Central Coast Research Articles

Phytoplankton community composition links to environmental drivers across a fjord to shelf gradient on the central coast of British Columbia

Rapid environmental change is altering coastal phytoplankton dynamics and, thereby the productivity of coastal marine food webs. Unfortunately, a paucity of phytoplankton community data hinders the prediction of future conditions in ecologically productive regions such as the coastal northeast Pacific. To help fill this gap, this study characterized phytoplankton communities from 2018 to 2020 across a fjord, channel and shelf station transect on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. Monthly samples were collected for microscopy-based taxonomy and pigment-based phytoplankton composition (i.e. CHEMTAX and size-fractionated chlorophyll). Correlation analysis was used to investigate drivers of phytoplankton biomass and hierarchical clustering and redundancy analysis highlighted drivers of compositional trends. Spring blooms formed the peak of annual biomass at each station and earlier blooms at the fjord station suggested a sheltering effect from winter wind conditions. Later spring blooms at the channel station coincided with seasonal wind reductions and increased sunlight. Of the six derived compositional clusters, three represented flagellate dominated conditions at all stations: two represented low biomass winter conditions and the third, moderate biomass spring and autumn blooms occurring under nutrient replete conditions. The remaining three clusters were diatom-dominated and spanned much of the growing season. The first diatom cluster represented Skeletonema marinoi dominated samples, many from 2020, observed under moderate nutrient and high stratification and freshwater discharge conditions. The second represented high diatom richness spring bloom conditions at all stations that were associated with nutrient depletion. Finally, the third included 2018 and 2019 summer shelf samples showing harmful Rhizosolenia setigera and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata blooms under high surface water salinity and temperature. These results highlight high spatial-temporal variability and sensitivity of coastal northeast Pacific phytoplankton communities to altered freshwater, temperature and wind dynamics with potential for profound ecosystem level implications.

Tolas, fish traps and radiocarbon dating: The spatial characterization of the Manteño site of Ligüiqui in Ecuador and its contextualization within the chronological framework of other pre-Hispanic cultures

Abstract Ecuador is a key area in South America when it comes to understanding the economic, social and archaeological aspects of pre-Hispanic cultures in the northwestern region of the Andes. Among the most complex societies to have inhabited this territory is the so-called Manteño culture (AD ∼800–1530), which spanned across most of Ecuador’s central Pacific coast. Ongoing research at the site of Ligüiqui (Manta, Manabí) has enabled us to obtain a more complete overview of the chronological sequence of the Manteño period as well as contributing further data on the advanced stage of social development reached during the period; characterized by the hierarchical arrangement of sites, the use of extensive settlement models, and semi-circular stone fish traps (corrales). In order to understand the role played by this coastal site in the complex Manteño culture, a detailed radiocarbon study was performed in the sequence of the Ligüiqui site. In addition, using a detailed review of available Manteño settlement radiocarbon data (13 sites and 64 dates), we established a chronostratigraphic framework for the culture. Our data indicate that Ligüiqui probably acted as a supply centre for marine-origin products from the twelfth century onwards with activity peaking during the Late Manteño period. A multisite comparison using Bayesian modeling indicates an early onset of the Manteño culture in Ligüiqui around AD 700, and a general demise in most of the sites AD ∼1500 or slightly before. This culture finally collapsed before AD ∼1600 during the early Spanish colonial period. Only one site, La Libertad, shows potential evidence of having remained a Manteño settlement after that date.

Exploring the Contribution of a Generalist Citizen Science Project for Alien Species Detection and Monitoring in Coastal Areas. A Case Study on the Adriatic of Central Italy

