South Coast Research Articles

Seascape Factors in the Loss of the SS Waratah

Abstract The SS Waratah was lost with all 211 lives circa 27 July 1909 off the South African eastern coast, for reasons unknown, and the wreck has not been found despite numerous searches at the time and into the present. The purpose of this paper is to identify possible sinking locations based on the interaction of meteorological fronts, Agulhas current, and bathymetric features. The route of the ship is reconstructed from historical documents, and the account of the following ship Clan Macintyre, using haversines. The analysis shows that the Waratah met the storm on the edge of the continental shelf of Algoa Bay. Multiple simulations were conducted to explore parameter variability, and the meeting location shifts accordingly, bracketing an area of 40 nm by 10 nm (nm). It is proposed that the ship sank on meeting a rogue wave in the storm, or shortly afterwards, at the continental shelf break, possibly near the head of a submarine canyon. Two locations stand out for meeting these criteria and these are 34.3482oS 26.2627oE, and 34.3942oS 25.9394oE. The work provides a new hypothesis, backed by detailed navigational modelling from the known facts, regarding where and how the ship sank. The novel contribution of this research is the combination of multiple disciplines, such as historical research, principles of maritime engineering, navigational modelling, meteorological phenomena, and oceanographic analysis, to reconstruct the ship's likely route and identify potential shipwreck locations.

Semiotics of Naming: Narrating and Meaning-Making of the Place Ieodo

Abstract This paper aims to explore human beings as language animals, examining how language shapes them in the lifeworld. Biosemiotics and anthroposemiotics are both geared toward studying the relations between life and the environment. This paper thus concerns the semiotics of naming, exploring naming as meaning-making activity based on the interrelation of language and narrative. There are two ways of looking at the language functions in the act of naming. One is “languaging,” which is geared toward producing intimacy with the surrounding world in nature by naming things to establish a relationship with them. The other is “narrating,” which generates a dialogic relationship with fellow human beings by storytelling based on existence and place. This enables humans to cultivate the selves through semiotic cultural activity. Thus, I shall elaborate the semiotic process in naming and narrating things, which leads to culture-making activity, by analyzing the place Ieodo off the south coast of Korea within the biosemiotic perspective which connects language and cognition with the narrative world for culture-making activity.

Wintering loons in South Korea face an ongoing threat from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Shifting sources and potential DNA damage.

Diving birds, particularly those sharing coastal habitats with fishing grounds, are at risk from oil pollution. Despite documented cases of bird mortality, the specific role of oil pollution in these death remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study examined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, its sources, and its impact on loon health. An analysis of 86 carcasses from three species of loons revealed drowning as the leading cause of death, followed by oil pollution and unknown debilitation. While liver concentrations of 16 PAHs (∑PAHs) showed no significant variation by sex, location, species, or cause of death, it was evident that wintering loons were exposed to PAH pollution along South Korea's eastern coast. The ratio of low (di- and tri-cyclic) to high (tetra-, penta-, and hexa-cyclic) molecular weight PAHs was approximately 3-5 across all three loon species. From 2010 to 2017, the composition of PAHs shifted, with a decline in low molecular weight PAHs (indicative of petrogenic sources) and a concerning increase in high molecular weight PAHs (associated with pyrogenic sources). This trend coincided with a tenfold increase in the toxic equivalency quotient of benzo[a]pyrene (TEQBaP), despite a decrease in overall ∑PAH concentrations. The detection of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adducts in some loons further suggests potential genotoxic effects from PAH exposure. These findings underscore the persistent PAH contamination affecting wintering loons. Continued research is crucial to understand the evolving threats posed by PAHs and to support the conservation of these migratory birds along the North America-Asia flyway.

Fuelwood harvesting rates from the perspective of early hunter-gatherers on the Cape south coast, South Africa

Fuelwood harvesting rates from the perspective of early hunter-gatherers on the Cape south coast, South Africa

Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae), a new species from coastal areas of south central Vietnam

Memecylon longipedunculatum, a new species of Melastomataceae, is described and illustrated. The species is known to occur in Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces in South Central Coast Vietnam, where it is restricted to low dry coastal forests and scrubby vegetation. The description is based on the authors’ original gatherings as well as on the historical collections made a century ago. The new species is distinguishable from most of its congeners by small leaves (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm) with obtuse or sometimes emarginate apices, long peduncles (1–2.7 cm long), and crescent-shaped anther connective with distinct centrally placed gland.

