The Jindo Phenomenon: Where Do the Fish Go When the Sea 'Parts' and How Other Biota Survive
By. Tri - 05 Nov 2025
lautnusantara.com_Every year, Jindo Island in South Korea becomes the stage for a stunning natural miracle, often dubbed the "Korean Moses Miracle." For several hours, the seawater recedes dramatically, unveiling a natural land bridge spanning 2.8 kilometers that connects Jindo Island to Modo Island. This event, celebrated as the Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival, draws thousands of tourists.
However, beneath this breathtaking sight lies a fundamental question: Where does all the marine life, including fish, go when their habitat suddenly turns into dry land? And how do other marine organisms manage to survive this drastic change?
Unraveling the Science Behind Jindo’s 'Parting Sea'
It is crucial to understand that the "parting sea" at Jindo is actually an extreme low tide phenomenon (a maximal ebb tide). The combined gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun align perfectly, causing the shallow water in this area to recede to its lowest point, exposing the sandbar that connects the two islands.
Because this phenomenon is periodic and predictable, marine biota have developed specific adaptive mechanisms.
Where Do the Fish Go?
For fish and fast-moving marine animals, the sudden transition from a watery environment to dry land is a serious threat. They employ several mechanisms to avoid exposure:
- Migration to Deeper Waters:
Fish are highly sensitive to changes in depth and current. As the water begins to recede, their instinct is to move and follow the retreating waterline to deeper areas. They quickly swim away from the exposed sandbar, seeking refuge in the remaining water channels or the stable, open waters surrounding the island.
- Sensitivity to Temperature and Salinity:
The shallow area that becomes dry land is highly susceptible to rapid changes in temperature (due to direct sun and air exposure) and salinity (from evaporation or freshwater runoff). Fish instinctively avoid these unstable environments.
The takeaway: The fish don't "vanish;" they simply temporarily relocate to stable water zones, away from the exposed pathway, where they wait for the tide to return.
How Other Biota Survive
Unlike fish, many organisms are slow-moving or completely stationary. They rely on remarkable biological abilities to endure the extremes of being submerged and being exposed.
|
Marine Biota |
Survival Mechanism |
Explanation |
|
Oysters & Clams |
Sealing Shells Tightly (Clamming) |
They shut their airtight and watertight shells, preserving moisture inside and protecting themselves from dehydration and predators. They slow their metabolism until the tide comes back in. |
|
Crabs (Certain Species) |
Burying in Sand/Mud |
Crabs often dig deep holes in the sand or mud, creating a cool and moist microhabitat. This protects them from the heat and from predators like birds. |
|
Seaweed & Algae |
Cellular Fortitude |
Some types of algae and seaweed have cells designed to resist water loss (desiccation). They may appear dry or wilted but can rehydrate and resume normal function when the water returns. |
|
Sea Snails |
Seeking Shelter |
They crawl to shaded spots, such as under rocks, in crevices, or within clumps of seaweed, to minimize sun exposure and retain moisture. |
The phenomenon at Jindo, and other similar locations where sandbars are exposed (like Dodola Island in Indonesia), serves resilience of intertidal ecosystems areas naturally situated between high and low tide marks. The organisms in this zone have evolved over millennia to cope with this regular cycle of wet and dry conditions.
An Experience and a Lesson
When tourists walk across the exposed seabed at Jindo, they are witnessing more than just a sight; they are observing a natural survival operation. While much of the biota remains hidden, festival-goers often take the opportunity to harvest oysters and other seafood that are temporarily exposed.
The Jindo Miracle is a spectacular reminder that the ocean and its life are governed by precise natural cycles. Fish, driven by instinct, find safe haven. Meanwhile, the bottom-dwelling biota, with their evolutionary resilience, patiently wait. All of it is part of the ocean's remarkable ecological dance.
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