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| Changes in the occurrence rate of turbulent fish species (provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) © News1 |
It was found that the number of marine life species appearing in Korea’s waters was 7919 species, an increase of about 64% compared to 4906 species identified in 2006-2014. In addition, changes in marine ecosystems and organisms due to climate change have also been confirmed, such as about 18% increase in turbulent fish over the past six years.
On the 28th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the main results of the 2015-2020 comprehensive survey of the national marine ecosystem and made such announcements. The comprehensive marine ecosystem survey is divided into two regions, and surveys are conducted on the West Sea and the South Sea in odd-numbered seas, and the East Sea, South Sea and East and Jeju in even-numbered seas.
In this comprehensive survey of marine ecosystems, 7919 species of marine organisms appearing in the waters of Korea were found, an increase of about 64% compared to 4906 species identified in 2006-2014.
In particular, the largest habitat in Korea of Clithon retropictum, which is a rare species in the world, was discovered (Changwon, Gyeongnam, about 3700m2 area, about 110,000 individuals). In addition, the excellence of Korea’s marine ecosystem was confirmed by confirming that many Egretta eulophotes, an endangered vulnerable species (VU, Vulnerable) designated by the World Nature Conservation Federation (IUCN), live in the tidal flats of Korea’s west and south seas where food is abundant. Confirmed.
In addition, changes in marine ecosystems and organisms due to climate change were also confirmed. The number and distribution of species and distribution of mixed tropical and temperate seaweeds (red algae) were found to be expanded in all sea areas of Korea, except for the western part of the South Sea. In addition, of the fish (a total of 112 species) that appear in the warmer waters of the warm Cannabis, the number of warm-flowing fish is 77 species, accounting for about 70%. This is an increase of about 18% from 52% in 2015.
The effects of climate change were also seen in marine organisms living on the seabed, such as Turbo sazae, Ocypode stimpsoni, and Clithon retropictum. Conch was observed to inhabit the southern coast of the past (2009-2011) up to 35 degrees north latitude, but it has recently expanded to 37 degrees north latitude (near Uljin).
In addition, the habitat has been expanded to about 80 km (Buk-gu, Gyeongbuk → Uljin, Gyeongbuk) and 20 km (Uljin, Gyeongbuk → Samcheok, Gangwon) for the Dallange that inhabit the east coast. These results imply that as the seawater temperature rises due to climate change, the limit line for the survival of marine organisms has shifted to the north.
In this survey, we also achieved results in discovering indicator species that can determine the health and diversity of our marine ecosystem.By sea area, Scopimera bitympana in the West Sea, Padina arborescens in the South Sea, and long-tailed leap side shrimp in the East Sea ( Trinorchestia longiramus) and Balanus trigonus in the affected zone of the hemp turbulence (climate change) were selected as indicator species, respectively.
Surface species refer to organisms that allow us to know what level of environment the area has, such as spiny fish that live only in first-grade water with clean water quality. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to use the selected indicator species as essential indicators for diagnosing the health and diversity of Korean marine ecosystems and restoring damaged marine ecosystems.
In addition, through statistical analysis of the survey result data, △by season (spring and summer) △by sea area (east, west, south sea, Jeju) △by environmental factors (marine environment, phytoplankton, etc.) For sea areas where the results are out of this, we plan to analyze the cause and manage it intensively.
“We will continue to conduct comprehensive surveys to maintain a healthy marine ecosystem, accurately diagnose the status of the marine ecosystem, and systematically preserve and manage the marine ecosystem,” said Lee Jae-young, head of the Marine Ecology Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries plans to produce the results of the comprehensive marine ecosystem survey in card news and newsletters and publish them on the website of the’Marine Environment Information Portal’.