Coastal Areas Research Articles

Potential of Cold-Water Agriculture (ColdAg) in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Food Production

To guarantee sustainable development at a global level, humanity currently faces serious challenges related to a greater demand and better distribution of food to meet the needs of the growing population in environments affected by global climate change (GCC), and in limiting conditions with respect to natural, genetic, financial, and technological resources. Therefore, there is a dire need to implement technologies that can guarantee food security and sovereignty around the world, enabling sustainable development for all nations. Cold-Water Agriculture (ColdAg) is an available technology that offers an alternative to conventional food production in coastal areas and islands of the tropical and subtropical belts worldwide, making use of cold deep ocean water. Mexico has places with the optimal environmental conditions to adapt this technology, mainly in coastal areas and islands, which can contribute to ensuring access to food and drinking water. Initial tests have shown its viability, while production costs need to be adjusted to make this technology accessible to the poorest populations, so that it can contribute to their sustainable development and wealth. In this review article, we aimed to critically analyze some of the most salient literature on the ColdAg technology and outline the feasibility of this technology to be implemented and exploited in Mexico to contribute to alternative food production in a sustainable manner.

Low signs of territorial behavior in the Eurasian otter during low-water conditions in a Mediterranean river

The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is a territorial semi-aquatic carnivore usually found at low densities in rivers, coastal areas, and wetlands. Its diet is based on prey associated with aquatic environments. Mediterranean rivers are highly seasonal, and suffer reduced flow during the summer, resulting in isolated river sections (pools) that sometimes can be left with a minimal amount of water, leading to concentrations of food for otters. To our knowledge, this process, which was known to field naturalists, has not been accurately described, nor have otter densities been estimated under these conditions. In this study, we describe the population size and movements of an aggregation of otters in an isolated pool in the Guadiana River in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (central Spain), which progressively dried out during the spring–summer of 2022, in a context of low connectivity due to the absence of circulating water in the Guadiana and Gigüela rivers. Using non-invasive genetic sampling of 120 spraints collected along 79.4 km of sampling transects and spatial capture-recapture methods, we estimated the otter density at 1.71 individuals/km of river channel length (4.21 individuals/km2) in a progressively drying river pool, up to five times higher than previously described in the Iberian Peninsula. The movement patterns obtained with the spatial capture-recapture model are not quite different from those described in low density, which seems to indicate a wide home range overlap, with low signs of territoriality.

A threat to the natural World Heritage site rarely happens alone

This study contributes an empirical investigation of the likelihood that different external threats to a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site occur in combination with each other when site characteristics and location are controlled for. For the purpose of the analysis, the World Heritage database and the UNESCO State of Conservation Reports are used and the nine most frequently appearing external threats are identified. These databases include 6852 site-year observations and 3316 threats over the period 1979–2023. The most commonly identified external threats are illegal activities, with eleven percent of all observations and mining with six percent. Transport infrastructure, tourism and visitor pressure are also common threats. Estimation results based on the multivariate Probit (equation system) model demonstrate that there are strong positive correlations between many pairs of the nine external threats. Most apparent are the links between illegal activities and loss of identity, social cohesion, changes in local population and community, water infrastructure (dams) and farming, as well as illegal activities and land conversion. There are also clear links between tourism and infrastructure. This emphasises that the various threats seldom appear in isolation from each other. Results also highlight that the threats have different drivers. Among the determinants, site characteristics and location are the most important ones. The likelihood of threats is highest for Natural Heritage Sites covered by forests or those in marine and coastal areas, Africa as well as the Arab region. It is also possible to identify a general increase in threats over time, although with a diminishing rate of growth towards the period 2015–2019. Contrary to this development and the general downturn in threats during the Covid-19 pandemic period of 2020–2023, pressure from tourism continues to grow. Methodologically, the results emphasize the need for multivariate Probit models when research goes beyond analyses of descriptive statistics and single equation approaches.

