Algal Zonation and Seasonality in Subtidal Area of an Wave-exposed Coast at Ohori, East Coast of Korea

Algae > Volume 4(2); 1989 > Article

Algae 1989;4(2): 171-182.

Chul-Hwan Koh, Sang-Hee Oh, Nackil Sung, Inyoung Ahn, Young-Chul Kang

Department of Oceanography, Seoul National University. Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute

ABSTRACT

Vegetation structure of benthic algae was analysed from the underwater observation at Ohori, east coast of Korea. Wave exposed sites were selected to test the relationship between the vertical structure and the water motion. Cluster analysis based on the quantitative data collected by the transect method was employed to classify the site and species group. The total number of species showed two peaks, one of which reached its maximum of species in July and the other with slight lower number in January. The biomass showed a maximum in June and a minumum in September. Two groups of species, autumn and winter-summer, were distinguished in respect of seasonal occurrence. There was a good evidence of vertical zonation in January and June 1983. The vegetation of January 1983 could be placed roughly into six zones. The vertical structure during the other sampling periods could not be clearly defined. The moderately exposed shore showed a distinct vertical structure, whereas the wave-beaten sites showed a broad band of distribution. Wave action was considered as the main factor determining the vertical distribution of macroalgae in the study area.

Key words: algal zonation, Korea, macroalgae, subtidal, wave-exposed coast.