Sea Countries Research Articles

SEAs for seas: Strategic environmental assessment for more strategic and environmentally-oriented marine spatial planning processes

The foreseen, and already ongoing, substantial increase in offshore renewable energy and corresponding infrastructures urges policymakers and scholars to carefully consider corresponding long-term environmental effects on the marine environment. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is becoming a standard tool for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) processes for enabling planners to develop more sustainable marine spatial plans. To explore how SEA can contribute to a more strategic and environmentally-oriented MSP practice, four SEA processes from four North Sea countries are examined, building on available SEA documents and semi-structured interviews. The results show that SEAs for MSP can take an exploratory or appraisal-oriented approach. Adopting an exploratory approach can open up comparatively more opportunities for SEA to contribute to MSP than an adopting an appraisal-oriented approach, but it requires an early initiation of the SEA within the larger planning process. Still, it does not imply that there is one single best method. Rather, the institutional context establishes the conditions for SEA processes to contribute to MSP practice. Particularly, the political pressures and prior sectoral policymaking for offshore renewable energy restrict what can be included in the scope of an SEA. Also, the limited knowledge on the larger dynamics of the marine environment complicate the assessment of transboundary and cumulative effects. Therefore, as future research continues working towards a robust scientific knowledge base on the marine environment, it is crucial that scholars and policymakers collaborate on a structural basis to bridge the gap between science and policy implementation.

Cross-cultural approach to biobanking of living coral cells on Woppaburra sea Country in the southern inshore Great Barrier Reef

ABSTRACT Biobanking of cryopreserved, living cells is a conservation tool being increasingly integrated into management and recovery efforts for at-risk wildlife. Together with reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilisation, biobanking can secure biodiversity for decades and beyond to support species’ health and ability to survive and recover in a changing world. An inaugural on-Country coral biobanking project occurred in 2022 on Konomie (North Keppel Island) involving partners from Taronga Conservation Society, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Woppaburra Traditional Custodians. Biobanking activities were undertaken with free prior and informed consent for the collection, cryopreservation and transfer of living coral material for secure and specialised storage at Taronga’s CryoDiversity Banks on Cammeraygal and Wiradjuri Countries. During this project and a subsequent Biobanking Cultural Safety event in September 2023, we discussed cultural matters related to biobanking and measures that could be taken to ensure that the enduring link to Country of these samples is maintained in perpetuity. These outcomes will form the basis of a best-practice approach to biobanking activities in other regions of the Great Barrier Reef, in partnership with the Traditional Custodians of those sea Countries.

Improving soil carbon estimates of Philippine mangroves using localized organic matter to organic carbon equations

BackgroundSoutheast Asian (SEA) mangroves are globally recognized as blue carbon hotspots. Methodologies that measure mangrove soil carbon stock (SCS) are either accurate but costly (i.e., elemental analyzers), or economical but less accurate (i.e., loss-on-ignition [LOI]). Most SEA countries estimate SCS by measuring soil organic matter (OM) through the LOI method then converting it into organic carbon (OC) using a conventional conversion equation (%Corg = 0.415 * % LOI + 2.89, R2 = 0.59, n = 78) developed from Palau mangroves. The local site conditions in Palau does not reflect the wide range of environmental settings and disturbances in the Philippines. Consequently, the conventional conversion equation possibly compounds the inaccuracies of converting OM to OC causing over- or under-estimated SCS. Here, we generated a localized OM-OC conversion equation and tested its accuracy in computing SCS against the conventional equation. The localized equation was generated by plotting % OC (from elemental analyzer) against the % OM (from LOI). The study was conducted in different mangrove stands (natural, restored, and mangrove-recolonized fishponds) in Oriental Mindoro and Sorsogon, Philippines from the West and North Philippine Sea biogeographic regions, respectively. The OM:OC ratios were also statistically tested based on (a) stand types, (b) among natural stands, and (c) across different ages of the restored and recolonized stands. Increasing the accuracy of OM-OC conversion equations will improve SCS estimates that will yield reasonable C emission reduction targets for the country’s commitments on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.ResultsThe localized conversion equation is %OC = 0.36 * % LOI + 2.40 (R2 = 0.67; n = 458). The SOM:OC ratios showed significant differences based on stand types (x2 = 19.24; P = 6.63 × 10–05), among natural stands (F = 23.22; p = 1.17 × 10–08), and among ages of restored (F = 5.14; P = 0.03) and recolonized stands (F = 3.4; P = 0.02). SCS estimates using the localized (5%) and stand-specific equations (7%) were similar with the values derived from an elemental analyzer. In contrast, the conventional equation overestimates SCS by 20%.ConclusionsThe calculated SCS improves as the conversion equation becomes more reflective of localized site conditions. Both localized and stand-specific conversion equations yielded more accurate SCS compared to the conventional equation. While our study explored only two out of the six marine biogeographic regions in the Philippines, we proved that having a localized conversion equation leads to improved SCS measurements. Using our proposed equations will make more realistic SCS targets (and therefore GHG reductions) in designing mangrove restoration programs to achieve the country’s NDC commitments.

