Benthic environment and macrofaunal community changes during the dike construction in Saemangeum subtidal area, Korea

Abstract

The Saemangeum project is one of the biggest reclamation efforts in Korea and may cause coastal ecosystem change due to altered environments and habitat loss. Since February 2002, benthic environment and community structure in the Saemangeum subtidal area were studied to assess the influence of the project on macrofaunal community. The result of seasonal study from February, 2002 to August, 2005 is reported here. Overall, changes of species numbers and dominant species of benthic animals in the periods before (1988) and after (2002-2005) the Saemangeum dike construction were not evident both inside and outside the dike. However, local environmental and community change were noted. The partial completion of Saemangeum dike (4th dike) in June 2003 altered water circulation and sediment deposition patterns both inside and outside the dike. Fine sediment was accumulated inside and outside the 4th dike while coarse sediment dominated near the main channel (Sinsi gate). Benthic community responded to the altered sediment type in these areas. Species number and diversity in both site was low compared to other sites. The dominant species in these areas were composed of the benthos that had not commonly occurred in the Saemangeum subtidal area.