Coastline Area Research Articles

THERMOGEOGRAPHY OVER TIME CREATES BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS: A TEMPERATURE/SPACE/TIME‐INTEGRATED MODEL AND AN ABUNDANCE‐WEIGHTED TEST FOR BENTHIC MARINE ALGAE

We developed a time‐integrated thermogeographic model to demonstrate conditions under which benthic marine algal assemblages evolve biogeographic patterns in their distribution and abundance. The graphical model applies to rocky marine sublittoral zones in which seasonal temperatures, coastline area, isolation, and evolutionary time are primary factors. Time is treated by using the temperature/area/distributions for the present (interglacial period) integrated with that of 18,000 years before present (glacial period). These two alternate states characterize the global marine realm since the late Pliocene to Pleistocene time during which many extant species have evolved. The resulting abiotic “thermogeographic” model defines 20 regions that correspond with the cores of 24 recognized biogeographic regions and/or provinces determined by published distributions of organisms. Modern biogeographic regions conform closely with thermogeographic regions where temperature, area, and time are integrated. We also propose that biogeographic patterns should be determined by the abundance of species assemblages rather than presence and absence or percent endemism as is commonly done. We test the efficacy of thermogeographic regions with abundance‐weighted patterns in the biogeography of crustose coralline red algae (Rhodophyta/Corallinales) in the colder part of the northern hemisphere. Based on abundance, rather than presence/absence, coralline red algal biogeographic regions correspond closely with the model's thermogeographic regions.

Heavy metal contamination of brown seaweed and sediments from the UK coastline between the Wear river and the Tees river

The concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Ag were determined in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus and intertidal surface sediments from coastal locations of northeast England. Levels of heavy metals similar to those of polluted areas of the British coastline were detected. There is evidence of contamination (especially with Zn and Pb) in sediments from sites affected by colliery spoil and from the Wear estuary. The pelitic fraction (<63 μm) is usually more enriched in heavy metals, but it represents a very small percentage of the bulk samples. The fine-grained sand is a very important repository of contaminants especially where particles of colliery spoil, secondary mineral, and amorphous phases are present. Aqua regia-extracted Zn, Cu, and Pb in sediments are significantly correlated with those in seaweed. Despite the closure of all base metal and coal mines, and the cessation of many industrial activities in the region, sediments and brown algae are contaminated with heavy metals. The control site (Holy Island) and the Tees estuary appear to be the least affected.

Challenges Associated with Oil Spill Response in Remote Regions of Western Alaska

ABSTRACT Western Alaska is, to say the least, remote. The area is vast, unforgiving at times, and notorious for offering rugged coastlines, severe weather conditions, and home to numerous species of birds, marine and terrestrial mammals, and fish. To get an understanding of the size of this state, Alaska spans about 20 degrees of latitude (1,200 miles) and more than 45 degrees of longitude (2,700 miles). The coastline area runs from Cape Puget in the Gulf of Alaska to the Alaska Peninsula, to the Aleutian Islands thence north to Barrow including, the Bering and Chukchi Seas, and thence east through the Beaufort Sea to the U.S.-Canada border. Traveling north to south, the region is classified as arctic, subarctic, or marine coastal. This paper will discuss the challenges faced by federal, state, and local agencies, and responders while responding to vessel casualties in the remote regions of Alaska. The geographic area of the state this paper will focus on is known as Western Alaska and is composed of the Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands, the islands of Bristol Bay, and Pribilof Islands. The bodies of water surrounding Western Alaska are the Gulf of Alaska, North Pacific Ocean, Bristol Bay, and Bering Sea.

On the occurrence of juvenile lobster Homarus gammarus in intertidal habitat

The early benthic phase (EBP) European lobster Homarus gammarus, and the habitat to which it recruits, remains largely undiscovered. Following reports that juvenile lobsters were being located within an intertidal lobster fishery in Johnshaven, Scotland, a three day census was undertaken. The shore consisted of a wave cut platform with a red sandstone/cobble conglomerate substratum. Three juvenile lobsters of 28, 32 and 45 mm carapace length (CL) were located in a crevice type habitat. It is hypothesized that in some areas of coastline, intertidal crevices act as a peripheral habitat for juvenile lobsters.

