Species composition and distribution of hull-fouling macrozoobenthos differs among research vessel navigation areas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and explore the distribution patterns of hull-fouling macrozoobenthos on Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) research vessels. In 2017 and 2018, five KIOST research vessels (R/Vs) were divided into three categories by navigation area: ocean (R/Vs Onnuri and Isabu), coastal (R/V Eardo), and local (R/Vs Jangmok 1 and Jangmok 2) the local class consisted of vessels operating in shallow coastal areas in eastern, western, and southern parts of the Sea of Korea. Hull-fouling species were collected from three hull areas at different depths (upper, middle, and bottoms) and from the thrusters and propeller areas, based on the hull waterline. The results of this study indicate that navigation areas are important determinants of the species composition and the diversity of hull-fouling macrozoobenthos on R/Vs.