Coastal areas are biodiversity hotspots, providing essential ecosystem services, yet they are among the most threatened systems, particularly by alien species invasion. The European regulation on invasive alien species (IAS) highlights early detection as a key prerequisite for effective containment or eradication strategies. Traditional monitoring methods are costly and time-consuming, and Citizen Science (CS) may be a promising alternative. We assessed the contribution of the generalist CS project “Wild Coast Adriatic” (WCA) developed on the iNaturalist platform to the detection of alien species (AS) along the Central Adriatic coast. Using WCA, we extracted alien occurrences and explored AS seasonal patterns, geographic origins, dangers (EU regulation), and distributions inside protected areas (Natura 2000 and LTER sites). Between 2020 and 2023, WCA gathered 2194 research-grade observations of 687 species, including 139 records of 50 AS, five of which are of European concern. Asteraceae and Fabaceae (plants) as well as insects and mollusks (fauna) were the most abundant aliens. The observations increased over time, with more records concentrated in autumn and summer. Most AS come from the Americas and occurred outside the protected areas. Our results underline the contribution of CS data for detecting AS in coastal ecosystems, offering a valid support for early warning, monitoring, and management strategies.

The Role of Polish Local Ports on the Central Baltic Coast in the Development of Offshore Wind Farms

The Role of Polish Local Ports on the Central Baltic Coast in the Development of Offshore Wind Farms

Impacts of Post‐Fire Debris Flows on Fluvial Morphology and Sediment Transport in a California Central Coast Stream

AbstractPost‐fire debris flows alter impacted fluvial systems, but few studies quantify the magnitude and timing of reach‐scale channel response to these events. In August 2020, the Big Creek watershed along California's central coast burned in the Dolan Fire; in January 2021, an atmospheric river event triggered post‐fire debris flows in steep tributaries to the Big Creek. Here, we characterize the evolution of fluvial morphology and grain size in Big Creek, a cascade and step‐pool channel downstream of tributaries in which post‐fire debris flows initiated, using pre‐ and post‐fire structure from motion (SfM) and airborne lidar surveys. We also make comparisons to Devil's Creek, an adjacent basin which burned but did not experience post‐fire debris flows. We observe grain size fining following debris flows in Big Creek, but the coarsest 40% of the grain size distribution remained essentially unchanged despite reorganization of channel structure. Changes in grain size and elevated post‐fire peak flows account for approximately equal portions of a substantial increase in modeled bedload transport capacity one year post‐fire. In Big Creek, geomorphic recovery is well underway just two years post‐fire. A valley‐spanning log jam, which formed during debris flows, acts as a sediment trap upstream of our Big Creek study reach, and is partially responsible for accelerating recovery processes. In contrast, Devil's Creek exhibited little change in morphology or grain size despite elevated post‐fire peak flows. This period of geomorphic dynamism following the Dolan Fire has complex ecological impacts, notably for the threatened anadromous salmonid spawning habitat in Big Creek.

Comparing Historical and Contemporary Observations of Avian Fauna on the Yáláƛi (Goose Island) Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada.

In an era of global change, historical natural history data can improve our understanding of ecological phenomena, particularly when evaluated with contemporary Indigenous and place-based knowledge. The Yáláƛi (Goose Island) Archipelago is a group of islands in Heiltsuk (Haíɫzaqv) territory on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Not only has this region been important to the Heiltsuk for millennia but also it is both a federally and internationally recognized important bird area. In this study, we compare data collected by Charles J. Guiguet, a biologist who documented bird communities at Yáláƛi in the summer of 1948, to three different contemporary surveys and to citizen-science data. We find that the relative abundances of forest bird species (i.e., birds that use the terrestrial island ecosystems) in 1948 differed to those observed in systematic surveys in 2011. While Orange-crowned Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Red Crossbills comprised 55% of detections by Guiguet in 1948, the three most abundant species in 2011 were Bald Eagles, Varied Thrushes, and Pacific Wrens, and these accounted for only 25% of detections. Although we could not make a quantitative comparison, we provide summaries of each species observed in surveys or reported on eBird. We also incorporate Heiltsuk place-based knowledge to enrich our discussion of the variability in bird communities over time, from how changes in mammal communities and human use may have shaped vegetation dynamics to how large-scale natural phenomena impacted topography. To understand which birds are present and how their communities are changing over time, we recommend continued monitoring of the bird communities at Yáláƛi.

