Publications
Microphytobenthic biomass and primary production in Korean tidal flats: Trends and variability
Korean tidal flats exhibit moderate microphytobenthic (MPB) biomass but comparatively high primary productivity, particularly in estuarine systems and during spring. A 40-year review of MPB research in Korea revealed notable spatiotemporal variability in biomass and production, with seasonal decoupling observed despite limited mechanistic understanding. The study synthesized data from published studies to examine regional and tidal zone patterns, while also highlighting gaps in standardized, process-oriented research. Pigment-based community composition analyses showed broad-scale spatial coherence, independent of geographic proximity, suggesting complex underlying ecological dynamics.
Environmental factors on microalgal resuspension and dynamics in tidal flats on the west coast of Korea
A dynamic balance exists between microalgal biomass exchange and tidal cycles in Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. Environmental factors such as strong winds, waves, and heavy rainfall significantly enhance resuspension, while site-specific sedimentary settings and diel cycles influence microalgal flux. This near-equilibrium highlights the complex interplay of environmental conditions shaping coastal carbon cycling. The study employed a combination of field observations and modeling to elucidate these processes, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of tidal flats.
Evaluation of the diagnostic reliability of the gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium assay for Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) across Korean tidal flats
A study evaluating the diagnostic reliability of gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) assays for detecting Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams across Korean tidal flats found that while gills are a strong proxy for whole-body infection in high-prevalence areas, their accuracy drops significantly in low-infection environments. The research analyzed six tissues from clams collected at six sites, revealing that the visceral mass consistently harbored the highest parasite loads (27.8%-49.0%), followed by the mantle and gills. At most sites, gill infection levels correlated strongly with whole-body infection intensity (r²=0.6-0.95), but at Padori—where infection prevalence was lowest—the gill assay's efficacy plummeted to 56%, leading to a 44% false negative rate. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on gill tissue for diagnostic purposes and advocate for a dual-tissue approach combining gill and whole-body samples to enhance accuracy in surveillance efforts.
Site-Specific Net Suspended Sediment Flux and Turbidity–TSM Coupling in a UNESCO Tidal Flat on the Western Coast of Korea: High-Resolution Vertical Observations
A UNESCO-listed tidal flat on Korea's west coast exhibits a strong linear relationship (R² = 0.94) between turbidity and total suspended matter, validating optical sensors for real-time sediment monitoring in dynamic macrotidal environments. High-resolution observations over a 13-hour period revealed a net seaward suspended sediment flux of approximately 5503 kg·m⁻¹, with ebb-dominant residual currents indicating localized sediment transport patterns. While this single-station study provides a baseline for digital twin modeling and coastal management, its findings should be interpreted as time-specific rather than representative of the entire bay. The research contributes to the preservation and monitoring of Gomso Bay, part of the globally significant 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' UNESCO site.
Tidal Zonation Shapes Microbial Communities and Sediment Properties in a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Gomso Bay, Korea)
Tidal zonation significantly shapes microbial communities and sediment properties in Gomso Bay, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. Research reveals distinct spatial variations along the intertidal gradient, with inner zones featuring finer sediments, higher organic carbon (TOC), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and metal concentrations, while outer zones exhibit coarser sediments with lower values. Microbial composition varies, with aerobic organisms dominating high tidal flats and anaerobic taxa prevailing in low tidal flats. Chemolithotrophs thrive in the inner zone, whereas heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria are more abundant in the outer zone. The study used sediment sampling, chemical analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to confirm that tidal exposure drives these ecological patterns, underscoring the complexity of intertidal ecosystems.
Morphodynamics of macrotidal channels in Korean tidal flats: implications for the role of monsoon precipitation and the stratigraphic architecture of tidal point bars
Korean tidal channels exhibit significant seasonal variability in migration rates, reaching up to 80 meters per year during the summer monsoon when heavy rainfall intensifies ebb tidal asymmetry and promotes headward erosion. This study reveals that meander bends are primarily landward-skewed and shift downstream, indicating that ebb currents dominate long-term channel morphodynamics. Tidal point bars in these channels display ebbward dipping, inclined heterolithic stratification (IHS), which is dominated by bedforms formed by subordinate flood tidal currents. The research combines multiannual observations with analysis of current patterns to elucidate the complex interplay between monsoon precipitation and tidal dynamics, offering new insights into the stratigraphic architecture of tidal point bars in macrotidal environments.
