Original title: 한국 연안 생태계 변화와 맹그로브 활용Writer: Lee In-wook (이인옥)Affiliation: Ph.D., Blue Carbon Business Unit, Seoul National University
Part 1: Introduction to Changes in Korean Coastal Ecosystems
Due to global warming, subtropical plants such as Sargassum horneri (devil seaweed) and Zostera marina (eelgrass) have been reported to naturally occur in Korean coastal areas. The seeds of these subtropical plants are introduced via ocean currents or migratory birds. However, their natural establishment in Korean coastal zones remains challenging due to environmental differences.
The current presence of subtropical plants in Korean coastal areas suggests that temperatures have risen significantly enough to support their survival. This indicates a gradual increase in the likelihood of subtropical species establishing themselves in the future.
Of particular interest is the potential introduction of mangroves to Korean coasts. Dr. Nam Jung-ho of the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) analyzed climate data and ecological suitability models, demonstrating that certain Korean coastal regions may support mangrove growth (Nam et al., 2023). This raises critical questions: What role will subtropical species play in Korean coastal ecosystems, and how should they be managed?
Part 2: The Role of Mangroves as Carbon Sinks
Mangroves, alongside salt marshes and seagrass beds, are classified by the IPCC as certified blue carbon ecosystems. These ecosystems excel at storing and sequestering large amounts of carbon permanently. Mangrove forests have the highest carbon storage capacity per unit area among blue carbon ecosystems (Howard et al., 2017). Globally, mangroves store approximately 8 petagrams of carbon (PgC) in their leaves, wood, roots, and sediments (Donato et al., 2011). This accounts for a significant portion of the 40 gigatons (GT) of CO₂ emitted annually by humans.
Beyond Carbon Storage
Mangroves provide ecological benefits beyond carbon sequestration. They serve as habitats and nurseries for marine life, enhance biodiversity, filter pollutants from land runoff, and protect coastlines from erosion and natural disasters (Wildlife Conservation Society, 2022).
Part 3: Climate-Driven Changes in Marine Ecosystems
Rising sea temperatures, driven by global warming, are altering marine ecosystems worldwide. According to the IPCC, many marine species are shifting their habitats toward colder polar regions. Changes in plankton productivity due to warming waters also disrupt fish populations through food chain effects.
The Korean Context
Over the past 50 years, Korea’s coastal surface temperatures have risen by approximately 1.4°C—2.5 times higher than the global average. This warming has triggered chemical and biological shifts, including:
- Declines in cold-water fish species (e.g., Alaska pollock, Pacific cod).
- Increased presence of tropical fish species (e.g., purple octopus, white snapper, flying fish).
- Changes in phytoplankton productivity, impacting fisheries.
These trends highlight the accelerating "subtropicalization" of Korean coastal ecosystems.
Part 4: Prospects for Subtropical Plant Influx
In the near future, mangrove seeds from China or Japan may naturally colonize Korean coasts via ocean currents. As mangroves are recognized as a key tool for absorbing CO₂ and conserving marine ecosystems, proactive strategies are needed to integrate them into climate crisis mitigation efforts.
Part 5: Current Mangrove Research and Initiatives
International Collaboration
Korea’s Forest Service has joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), led by the UAE and Indonesia, with 22 member countries. This initiative focuses on mangrove restoration in developing nations and strengthens Korea’s leadership in global disaster management and climate action.
Domestic Research Breakthroughs
A team led by Professor Kim Jong-sung at Seoul National University pioneered studies on the carbon sequestration role of Korean tidal flats. They have also published groundbreaking research on mangrove ecosystem functions (e.g., primary production, food web dynamics) in Australia, China, and Cambodia (Kim et al., 2020; Lee et al., 2023).
Research Gaps
Despite the potential for subtropical mangrove seeds to establish in Korea, studies on their management and ecological impacts remain insufficient.
Part 6: Strategies for Mangrove Introduction
Mangroves, with their high carbon sequestration efficiency, must be strategically integrated into Korean tidal flat ecosystems. Key steps include:
- Ecosystem Simulation: Building experimental systems to mimic mangrove-colonized coastal environments. Researchers will assess impacts on sediment nutrients, carbon storage, and biodiversity.
- Multidisciplinary Evaluation: Analyzing mangrove introduction methods from ecological, economic, and social perspectives to align with conservation and restoration goals.
Global Mangrove Restoration Success Stories
- Indonesia: Restored 600,000 hectares of mangroves by 2023, reducing coastal erosion and enhancing fisheries.
- Vietnam: Planted 20,000 hectares of mangroves, saving $15 million annually in disaster mitigation costs (World Bank, 2021).
Conclusion
The introduction of mangroves to Korea’s coasts offers a dual benefit: combating climate change through carbon sequestration and protecting biodiversity. However, rigorous research and adaptive management are essential to ensure their successful integration into Korea’s evolving coastal ecosystems.