International Law Challenges for Underwater Cultural Heritage Protection in the South China Sea

The South China Sea is rich in underwater cultural heritage (UCH), which is suffering serious damage owing to illegal salvage by treasure hunters and unregulated excavation by commercial companies. Differences in the domestic laws of the littoral countries in the South China sea, in development policies, as well as the destruction of World War II shipwrecks are challenges to the protection of the UCH in the South China Sea. In order to ensure the proper protection of the UCH in the South China Sea, this study assesses the feasibility of three mainstream options, namely, accession to the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (CPUCH) by the littoral states of the South China Sea, the establishment of a regional bilateral or multilateral agreement, and the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Access and well-being in small-scale fisheries

Theory on access suggests there is a beneficial relationship between access to resources and well-being outcomes. Yet, the intricacies of the relationship between access and well-being have received limited empirical attention - especially in the context of fisheries. To examine this topic, we use a quantitative survey of 444 small-scale fishers in 8 countries in the Mediterranean Sea. We created composite scores from indicators related to fishers' perceptions of availability of resources, access capacities (financial, social, political, physical, human and cultural assets), access rights (formal rights and competing uses) and well-being. We then use descriptive analysis to characterize access and well-being among fishers and modeling approaches to examine how demographic factors are related to access rights and capacities and which factors are predictive of well-being. The research provides several insights. First, SSF had more positive perceptions of their access capacities and access rights than of resource availability. Second, SSF perceptions of resource availability, access rights and capacities varied significantly among sites and countries, but less so for demographic variables. Third, SSFs had a fairly positive perception of their overall well-being, however perceptions were less positive in some countries and for some indicators of well-being. Fourth, while some access capacities (i.e., social, cultural, political and financial assets) were positive predictors of an overall measure of 'human well-being', formal access rights were not a predictor of human well-being. These results highlight that managing SSF for well-being requires a nuanced understanding of and targeted approach to addressing access rights and capacities.

Impact of Climate Change on International Tourism Evidence from Baltic Sea Countries

The societal consequences of climate change are still hard to measure, mostly because it is difficult to connect the physical effects of climate change to economic processes and because future climate change and economic estimates are unpredictable. The tourism industry is one of the areas where evaluating the effects of climate change has proven to be especially challenging. The primary influencing environmental elements in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are expected to alter as a result of climate change. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the growth of tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, focusing on international tourism. To analyze the possible short-run and long-run impact of climate change on international tourism, a dynamic panel model is used, with data for the period 2005–2022. International tourism is measured through the inbound travel expenditure and the number of overnight visitors. The effect of climate change is captured through the variables of temperature and precipitation, with real GDP and government effectiveness as control variables. Results show a significant negative impact of climate change variables on international tourism in the Baltic Sea countries. There are relatively few studies on the impact of climate change on the tourism industry in the Baltic region; this article complements the existing literature on this very important issue.

Global Competence and Sustainable Development in Teacher Training: Preparing for a Changing World

Abstract This cross-cultural study examines the inclusion of global competences (GCs) in the curriculum of teacher education programs across three Baltic Sea countries: Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Using van den Akker’s (2003) substantive approach to curriculum analysis, the researchers analyzed official documents and course descriptions of Daugavpils University (Latvia), Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (Lithuania), and Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce (Poland). Employing Rapley’s (2007) document analysis method, the study focused on both explicit content and implicit gaps to assess how well GCs are integrated into teacher training programs for primary and preschool education. The research involved a detailed examination of 262 syllabi, comprising 63 from Latvia, 61 from Lithuania, and 138 from Poland. The researchers used a template based on the PISA 2018 Global Competence Framework to identify which competences and sub-competences were included in the syllabi. The study aimed to answer the question: How are all the dimensions of global competences included in the syllabi of courses taught at the primary and preschool education levels in three Baltic Sea countries? The findings reveal that the Lithuanian curriculum includes the most GC-focused courses (92 courses, 276 ECTS), followed by Poland (44 courses, 99 ECTS), and Latvia (30 courses, 161 ECTS). The analysis was conducted in four steps: comparing the total number of courses and ECTS credits, ranking the development level of each GC dimension, characterizing the development of each dimension, and analyzing the general approach towards incorporating GCs into the curricula. The results indicate a significant variation in how GCs are integrated across the three countries, with Lithuania demonstrating the most comprehensive incorporation. The study highlights the need for a more sustainable, systematic and consistent inclusion of global competences in teacher education to better prepare educators for a globalized world.

