Aim:Methodology: Results:To investigate the distribution pattern and species composition of zooplankton in relation to different water bodies.Zooplankton communities were investigated at 11 stations in the East Sea, three stations in the East China Sea and four stations in Philippine Sea. Sea surface temperature and salinity were simultaneously measured during the sampling.The mean sea surface temperature was highest in the Philippine Sea and lowest in the East Sea. Total 198 species of seven zooplankton phyla were identified. In the East Sea, copepods were most dominant (52%), followed by amphipods (23%). In the East China Sea, copepods comprised 86% of all zooplankton species with 5% mollusks. In the Philippine Sea, copepods accounted for 79% of all zooplankton species. Zooplankton densities were higher in the East China Sea than other seas, followed by the East Sea and the Philippine Sea. The species number of zooplankton was higher in the Philippine Sea than other seas. Warm water species was dominated in the Philippine Sea, followed by the East China Sea. Relative proportion of cold water species were higher in the East Sea than other seas. Zooplankton communities were indicated by oceanographic characteristics of water bodies. To investigate the zooplankton communities in relation to different water bodies Oceanographic characteristics Zooplankton communitiesWater temperature -Philippine sea (highest) -East Sea Sea (lowest) Water salinity -Philippine sea (highest) -East China Sea (lowest) Zooplankton densities -East China Sea (highest) -Philippine sea (lowest) Proportion of warm water species -Philippine sea (highest) -East China Sea (lowest) Dominant species in each water mass

The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in distribution, composition and abundance of zooplankton community in relation with hydrography such as temperature and salinity in the East Sea. Seasonal changes of zooplankton community were studied at 12 stations near Dokdo in the East Sea. Zooplankton were seasonally sampled in 2011. Water temperature and salinity were simultaneously measured at the zooplankton sampling sites. The mean surface water temperature was highest in summer, lowest in winter and intermediate in spring and fall. The mean surface water salinity was highest in winter and spring, lowest in summer and intermediate in fall. Total 215 species belonging to 65 families were identified. Zooplankton mean densities gradually increased from winter to fall. Total species number was lowest in winter and highest in summer. Copepods prevailed as dominant zooplankton groups in all seasons. The mean densities of dominant zooplankton species varied with seasons. Zooplankton communities varied with season, particularly water masses were driven by water currents as a main factor controlling zooplankton community composition, abundance and distribution. Dokdo, Hydrography, Seasonal changes, Zooplankton Seasonal changes of zooplankton community around Dokdo in the East Sea