GEO DATA

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Data Articles

Species Distribution Model-based Habitat Change Projections of the Kelp Species, Ecklonia cava under SSP Scenarios: Sun Kyeong Choi, Seonggil Go, Sang Rul Park; Received April 8, 2025 Accepted May 8, 2025 Published online May 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22761/GD.2025.0009 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: The main kelp forest-forming alga Ecklonia cava (E. cava), plays an important role in coastal ecosystems of South Korea. Despite this coastal ecological importance, there is a lack of research on the prediction of macroalgal distribution. In this study, we examined the distribution of E. cava recorded since 1955 and predicted distribution changes starting from 2000, under different climate change scenarios (SSP1-1.9 and SSP5-8.5) using the species distribution model (MAXENT). It reported that E. cava has expanded its range to 38°N latitude since 2000. We found seawater temperature, primary productivity and seawater velocity were controlling factors that determine the habitat of E. cava. Under the low emissions scenario (SSP1-1.9), the habitat suitability and distribution of suitable habitats did not show significant changes. While, under the high emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5), a decline in the southern distribution and an expansion of the northern distribution was predicted. In particular, most of the current habitats of E. cava were found to have decreased habitat suitability, thus the existing population of the species in South Korea may experience a sharp decline. The results of this study can be used as a basis for developing sustainable conservation measures to maintain coastal ecosystems of rocky shore in South Korea.

Changes in Species Composition in Restored Wetland Habitat: Jeongseop An, Hyerin Yu, Cheol-Yeong Kim, Jieun Bak, Hae-jun Baek, Minjeong Seok, Youngho Cho, Soon Jae Eum, Youngjun Park, Dakyum Roh, Soo In Lee; Received February 17, 2025 Accepted April 4, 2025 Published online May 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22761/GD.2025.0007 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: This study monitored of flora and fauna from 2022 to 2024 to investigate changes in biodiversity in relation to the wetland restoration project. A total of 220 plant species from 72 families and 141 animal species from 75 families were identified. Endangered species included five level II endangered plant species, Cicuta virosa, Epilobium hirsutum, Lychnis kiusiana, Lychnis wilfordii, and Euryale ferox, along with one endangered mammal species, Prionailurus bengalensis. Additionally, three plant species (Solanum carolinense, Hypochaeris radicata, and Humulus japonicus) and one amphibian species (Lithobates catesbeianus) were identified as ecosystem-disturbing species designated under the Act on the Conservation and Use of Biological Diversity in Korea. This study not only evaluates the effectiveness of wetland ecosystem restoration and management but also provides foundational data for future restoration projects and conservation policies, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring.

Comparative Analysis of Blue Carbon Stock in Coastal Watersheds of Four Major Rivers: Bongseok Jeong, Sunmin Lee, Moung-jin Lee; Received February 26, 2025 Accepted March 26, 2025 Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22761/GD.2025.0008 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Global attention to blue carbon, which absorbs significant amounts of carbon, has increased as an alternative solution for reducing greenhouse gases, a major concern in the international community. However, as blue carbon is threatened by land cover changes and sea-level rise, preliminary studies on assessment and restoration have been conducted for efficient management. While domestic research has focused on field surveys of carbon absorption capacity and storage, studies establishing spatial information systems have been limited. Therefore, this study developed blue carbon spatial information for the coastal watersheds of the four major rivers. Total carbon storage within watersheds was calculated based on data from field surveys of 21 domestic tidal flats and various tidal flat spatial information datasets (global distribution of tidal flat ecosystems, Subdivision land cover map, 1/25,000 coastal data and 2018 tidal flat data). Watershed health indices were calculated based on total carbon storage. The carbon storage per unit area was highest in the Han River coastal watershed, followed by Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan River Coastal Watersheds. Among the various tidal flat spatial information datasets applied, analysis revealed that the highest carbon storage values were found in Han (7,321,321.72 Mg C, Nakdong (197,943.19 Mg C), Geum (469,228.90 Mg C), and Yeongsan (2,849,389.2 Mg C) River Coastal Watersheds. The health index analysis comparing various tidal flat spatial information datasets indicated peak values in Han (54.12), Nakdong (82.92), Geum (75.40), and Yeongsan (59.58) River Coastal Watersheds. The blue carbon spatial information developed in this study can potentially support policy decision-making and future research utilizing spatial information, such as analyzing factors affecting blue carbon absorption rates.

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