연구는 새만금 5개 지점(동진, 가력, 만경, 신시, 계화)의 1시간 간격 수질 시계열 자료를 활용하여 수질 항목 간 인과구조와 변수 중심성을 정량적으로 분석하였다. 이를 위해 상관분석, Granger 인과성, DirectLiNGAM, 중심성 분석을 적용하였다. 상관분석에서는 전 지점에서 수온–DO 간 음의 상관과 염분–DO 간 양의 상관이 공통적으로 나타났으나, 영양염–DO 관계는 지점별 차이를 보였다. Granger 분석은 전반적으로 양방향 연결이 우세했으나, 동진·만경(하천)에서는 수온·탁도·염분이 영양염 및 유기물 지표를 선행하였고, 계 화(기수역)에서는 담수·해수 요인이 결합된 혼합 구조가 드러났다. LiNGAM 분석에서는 동진·만경에서 수온·탁도가 중심 노드로, 계화에 서는 T-N과 TOC가 매개자로, 가력·신시(배수갑문)에서는 DO가 핵심 변수로 확인되었다. 종합하면, 새만금 수질 네트워크는 하천 지점에 서는 유기물 부하 중심, 기수역에서는 질소·유기물의 혼합 중심, 해수유통 지점에서는 DO 중심의 구조가 형성되어 있음을 보여주었다. 이 러한 결과는 새만금과 같은 반폐쇄성 연안에서 수질 항목 간 물리·화학적 인과 메커니즘을 정량적으로 해석하는 데 기여하며, 향후 수질 개선을 위한 조절 변수 선정, 예측 모델 구축, 실시간 관리 전략 수립에 과학적 근거를 제공할 수 있다.

낙동강 하굿둑 인근 해역은 하천수 방류, 갑문 및 수문 조작, 장기간에 걸친 하구역의 연안 사주 지형 변화 등 인위적 요인과 기상 성분에 의한 교란이 중첩되어 일반 연안과는 다른 불규칙한 조석 변동 특성을 보인다. 특히 하굿둑을 통한 해수 유입량은 내·외수위 차에 크게 좌우되며, 외측 조위의 예측 정확도는 수문 운영의 정밀도와 기수역 복원 사업에 직결된다. 본 연구에서는 낙동강 하굿둑 외측 에서 2007~2024년까지 확보된 장기 관측자료를 대상으로 Utide를 적용하여 조석조화분해를 수행하고, 2021~2023년 자료를 활용한 Task2000 결과와 비교하였다. 분석 결과, Utide는 장주기 성분(SA, SSA, MM, MF 등)을 포함한 대표 조화상수를 안정적으로 추출하였으며, TASK2000 은 연도별 분석 결과가 변동하여 장기적 대표성이 부족한 것으로 나타났다. 또한 2022년~2024년 조위 예측 성능을 평가한 결과, 평균오차 (ME), 평균절대오차(MAE), 평균제곱근오차(RMSE) 및 효율성계수(CE), 일치지수(IA)에서 Utide가 전반적으로 TASK2000보다 우수하였고, 결 정계수(R²)에서도 유사하거나 높은 값을 나타내었다. 이는 Utide가 평균 편향을 줄이고 예측오차를 감소시키며, 장기적인 안정성과 합치도 를 확보하는 데 효과적임을 보여준다. 따라서 낙동강 하굿둑과 같이 조석 변동이 복잡한 하구역에서는 단기 예측에는 TASK2000도 일정 수 준 활용 가능하나, 장기적이고 신뢰도 높은 조위 예측 및 수문 운영·기수역 복원 사업 지원에는 Utide의 적용이 더 적합하다고 판단된다.

