Shells in the Pits: Invertebrates at the Early Neolithic Site of Lapiás das Lameiras (Sintra, Portugal)

The conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources has been declared by the United Nations as one of 17 priority Sustainable Development Goals. At present, most of the maritime states are striving to improve the efficiency of their use of marine resources, including sea space. In particular, the European Union is implementing a number of projects related to the implementation of marine spatial planning (MSP) tools. The Baltic Sea is considered as a pilot region, where a pan-Baltic coordinated MSP plan has been developed to provide for sustainable development and blue growth in the marine and coastal economy. The Russian Federation is one of the Baltic countries, but the MSP procedure at the state level does not have institutional and regulatory support, which requires the elimination of gaps and additional development of the maritime management system. The laws of the organization and development of the general theory of management are used in this study. An Integrated Management Model for sustainable marine and coastal use is proposed as a tool for ensuring blue growth, including four interrelated elements (specific management functions), namely “Integrated Coastal Zone Management”, “Marine Spatial Planning”, “Management of Marine Macroregion” and “Ocean Governance”. Their functional content and interaction mechanisms are discussed in order to implement an integral approach to marine use. The vertical structure of the proposed integral model includes three levels corresponding to the federal and regional levels of government and the level of municipal self-governance. The use of the integral model should help accelerate the process of introducing and using MSP instruments in the process of strategic planning in the socio-economic development of the Russian coastal territories.

Rad obrađuje postupak morskog prostornog planiranja koji podrazumijeva analizu i raspored aktivnosti u trodimenzionalnom morskom prostoru te doprinosi učinkovitom upravljanju morskim aktivnostima i održivoj upotrebi morskih i obalnih resursa. Razmatraju se ključni elementi i koraci koje treba uzeti u obzir prilikom odlučivanja da li i kako razviti sustav i okvir morskog prostornog planiranja s ciljem poticanja održivog rasta pomorskih gospodarstava, održivog razvoja morskih područja i održive upotrebe morskih resursa. Istodobno, prikazano je stanje u Republici Hrvatskoj. Analizira se dosegnuti stupanj razvoja prostornog planiranja u Republici Hrvatskoj i primjer dobre europske prakse. Autori se zalažu da se primjena načela morskog prostornog planiranja kao pravne stečevine Europske unije ugradi u pravni sustav Republike Hrvatske.