Understanding Tsunami Evacuation via a Social Force Model While Considering Stress Levels Using Agent-Based Modelling

Given massive events, such as demonstrations in coastal cities exposed to tsunamigenic earthquakes, it is essential to explore pedestrian motion methods to help at-risk coastal communities and stakeholders understand the current issues they face to enhance disaster preparedness. This research targets SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. It strengthens resilience in coastal areas by implementing a social force model using a microscopic agent-based model to assess the impact of human behaviour on evacuation performance by introducing evacuation stress levels due to a tsunami triggered in central Chile. Two scenarios with two environments and three crowd sizes are implemented in NetLogo. In Scenario 1, pedestrians walk at a relaxed velocity. In Scenario 2, tsunami evacuation stress is incorporated, resulting in pedestrians walking at a running velocity, taking, on average, four times less time to evacuate. We explored more realistic settings by considering the internal susceptibility of each agent to spread tsunami evacuation stress among other evacuees. Results from Scenario 2 show that internal susceptibility effects almost double the mean evacuation time for 200 agents. Findings suggest a trade-off between realism and the minimization of evacuation time. This research is considered a first step toward including stress in tsunami evacuations for sustainable evacuation planning.

The Effects of Rainfall Events on the Composition and Diversity of Microplastics on Beaches in Xiamen City on a Short-Term Scale.

Coastal beaches are vulnerable to microplastic pollution originating primarily from terrestrial and marine sources or the in situ weathering of plastic waste. The present study investigates the effects of rainfall events on the composition and diversity of microplastics on beaches in Xiamen City on a short-term scale. In the results, the quantity of microplastics in beach sediments was 245.83 ± 11.61 items·kg-1 (mean ± standard error). The abundance of microplastics did not differ after each rainfall event but significantly decreased after multiple rainfall events. When the diversity of microplastics in the coastal area was evaluated, the Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou's index also decreased from 3.12 and 0.64 to 2.99 and 0.62, respectively, after multiple rainfall events. Rainfall had varying effects on microplastics depending on their size and shape, with particles smaller than 500 μm experiencing pronounced reductions. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of microplastics and the grain size of sand, but a positive correlation with sediment moisture content. We encourage the consideration of the potential impact of rainfall events during sample collection to ensure the reliability of the data. We also recommend using diversity indexes to help in understanding the influence of physical processes on microplastic distribution and their mechanisms.

Ecological Studies of Saurashtra Coast and Neighbouring Islands. V. Jafarabad to Bhavnagar Coastal Area

This paper is an ecological account of the plant communities and habitats observed in the coastal areas of Saurashtra from Jafarabad to Bhavnagar between 20°52': 21°45' and 71°25': 72°12'; ecological aspects are presented on an ecosystem basis. Plant communities grouped under ecosystems and analyses of soils are described to study soil features in relation to vegetation. A list of the coastal plants is prepared to record their distribution.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Faecal Sterols in Marine Sediments: An Evidence of Their Presence away from Point Sources–Kuwait’s Example

Coastal areas are vital ecosystems, supporting diverse marine life and providing resources essential to human well-being. However, sewage pollution poses a significant threat to these delicate environments, impacting water quality, biodiversity, and public health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has gained importance. We believe the presence of faecal sterols in coastal and marine sediments is a reliable indicator of sewage contamination. At most sites, the faecal contamination was observed with ranges from <dl to 18713 ng g−1 dw. The coprostanol/cholesterol ratio was >0.2 at 68% of the sampling sites, suggesting a large spatial distribution of sewage contamination beyond the discharge points. The positive correlation of faecal sterols with AMR provides an insight that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can spread to areas away from point sources. We propose that sterol ratios be considered as a screening tool for selecting the sites for AMR assessment. The analyses of sterols will be less time and cost-intensive compared to pharmaceutical analyses and can be a reliable indicator for AMR studies in areas where prior knowledge and experience are lacking.

