김관우·나수진·강종완·이수미·최민규·임재현*
국립수산과학원 해양환경연구과
To evaluate the recent trophic state of Jinhae Bay, field campaigns were conducted in June and August during 2020-2023, measuring environmental factors in both the surface and bottom layers. Temperature differences between layers were greater in August than in June. Surface salinity was decreased in August, probably due to runoff, while bottom salinity remained stable. Dissolved oxygen levels showed a more pronounced stratification in August, leading to hypoxic conditions in the bottom layer. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was higher at the surface, with rainfall contributing to elevated levels. The eutrophication index (EI) was consistently higher at the bottom across all stations, driven by dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphate (DIP), with a notable increase in August due to organic matter decomposition. The trophic index (TRIX) was also higher in the bottom layer, with surface TRIX influenced by DIN and salinity, and bottom TRIX by salinity, rainfall, COD, and DIN. The average TRIX for Jinhae Bay was 4.21±1.30, classified as “poor”, but comparable to values from other regions. Continuous monitoring of the trophic state is essential for the sustainable management of Jinhae Bay’s fisheries.
Jinhae Bay, Trophic state, Eutrophication index, Trophic index