Reconstructing Historical Changes in the Macroalgal Vegetation of a Central Mediterranean Coastal Area Based on Herbarium Collections

Well-conserved herbarium specimens of marine macroalgae represent a valuable resource for multiple types of investigation. When algal herbaria host specimens collected over long time spans from a certain geographic area, they have the potential to document historical changes in the benthic vegetation of that area. In this study, historical changes in the macroalgal vegetation of a central Mediterranean coast (Conero Riviera, Adriatic Sea) were assessed based on a critical re-examination of the herbarium of Irma Pierpaoli (collection period 1925–1951) and the phycological herbarium of the Polytechnic University of Marche (ANC ALG, collections made mostly in the period 1999–2024). For both herbaria, the identifications of many specimens were revised based on the current species circumscriptions. The comparison indicates that some major changes occurred between the two collection periods: a switch in the morphological functional structure of the vegetation (increase in the number of filamentous species, decrease in leathery macrophytes, and the near disappearance of calcareous articulated algae), local extinction of some species (at least 23, possibly more), and introduction of 11 species of non-indigenous seaweeds. Anthropogenic impacts (habitat destruction, increase in sediment load, and impacts of port activities and maritime traffic) are considered the main factors responsible for these changes.

First Report of the Thermophilic Thalassoma Pavo (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Central Adriatic Coast of Italy, in Abruzzo

The Trabocchi Coast in the Chieti district of the mid-Adriatic (Italy) is one of the few rocky areas within the General Fisheries Commission GSA 17, alongside Mount Conero (Ancona 43°00′01″ N 13°52′13″ E) and the small San Nicola Rock (Ascoli Piceno; 43°32′0″ N 13°36′0″ E). This coastline is known for its biodiversity-rich bays, inlets, and submerged cliffs. Since 2015, annual biodiversity surveys have been conducted in the area, focusing on marine species richness and the identification of non-native species. In September 2024, a juvenile ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) was documented for the first time in the middle Adriatic during an underwater visual survey at Trabocco Punta Torre, a key site along the Trabocchi Coast near artificial and biogenic reefs. This record extends the known distribution of T. pavo, a thermophilic species previously reported only along the southern Adriatic coast of Puglia. This is the first confirmed sighting on the middle and northern Adriatic coast of Italy. The discovery highlights the importance of ongoing biodiversity monitoring to track changes in marine ecosystems, particularly as the Adriatic Sea faces environmental shifts linked to climate warming. The presence of T. pavo in this area suggests the potential for the species to establish populations in previously uninhabited northern regions. Further research is needed to explore the role of biotic and abiotic factors—such as water temperature, current patterns, and habitat availability—in the survival and potential reproduction of T. pavo in the middle Adriatic. The observation contributes to the broader understanding of the meridionalization process in the Adriatic Sea, where rising water temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of thermophilic species. Continuous monitoring is recommended to assess the long-term viability of T. pavo populations in the Adriatic Sea and better predict the impacts of ongoing climate change on marine biodiversity.

Occurrence of cetacean strandings on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil: a spatio-temporal assessment from 2017 to 2021

This study is part of the Projeto de Monitoramento de Praia– Bacia de Santos - (PMP-BS, Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project) and is based on data from stranded cetaceans collected during beach monitoring in the state of São Paulo, between 2017 and 2021. Our aim was to assess the temporal and spatial patterns of strandings, including the main recorded species, stranding locations, and their distribution throughout the year. The analysis covered 258 beaches along the coast of São Paulo, which was divided into three mesoregions: South Coast (LSP), Central Coast (LCP), and North Coast (LNP). We calculated the number of regularly monitored beach kilometers and the number of cetacean records for each of these mesoregions. These records were termed ‘Strandings per Unit of Sampling Effort’ (EPUE). The total regular daily monitoring covered 430,596.36 kilometers along the beaches, with a record of 2,055 stranded individuals belonging to 18 cetacean species. On average, there were 411 ± 38 stranded individuals per year, ranging from 387 in 2019 to 470 in 2021. The species most frequently encountered were Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). The Franciscana and Guiana dolphins accounted for 86% of records. Forty-three percent of strandings (877) was located in LSP , 33% (670) in LCP, and 25% (508) in LNP. These results were expected and supported by previous studies, as LSP encompasses important priority conservation areas with a diversity of ecosystems and the presence of endemic and endangered species. Keywords: beach monitoring, cetaceans, conservation, mesoregions, São Paulo coast, strandings

The impact of diurnal temperature range on the risk of hospitalizations in a low-income setting: the case of the Central Coast of Vietnam.

