수심에 따른 암반조하대 무척추동물의 군집구조 변화(강원 연안)

Abstract

This study was conducted the benthic invertebrate community structure in the subtidal rocky substrates of Gangwon at five selected sites (Gosung, Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, and Samcheok) with depths of 5 m and 15 m from May 2016 to August 2020. During the survey period, a total of 290 species were observed, with an average density of 690 inds./m2 and an average biomass of 2,420 gWWt/m2. At a depth of 5 m, there were an average of 72 species, 152 inds./m2, and 362 gWWt/m2, while at a depth of 15 m, there were an average of 75 species, 124 inds./m2, and 606 gWWt/m2. As the depth increased, significant decreases were observed in the benthic invertebrate community characteristics, such as density and water temperature (p<0.05, Mann Whitney's U-test, Spearman's rank correlation analysis). The spatial distribution of benthic invertebrates is influenced by physical factors such as depth and water temperature, as well as ecological factors such as feeding habits, habitat preferences, and physiological factors that allow them to adapt to different environmental conditions and interactions among marine organisms within the marine ecosystem. Future research should not be limited to the coastal areas of Gangwon but should encompass the entire coastal region of South Korea. Additional studies are needed to investigate the correlation between benthic invertebrate and macroalgae community structures. Furthermore, as most of the current research on subtidal community structure in South Korea has focused on sandy substrates, there is a need for research on benthic invertebrates associated with rocky substrates.