Research

Research Focus

우리 연구실은 하구와 연안 생태계의 근간인 일차 생산자들의 생리·생태학적 반응을 중점적으로 연구합니다. 잘피와 해조류를 포함한 이들 생물군은 해양 생물에게 필수적인 서식지와 자원을 제공하며, 오염 물질 정화에도 중추적인 역할을 합니다.

우리의 주요 연구 거점인 제주도는 기후변화에 가장 민감하게 반응하는 지역 중 하나로, 우리는 이곳에서 해양 생태계가 겪고 있는 급격한 변화를 직접 목격하고 있습니다. 우리는 성급한 결론을 내리기보다, 형태학적 특성과 생산력 측정을 통해 이 생태계들의 현재 상태를 세밀하게 기록하는 데 집중합니다. 철저한 현장 조사와 장기 데이터의 축적을 통해, 우리는 이러한 생태적 현상의 깊은 중요성을 입증하고 변화하는 바다에 대한 과학적 기록을 제공하고자 합니다.

Our research focuses on the physiological and ecological responses of primary producers, the foundation of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. These organisms, including seagrasses and macroalgae, provide essential habitats and resources while playing a vital role in pollution control.

Jeju Island, our primary research base, is one of the most sensitive regions to climate change. Here, we witness the rapid transformation of marine life. Instead of seeking hasty conclusions, we focus on meticulously documenting the current status of these ecosystems by measuring morphology and production. Through rigorous field surveys and the accumulation of long-term data, we aim to demonstrate the profound importance of these ecological phenomena and provide a scientific record of our changing oceans.

1. Climate Change Response & Physiological Analysis

Focus: Analyzing physiological responses to rising water temperatures and salinity fluctuations through controlled experiments.

Methods: Laboratory cultivation of macroalgae (Brown and Green algae) under various environmental stressors.

Data & Analysis: Measuring growth rates and key physiological parameters. Post-cultivation, samples are dried, weighed, and ground for Elemental Analysis (C/N ratio) to evaluate nutrient allocation and carbon sequestration capacity.

2. Long-term Community Monitoring

Focus: Tracking long-term shifts in marine communities and biodiversity in response to environmental change.

Sites: Jeju (Munseom, Seongsan, Sinchang, Hamdeok) and the South Sea of Korea.

Data: Non-destructive photo-quadrat surveys of coral and macroalgae coexistence, and continuous environmental monitoring using sensors (Temperature, Salinity, pH).

3. Seagrass Ecology & Habitat Conservation

Focus: Investigating the productivity, morphology, and health of seagrass meadows as critical blue carbon habitats.

Sites: Tongbatal and other major seagrass habitats in Jeju and the South Sea of Korea.

Data & Analysis: 

• Biological: In-depth analysis of Morphology and Production (hole-punching method) and biomass C/N analysis.

• Environmental: Sediment analysis, seawater sampling, and real-time environmental profiling using YSI sensors.

4. Marine Environmental Issues (Green Tides)

Focus: Investigating the causes, distribution, and biomass of Ulva blooms (Green Tides) affecting coastal areas.

Sites: Northern Jeju and the South Sea coast.

Data: Quantitative quadrat sampling, direct biomass measurements, and environmental monitoring via seawater analysis and YSI sensors.

(NEW) 5. Offshore Aquaculture & Carbon Sequestration 

Focus: Evaluating the potential of offshore macroalgae cultivation as a sustainable carbon sink to mitigate climate change.

Sites: South Sea (Jindo, Wando-Cheongsando, etc.).

Data: Monitoring the growth rates of offshore-cultivated brown algae, assessing carbon reduction efficiency in response to environmental variables, and seawater quality monitoring.