Spatial Characteristics of Mean Particle Sizes, Organic Carbon, and Pore-water Salinity in the Surface Sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, Jeungdo, Sinangun, West Coast of Korea
Higher clay and mud content in surface sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, part of the UNESCO-listed Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, correlates with increased Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels. This spatial relationship suggests that sediment texture plays a key role in organic carbon distribution, with muddy areas showing significantly higher TOC concentrations (averaging 0.44%, range 0.00–1.42%) compared to sandbars. The study analyzed 124 surface sediment samples using drone technology and digital elevation models to map orthometric heights, mean particle sizes (ranging from coarse sand to clay), pore-water salinity (average 48.09 psu), and other physical properties in June 2023. These findings provide critical insights for coastal management and conservation efforts along the West Coast of Korea, particularly in monitoring sedimentation changes in this ecologically significant region.
Spatiotemporal variations in migratory bird diversity and abundance along the coast of Gochang getbol
A study on Gochang getbol, a Korean tidal flat and center of clam production, reveals significant spatiotemporal variations in migratory bird diversity and abundance, influenced by human activities. Zones with lower human activity (zone1 and zone4) exhibited higher species richness, Shannon diversity, and abundance, particularly for conservation-related species like sandpipers. The research used bird monitoring data from five zones to analyze distribution patterns, employing ANOVA tests and fourth corner analysis. Findings suggest that natural or semi-natural habitats are crucial for migratory bird conservation, with zone4 emerging as a key area due to its low disturbance levels. While the study does not establish direct causal links between human activity and bird distribution, it highlights the potential negative impacts of intensive aquaculture on these ecosystems.
Using the Heavy Metal Indices and Benthic Indices to Assess the Ecological Quality in the Tidal Flats of Garolim Bay, South Korea
A comprehensive assessment of the ecological quality in Garolim Bay's tidal flats reveals that despite low concentrations of heavy metals and total organic carbon, 63% of the stations exhibit unacceptable ecological conditions. The study utilized two heavy metal indices and five benthic indices to evaluate the ecosystem's health robustly. Notably, the Benthic Opportunistic Polychaetes Amphipods Index (BOPA) showed strong performance in correlation and kappa analyses, though it had some limitations. The research underscores the importance of using multiple indices for a more accurate ecological assessment, providing critical insights into the impacts of anthropogenic activities on tidal flat ecosystems.
International importance of tidal flats in the Republic of Korea as shorebird stopover sites in the East Asian–Australasian flyway
Korean tidal flats, particularly those in the Getbol region, remain critically important as stopover sites for migratory shorebirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), supporting an estimated 20% of the populations of key species like the Eurasian Curlew and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. A study analyzing surveys from 2014–2015 and 2019–2020 confirmed that these habitats host between 230,000 and 270,000 shorebirds during northward migration and around 120,000 during southward migration. All surveyed areas met international criteria for significance due to their high species diversity and population concentrations. The findings underscore the need for expanded protection of these sites to mitigate habitat loss and declining shorebird populations.
Population Characteristics of the Mud Shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) on Korean Tidal Flats in the Eastern Yellow Sea
A study on the mud shrimp Upogebia major in Korean tidal flats revealed significant population differences between two sites, Seonjaedo and Jugyo. Shrimp density was higher in Seonjaedo (265/m²) compared to Jugyo (118/m²), with male dominance in both locations. Growth rates were slower than other East Asian populations, likely due to colder water temperatures and altered food conditions from high shrimp density. The study also found varying parasitism rates (6.0% in Seonjaedo vs. 37.1% in Jugyo) and annual mortality rates of 77.2% in Seonjaedo and 67.4% in Jugyo, with estimated lifespans of 10 years in Seonjaedo and 8 years in Jugyo. Recruitment success varied annually, with a notable cohort emerging in Jugyo in 2014. The research analyzed population parameters from 2012 to 2015, providing insights into the ecological dynamics of this ecologically important species.
Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment
Researchers have identified a novel species of Pseudomonas, named Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment in the UNESCO-listed Getbol, Republic of Korea. This discovery was made through polyphasic characterization, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fatty acid profiling, and DNA-DNA hybridization analysis. The strains SA3-5T and SA3-6 exhibited unique phenotypic traits, such as Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped morphology with peritrichous flagella, and distinct fatty acid profiles dominated by C16:1 ω6c/ω7c and Q-9 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high similarity (98.3%) to Pseudomonas taeanensis, but below the species delineation thresholds for average nucleotide identity (75.9–89.1%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (21.3–38.7%). The type strain SA3-5T (=KCTC 92395T=JCM 35697T) was deposited, solidifying its classification as a novel species. This finding expands the diversity of known Pseudomonas species and contributes to understanding microbial ecology in tidal flat ecosystems.
Spatial distribution of meiofaunal and macrofaunal assemblages in the tidal flats of the southern Korean coast in relation to natural and anthropogenic impacts
A study on the tidal flats of Geum River (Getbol) in South Korea reveals that sediment-related variables and heavy metals are the primary environmental factors influencing the spatial distribution of macrofaunal and meiofaunal assemblages. While macrofauna, dominated by Annelida, were mainly affected by these factors, meiofauna, particularly Nematoda, showed additional sensitivity to sea surface temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. This research provides critical ecological data for understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic pressures on tidal flat ecosystems, offering a foundation for marine environmental management strategies in the region.
Effects of larval trematode parasitism on the reproductive capacity of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in a sandy-mud tidal flat on the west coast of Korea
A study on the Korean Tidal Flats, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Getbol, reveals that larval trematode parasitism significantly impairs the reproductive capacity of Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum). Approximately 5.4% of the clam population was infected by three types of larval trematodes, with severe infections (heavy to very heavy) affecting about a third of these clams and potentially preventing reproduction during spawning periods. The research used histological analysis to categorize infection levels and found that heavily infected clams had significantly lower condition indices compared to uninfected ones. This highlights the detrimental impact of parasitism on economically important marine bivalves in tidal flat ecosystems.
Community Structure and Health Assessment of Macrobenthos in Tidal Flats along the West Coast of Korea in Spring and Summer
Korean tidal flats along the west coast exhibit good ecological health, with high ISEP and BHI indices indicating favorable conditions. However, pollution indicator species like Theora lata and Capitella capitata suggest localized environmental stress, necessitating periodic monitoring and intervention to prevent deterioration. The study analyzed macrobenthos communities across spring and summer seasons (2017–2018) from Ganghwa-do to Mokpo, identifying four distinct groups based on sediment grain size and species dominance—such as Ruditapes phillipinarum in clam farm areas and Eteone longa in finer sediments. Cluster similarity analysis revealed regional variations, with coarser sediments in Chungcheongnam-do and finer sediments in Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do. The findings underscore the resilience of these ecosystems while highlighting vulnerabilities that require proactive management.
Endophytic Fungi of Emersed Halophytes in River Deltas and Tidal Flats of the Korean Ramsar Wetlands
A study of the Korean Ramsar wetlands reveals distinct diversity and distribution patterns of endophytic fungi in river deltas and tidal flats, with higher morphological diversity and variance observed in delta marshes compared to tidal flats. The research isolated 324 endophytes from two halophyte species, Phragmites australis and Suaeda japonica, across different ecotones. Dominant fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium, along with Epicoccum, Paraconiothyrium, Septoriella, and Talaromyces, were widely distributed regardless of environmental conditions or host species. These findings underscore the ecological significance of marine endophytes in coastal protection and provide valuable data for future restoration efforts of coastal wetlands.
Slippery ontologies of tidal flats
Tidal flats, such as South Korea's getbol, exhibit 'slippery ontologies'—dynamic and ambiguous materialities that resist modern attempts to classify or measure them. This study reveals how their in-between nature, neither land nor sea, frustrates efforts to place them within structured knowledge systems. Through interviews with scientists and comparative analysis of land-water spaces, it highlights the contributions of both non-human elements (e.g., sediment, organisms) and human practices to this slipperiness. The research underscores that embracing tidal flats' fluid ontologies could mitigate their endangerment, as over half of South Korea's tidal flats have been lost to reclamation in the past century.
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