Potential Sources of Raw Water in Coastal Areas, Jawai and South Jawai Districts, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan

The coastal areas of Jawai and South Jawai Districts are located in Sambas Regency, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, which have limited access to clean water needs, especially for drinking water needs. This research was conducted in several villages in Jawai District and South Jawai District. Samples taken from the village were rainwater, drilled well water, mountain water, shallow well water, and ditch water, which were then analyzed for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters. The research aims to determine the potential of raw water sources in the Jawai and South Jawai sub-districts to fulfill the need for clean water and drinking water based on the Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 2, 2023, concerning environmental health quality standards for drinking water media and water use designations based on the Government of the Republic of Indonesia No. 82, 2001, concerning Water Quality Management and Water Pollution Control. Based on Government Regulation no. 82, 2001, from the results of water analysis in Jawai District, only rainwater has values that are still ≤ parameter quality standards, while in South Jawai District, mountain water and rainwater have values that are still ≤ parameter quality standards. Therefore, this water source is included in the category of first-class water, namely water whose designation can be used for raw drinking water and other purposes that require the same water quality as that use. Based on the Republic of Indonesia Minister of Health Regulation No. 2, 2023, rainwater, mountain water, and drilled well water are unsuitable for drinking water use. Based on the STORET method, the water quality status is included in class B, namely the 'lightly polluted' category.

Impacts of Along-Strait Winds on Sea Level, Sea Surface Temperature, and Current in the Jeju Strait During Summer 2022

The along-strait wind in the Jeju Strait (JS) significantly impacts the sea level, surface temperature, and currents on its northern and southern coasts. During the summer of 2022, the winds in the JS were characterized by strong easterly winds that occurred before the approach of several typhoons. A strong correlation of 0.61 was found between the along-strait wind and the difference in sea level anomaly between the strait’s south and north coasts. A more robust correlation of 0.71 was estimated between the along-strait wind and the difference in sea surface temperature anomaly. When the positive (eastward) wind blows along the strait, it causes upwelling along the north coast, resulting in cold anomalies there and warm anomalies along the south coast, and vice versa. In addition, a positive correlation (r = 0.39–0.50) was estimated between the along-strait wind and along-strait surface current, with a negative correlation (r = −0.68 to −0.44) for the cross-strait current in most observation stations of the JS, except near the coast of Jeju Island. The positive along-strait wind causes the sea level to fall on the north coast and strengthens the eastward surface current. In contrast, the negative (westward) along-strait wind has the opposite effect, causing the sea level to rise near Wando, then slowing down or reversing the eastward surface current. Overall, these findings show that Ekman dynamics can explain wind-induced coastal upwelling and downwelling on both coasts of the JS, providing valuable insights into the environmental conditions surrounding marine organisms in this coastal region.

Development of LKPD Based on Mangrove Ecosystem to Improve Ecotourism Literacy of Junior High School Students on The South Coast of Lombok Island

Development of LKPD Based on Mangrove Ecosystem to Improve Ecotourism Literacy of Junior High School Students on The South Coast of Lombok Island

Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple Fusarium species. In this study, seven Fusarium strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), and Fusarium tricinctum species complex (FTSC). Disease severity was highest in the South coast regions of Swellendam (42.73%) and Caledon (38.00%), with the dough stage of wheat development showing the highest disease rate (0.3 in Swellendam and Caledon). The phylogenetic analysis showed distinct clustering of these isolates with known species from the NCBI database, confirming their classification. F. ipomoeae was uniquely found in Swellendam and Caledon, while F. tricinctum occurred only in Klipheuwel and Caledon, highlighting geographical variation in species distribution. Mycotoxin profiling revealed that F. culmorum and F. pseudograminearum produced zearalenone, F. culmorum and F. tricinctum produced 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), while F. pseudograminearum produced nivalenol (NIV). These findings provide significant insights into the distribution of Fusarium species and their associated trichothecene chemotypes in the Western Cape, which is crucial for developing effective FHB management strategies and ensuring food security and safety.

Ecological insights on the feeding behaviour of waterbirds in an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area of South West Johor Coast, Malaysia.

