Diversity and Assemblage Structure of Marine Fish Species Collected by Set Net in Korean Peninsula During 2009–2013

Abstract

Assemblage structure analysis was conducted based on seasonal fish species composition data collected four times a year during 2009–2013 from 10 stations around Korea (except the western coast of Korea) using set nets. A total of 154 fish species were identified, of which Trachurus japonicus (22.1%) was the most dominant, followed by Konosirus punctatus (9.2%) and Scomber japonicus (8.7%). Species richness was highest in Jumunjin (in the mid-eastern coast of Korea) and lowest in Gijang (in the east-southern coast of Korea), and species diversity was highest in Gangjeong (southern Jejudo Island) and lowest in Hanrim (northern Jejudo Island). Based on a Bray-Curtis similarity index value of 38%, the 10 stations were divided into three groups: group A comprised four stations in the eastern coast of Korea, group B comprised four stations in the east-southern coast of Korea and Jejudo Island, and group C comprised two stations in the westsouthern coast of Korea. One-way analysis of similarities showed significant differences among groups (global R: 0.822, p = 0.001). The characteristics of the sea currents (e.g., Tsushima Warm Current, North Korea Cold Current) and water masses (e.g., Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water) might have influenced this grouping.