Early human occupation of a maritime desert, Barrow Island, North-West Australia

One of the greatest challenges for sustaining the ecosystem services that we, as a society, derive from marine ecosystems is to minimize the knowledge gap relating to marine ecosystem values. That is, identifying, eliciting and understanding the economic value of the ecosystem services that marine systems provide for societies world-wide is key to ensuring sustainable resource use and environmental management of these ecosystems. This is particularly problematic for the ecosystem services derived from the deep sea as a tremendous knowledge gap exists for the many marine ecosystems that comprise the deep sea. Addressing this gap in knowledge may, directly and indirectly, facilitate actionable strategies for successful climate change adaptation and reduce the degradation of these important marine ecosystems. Estimating values for certain types of marine ecosystem services in particular the deep sea is imperative for understanding the economic trade-offs associated with human actions and resource use of marine resources. Identifying, exploring and understanding the economic benefits and costs associated with the human resource use of marine systems is also crucial for circumventing irreversible damage to ecosystems, and for addressing the growing problem of ecosystem degradation of marine ecosystems. However, a knowledge gap remains in terms of eliciting and understanding how vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and the deep-sea, generate economic value to local economies, and for societies on a global scale. By employing a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this thesis explores the economic value of the ecosystems of coral reefs and the deep-sea, respectively. The thesis investigates various aspects of the economic contribution of these ecosystems, namely: (i) the local economic contribution of ) Fiji's coral reefs to tourism; and ii) the economic value of the deep- sea's ecosystems to human societies, globally. Moreover, it discusses the importance of exploring the social and non-monetary value of coral reefs to human well-being in the South Pacific Island Countries (SPICs). The research of this thesis therefore constitutes a genuine contribution to understanding how changes in these marine ecosystems impact on economies and human well-being, now and in the future. Although the full extent to which ecosystem degradation of marine ecosystems will impact economies and societies globally remains uncertain, its impacts are already being witnessed, e.g. through ocean acidification, sea-level rise, reduced fish stocks and changing environmental conditions. In turn, these impacts affect human survival and well-being by negatively impacting fishery incomes, food security and coastal protection in many countries around the world. Action and investment plans for reducing the ecosystem degradation of marine systems are urgently needed to protect the value of those ecosystem services to human societies. Deepening our understanding of marine ecosystems' economic contributions constitutes a crucial component of facilitating action plans and investments for sustainable resource use and development. Valuation of vulnerable marine ecosystems is important for several reasons. First, valuation of an ecosystem's contribution to society demonstrates the importance of that ecosystem for social stability, economic growth and human well-being, thereby improving public awareness of that ecosystem's significance. Second, ecosystem valuation can inform policy and decision-making for future conservation programs and legislation pertaining to the human use of marine resources. Third, ecosystem valuation creates important incentives to invest in the protection of marine systems as it outlines the connection between the ecological functioning of marine systems on the one hand, and economic output and stability on the other hand. Fourth, ecosystem valuation can also raise awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity. Finally, ecosystem valuation of marine ecosystems is especially important for supporting decision-making related to the resource-use of marine ecosystems for which very limited information exists on their economic contribution. The thesis starts with an introduction and a literature review of the main themes and concepts along with the problems, challenges and opportunities associated with the ecosystem valuation of coral reefs and the deep-sea. Subsequently, the research studies of this thesis, which constitutes chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented. Specifically, chapter 2 explores the economic impacts of future (hypothetical) deep-sea mining activities on Fiji's tourism industry, through a contingent behaviour study; chapter 3 discusses the need for developing non-monetary and social ecosystem valuation methodology in order to elicit marine ecosystems' importance for human well-being in the SPICs; chapter 4 explores current knowledge about the deep-sea's economic value through a systematic review and meta-analysis; and chapter 5 identifies the four main priorities for future ecosystem valuation, policy-making and research pertaining to the deep-sea. This thesis makes a small but significant contribution to the knowledge base of the economic value of the ecosystems of coral reefs and the deep-sea, respectively, and to developing future ecosystem valuation by means of introducing the social willingness-to commit (Social WTCommit) technique. Finally, this thesis can contribute to policy-making, decision-making and legislation pertaining to the deep-sea and coral reefs, locally and globally.

Predation by large carnivores is a dominant factor shaping wildlife communities and an understanding of local foraging strategies of predators is central to the management of wildlife populations. Information on local foraging strategies is particularly important where carnivores might exploit alternate resources that could influence predator–prey interactions, carnivore population dynamics, and a variety of interactions at lower trophic levels. We used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) values in serially sampled wolf ( Canis lupus ) vibrissae to quantify relative resource use and dietary variation among wolves ( n = 115) from 4 areas in southwestern Alaska that differed in the availability of terrestrial and marine resources. Mean vibrissae isotope values varied by ~8‰ for δ13C and ~12‰ for δ15N and showed high levels of spatial, seasonal, and individual variation. While results showed that ungulates were the principal prey for wolves in all 4 areas, wolves also exploited a variety of alternate marine resources that represented an important component of wolf diets in some areas. Estimated dietary contributions from marine resources ranged from 28% to 56% among areas and use of these resources varied both spatially and seasonally. Dietary variation and use of marine resources increased from northeast to southwest along the Alaska Peninsula with increasing access to coastal areas and decreasing ungulate abundance. Seasonal shifts in resource use were also evident with dietary variation being highest during summer and fall when wolves consumed more alternate resources than during winter. Our findings suggest that use of marine resources and local variation in foraging strategies of wolves might, through a variety of pathways, have broad implications for the management of wolf–ungulate communities in southwestern Alaska.