본 연구는 GNSS 기반 위치추적기를 부착한 큰고니(Cygnus cygnus) 12개체를 대상으로 2024년 12월부터 2025년 3월까지 낙동강 하구에서의 월동 행동권 및 북상 전 내륙 이동 특성을 분석하였다. 총 21,721개의 유효 좌표 데이터를 활용하여 Minimum Convex Polygon(MCP) 및 Kernel Density Estimation(KDE) 분석을 수행하였고, 월별 공간 이용 및 핵심 서식지 변화 양상을 파악하였다. 전체 평균 행동권 면적은 MCP 기준 113.38±251.36 ㎢, KDE 95% 기준 39.55±71.30 ㎢, KDE 50% 기준 7.21±12.19 ㎢로 나타났으며, 낙동강 하구 내 자료만 적용시 평균 면적은 각각 25.99 ㎢ (MCP), 12.72 ㎢ (KDE 95%), 2.81 ㎢ (KDE 50%)로 감소하였다. 대부분 개체는 을숙도, 맥도생태공원, 삼락생태공 원 및 백합등 등 특정 지역을 집중 이용하며 높은 서식지 충성도를 보였고, 일부 개체는 3월 중 주남저수지(창원), 해평천(구미) 등으로 단기 내륙 이동으로 북상 전 에너지 확보 또는 탐색 활동을 수행하였다. 특히, 2~3월에는 공간 이용 범위가 점차 확대되었고 핵심 서식지는 을숙도에서 맥도생태공원으로 이동하는 양상이 관찰되었다. 본 연구 결과는 낙동강 하구가 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로(EAAF) 상의 핵심 월동지이자 중간기착지로서 기능하고 있음을 실증하였 고 서식지 보호, 먹이 제공 정책, HPAI 대응 등 실질적인 보전 전략 수립에 필요한 자료로 활용될 것으로 기대된다

This study investigated the distribution and growth performance of Bolboschoenus planiculmis under varying estuarine environmental conditions. We aimed to determine the optimal planting methods and environmental conditions with respect to salinity, soil texture, and tidal regimes on its growth performance. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in B. planiculmis coverage, shrinking to 955,393 m2 in 2024, representing only 38.59% of that compared to 2004. The plant’s survival rate exhibited a clear salinity gradient: 0 ppt (89±8.01%)>5 ppt (64±4.56%)>15 ppt (37±4.25%)>30 ppt (0±0.00%). Planting density significantly influenced growth, with 24 tubers m-2 yielding the highest number of plants per tuber (14.67±0.33). A planting depth of 5 cm proved optimal for tuber germination and growth. Soil texture analysis demonstrated that a lower sand content promoted growth, with the highest density observed in soil containing 10% sand (435±6.96 plants m-2). Tidal influence also played an important role, with areas experiencing regular tidal fluctuations fostering the most successful growth. Planting tubers or young plants with attached tubers in these tidal zones led to the highest survival rates and biomass.

Fishways, particularly installed at the estuary, have a purpose to encourage fluent migration for migratory fishes, as well as amphidromous and even freshwater species. Not choosing the laborious traditional method of using traps, we assessed the efficiency of the two fishways installed at the west and east barrage of the Nakdong River estuarine barrage respectively, by analyzing the videos recorded through automatic monitoring system. We randomly selected 30 videos monthly at each fishways and identified what kind of fishes were using the fishways and categorised their behaviour such as size, time and whether they passed the monitoring system or not. As a result, a total 8 families 14 species were recorded by monitoring system, with the most dominance of Erythroculter erythropterus (Relative Abundance: 59.5%), followed by Micropterus salmoides (R.A: 19.9%) and Mugil cephalus (R.A: 9.9%). The monitoring system can capture passing fishes during night but the number of appearances of fish species at each hour of a day indicated significant diurnal activities (p<0.05). When fishes pass the monitoring system, approximately 70% of them passed through the monitoring device, while 17% of them showed fallback movement. Our finding indicates that species-specific characteristics of each fish are well represented through video monitoring method. In order to maximise advantages of using video monitoring, it is necessary to consider the installation point properly so that the monitoring system does not interfere with the movement of fish. Also, the utilisation of AI technology in the future is also necessary.

