Integrated preservation research program on the oceanic environments in the Saemangeum reclamation: Introduction

Abstract

A 33-km long sea dike, enclosing a coastal zone of 40,100 ha, is being constructed in the Saemangeum coastal area, mid-west of Korea. The dike during and after its construction is affecting not only coastal environments of the Saemangeum area but also the oceanic environments of its adjacent coastal area including the Keum River estuary and Gomso Bay. An integrated preservation study on the oceanic environments for a ten-years duration has been launched in 2002 to monitor the outer oceanic environment off the dike and the northern part of the inner reclamation area (Mankyung area) and to suggest measures / alternatives against oceanic environmental problems and impacts caused by the dike construction. We introduce here the outline of the long-term project and some of preliminary results in coastal hydrodynamics obtained during the first-year study.