One of the fastest growing uses of stable isotope analysis in ecology is using hydrogen isotope (δ2H) values to characterize animal movement and migration strategies. Most studies measure δ2H values in metabolically inert tissues such as feathers, which are typically grown during or just after the summer breeding season and provide a limited snapshot of an individual's annual life history. In contrast, isotopic analysis of metabolically active tissues can provide ecological information integrated over weeks to months prior to sampling. Here we characterize δ2H patterns among multiple metabolically inert and active tissues in Cinclodes, a genus of South American songbirds noted for variation in altitudinal movement and foraging strategies. We also coupled δ2H with carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope data to combine information on movement with marine versus terrestrial resource use at the individual level. We find that a combination of physiological and ecological factors control δ2H patterns among tissues, which mirrors results of feeding experiments on captive birds. For example, in the coastal resident C. nigrofumosus, metabolically active muscle collected during the winter has higher δ2H values than feathers grown the previous summer, a tissue‐specific discrimination pattern previously observed in captive birds. This pattern is reversed to various degrees for altitudinal migrants such as C. fuscus and C. oustaleti that spend winters foraging in marine intertidal habitats but migrate to high elevation and forage in stream habitats during the summer. We also find that among altitudinal migrants, individuals that forage sympatrically in intertidal habitats during the winter appeared to summer at a wide range of elevations, as evidenced by large differences of >50‰ in δ2Hmuscle‐feather offsets. Lastly, a positive correlation between feather δ2H and δ15N values in Cinclodes that consume a mixed marine‐freshwater diet confirms that δ2H is a useful proxy for quantifying marine resource use. We anticipate that comparison of δ2H values in metabolically active and inert tissues may allow for the reconstruction of animal movement and foraging strategies within the annual life cycle; however, more work is required to better understand the physiological mechanisms responsible for the observed δ2H patterns among tissues.

Connections to the sea often define the character of coastal towns. However, as migrants arrive and economic diversification occurs, views about the use of marine resources and the ocean environment can change. Using survey data from Maine, we examined whether shifting demographics affect public perceptions of marine resource uses and coastal environmental concerns. We tested resource use and environmental items against a common set of demographic, background, and place-related variables. Results indicate that the level of education and the county of residence predict Mainers’ views about different marine resource uses and ocean-related environmental issues. Political party affiliation strongly influences environmental concern but not views about the use of marine resources. Migration history, on the other hand, has little effect. Understanding community contexts as well as individual background and ideological orientations will be critical as managers attempt to balance alternative uses of marine resources and resolve coastal environmental problems.

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of use of marine resources in recruitment of Southern Hemisphere native riverine fish Galaxias maculatus from rivers across a latitudinal gradient. To do this, we analysed the concentrations of δ34S in vertebral column tissues from fish collected in ten Chilean river systems across latitudes 36°–47°S. The analyses of δ34S signatures in these rivers suggest that the use of marine resources by riverine populations of G. maculatus in large river systems in Chile is variable, with marine resources playing a limited role in more northern large rivers, characterised by warmer temperatures and predictable flow regimes and floodplain inundations. This is in contrast to life histories described for G. maculatus in rivers from New Zealand and Australia, where riverine populations are believed to be characterised by an obligatory recruitment phase in marine environments. Recruitment of G. maculatus in Chilean large rivers appears to depend on their freshwater productivity driven by climate as well as both longitudinal (headwaters lakes-estuary) and lateral (main channel-floodplains) hydrologic connectivities.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDS | Postglacial Adaptations

Postglacial Adaptations

Coyotes ( Canis latrans) are known to consume marine foods, but the importance and persistence of marine subsidies to coyotes is unknown. Recent access to a marine subsidy, especially if gained following apex predator loss, may facilitate coyote expansion along coastal routes and amplify the effects of mesopredator release. Our goal was to quantify and contextualize past and present marine resource use by coyotes on the central coast of California via stable isotope analysis. We measured δ13C and δ15N values in coyotes, their competitors, and their food resources at two modern sites, seven archaeological sites spanning in age from ~3000 to 750 BP, and from historical (AD 1893–1992) coyote and grizzly bear hair and bone sourced from coastal counties. We found evidence for marine resource use by modern coastal California coyotes at one site, Año Nuevo, which hosts a mainland northern elephant seal ( Mirounga angustirostris) breeding colony. Seals and sea lions account for ~20% of Año Nuevo coyote diet throughout the year and this marine subsidy likely positively impacts coyote population size. Isotopic data suggest that neither historic nor prehistoric coyotes consumed marine-derived foods, even at sites near ancient mainland seal rookeries. Marine resource use by some contemporary California coyotes is a novel behavior relative to their recent ancestors. We hypothesize that human alteration of the environment through extirpation of the California grizzly bear and the more recent protection of marine mammals likely enabled this behavioral shift.

