Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure ISSN:2288-8527(Online) 응용생태공학회 논문집

We investigated the tidal current, hydrographic data, and benthic environment of major sea cucumber (Holothuroidea, de Blainville, 1834) habitats in Baengnyeongdo, Jindo and Uljin to understand the optimal environmental or ecological habitat for sea cucumbers. The three study areas were characterized by a cold-water mass of temperatures ranging 12~18℃, with an active circulation between the surface and deep waters. According to an analysis of the tidal current map, a strong flow velocity of 100~120 cm s-1 appeared in Baengnyeongdo and Jindo. The three sea cucumber habitats showed the common characters of a bottom sediment composed of sand-silt, a diverse seaweed colony and benthic organisms, and boulders and rocks which provide a hideout for the organisms. We aimed to draw the optimal habitat condition for sea cucumbers in Korea, and the result showed that the low water temperature, rapid water flow, active vertical mixing between surface and deep waters, bottom composed by sand-silt, large rocks, and diverse seaweed colony and benthic organism were important factors. The optimal habitat for Juvenile sea cucumbers was the intertidal areas characterized by a muddy bottom, reef, and seaweed. The optimal habitat for adult sea cucumbers was characterized by a place where sand and mud are mixed, and the body size of the sea cucumber was proportional to water depth, and the relatively large boulders and rocks compared to the intertidal area.