The study aims to evaluate the effects of diurnal temperature range (DTR) on all causes, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions in the Central Coast of Vietnam, a tropical, low-income region with high DTR exposure but limited research. Daily hospital admission data from the largest hospitals in three provinces were analyzed alongside meteorological data. A time-series analysis using a generalized linear distributed lag model was conducted to examine the non-linear DTR-hospitalization association. A random-effect meta-analysis using restricted maximum likelihood was performed to calculate the pooled effects across three provinces. Stratified analyses by gender, age, season and natural disaster occurrence were conducted to identify vulnerable subpopulations. The multi-province pooled effects indicated that a 1°C increase in DTR raised the risk of hospitalizations for all causes and respiratory diseases by 1.5% [1.2-1.8%] and 0.5% [0.0-1.0%], at lag 0-6 days. The effects of DTR on cardiovascular diseases, as well as those stratified by subgroups, were not statistically significant. Additionally, DTR had a greater adverse effect during the dry season and in the presence of natural disaster. Females and the elderly were slightly more susceptible to respiratory admissions, while males and younger individuals had a higher risk of all-cause admissions due to greater DTR effects. DTR was an independent risk factor for the exacerbation of all and specific causes, particularly among the susceptible subgroups. The findings suggested that it is necessary to take preventive measures to protect these at-risk populations from the adverse effects of extreme DTR exposure.

Unintended consequences of modifying coastal river systems

Coastal infrastructure projects, particularly the modification of coastal river channels, are becoming increasingly significant to economic activities worldwide as a response to climate-driven changes and urbanization. The benefits of channel modification projects can be realized quickly, but the altered movement of sediments in the river channel can lead to unintended geomorphic changes years or decades later. An example of this is the closure of the San Bernard River mouth, located on the central coast of Texas, which was clogged with sediments by the 1990s as a result of two major projects in the area: the diversion of the Brazos River channel (1929) and the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) (1940s). The objective of this study was to a) document the delayed geomorphic response to the projects using a GIS analysis of historical maps and aerial imagery, and b) provide a snapshot of altered flow pathways in the area using measurements collected in situ. Results showed that the GIWW was the main conduit for river flow as it bisects the San Bernard River 2 km inland of its river mouth, reducing discharge in the terminal limb of the river. Due to reduced flow, the river mouth became clogged with wave-transported sediment supplied by the still-adjusting Brazos River which had been diverted to within 6 km of the San Bernard River. With a limited connection to the sea, altered sediment and flow pathways have led to numerous hazards and costly corrective dredging projects surpassing $12 million to date. Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of channel modification projects requires considering their long-term impact as managers continue to adapt to ever-changing coastal zones.

Natural and Engineered Ocean Inflow Projects to Improve Water Quality Through Increased Exchange

Globally, the health of coastal water bodies continues to be threatened by climate change and mounting anthropogenic pressures related to population increase and associated development. Land use changes have increased the direct runoff of freshwater, nutrients, and other contaminants from watersheds into coastal systems. Exacerbated by increased temperatures, these changes have contributed to a worldwide decline in seagrass coverage and losses of critical habitat and ecosystem functions. For restricted estuaries and lagoons, the influx of nutrients is particularly damaging due to high water residence times and impaired flushing. The result is eutrophication and associated declines in water quality and ecosystem function. To mitigate degraded water quality, engineered ocean–estuary exchanges have been carried out and studied with examples in Australia, New Zealand, India, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United States of America. Based on successes including decreased nutrient concentrations, turbidity, and chlorophyll and increased faunal abundance in some past studies, this option is considered as a management tool for combatting worsening water quality in other estuaries including the Indian River Lagoon, a subtropical, lagoon-type estuary on the central east coast of Florida, USA. Decreased residence times, lower nutrients, higher dissolved oxygen (DO), higher salinity, lower temperature, and lower turbidity all combine for improved ecosystem health. In this review, the successes and failures of past projects intended to increase ocean–estuary exchanges, including biological and geochemical processes that contributed to observed outcomes, are evaluated. The primary indicators of water quality considered in this review include nutrient contents (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) and dissolved oxygen levels. Secondary indicators include changes in temperature and salinity pre- and post- engineering as well as turbidity, which can also impact seagrass growth and overall ecosystem health. Each of the sites investigated recorded improvements in water quality, though some were more pronounced and occurred over shorter time scales. Overall, enhanced ocean exchange in restricted, impaired water bodies resulted in system-specific response trajectories, with many experiencing a net positive outcome with respect to water quality and ecosystem health.

