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Article

Comparison of the Benthic Ecological Quality Assessments Based on the Polychaete Communities on the Coast of Ulsan, the East Sea, Korea

한국 동해 울산 연안의 다모류군집 기반 저서생태계 건강도 평가 결과 비교

Sung Wan Park1
,
Hyun Chool Shin2
박 성완1
,
신 현출2
1Department of Environmental Oceanopraphy, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Korea
2Department of Ocean Integrated Science, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Korea
1전남대학교 수산해양대학 환경해양학과(59626) 전라남도 여수시 대학로 50
2전남대학교 수산해양대학 해양융합과학과(59626) 전라남도 여수시 대학로 50
*Corresponding Author
19 June 2025. pp. 1-16
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Abstract

Assessing the marine environment involves evaluating water quality, sediment, and organisms. Various benthic health indices have been developed both domestically and internationally based on benthic communities. This study evaluated the ecological quality (EcoQ) of the Ulsan coast, East Sea of Korea, using BPI and BHI (developed in Korea), as well as AMBI, M-AMBI, EQR, and B-IBI (developed overseas). Analysis of seasonal survey data revealed little variation in assessment grades between seasons, but notable differences among indices. BPI, BHI, and AMBI assessed the study area as being in relatively good condition, whereas M-AMBI and EQR indicated relatively poor conditions. While AMBI did not clearly distinguish ecological quality levels, M-AMBI provided more detailed and differentiated classifications. Kendall's rank correlation and regression analysis revealed strong correlations among AMBI, M-AMBI, and EQR, whereas other indices showed weaker correlations. These differences are attributed to variations in calculation methods, classification of species into functional groups, and the inherent characteristics of each ecological health index. Therefore, careful selection of assessment indices, along with the combined use of multiple indices for complementary evaluation, is recommended. Specifically, it may be necessary to apply indices that serve both general ecological assessment and early warning purposes. For the Ulsan coast, BHI (universal evaluation) and EQR (warning evaluation) are recommended for evaluating the benthic environment.

Keywords
benthic ecosystem health
benthic indices
benthic polychaetes
ulsan coast
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국해양과학기술원
  • Journal Title :Ocean and Polar Research
  • Journal Title(Ko) :Ocean and Polar Research
  • Volume : 47
  • Pages :1-16
  • Received Date : 2025-02-26
  • Revised Date : 2025-05-15
  • Accepted Date : 2025-05-15
  • Published Date : 2025-06-19
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.4217/OPR.2025008
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