The Mesolithic period in the Cantabrian region, a coastal area located in northern Spain, is characterised by a marked increase in the human use of coastal resources in comparison with previous periods, resulting in the formation of so-called “shell middens”. Archaeological investigations have provided insights into the formation processes of these shell middens, as well as long-term changes in human exploitation of different marine resources and the relationship of foraging strategies to past climate changes. However, efforts to reconstruct the key environmental factor governing coastal subsistence and foraging resilience, the seasonal availability and use of different marine resources, have been limited in the region and, indeed, across coastal Mesolithic Europe more widely. Here, we use stable oxygen isotope analysis of Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778), one of the most widespread molluscs in northern Iberian mesolithic coastal sites, in order to determine the season in which humans collected key coastal resources at the site of EL Mazo (Llanes, Asturias). We demonstrate that P. lineatus was exclusively collected in late autumn, winter and early spring. An experimental programme, in which modern P. lineatus specimens were collected in situ over the course of three years, established that relative meat yield varied within this species throughout the annual cycle, with higher relative meat yield during colder months. We argue that mollusc collection patterns were driven by a cost-benefit principle during the Mesolithic in the Cantabrian region and human populations had intimate knowledge of the seasonal developmental cycles of exploited marine taxa. This also highlights the importance of developing intra-annual records of resource use and climate change if coastal foraging is to be properly understood in prehistory.

An excavation of a large rockshelter in Nara Inlet, Hook Island, on the central Queensland coast has revealed archaeological evidence for early Holocene marine resource use dating from before 8150 BP. It is argued here that the site demonstrates continuous use of marine resources from the time of its initial occupation, at the start of the Holocene. Along with other recent evidence (Allen et al. 1989, O'Connor 1989, Morse 1988) this site represents clear evidence of a continuous marine sequence spanning the Holocene. The continued use of marine resources including mangrove species throughout the Holocene argues against a time lag in the occupation of coastal sites and questions the effects of marine transgression on human populations and marine resources. Major changes in the archaeological record at Nara Inlet 1 do not coincide with the major environmental changes documented for the Holocene period in this area and it is considered that social explanations for change may offer a more fruitful interpretation.

Despite the fact that Blue Economy Investment (BEI) contributes immensely towards sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, employment and healthy marine ecosystem, little efforts have been made to encourage sustainable investment in this area. In Ghana, the Marine Pollution Act 2016 (Act, 932) was promulgated to prevent, regulate and control pollution within Ghana’s territorial waters. Meanwhile, the health of Ghana’s oceans keeps deteriorating. This paper aims to develop an integrative model to enhance BEI through Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SSCP) by integrating competing theories to attract sustainable investment to conserve and make sustainable use of marine resources. We anchored our study on quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional survey data. Our hypotheses have been tested using variance-based Structural Equation Modeling and SMART-PLS version 3.3.1. The study has revealed that organisational factors, technological factors, supply chain risk, green environmental awareness, perceived cost and regulatory environment are significant determinants of BEI. Moreover, BEI significantly drives SSCP. Again, BEI significantly mediates the relation between its determinants and SSCP. The implications include the emergence of an integrated model which could be used to improve marine resources investment and the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 13 and 14.

Oceans are central to the healthy functioning of the Earth’s biosystem, contributing to climate stability and harbouring valuable food resources. Marine corruption is one of the greatest threats to the healthy functioning and conservation of marine resources. Since local authorities offer many viable solutions to some of the problems associated with rapid urbanisation and globalisation, such as marine corruption, it is argued that states should work with their coastal cities to control corruption and improve the sustainable use of marine resources. This article explores how African coastal cities can contribute to the implementation of international law and policy to combat marine corruption. African regional law provides that cities should have sufficient autonomy to regulate and manage their local affairs. It is also argued that because of the nature of marine corruption, coastal cities are in the best position to contribute to addressing it. This means that national governments, at least from the perspective of African regional law, should grant coastal cities the necessary powers and capacities to do so. The article discusses the measures under international law that can be used to control marine corruption. These measures include those contained in anti-corruption laws and those primarily aimed at the sustainable use of marine resources. A case study of Walvis Bay, in Namibia, is used to show what coastal cities can do to control marine corruption.