Mangroves and mudflats are essential intertidal habitats that support benthic communities, providing critical feeding grounds for waterbirds. However, the degradation of these habitats due to coastal reclamation poses significant threats to prey availability and waterbird populations along the South est Johor Coast. While most avian research in Johor focuses on forest birds, studies on coastal waterbirds, particularly their feeding ecology, remain scarce. Understanding the feeding ecology of waterbirds is crucial for strengthening conservation efforts in vulnerable intertidal habitats. This study investigated the feeding behaviour and diet composition of waterbirds along the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia. Fieldwork was conducted in three coastal mudflats from November 2020 to May 2021, employing the direct observation technique. A total of 576 hours of observation were recorded, averaging 2 hours and 19 minutes per focal observation. Of 17 waterbird species recorded, only 11 species were included in the analysis based on sufficient data. The results revealed that waterbirds primarily consumed fish, molluscs, worms, crabs and unidentified prey, with fish comprising 25% of their overall diet. Feeding behaviour varied significantly by morphology traits, with larger waterbirds demonstrating higher feeding efficiency. Despite lower feeding rates and shorter feeding durations, larger species had a greater percentage of successful feeding attempts, indicating their superior ability to meet energy requirements. These findings provide crucial baseline data for understanding waterbird feeding ecology and highlight the importance of conserving the intertidal habitats. This research contributes to the development of targeted conservation strategies for waterbirds in the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia, an area increasingly at risk from habitat degradation.

Real-World Particle Emissions from a Modern Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle during Normal Operation and DPF Regeneration Events: Impacts on Disadvantaged Communities.

We assessed the real-world particulate emissions of a goods movement diesel vehicle, with an emphasis on total particle number and solid particle number emissions at different cutoff sizes. The vehicle was tested on routes in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) of California, representative of typical goods movement operation between the ports to warehouses and logistic centers with a mixture of urban and highway driving, as well as elevation change. We evaluated emissions during normal vehicle operation and diesel particulate filter (DPF) active regeneration events. Results revealed small variations in particle emissions between the routes, with particles below 23 nm and even 10 nm being abundant in the exhaust. Both total and solid particle number emissions were about 3 to 246 times higher during DPF regeneration compared to normal vehicle operation, with higher fractions of sub-10 nm solid particles. We showed that typical daily routes for goods movement operation in SCAB, especially the more urban routes, mostly occurred within disadvantaged communities, with minority populations and high indices for poverty, unemployment, and poor education. Our results indicated the vehicles spent a higher fraction of their total time within these areas at low speed and idling conditions, resulting in disproportionately higher exposures to ultrafine particles.

Contrasting Seasonal Distribution Patterns of Two Boreal Aerial Hawking Bat Species in Finland.

Climate change poses significant consequences for temperate bat species, potentially altering their distribution ranges and generating novel interactions among species sharing similar ecological niches. Recent observations suggest distribution range expansion in the Palearctic aerial hawking bat, Pipistrellus nathusii, prompting an investigation into its interaction with Eptesicus nilssonii, a northern Palearctic species overlapping with the previous in many ecological characteristics. This study examines the spatiotemporal variations between the two boreal bat species to form an evidence-based background onto which future research on, e.g., resource competition, can be built. A comprehensive community science project engaged over 470 participants from 45 high schools to collect acoustic data on bat echolocation calls across Finland, in northern Europe, during the summers of 2019-2020. Our modelling approach reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns for each species. In early summer, E. nilssonii activity is concentrated in the southern region, whereas by late summer, observations are distributed across our study area, though predominantly in the south. This pattern suggests that E. nilssonii could exhibit post-breeding vagrant behaviour, an observation only recently evidenced in bats. Conversely, the activity of P. nathusii remains notably low throughout the season, with observations concentrated along the south coast during both early and late seasons, making it challenging to fully model its distribution. Despite initial expectations of overlap given their similar foraging behaviour and habitat preferences, the limited activity and coastal association of P. nathusii suggest low competitive interaction with E. nilssonii. These findings contribute to our understanding of bat spatial ecology amid changing environmental conditions, emphasising the necessity for ongoing monitoring to ascertain the long-term implications of shifting species distributions.