This study investigated the annual change and distribution of flora, including endangered species, Korean Red List species, and invasive plants, in the Nakdong River Estuary Ecological Park over a 10-year period (2013~2023). The park was established in 2009 as part of the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. The investigation identified a total of 704 taxa, comprising 137 families, 401 genera, 631 species, 18 subspecies, 38 varieties, 11 forms, and 6 hybrids. Eulsukdo Ecological Park exhibited the highest plant diversity with 531 taxa, followed by Hwamyeong (404 taxa), Samnak (387 taxa), Daejeo (369 taxa), and Maekdo (356 taxa). The endangered wildlife survey identified three endangered plant species (Class II): Euryale ferox, Brasenia schreberi, and Saururus chinensis. Following the endangered species restoration project, E. ferox has been consistently observed both within the restoration area and the riparian of main channel. The Urbanization Index (UI) was highest in Eulsukdo Ecological Park (24.1%), followed by Hwamyeong (20.0%), Samnak (18.1%), Maekdo (17.8%), and Daejeo Ecological Parks (16.7%). Twelve invasive plants were identified: Sicyos angulatus, Lactuca scariola, Ambrosia trifida, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Solanum carolinense, Aster pilosus, Hypochaeris radicata, Rumex acetosella, S. altissima, Paspalum disticum, Paspalum distichum var. indutum, and Humulus japonicus. Notably, S. altissima showed a significant decrease in its total distribution area, shrinking from 741,092 m2 in 2021 to 241,396 m2 in 2024. Continuous monitoring and management are necessary to prevent invasive plants, including ecosystem-disturbing species, from forming large colonies and hindering the growth of native plants.

This study investigated the spatial distribution of dissolved organic carbon and the changes in tidal flat soil characteristics following the flooding season in the closed estuary of the Geumgang River basin. We found that after the flooding season, a brackish water area expanded due to increased river discharge, which also introduced low concentrations of dissolved organic carbon from the river. Dissolved inorganic carbon predominantly originated from the sea in proportion to salinity, indicating that in the closed estuary area, dissolved carbon supplied from the sea remained a significant source even after the flooding season. Additionally, a substantial amount of tidally transported silt and clay was deposited near the estuary dam after the flood, and its effects continued to influence the sediment characteristics downstream in the intertidal zone. As an empirical study in the closed estuary, our results are expected to contribute to conservation measures for the World Heritage Site in the area.

This study reassessed two KBA sites in the Republic of Korea following the KBA guidelines. Both sites met the sub-criteria A1a, A1b, and D1a, confirming their status as KBA. These assessments provide a scientific foundation for discussions on designating new protected areas or expanding existing ones. Through this study, we confirmed that continuous biodiversity conservation is essential for Geum-gang river and estuary and Yubu-do to maintain their KBA status. This KBA reassessment provides an important scientific foundation for discussions on the designation of new protected areas or the expansion of existing ones. Furthermore, this study was based on a previously evaluated taxonomic group, birds, highlighting the need for future assessments to include other biological taxa and evaluation criteria, such as Criteria B or E, for a more comprehensive analysis.

강으로부터 해양으로 유입되는 퇴적물은 유역분지의 지질, 지리, 지형, 기후 등의 영향을 반영하며, 육상 유역분 지에서 퇴적물 생성 과정에서 수반되는 화학적 풍화는 대기 중 이산화탄소 농도를 조절하는 데에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 한반도 남해안 낙동강 하구 인근 해저 표층 퇴적물의 지화학 조성을 이용하여 화 학적 풍화의 강도와 퇴적물의 기원지에 분포하는 암석의 조성을 추정하였다. 연구 시료의 화학적 풍화 강도는 중간에 낮은 정도(평균 Chemical Index of Alteration=68)이며 A-CN-K 도표에서 추정한 풍화의 추세는 퇴적물의 기원지 성분 이 평균적인 상부 대륙지각과 매우 유사한 것으로 보인다. 이는 낙동강 유역분지에 분포하는 중생대 화강암류와 경상누 층군 퇴적암이 혼합된 성분을 반영하는 것으로 판단되기 때문에 연구 대상인 퇴적물이 낙동강 하구로부터 유입되는 퇴 적물의 성분을 대표하는 것으로 해석한다. 표층 퇴적물의 희토류원소는 분화된 경희토류-중희토류의 비와 음의 Eu 이상 을 나타내어 상부 대륙지각과 매우 유사하다. 본 연구의 결과를 전 세계 강 하구 퇴적물 자료 및 국내의 큰 강 자료와 비교하였으며, 이를 통하여 지질 및 지형의 잠재적인 영향을 고려할 수 있다.

