Chasing the Red Tides in the Sea of Korea in 2013

Abstract

In the summer of 2013, red tides (Cochlodinium sp.) which occurred in the Sea of Korea resulted in enormous economic costs to aquacultures. The blooming of Cochlodinium first originated from the estuary of Nakdong River in the South Sea and then spread toward the East Sea. Using the satellite images (GOCI), we detected approx. 300km long patch of the Cochlodinium. To identify optical characteristics in the field and to confirm the GOCI data with field data, several parameters including peridinin, Chl-a, and cell abundance were measured in 66 plots from Aug 4th to 14th. Maximum 11280 cells/ml (Chl-a: 1256.05 ug/L, peridinin: 680922 ng/L) were found in a water sample. Given the analysis of the physical oceanographic data, the initial cause of blooming was still unclear. However, coastal upwelling induced by wind is thought to facilitate the blooming in the East Sea and the following eddy currents are believed to spread the red tide. Future technologies will be discussed to early detect and control red tides. then spread toward the East Sea. Using the satellite images (GOCI), we detected approx. 300km long patch of the Cochlodinium. To identify optical characteristics in the field and to confirm the GOCI data with field data, several parameters including peridinin, Chl-a, and cell abundance were measured in 66 plots from Aug 4th to 14th. Maximum 11280 cells/ml (Chl-a: 1256.05 ug/L, peridinin: 680922 ng/L) were found in a water sample. Given the analysis of the physical oceanographic data, the initial cause of blooming was still unclear. However, coastal upwelling induced by wind is thought to facilitate the blooming in the East Sea and the following eddy currents are believed to spread the red tide. Future technologies will be discussed to early detect and control red tides.