Modeling the Salinity Distribution Suitable for the Survival of Asian Clam ( Corbicula fluminea ) and Examining Measures for Environmental Flow Supply in the Estuary of the Seomjin River, Korea

Dong Yeol Lee and Kyong Oh Baek ()
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Dong Yeol Lee: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
Kyong Oh Baek: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: The Seomjin River estuary is a key habitat for the Asian clam ( Corbicula fluminea ), contributing significantly to the local economy and aquatic biodiversity in South Korea. However, long-term reductions in upstream discharge, geomorphological alterations, land reclamation, and climate change have intensified saltwater intrusion, gradually displacing clam habitats upstream. This study employed the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model to simulate salinity distribution and evaluate optimal environmental flow strategies for clam conservation. Simulation results indicated that maintaining a minimum upstream flow of 23 m 3 /s was essential to prevent salinity levels from exceeding the critical threshold of 20 psu at Seomjin Bridge, a key habitat site. During neap tides, reduced tidal flushing led to prolonged saltwater retention, elevating salinity levels and increasing the risk of mass clam mortality. A historical event in May 2017, when salinity exceeded 20 psu for over four consecutive days, resulted in a major die-off. This study successfully reproduced that event and evaluated mitigation strategies. A combined approach involving increased dam releases and temporary reductions in intake withdrawal was assessed. Notably, a pulse release strategy supplying an additional 9.9–10.37 m 3 /s (total 30.4 m 3 /s) over three days during neap tide effectively limited critical salinity durations to fewer than four days. The preservation of Asian clams in the Seomjin River estuary is a sustainability measure not only from an ecological perspective but also from a cultural one.

Keywords: estuarine modeling; salinity management; Asian clam; environmental flow; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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