This study aims to provide the scientific information of benthic ecosystem and management strategy in order to develop an integrative management system of Geum River estuary (GRE). Sediment and macrofauna samples were collected four times during 2014-2015 at 24 stations, located from tidal barrage, sea route, and outer estuary. Sedimentary environment was stable and consistent during the study period except near tidal barrage and sea route disturbing macrozoobenthic community. A total of 211 species occurred with mean density of 941 ind./m² and mean biomass of 153.1 g/m², mainly composed of polychaetes, crustaceans and mollusks. The most density dominant species, Heteromastus filiformis, appeared at 90.4% of total stations of which 45% showed a high species diversity over 30 species, affecting positively benthic biodiversity. Four station groups, clearly classified by cluster analysis, positioned consistently during the study period from tidal barrage to outer estuary according to physical disturbance, salinity, and sediment facies. Natural seawater circulation and development mitigation would be necessary to restore estuarine ecosystems disturbed by tidal barrage and sea route. |