Stalling North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones

Abstract Tropical cyclone (TC) translation speed influences rainfall accumulation, storm surge, and exposure to high winds. These effects are greatest when storms stall. Here, we provide a definition and climatology of slow-moving or stalling TCs in the North Atlantic from 1900 to 2020. A stall is defined as a TC with a track contained in a circular area (“corral”) with a radius of ≤200 km for 72 h. Of the 1274 North Atlantic TCs, 191 storms met this definition (15%). Ten are multistalling storms or those that experienced more than one stall period. Hurricane Ginger in 1971 stalled the most with four separate stalls. Stalling TC locations are clustered in the western Caribbean, the central Gulf Coast, the Bay of Campeche, and near Florida and the Carolinas. Stalling was most common in October TCs (17.3% of October total) and least common in August (8.2%). The estimated annual frequency of stalls significantly increased over the satellite era (1966–2020) by 1.5% yr−1, and the cumulative frequency in the number of stalls compared to all storms also increased. Stalling storms have a significantly higher frequency of major hurricane status than nonstalling storms. Storms are also more likely to stall near the coast (≤200 km). Approximately 40% (n = 77) of the stalling TCs experienced a period of rapid intensification, and five did so within 200 km of a coastal zone. These results will aid emergency managers in regions that experience frequent stalls by providing information they can use to better prepare for the future. Significance Statement The forward movement of a tropical cyclone can influence rainfall, storm surge height, and exposure time to high wind speeds. Storms that slow down or stall can increase total damage by prolonging the exposure time to intense conditions. This study aims to define a stalling storm and then provide a geographic snapshot into our historical experience with these storms. There have been a consistent number of stalling storms over time, with a modest increase starting in the satellite era, likely as a product of increased observational capabilities. Stalls tend to occur in similar places over time and happen more frequently later in the hurricane season (October) when compared to the middle (August). Emergency managers can use this information to identify the likely location and timing for stalls throughout the North Atlantic tropical cyclone season.

Evaluation of Yield, Fruit Chemistry, and Firmness of Seven Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) Cultivars in an Eastern North Carolina Greenhouse

The combination of increasing costs, climate change, and disease- and pest-related issues present large challenges for the strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) industry in the United States. This is especially true for the Southeast, where rain, frost, and a range of foliar, fruit, and soil-borne diseases are prevalent, leading to significant losses every year. Simultaneously, niche winter markets open the opportunity to extend the harvest season, leading to an industry push to use protected culture strawberry production. Tabletop soilless strawberry greenhouse production has the advantage of avoiding soilborne issues while at the same time mitigating weather-related impacts on strawberry yield and quality. The use of long-day cultivars, originally bred for the Central Coast region of California, is currently the industry standard because of desired winter yields. However, short-day cultivars bred for Florida production might also have the potential to produce in winter. In this study, we evaluated the growth, yield, fruit chemistry, and fruit firmness of seven strawberry cultivars that are commonly grown in protected culture in North Carolina: Albion, Brilliance, Camino Real, Fronteras, Monterey, Florida Sensation, and Sweet Charlie. Experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design in a commercial tabletop greenhouse in eastern North Carolina over two growing seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24). Our results showed that Florida cultivars Brilliance and Florida Sensation produced more consistently yields in winter compared with long-day cultivars Albion and Monterey and produced similar yields over the entire season. ‘Brilliance’ especially showed high fruit firmness across both years, and high sweetness in one of the two years. Additionally, the short-day cultivar Fronteras showed high yields in early spring and could serve as a late-season crop for direct-to-consumer producers. Our study showed that ‘Brilliance’ and ‘Florida Sensation’ could be alternatives to ‘Albion’, and that ‘Monterey’ can be used to produce a winter crop in a soilless tabletop production system in the Southeast.