Understanding the evolution of cities through urban stocks: A comparative analysis of Andean and coastal urban areas in Peru

AbstractThe evolution of cities follows distinct patterns that connect to the cultural and socioeconomic aspects of their populations and can be understood by studying their urban stocks. This paper examines the evolution of construction materials stocks (MS) in the building sector in five urban areas in Peru. The study employed a bottom‐up methodology and focused on the city of Abancay in the Peruvian Andes, comparing it to the coastal cities of Chiclayo, Tacna, and San Isidro, as well as Lince. Additionally, regression models were employed to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors associated with urban stock. The research highlights a transition from residential building stock to distinct patterns of socioeconomic development, with urban population and economic growth emerging as pivotal drivers of material stock variation. Notably, large coastal cities like Chiclayo, Tacna, San Isidro, and Lince exhibit significantly higher concrete MS per capita, albeit with varying growth rates. In contrast, Abancay, with lower income levels, displays a higher per capita level of adobe MS, reflecting its historical connection to Peru's heartland. The correlation of urban stock components with the human development index (HDI) emphasizes the latter's significance in understanding the trends of the stocks of the different construction materials that constitute a city. By examining MS in various locations, unique Peruvian traits are unveiled, offering insights for urban development in the Global South. These findings provide valuable guidance for aligning urban stock growth and related environmental burdens with socioeconomic development, fostering sustainability, and promoting rational planning for economic growth.

Ecological Studies of Saurashtra Coast and Neighbouring Islands II. Beyt Island

The plant ecology Beyt island, a narrow crooked strip of sand rock to the east of Okhamandal point and about 3 km to the north of the mainland of Okhamandal situated 22°35' : 72°21' in the Gulf of Cutch is presented in this paper. Based on the types of situations and edaphic features the vegetation of the island has been distinguished into 3 main categories : (1) Strand, (2) Salt pans, slacks and mud formations and (3) Inland mixed scrub forest. Main features of thewvegetation and analysis of soils are described under the'above mentioned heads. The flora is a mixture of coastal and inland types. Further, the affinity of the flora with the adjacent lands of Cutch and Okhamandal to Diu coastal area has been studied. A list of the plants occurring in the island is enumerated.

Evaluating the use of marine subsidies by Arctic foxes without direct coastal access; insights from stable isotopes

AbstractThe trophic structures of tundra ecosystems are often viewed as a result of local terrestrial primary productivity. However, other resources can be brought in through long-distant migrants or be directly accessible in coastal areas. Hence, trophic structures may deviate from predictions based on local terrestrial resources. The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a small canid that may use marine resources when available. We used stable isotope values in Arctic fox fur and literature data on potential prey to evaluate Arctic fox summer resource use in a mountain tundra without coastal access. The dietary contribution of local prey, presumably mostly rodents, declined with declining rodent abundance, with a subsequent increased contribution of migratory prey relying on marine resources. Stable isotope values did not differ between this terrestrial area and an area with direct coastal access during years of high rodent abundance, but isotope values during low rodent abundances suggested less marine input than in a coastal population feeding primarily on marine prey. Our study shows that marine resources may be used by animals in areas without any coastal access, and we highlight that such partial coupling of ecosystems must be included in the modeling and assessments of tundra environments.

Climate Resilience, Vulnerability, Differential Impacts and Adaptive Capacity in Nigeria

This research investigates and promotes climate resilience in Nigeria’s vulnerable communities, which are disproportionately affected by climate change. How climate change worsens existing problems such as food insecurity, poverty, and conflict in Nigeria serve as the rationale to this study. Hence, defining climate resilience, reviewing relevant literature, and conducting a case study to generate evidence-based recommendations give insight into the objectives of this study. Therefore, reviewed literature shows the diverse impacts of climate change on disadvantaged groups, such as small-scale farmers and urban coastal dwellers. Vulnerability assessments highlight the need for adaptive capacity, integrating local knowledge in solutions. Case studies illustrate vulnerabilities in poor urban coastal areas, rural regions, and the Niger Delta. Differential impacts are examined, such as the gendered effects of climate change on women and the challenges faced by indigenous communities and urban slums. Adaptive capacity is discussed, stressing social capital, collective action, and the interrelation of adaptation, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability. Adaptive capacity assessment in Nigeria indicates difficulties in rural farming households and urban coastal communities, requiring enhanced capacities. Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in adaptive measures, fostering resilience. Resilience enhancement strategies emphasize social justice, inclusive governance, and community-based adaptation, acknowledging the significance of local empowerment and participation. Technology and innovation provide possibilities but need context-specific methods. These strategies can help build climate resilience in Nigeria’s vulnerable communities, offering a basis for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to tackle the complex challenges of climate change.

