: Long-term trends and distribution patterns of water quality were investigated in the Yeoja Bay of South Sea, Korea from 1976 to 2010. Water samples were collected at 3 stations and physicochemical parameters were analyzed including water temperature, salinity, hydrogen ion concentration (pH), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SS) and nutrients. Spatial distribution patterns of temperature, pH and DO were not clear among stations but the seasonal variations were distinct except ammonium. The trend analysis by principal component analysis (PCA) during 31 years revealed the significant variations in water quality in the study area. Spatial water qualities were discriminated into 2 clusters by PCA; station cluster 1 and 2∼3. Annual water qualities were clearly discriminated into 4 clusters by PCA. By this multi-variate analysis, the annual trends were summarized as the followings; water temperature, COD and SS tended to increase from late 1970's, decreased salinity, and increased phosphate from 1991 to 2001 and increased dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Water quality was showed by the input of fresh water same as those of Kyoungin coastal area, Asan coastal area, Choensoo bay, Gunsan coastal and Mokpo coastal area in the Yeoja Bay.
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