NFRDI released results of an ocean ecology survey conducted to effectively monitor the ecology conservation area designated around Oryuk islands of the southeast coast of Korea.   

The survey puts together data collected in last April and October conducted on ocean and land ecology of the Oryuk islands. In October, the results included 115 plankton species, 231 benthic organisms, 17 seaweeds, 64 nektons, 58 plants and 14 birds, numbering more diverse species than in the April survey except for the seaweed.     

A closer investigation during the October survey was carried out on horny corals which had been observed in April showed that corals which are 2-8 m in diameter and 10-40 cm high are distributed all around the Oryuk islands, indicating that the islands are home to corals all year round.     

What’s more interesting is that subtropical species such as bulgyhead wrass (Semicossyphus reticulates), sea fan (Melithaea flabellifera kenthal) and Colonial tunicates were also spotted, making clear that ocean warming is undergoing around the Oryuk islands.

Another evidence to the ocean warming is that in addition to bulgyhead wrass found in April, bluestriped angelfish (Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis) and neon damselfish (Pomacentrus coelestis) were also observed while the October survey. Those subtropical species are assessed to be more and more recruited into the waters around the islands.

NFRDI plans to continue to have the in-depth survey on ocean ecology around the Oryuk islands to draw an ocean ecology map and to provide suggestions for systematic and field based policies for conservation and management of the marine protection area.