The Impact of the Digital Economy on Supply Chain Security: Evidence from China’s Wooden Furniture Industry

Supply chain security is a major prerequisite for China’s successful industrial modernization, while the digital economy has significantly contributed to industrial transformation and upgrading. This study considers China’s wooden furniture industry as its research object, constructing an evaluation index system of the digital economy and supply chain security of the wooden furniture industry. Then, it studies the impact of the digital economy on supply chain security through theoretical analysis and empirical methods using the two-way fixed model of provinces and time. The findings demonstrate that the digital economy effectively enhances the level of supply chain security in China’s wooden furniture industry, further validating the digital economy’s positive externality impact on the traditional real economy. The impact mechanism test shows that inventory turnover capacity is the focal point for the digital economy to improve the supply chain security of the wood furniture industry, specifying the starting point for that industry’s digital transformation. The heterogeneity findings show that the role of the digital economy in improving the wood furniture industry’s level of supply chain security is more significant in inland areas than in coastal areas. Additional analyses found a threshold effect of the digital economy’s impact on supply chain security, indicating its limitations. This study explores the impact of the digital economy on the real economy from a traditional manufacturing industry, enriching research on the positive externalities of the digital economy as well as providing a reference for traditional manufacturing industries, such as that of wooden furniture, to probe the embedding points of the digital economy and appropriate digital transformation.

Predictive Modeling and Validation of Carbon Emissions from China’s Coastal Construction Industry: A BO-XGBoost Ensemble Approach

The extensive carbon emissions produced throughout the life cycle of buildings have significant impacts on environmental sustainability. Addressing the Carbon Emissions from China’s Construction Industry (CECI), this study uses panel data from seven coastal areas (2005–2020) and the Bayesian Optimization Extreme Gradient Boosting (BO-XGBoost) model to accurately predict carbon emissions. Initially, the carbon emission coefficient method is utilized to calculate the CECI. Subsequently, adopting the concept of a fixed-effects model to transform provincial differences into influencing factors, we employ a method combining Spearman rank correlation coefficients to filter out these influencing factors. Finally, the performance of the prediction model is validated using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R-squared (R2) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The results indicate that the total CECI for the seven provinces and cities increased from 3.1 billion tons in 2005 to 17.2 billion tons in 2020, with Shandong Province having the highest CECI and Hainan Province having the lowest. The total population, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and floor space of the buildings completed passed the significance test, among a total of eight factors. These factors can be considered explanatory variables for the CECI prediction model. The BO-XGBoost algorithm demonstrates outstanding predictive performance, achieving an R2 of 0.91. The proposed model enables potential decisions to quantitatively target the prominent factors contributing to the CECI. Its application can guide policymakers and decision makers toward implementing effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions, thereby fostering sustainable development in the construction industry.

Quantifying marine larval dispersal to assess MPA network connectivity and inform future national and transboundary planning efforts

A marine protected area (MPA) network of multiple reserves can protect biodiversity across space, but to be effective, network configuration should support dispersal among MPAs as well as spillover to unprotected habitats. The ability of MPAs to function as an interacting network of populations connected by dispersal, however, is difficult to estimate at broad spatial scales, and therefore, connectivity is often not integrated in MPA design. Here, we simulate passive larval dispersal using a biophysical model to estimate potential transboundary network connectivity of MPAs in western Canada and United States. Drift time was varied to represent generic functional groups of nearshore species with planktonic larvae and sedentary adult stages. We found that MPAs potentially act as an interacting network and meet connectivity design criteria for nearshore invertebrate species, many MPAs (65%–90%) possibly exchange individuals, and a third of larvae from MPAs (25%–32%) source areas of the unprotected coast. This analysis provides a first approximation of multispecies connectivity to inform ongoing transboundary MPA design, and it can be used as a foundation for future model development.