Egyptian seaweed resources from the South Sinai coast to develop alginate-based biohybrid composites for enhanced lead(II) removal from industrial wastewater

Herein, crosslinked-alginate (CAL) was extracted from Egyptian marine biowaste (brown seaweed discarded near seashore of Ras Sedr, Sinai). Novel biohybrid composites were fabricated by hybridizing CAL chains with either carbohydrate polymer (starch, St) or proteinaceous content (albumin, Alb). Physicochemical properties of such biocomposites were characterized using XRD, FTIR, Raman, DLS, SEM and AFM analyses. Compared to CAL, starch as hybridizing agent enthuses existence of stacking-oriented alginate chains of higher amorphicity and lower zeta-potential (-17 mV). Hybridization of alginate matrix with albumin chains yielded high negatively charged (-37.8mV) crystalline biocomposite with smooth surfaces. Performance of St-CAL and Alb-CAL biocomposites toward Pb2+ removal from wastewater was scrutinized. The impact of pH, adsorbate concentration, contact time, and thermodynamic studies on Pb2+ removal using these biocomposites were estimated. Removal efficiency of St-CAL was superior to that of Alb-CAL yielding ~ 70% for 5 succussive runs. Pb2+ adsorption process over St-CAL was spontaneous with exothermic nature at room temperature and followed Freundlich model with pronounced adsorption energy and capacity. Fitness of kinetic models for St-CAL was ranked as pseudo-first-order with escalated intra-particle diffusion rates. Construction of oxygen-rich hybrid carbohydrate systems is willingly applied in future as green cleaner to wastewater from heavy metal ions.

A Pleistocene hyenid trackway from the Cape south coast of South Africa

AbstractThe global record of fossil hyenid tracks is sparse—the only formal reports that can be considered reliable are of trackways from Tanzania and a single track from Greece. However, trackway and track patterns of the four extant members of the Hyaenidae are distinctive among the tracks of carnivorans. A Pleistocene trackway comprising five manus–pes pairs has been identified on an aeolianite surface on the Cape south coast of South Africa, and is attributed to a hyena, most likely the brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea). The diagnostic approach followed involves a combination of the knowledge of Indigenous Master Trackers and the methods of modern ichnology.

Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) gene relate to immune priming and phagocytosis modulation in the small abalone Haliotis diversicolor.

The small abalone (Haliotis diversicolor) is an economic shellfish cultured in the south coast of China. In recent years, the frequent occurrence of the disease has led to significant mortality in abalone farms. Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1), a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) protein family, plays an important role in host defense. However, its function in H. diversicolor remains unknown. In order to evaluate the immune priming effect after secondary infection and elucidate possible regulatory mechanism, a novel DMBT1 from the small abalone H. diversicolor (designated as HdDMBT1) was cloned and characterized in this study. The open reading frame of HdDMBT1 was 2331 bp encoding 776 amino acids with a molecular weight of 84.73 kDa. HdDMBT1 contained conserved active sites with DMBT1 from other species, detected in all tested tissues and had higher expression levels in hepatopancreas. The temporal expression profiles of HdDMBT1 after two challenges of Vibrio harveyi were examined to evaluate priming response in the small abalone. The expression level of HdDMBT1 mRNA in hepatopancreas increased significantly after V. harveyi challenge. Meanwhile, the expression level of HdDMBT1 after the second challenge was significantly higher than that after the first challenge (4.23-fold). RNA interference (RNAi) experiments were conducted to examine the role of HdDMBT1 in response to V. harveyi infection. Knocking down HdDMBT1 decreased the hemocytes phagocytosis (0.48-fold). In addition, the bacterial density in hemolymph and the mortality of abalone raised, when infected with V. harveyi after dsHdDMBT1 injection. These results indicated that HdDMBT1 might play an important role in tolerance to bacterial infection.

The Impact of Environmental Awareness, Service Quality, Destination Attractiveness, Visitor Satisfaction, and Behavioral Intention on the Sustainability of Marine Ecotourism: A Case Study of the South Coast of West Java

This study examines the impact of environmental awareness, service quality, destination attractiveness, visitor satisfaction, and behavioral intention on the sustainability of marine ecotourism in the South Coast of West Java. A quantitative approach was employed, using structured questionnaires distributed to 312 tourists at various marine ecotourism sites. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed significant relationships between environmental awareness, service quality, and destination attractiveness with visitor satisfaction and behavioral intention, which, in turn, positively affected the sustainability of marine ecotourism. The study highlights the critical role of fostering environmental awareness and improving service quality and destination appeal in promoting sustainable tourism practices. These findings offer practical recommendations for stakeholders, including policymakers and tourism operators, aiming to enhance the sustainability of marine ecotourism in the region.

