Temporal variations of fish assemblage in the surf zone of the Nakdong River Estuary, southeastern Korea

Abstract

To assess temporal variations in fish assemblages, fish samples were collected on a monthly basis in the surf zone of the Nakdong River Estuary in 2004. Surveys were conducted at two sites during day and night neap tides using a 10-m beach seine. In total, 2397 specimens (8146.0 g) comprising 27 species and 16 families were collected during the study period. The dominant fish species were Mugil cephalus, Plecoglossus altivelis, Favonigobius gymnauchen, Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis, and Hyporhamphus sajori, which accounted for 84.6% of the total number of individuals. The fish sampled were primarily small species or the early juveniles of larger species. The species composition and abundance varied greatly, with a peak in the number of individuals in July (summer) and January (winter), and the peak in biomass during July (summer). The catch rate was low in the spring and autumn months due to the low abundance of the dominant species recorded. A cluster analysis revealed that the fish assemblages were characterized by distinct seasonal groups reflecting the reproductive habits of adult fishes. Fish abundance did not significantly differ between the two sites, although a significant difference in their abundance was detected between day and night, with more fish specimens collected at night than during the day at both sites. The Nakdong River Estuary is an important ecosystem for small and/or juvenile fishes, providing a habitat within the estuary suitable for their development and migration.