Strategy of Empowering Maritime Defense Areas to Increase the Income of Fisherman Communities and Awareness of National Defense in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra (Study at Palembang Naval Base)

Republic of Indonesia Law No.34 of 2004 regulating the Indonesian National Armed Forces Navy Duties in Article 9 Paragraph (e); Implementing the Empowerment of the Maritime Defense Area. The implementation of maritime defense area empowerment is the empowerment of coastal communities through Maritime Potential Development, which is implemented by Main Naval Bases III/JKT, in this case, Palembang Naval Base in Banyuasin district, South Sumatra, which is represented by the coastal area of Sungsan I-IV village, Banyuasin II subdistrict. From the perspective of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the goal is to carry out the primary mission of the Indonesian Navy, which is to raise awareness of national defense. The main objective of this research is to investigate the strategy for empowering maritime defense areas by Main Naval Base III/JKT, specifically Palembang Naval Base, in terms of increasing coastal communities' economic income and awareness of national defense in Banyuasin district, South Sumatra. The findings of this research reveal that there is no coastal community/fishermen empowerment program in Banyuasin district, South Sumatra that is planned, measurable, and sustainable. According to Chamber, community empowerment is an economic development concept that encompasses social values. This notion reflects a new "people-centered" development paradigm that is participatory and sustainable. The concept of empowerment encompasses more than merely meeting fundamental needs or providing a mechanism to prevent future impoverishment. Conclusion: Coastal community empowerment measures intended to increase fishing communities' earnings along with comprehension of National Defense in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, have not been planned.

Policy Analysis of Regional Regulation No. 14 of 2011 Concerning Semarang City Regional Spatial Planning for Flood Management: A Qualitative Study

Semarang City, as one of the metropolitan cities in Indonesia, is often hit by floods. This is caused by various factors, including regional spatial planning that is not well planned. Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 14 of 2011 concerning Semarang City Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) is expected to be a solution to overcoming flooding problems. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of Regional Regulation No. 14 of 2011 in dealing with floods in Semarang City. This research uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation studies. The data obtained was analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. The research results show that Regional Regulation No. 14 of 2011 has several weaknesses in dealing with floods in Semarang City. These weaknesses include: Lack of community involvement in the preparation of the RTRW: The community was not actively involved in the process of preparing the RTRW, so that their aspirations were not properly accommodated. Lack of synchronization between RTRW and other policies: RTRW is not synchronized with other policies related to flood management, such as coastal area spatial planning policies and drainage policies. Lack of law enforcement: Law enforcement regarding RTRW violations is still weak, resulting in many land conversions occurring which exacerbate flooding problems. In conclusion, Regional Regulation No. 14 of 2011 concerning Semarang City RTRW has several weaknesses in dealing with floods. These weaknesses make this policy ineffective in achieving its goals. To increase the effectiveness of this policy, several steps need to be taken, such as increasing community involvement, increasing synchronization between policies, and increasing law enforcement.

Relationship between Self-regulated Learning with Academic Buoyancy: A Case Study among Malaysia FELDA Secondary School Students

Prior studies offer descriptive accounts of empirical evidence on the positive relation between self-regulated learning towards various academic outcomes. However, lack of studies looks into the relation between self-regulated learning specifically with academic buoyancy in secondary school mathematics learning. Therefore, this correlational study aims to assess the relationship between self-regulated learning and academic buoyancy in the context of mathematics learning. Using a sample of 463 secondary school students from FELDA area (southern and east coast area), data were collected from Academic Buoyancy Scale and Self-regulated Learning Questionnaire. Results showed that, overall students self-regulated learning was positively and significantly correlated with academic buoyancy. Besides, all three phases of self-regulated learning namely forethought, performance and reflection phase were also positively correlated with academic buoyancy. The findings of the study offer insights into the importance of having good self-regulated learning skills to be the protective factor in dealing with daily academic challenges in the mathematics learning setting.