THE SALTINGS MILLENNIUM COASTAL PARK

Redevelopment of former industrial areas is transforming the coastline in the area of Llanelli, South Wales as part of the Millennium Coastal Park development. This includes, as part of the redevelopment, the creation of a linear cycleway and footpath linking areas of the Park throughout its 22 km length. The Pembrey Link (subsequently renamed ‘The Saltings’) forms the western and final section of the Park development and runs through an area of scenic coastline, which overlooks the Gower Peninsula. As a result of extensive consultation and sympathetic design at all stages—concept, environmental assessment, detailed design and construction—a stimulating section of the Coastal Park has been developed. This enables both cyclists and pedestrians to experience this dynamic and environmentally sensitive area of the coast in safety.

The Saltings, Millennium Coastal Park

Redevelopment of former industrial areas is transforming the coastline in the area of Llanelli, South Wales as part of the Millennium Coastal Park development. This includes, as part of the redevelopment, the creation of a linear cycleway and footpath linking areas of the Park throughout its 22 km length. The Pembrey Link (subsequently renamed ‘The Saltings’) forms the western and final section of the Park development and runs through an area of scenic coastline, which overlooks the Gower Peninsula. As a result of extensive consultation and sympathetic design at all stages—concept, environmental assessment, detailed design and construction—a stimulating section of the Coastal Park has been developed. This enables both cyclists and pedestrians to experience this dynamic and environmentally sensitive area of the coast in safety.

A field evaluation of international monitoring guidelines for the biological effects of tributyltin.

The Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) Guidelines for monitoring the biological effects of tributyltin compounds (TBT) were evaluated using data collected for preparation of a Celtic Seas Quality Status Report. Two types of survey were undertaken: broad scale, to determine wide impacts in coastal waters; and localised, around representative harbours to establish ranges of effect from recognised input points. This evaluation indicates that results from the broad scale surveys can be used to compare different areas of coastline. Nucella is widespread away from point sources although many individuals show some degree of imposex. Populations are generally not at risk. The localised surveys indicate that, in certain situations, the monitoring objectives can be met in the OSPAR Guidelines (subject to minor amendment). Criteria are identified for the selection of point sources suitable for monitoring under OSPAR Guidelines.

Numerical grids used in a coastal ocean model with breaking wave effects

In coastal ocean modeling, traditional single-block rectangular (Cartesian) grids have been most commonly used for their simplicity. In many cases, these grids may be not well suited (even at very high resolutions) for regions with complicated physical fields, open boundaries, coastlines, and bottom bathymetry. The numerical curvilinear nearly orthogonal/orthogonal, single/multi-block coastline-following grids for the Mediterranean Sea, Monterey Bay and the South China Sea (SCS) are presented. These grids can be used in coastal ocean modeling to enhance model numerical solutions and save computer resources by giving better treatment of regions with high gradients such as areas of complicated coastlines and steep slopes of shelf breaks, complicated bottom topography, open boundaries, and multi-scale physical phenomenon. Grid generation techniques are used to designed these grids. This kind of grids can also easily increase horizontal resolutions in the subregion of the model domain, without increasing the computational expense, with a higher resolution over the entire domain. A three dimensional coastal ocean model with breaking wave effects is also presented and applied. The ocean system is a primitive equation modeling system with grid generation routines and a turbulent closure which is capable of taking surface breaking wave effects into account. The system also includes a grid package which allows model numerical grids to be coupled with the ocean model. The model code is written for multi-block grids, but a single-block grid is used for the South China Sea (SCS). The model with breaking wave effects and a grid of 121 × 121 grid points are used to simulate the winter circulation of the SCS as an example. The model output of the 60-day run shows the observed upwelling locations in the sea surface salinity field.