Global Genepool Conservation and use Strategy for Dioscorea (YAM)

The global genepool conservation and use strategy for yam were developed in this study. Diversity analysis, and in situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses were carried out for the 27 global priority yam crop wild relatives (CWR) at taxon and ecogeographic levels to determine their representativeness in conservation actions. Hotspots were found in Nzerekore region of Guinea, Nimba and Grand Gedeh regions of Liberia, Montagnes, Sassandra- Marahouse, and Bas – Sassandra regions of Cote d’Ivoire, Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana, Centrale and Plateau regions of Togo, Donga, Oueme, Atlantique, Littoral and Plateau provinces of Benin, Southwest zone of Nigeria, Es region of Cameroon, Sangha- Mbaere region of Central Africa Republic. Likouala and Sangha regions of the Republic of the Congo, Northeast of India, Northern, Central, Western, Eastern and Northeast regions of Thailand, West of Cambodia, South Central Coast, Central Highlands, Southeast and Makong River Delta regions of Vietnam, Xaisomboun, Bolikhamxai, and Viangchan prefecture provinces of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A total of 13 potential reserve sites were identified in 13 countries, with four locations in the network of protected area (PA). 22 priority CWR (81%) were conserved ex situ, but only 15.38% of the taxa had at least 50 accessions in genebanks, and 65.38% of the priority CWR are underrepresented in genebanks, and 19.23% of the species are not represented in ex situ collections. The findings and recommendations of this study will guide the production and implementation of effective long-term conservation action and sustainable utilization of global priority yam CWR. The active conservation of the global yam priority species will underpin food security and mitigate climate change.

Delayed response of the coastal sedimentary record to the southward shift of the Huanghe (Yellow River) course during AD1128–1855

The sediment source-to-sink process is an important topic in marine sedimentology. However, how sedimentary signals evolve along source-to-sink path remains less clear. This study focuses on the southward shift of the Huanghe River course between AD 1128 and 1855, and the manifestation and variation of sedimentary signals in a natural diffusion system were investigated through sedimentological analysis of three spatially adjacent regions, the abandoned Huanghe Delta, the central coast of Jiangsu, and the Changjiang Delta. Laboratory analyses including Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), geochemical element analysis, and grain size analysis, were conducted. The results show that sedimentary signals manifest in various forms, primarily manifested in two ways: grain size refinement and sedimentation rate acceleration. The fining of grain size is most pronounced in the abandoned Huanghe delta, followed by the central coast of Jiangsu, and is least pronounced in the Changjiang subaqueous delta. The response of the coastal system to the event was delayed by approximately 0–100, 100–300, and 300–500 years for the abandoned Huanghe Delta, the central coast of Jiangsu, and the Changjiang River Delta, respectively. These findings indicate that sediment transport processes exhibit sedimentary signal attenuation and response lag. This study not only highlights the variation along the source-sink path of coastal sedimentary signals but also illuminates the sedimentary record of drastic changes in sediment flux, which will help study the source-to-sink process given the variable changes in sedimentary fluxes.

Social Perception and Engagement in Mangrove Restoration: A Case Study in Central America

Mangroves are vital intertidal ecosystems that support biodiversity and protect coastal communities, but face increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities that sustain local livelihoods. It is crucial to integrate the social dimension into conservation efforts by encouraging community participation in mangrove restoration. Chame Bay, located on the central Pacific coast of Panama, is a protected area with significant mangrove cover, but despite its management plan, degradation continues due to intensive timber extraction for charcoal production and insufficient natural regeneration. This study investigates local knowledge and perceptions of mangrove functions and regeneration. A proportional stratified sampling of the Chame Bay population was used, with 300 interviews conducted among key stakeholders, including residents and mangrove resource users. Variables such as age, education, and profession were analyzed in relation to perceptions, participation, and willingness to participate in restoration efforts. Results indicate that 24.67% of the population’s primary economic activity is charcoal production from mangrove wood, with 15% of producers already involved in restoration and 60% willing to participate. These findings highlight the potential for community-driven restoration and emphasize the need for environmental education to encourage participation. This study provides essential information for designing restoration strategies in mangrove areas in Central America.