Daemadeung, located in the estuary of the Nakdong River, is formed by sand dunes and possesses well-developed intertidal flats. This study aimed to investigate the habitat of benthic microalgae, photosynthetic pigments, and photosynthetic efficiency in the intertidal flats of Daemadeung from January to December 2011. The inorganic nitrogen content in the sediment pore water was primarily composed of ammonium, while nitrate+nitrite was dominant in the upper layer water. The concentration of chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin in the sediment surface was significantly higher than the mean of all the sediment layer. The average Fv/Fm of benthic microalgae during the entire survey period was 0.52±0.03, with the highest value (0.61±0.08) observed in February. The rETRmax showed a seasonal trend, being high from spring to early autumn (April to October) and low from winter to early spring (January to March, November, December), with the highest value (153.05±2.30 μmol electrons m-2 s-1) in July and the lowest (38.49±5.17 μmol electrons m-2 s-1) in January. The average Fv/Fm of diurnal microalgae was 0.48±0.03, with the highest value (0.61±0.08) observed at noon. The rETRmax showed a highest peak at noon (54.24±11.35 μmol electrons m-2 s-1) and reached its lowest point at 16:00 (26.17±4.75 μmol electrons m-2 s-1). These findings suggest that the productivity of benthic microalgae varies significantly depending on the survey time and sediment depth. Therefore, to quantify the productivity of benthic microalgae using Diving-PAM, surveys should be conducted based on tidal conditions, and simultaneous pigment analysis of sediment layers should also be performed.

This study was conducted to provide the basic information on environment effects on appearance of ichthyoplankton in the Yeongsan River Estuary in Spring and Summer from 2018 to 2020. Data were obtain from the database of ‘Coastal Ecosystem’ in “National Survey of Marine Ecosystem.” Among the abundance ichthyoplankton species, the Gobiidae spp. dominated, accounting for 85% of the total abundances with the secondary dominant species being the Parablennius yatabei, representing 3% of the abundances. Cluster analysis results revealed a composition differentiated between spring and summer. The Yeongsan River Estuary is known to be significantly influenced by the opening and closing of estuarine gates. In this study, the fluctuation in the number of occurrence groups and abundance among the years and season is attributed to the phenomenon of high water temperature period and the freshwater discharge.

River estuaries are dynamic and productive ecosystems with high regional biodiversity. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a useful approach to assessing biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This study was conducted to investigate fish community characteristics and species diversity in two river estuary ecosystems, the Taehwa River and Changwon Stream. We further compared conventional and eDNA metabarcoding analyses of the fish communities. The conventional survey was performed in May, July, and October 2022, while the eDNA analysis was conducted only in May. We observed various fish species with different life histories, including carp, goby, and marine fish. We also found that migratory fish, such as dace Tribolodon hakonensis, sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis, and eel Auguilla japonica, occurred in the Taehwa River, suggesting high river connectivity. Marine fish species were predominant in the Changwon Stream, as this river is located close to the sea. The diversity indices showed that the Taehwa River generally had higher species richness, evenness, and diversity values than the Changwon Stream. A total of 9-19 species were detected in the conventional survey for the three sites, whereas 11-18 species were found from eDNA analysis. The findings indicate that the sensitivity of eDNA was similar to or higher than that of the conventional method. Our study findings suggest the efficiency and efficacy of eDNA-based fish community monitoring, although with some shortcomings in applying the genetic marker to Korean fish, including no clear-cut distinction for Korean endemic species and/or genetically closely related species groups.