Modelling Internal Boundary-Layer Development in a Region with a Complex Coastline

The purpose of this paper is to test the ability of two quite different models to simulate the combined spatial and temporal variability of the internal boundary layer in an area of complex terrain and coastline during one day. The simple applied slab model of Gryning and Batchvarova, and the Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (CSU-RAMS) are tested by comparison with data gathered during a field study (called Pacific '93) of photochemical pollution in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada. The data utilised here are drawn from tethered balloon flights, free flying balloon ascents, and downlooking lidar operated from an aircraft flown at roughly 3500 m above sea level. Both models are found to represent the temporal and spatial development of the internal boundary-layer depth over the Lower Fraser Valley very well, and reproduce many of the finer details revealed by the measurements.

Mapping ofPosidonia oceanicausing Aerial Photographs and Side Scan Sonar: Application off the Island of Corsica (France)

In light of the essential role that seagrass beds play from an ecological and sedimentary point of view, mapping of these organisms should be carried out in order to clearly assess their distribution. Although a large number seagrass beds have been mapped, these generally only take into consideration the shallower formations (0–15m) or those which are geographically very confined (<5000ha) due to the inherent difficulties involved in mapping such ecosystems.Posidonia oceanicais a marine phanerogam endemic to the Mediterranean. The wide bathymetric range (0–50m) of this species increases the difficulties involved in its mapping. The combined use of image processing of aerial photographs for the shallower layers (0–15 or 20m in regions of very sheltered waters) and of side scan sonar for the deeper depths (20–50m) is a particularly suitable approach. The implementation of these techniques along the Corsican coast (approximately 127000ha) allowed the mapping of assemblages and bottom-types present from the surface to a depth of 50m with a resolution of 5m. The results reveal thatP. oceanicaseagrass beds occupy a surface area of approximately 62000ha with a mean lower bathymetric limit of about 32m. A comparison of these results with other regions of the Mediterranean confirms the extent of distribution of this species along the Corsican coast (49·1% from 0 to 50mvs16·3% along the French continental coast). The surface area of the Mediterranean coastline potentially occupied byP. oceanicaseagrass beds can be estimated to be between 2·5 and 5 million hectares.

SEA-LEVEL RISE IMPACT ON COASTAL AREAS OF ESTONIA

Due to long coastline (3,794 km in total) and extensive low-lying coastal areas, global climate change through sea-level rise will strongly affect the territory of Estonia. A number of valuable natural ecosystems (both, marine and terrestrial) containing rare plant communities often rich in species, but also suitable breeding places for birds will be in danger. Most sandy beaches high in recreative value will disappear. However, isostatic land uplift and location of coastal settlements at a distance from the present coastline reduce the rate of risk. Four case study areas characterizing all the shore types of Estonia have been selected for sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation assessment. Preliminary results and estimates of vulnerability to 1.0 m sea-level rise by 2075 for two case study areas – Hiiumaa, West-Estonian Archipelago and Parnu-Ikla, south-western coast of the mainland – are presented in this paper.

Evidence of a Holocene and continuing recent expansion of lowland rain forest in humid, tropical North Queensland

Abstract. The identification and radiocarbon dating of charcoal collected under tropical rain forest indicated that sclerophyll forests dominated by Eucalyptus occupied parts of the wet tropical lowlands in the Daintree region of North Queensland at least intermittently from 12,000 yr bp until very recently. The results extend the late Pleistocene expansion of pyrophytic, sclerophyll forests which occurred in the upland rain forests to a humid, megathermic coastal lowlands region. Unlike the early Holocene re‐expansion of rain forests which occurred generally on the uplands, the sclerophyll forests in the lowland study area were present until at least 1400 yr bp. Changes in coastal geomorphology and coastline positions during the late Quaternary were examined in the study area by superimposing sea levels derived from published curves on sea‐bed contours. The results indicate that a very rapid decrease in the extent of the coastal plain occurred during the late Pleistocene. Between 12,000 and 9000 yr bp, 26 km of the coastal plain was submerged and this would have inevitably resulted in concentrations of Aboriginal populations in the area of the present coastline. It is suggested that burning activities by Aborigines in the coastal lowlands were sufficient to reestablish sclerophyll forests during the latter part of the Holocene from approximately 4000 yr bp following a wanner and wetter period which would have been conducive to rain forest re‐expansion. Although the evidence suggests that the most recent rain forest recolonization occurred in the study area more than 1000 years ago, the process is still continuing elsewhere in the wet tropical lowlands in North Queensland. The process of eucalypt forest replacement by rain forest may have accelerated since the arrival of Europeans and the concomitant decrease in Aboriginal management.