Impacts of seasonal climate variation on rice yield: Evidence from the Central Coast of Vietnam

Impacts of seasonal climate variation on rice yield: Evidence from the Central Coast of Vietnam

Investigating the evolution of sand bars and natural channel formation in the Mandovi estuary along the central west coast of India

Coastal formations, such as sandbars, play a vital role in shaping the environment and maintaining local and regional coastal morphology. This study deals with two noteworthy sandbars, namely Aguada and Reis Magos which are in the Mandovi estuary of the Goa region in the central west coast of India. They have attracted great attention because of their dynamics and their role in shaping the adjoining coast. This study employs a comprehensive approach, incorporating in-situ observations and remote sensing methods, to investigate the mechanisms underlying the emergence and dissipation of these sandbars and their linkage with adjoining navigational channels and coastline. During the intense wave conditions of the southwest monsoon (June to September), these sandbars undergo a temporary phase of dispersion. This phenomenon results in the accumulation of sand from both the sandbars and the neighbouring Miramar beach within the navigational channel. As a consequence, it obstructs maritime traffic and forms a unified shallow bar, obstructing maritime navigation in the area. However, following the attenuation of monsoon waves in October to November, the sandbar and beach initiate a gradual replenishment process, aimed at compensating for the sediment loss incurred during the monsoon season. This recurring trend has demonstrated persistent characteristics over an extended period. The presence of the sandbar may pose navigational challenges for large barges, cruise ships, and fishing boats but on the other hand, it serves as an effective barrier against incoming high-energy waves into the inner parts of the Mandovi estuary. Results revealed notable variations in the extent of the sandbar over the study period. The maximum recorded extent of the sandbar was 82.48 ha and 32.59 ha on May 04, 2021, while the minimum extent was measured at 36.68 ha and 7.14 ha on February 14, 2019, for Reis Magos and Aguada bar respectively. The sandbar promotes a calm environment along the shoreline and reduces erosion susceptibility by dissipating the wave energy before reaching the riverbanks. The absence of this protective sandbar would have significantly impacted the parts of the Goa region. Notably, the maximum erosion of 107 m was observed at the right bank of the estuary, while the maximum accretion of 141 m was recorded in the Caranzalem from 1975 to 2023. This study contributes valuable insights into the formation, dissipation, and environmental implications of sandbars within the estuary in Goa. The integration of in-situ observations and remote sensing data affords a comprehensive understanding of sandbar dynamics, highlighting the essential role that they play in coastal protection, navigation and the preservation of the local environment.

Molecular to macrofossils indicating last millennium sea level in Lavsa saltpans, Croatia

Intertidal salt production sites existed continuously around the Mediterranean since classical antiquity, and their remains are present in large numbers along the Dalmatian (east Adriatic) coast. Most of them are preserved and dated to medieval times. This study aims to develop complementary proxies identifying the salt production layer in submerged ancient saltpans of Lavsa, a remote island on the central Dalmatian coast, to date the saltwork units by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and use them to infer changes in sea level. The significance of the study is in the application of molecular fossil analyses identifying the hypersaline layer in the sediments from a core drilled in the saltpan's site. The molecular fossil analyses correlate with the results of micro and macrofossil analyses and geochemical findings, all representing the saltwork unit. The depth of the hypersaline layers and the OSL dates provide relative sea level (RSL) lower limiting points of −145 ± 5 cm at 1309 ± 33 CE, probably the time when salt production started in Lavsa, and −115 ± 5 cm at 1364 ± 52 CE when saltwork activities ended. These limiting points extend the known RSL index point in Lavsa Island of −92 ± 8 cm, with an updated average age of 1337 ± 62 CE, correlating with the historical records. Medieval lower sea levels were also observed in the northern and southern parts of the east Adriatic coast as well as in other parts of the Mediterranean, probably driven by climate-related events, generating centennial-scale fluctuations in past sea levels that cannot be predicted by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models.