Planting Structures and Carbon Reduction Effects of Urban Greenspaces in Reclaimed Coastal Areas

Background and objective: In order to enhance the contribution of urban greenspaces to carbon uptake, it is essential to assess the carbon reduction effects of these areas. Accordingly, this study examined the planting structures and carbon reduction effects of urban greenspaces in reclaimed coastal areas (RCAs), which are characterized by unique growth conditions, such as high salinity, that distinguish them from inland areas.Methods: Field surveys were conducted across urban greenspaces in RCAs along the west and south coasts of Korea to document their planting structures and soil characteristics. Based on the obtained data, a quantitative analysis of the carbon reduction effect of trees and soil within these greenspaces was conducted.Results: It was found that the average tree cover in the surveyed greenspaces was 37.2%, while soil salinity and organic matter content were measured at 0.03% and 4.2%, respectively. The carbon storage per unit area of the greenspace, attributable to both trees and soil, reached 59.2 t/ha, with an estimated total annual carbon uptake of approximately 5.7 kt/year. This uptake is equivalent to offsetting the carbon emissions of about 153,000 people based on the energy consumption of residential buildings. Drawing on these results, this study proposed strategies to further enhance carbon reduction in reclaimed coastal greenspaces. The recommended strategies include optimizing soil conditions for plant growth, implementing multi-layered and clustered planting with medium and large trees, and selecting tree species that tolerate high salinity.Conclusion: Overall, this study makes a valuable contribution toward establishing a carbon uptake indicator for trees and soil in reclaimed coastal greenspaces, where relevant data are currently scarce. Future research should aim to include diverse types of greenspaces and larger sample sizes to more accurately capture annual soil carbon fluxes.

Long-term shoreline dynamics of South Kerala Coast using satellite images

Long-term shoreline dynamics of South Kerala Coast using satellite images

Landforms and soils of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Context This paper is one of a series on the natural history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on the south coast of Western Australia. Methods Landforms and soils of the Reserve were mapped by W. M. McArthur and G. A. Bartle in the mid- to late 1980s with some verification by K. A. Evans in 2023–2024. Key results A map of the landforms and soils of the Reserve is presented. The complex and variable topography and soils have arisen through a combination of in-situ weathering processes, transportation of dune sands, and lacustrine deposition. Conclusions The topography and soils of the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve are complex and variable. Implications The distribution of the landforms and soils of the Reserve can be explained by the geological and geomorphological framework described in the paper.

“Men don’t feel comfortable with successful female leaders”: exploring participatory exclusion in community-based fisheries management, South Coast of Kenya

While community-based fisheries management (CBFM) is promoted as a promising approach to achieving sustainable fisheries management, its inclusiveness is increasingly questioned in the literature. Studies that explore the inclusion of gender along other intersectional social identities in CBFM are scarce. This research gap may limit a comprehensive understanding of power dynamics in fisheries settings, while reinforcing exclusive approaches in fisheries governance. In this study, we draw on literature on participatory exclusion, intersectionality and lived experiences, to examine gender-inclusiveness in CBFM through a case study on the South Coast of Kenya. We applied qualitative data collection methods, combining participant observation, semi-structured interviews (n=18), focus group discussions (n=6) and relief maps (n= 32). Our findings indicate that women’s participation in CBFM is limited and systematically lower than men’s participation. Barriers to women’s participation in CBFM are complex and interlaced, including socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers, and specific restrictions to women’s access to leadership. In addition, our findings highlight the intersected nature of lived experiences related to CBFM places and suggest that CBFM may sustain and reinforce social inequalities in fishing communities. Overall, our results tend to confirm the relevance of the participatory exclusion concept to CBFM in coastal Kenya. Our study demonstrates the importance of applying an intersectional framework to study the complexity of power relationships in CBFM contexts, as well as fisheries management and governance. We conclude by providing key recommendations towards inclusive management approaches in fisheries settings.