Oil Spill: Their Impact, Recovery and future prevention

An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment especially marine areas due to human activity. Oil is the most common pollutant in the oceans. Oil spill have a devastating and long-term impact on water ways and coastal areas around the world. Oil spill can be partially controlled by chemical dispersion, combustion, mechanical containment and adsorption. These days there are so many import and export business are going in the world. Because of expansion of business and shipping by seas in the cheapest mode it’s used on large scale due to huge cargo shipping these are so many cases of oil spill in the sea. World has witnessed big oil spill accidents into the oceans and made huge impact on the industries as well as the ecosystem. Due to these oil spills there were so many deaths if sea mammals and bird species. After oil spills creates a slick (a thick layer of oil) that ensure the sunlight and oxygen pass through water. It affects the life below the water due to lack of oxygen and sunlight. As some of the oil are dangerous and poisonous they are quite harmful for human too when it comes to physical contact with them. This paper deals with the separation of oil and water to find out the better solution for oil recovery from the water surface mixture empress oil spill to produce oil free water. There are different methods to remove the oil form the water but disc type oil skimmer is mostly used and efficient. The oil skimmer is used to separate oil, from mixture of aqua and oil. It causes highly acidic alkaline and salty environment remains a great challenge to aquatic organisms and also pollute the coastal area. Every year 706 million gallons of waste oil enter the water resources and pollute the environment. Sea water has been polluted due to oil spillage, it also affects the water bodies. It the oil spill increase it result in serious damage to environment. About 90% of contaminated oil can be removed by continuous separation of oil by skimmer.

Raw Material Stage Assessment of Seating Elements as Urban Furniture and Eco-Model Proposals

As cities strive to become sustainable, it is imperative to consider even the smallest components of the urban environment and prioritize sustainability. Ensuring the sustainability of urban furniture, especially the numerous benches found in cities, is crucial. This study proposes an alternative solution to the sustainability issue in cities regarding urban furniture. This is because a review of the literature indicates that while efforts have been made to evaluate the sustainability of urban amenities and furniture, studies conducting life cycle analysis specifically for urban furniture are lacking. This study will contribute to the identified gap in the literature by analyzing 14 different seating elements in recreational areas located in the city of Rize, Turkey, using the Ccalc program to calculate their carbon footprints. In the subsequent phase of this study, an eco-design process will be conducted based on the findings, aiming to create an eco-seating unit design. Based on the data obtained, materials with high environmental impact were identified, material replacement recommendations were made, and consequently, a model proposal was presented. The potential reduction in carbon footprints with the use of transformed materials was discussed. The findings revealed that carbon footprint values were particularly high in the seating units where concrete and polypropylene materials were used. Additionally, it was determined that solvent paint, especially varnish, affects the carbon footprint, and it was recommended that would be used in its natural form, which is eco-friendly. In conclusion, the recommendations developed for the sustainability of urban furniture in coastal areas will contribute to the future of cities and humanity.

Microplastic Contamination of the Seawater in the Hamsilos Bay of the Southern Black Sea

The marine ecosystem is severely threatened by microplastics. The entire marine environment of the Black Sea is contaminated with both macro- and microplastics but the contamination of the water column with this pollutant has received less attention. This study aims to obtain data on the microplastic abundance, and vertical and temporal distribution of the microplastics in the water column of Hamsilos Bay which is a natural protected area, and an important area for fishery and tourism on the Sinop coast in the Black Sea. This study was carried out for 12 months in 7 stations. Microplastic abundance varied among 5.58 ± 6.12–8.12 ± 9.17 pieces/m3 in and 1.74 ± 0.80–21.07 ± 3.84 pieces/m3 in stations. The dominant microplastics were fibre by shape (73.92%), 1–2 mm (28.35%) by size class, and blue (37.98%) by colour. The synthetic polymers in the examined microplastic samples of this study were PET (47%), PE (34%), HDPE (10%), PVC (7%) and PS (2%). The results of this study show that the coastal area is widely contaminated with microplastics. Microplastic pollution is an increasingly significant environmental issue that poses a threat to the Black Sea which is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution. The region is an important ecological hotspot in the Black Sea and this study can provide valuable insights into the extent of microplastic pollution and will contribute to the literature on the evaluation of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. These types of investigations; efforts to address the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea, including the development of programs to reduce pollution, increase sustainability, and support the protection of the region's natural resources, are crucial to its continuity.