Protecting Hong Kong's marine biodiversity: present proposals, future challenges

SummaryPollution from many sources, over-fishing and the rapid development of Hong Kong have had powerful, adverse, impacts upon local marine life reducing it to but a shadow of what it once was. This paper describes Hong Kong's newly enacted Marine Parks Ordinance Chapter 37 1995, discusses the existing situation with regard to the designation of marine parks and reserves, and describes the special features of each one. It argues that a territory-wide strategy will have to be implemented if representative intertidal and coastal water communities are to survive. Coastal zone planning and management need to be among the Hong Kong Government's highest priorities because there are indications that the marine parks and reserves will not be successful. The threats to them are too great. Conservation legislation and coastal planning exercises should also be integrated with those of China as soon as possible, especially for areas of coastline surrounding Hong Kong. This is because development within southern China is proceeding at such a pace that Hong Kong's protected areas are now being threatened by external factors as well as internal ones.

Relationship between the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic capacities and the vertical distribution of three intertidal sessile invertebrates: Jehlius cirratus (Darwin) (Cirripedia), Perumytilus purpuratus (Lamarck) (Bivalvia) and Mytilus chilensis (Hupé) (Bivalvia)

In protected areas of the southern Chilean coastline, the barnacle Jehlius cirratus dominates the upper intertidal zone, the bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus is the dominating species in the intermediate zone and Mytilus chilensis in the middle-lower zone. Varying degrees of aerial respiration were observed in the laboratory for these three sessile invertebrates: 80–100% of the immersed oxygen uptake for Jehlius cirratus, 30–50% for Perumytilus purpuratus and 5–15% for Mytilus chilensis. The pyruvate kinase/phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PK/PEPCK) ratio (adductor muscle) was higher for P. purpuratus than for M. chilensis. J. cirratus had no PEPCK activity in total soft tissues, under the assay conditions used in this study, and PK activity was higher for the cirriped than that of both bivalves. Succinate was produced in both mussels when exposed to hypoxic conditions, but it was not detected in J. cirratus. The kinetic parameters of the PK revealed that M. chilensis presented the highest 0.5 value for PEP and J. cirratus the lowest. Alanine inhibited the PK from M. chilensis to a greater extent (higher n H value) and did not affect the PK of the cirriped. This latter enzyme also presented a marked substrate inhibition, above PEP concentrations of 0.5 mM. The evidence suggests that organisms inhabiting the upper intertidal zone could utilize an aerobic metabolism, given their high aerial respiration capacity, and that the succinate anaerobic pathway could be a more important metabolic strategy in species of the middle-lower intertidal zone. The physiological and biochemical capacities of these three species could thus be correlated with their vertical distribution in the intertidal rocky shore.

Activation analysis of some seaweeds of Myanmar

Activation analysis of some seaweed samples occurring off the coastline areas of Myanmar is described. Na, K and I were determined using Am(Be) radionuclide neutron source and low level β-counting.

Epidemiology of Tick-borne Encephalitis in Sweden 1956–1989: A Study of 1116 Cases

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has occurred regularly in Sweden since it was first diagnosed in 1954. In Austria, where TBE is common, vaccination has been shown to reduce the incidence considerably. Since this vaccine is now available in Sweden we analysed 1116 cases of TBE from 1956 to October 1989 in order to define a strategy for vaccination. The cases were identified in the records from all infectious disease departments in Sweden complemented with data from the virological laboratories. All diagnoses were confirmed by a positive serological result. The analysis shows TBE to be concentrated to the archipelagos and coastline areas of the Baltic and the lake Mälar around Stockholm--about 85% of all cases came from the county of Stockholm. Conspicuous clustering occurred in some areas and the geographical distribution was remarkably constant over the time studied. As can be expected with a tick-borne infection, a strong seasonal variation was found, 85% of the cases occurring July to September. The age distribution showed the highest incidence from 20-70 years; there was a male majority in all age groups. Five patients died.

DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION GUIDELINES FOR ALASKA'S FEDERAL ON-SCENE COORDINATORS

ABSTRACT Alaska's coastline and offshore areas provide seasonal feeding, breeding, and staging grounds for large numbers of birds and marine mammals. In addition, offshore waters serve as passageways for oil tankers and other ocean vessels, and as the location of oil exploration, development, and production activities. Because of the potential for wildlife to contact oil as a result of a spill in the marine environment, the Alaska Regional Response Team (RRT) established a working group in September 1987 to develop and maintain guidelines to assist Alaska's federal On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) in dealing with oiled wildlife. The working group, originally comprised of representatives from four federal and state agencies on the Alaska RRT, was expanded to include members from three special-interest groups—the oil industry and environmental and native groups—and the guideline objectives were broadened to address three response strategies: (1) controlling the release and spread of oil to protect wildlife; (2) keeping wildlife away from a spill; and (3) cleaning oiled wildlife. Through the cooperative efforts of working group members, the guidelines were drafted in early 1988 and are currently undergoing a multistage review. The working group anticipates that the guidelines will be submitted to the Alaska RRT for adoption in late 1988. The guidelines, which divide Alaska into 11 planning areas, focus on important species that inhabit offshore and coastal environments. Relevant resource information, suggested response strategies, and recommended technical experts and response manuals are listed for appropriate species or groups of species. Equipment, materials, and facility requirements for various response strategies as well as inventories of appropriate equipment and materials stockpiled in the state, and facilities that could be used during a response also are identified. Alaska's environmental and logistical constraints present unique challenges for protecting wildlife from oil spill effects. Nonetheless, other RRTs and local response organizations may benefit from the experience gained by the Alaska RRT in developing the guidelines, and from the scientific information and wildlife protection technologies incorporated in the guidelines.

Improving Weather Services for the Safety of Recreational Boating

As the size of the recreational fleet grows, and as its activities continue to fan out into many remote areas of coastline, lake and river, there is an increasing national responsibility to provide an improved program of weather forecasting, warning and public awareness to meet the safety and recreational enjoyment needs of those on the water. This paper deals with these problems, using the New England coastal area (primarily concentrating on the region with a 20-mile radius of Boston) as a representative, brief, case study. The present needs and future possibilities for improving the weather services to recreational boating are examined. Findings, survey techniques and marine weather service criteria developed herein, although based on a single region's problems, can be useful in dealing with the problem in other regions.

AN EPIDEMIC OF MUSSEL POISONING IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND

An epidemic of poisoning by eating mussels fished from the Northumbrian coast in the summer of 1968 affected 78 persons. It caused characteristic neurological symptoms but there were no deaths. Symptoms tended to be more severe when larger doses of poison had been ingested. Serum-creatine-kinase might be of use in determining the degree of intoxication. With the help of radio and television it was possible to institute control measures very promptly, and they proved effective. Testing of shellfish over a wide area of coastline defined the geographical limits of the poison so that preventive action could be taken. It may be necessary for shellfish to be tested regularly during the breeding season. The poison was most probably saxitoxin, a neurotoxic agent produced by dinoflagellates consumed by the mussels.

The Operation of a survey motor boat in Antarctic waters, 1956–58

During the Antarctic summer seasons of 1956–57 and 1957–58, a British Royal Naval Hydrographic Survey Unit operated off the coast of west Graham Land. Working sometimes from stations of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey, and sometimes from camp sites, an area of coastline from Port Lockroy southwards to Ferin Head was systematically examined, triangulated and charted.The mobility of this small unit depended on one all-important factor, the constant availability of a specially converted 29 ft. motor boat, which acted as both transport and home.