Removal efficiency, metal uptake, and breakthrough curve of aqueous lead ions removal using olive stone waste

Olive industries generate olive stone waste (OSW), which is recognized as an organic contaminant. Jordan is one of the Mediterranean Sea countries that produces a large amount of these residues. Waste from olive stones could serve as a biosorbent. One of the most hazardous heavy metals produced in a variety of industries, including the production of paint and batteries, is lead ions. The purpose of this work is to remove lead ions using olive stone waste as a biosorbent by adsorption techniques. The effects of initial concentration, pH, adsorbent concentration, and contact time are covered in the first section of the adsorption parameters, which is comprised of batch studies. In the second section, the breakthrough curve study was carried out using a fixed bed adsorption column. Findings said that the ideal pH for highest removal efficiency was occurred at 6.8 acidity and the most promising removal efficiency, at 25 ± 2 °C and 1 g of adsorbent for every 0.25 L of solution, hit 82.5 % of the initial concentration of 9 mg/L while 1 g of adsorbate was adsorbed in 1.9 mg of adsorbent. The breakthrough study indicated that after 110 h of operation a 150 L of treated solution attained with maximum removal efficiency of 90 % for lead ions initial concentration of (18 mg/L).

Surveying First Nations perspectives on marine genetic conservation practices

There is an increasing need for conservation action to help degraded ecosystems recover from anthropogenic disturbances like climate change. Historically there has been a lack of recognition of First Nations peoples in marine genetic conservation, contributing to existing inequalities. To better understand First Nations' perspectives, specifically within Traditional Owner (TO) groups within Australia, a mixed-method approach (surveys and interviews) was used. Two groups along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) were interviewed, including Lama Lama from the northern and Woppaburra from the southern GBR. Overall, perceptions varied within and between groups. There were differences in perception over equity of resource sharing in genetic conservation practices, including the sharing of coral offspring and their removal from one location to another group's Sea Country. There was, however, a strong sense of the “greater good” (benefits extending outside locations of individual groups). Their willingness to be included in most aspects of the conservation process was unanimous. These results highlight the importance of involvement of First Nations people in the decision-making process to ensure social equity in climate change conservation strategies in a way that respects local communities and cultures.

Dissecting coral recovery: bleaching reduces reproductive output in Acropora millepora

AbstractIncreasingly frequent and severe bleaching events driven by climate change are decreasing coral populations worldwide. Recovery of these populations relies on reproduction by the survivors of such events including local and upstream larval sources. Yet, corals that survive bleaching may be impaired by sublethal effects that suppress reproduction, reducing larval input to reefs, and consequently impeding recovery. We investigated the impact of the 2020 mass-bleaching event on Acropora millepora reproduction on inshore, turbid reefs in Woppaburra sea Country (the Keppel Islands), to improve our understanding of the effects of bleaching on coral populations. A. millepora experienced high bleaching incidence but low mortality across the island group during this event and thus constituted an ideal population to investigate potential sublethal effects on reproductive output. Six months after the heat wave, and just prior to spawning, we collected, decalcified, and dissected samples from 94 tagged A. millepora colonies with a known 2020 bleaching response, to investigate the relationships between stress severity and reproduction. Despite having regained their pigmentation, we detected a significant reduction in fecundity in colonies that had bleached severely. Considering the impact of the bleaching event on the coral population sampled (i.e., mortality, bleaching severity and colony size), coupled with reductions in fecundity, we estimated a total decrease in population-level reproductive output of 21%. These results suggest that reduced reproductive output may impact recovery of coral populations following bleaching and should be considered alongside traditional estimates of coral mortality.

Recognising the importance of shellfish to First Nations peoples, Indigenous and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in aquaculture and coastal management in Australia

Throughout the world, there is a growing recognition of the importance and need for incorporation of Indigenous and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of First Nations peoples in shellfish aquaculture and coastal management. In Australia, however, the incorporation of First Nations TEK of shellfish aquaculture and coastal management is in its infancy. This is a concern because the combined perspectives of Indigenous knowledge and Western Science are needed to restore culturally and economically significant shellfish and create successful, respectful and sustainable outcomes. The aims of this perspective piece are first to describe the evidence for the importance of shellfish aquaculture and management to First Nations peoples of Australia and second to highlight the opportunity to incorporate First Nations TEK in shellfish restoration and aquaculture in Australia. Already, models of successful incorporation of TEK of shellfish exist in Aotearoa, which provide an example for incorporation of TEK of shellfish in Australia. First Nations peoples of Australia hold a deep cultural connection with shellfish and Sea Country that has persisted for millennia. If we are to appropriately sustain and restore shellfish and manage our coasts, we must incorporate First Nations TEK and views, and respect and protect their ongoing connections to Sea Country.

Fish and fishing in the medieval Wrocław (Poland): New insights based on archaeozoological data

Wrocław (Wratislavia, Breslau) was established on the Oder River, at the intersection of important trade routes between the Baltic Sea, Kyivan Rus, and inland countries of Central Europe. The local population was hugely dependent on the resources the river provided, including a rich variety of fishes used for food. Here we analyse a sample of fish remains recovered from five archaeological sites in the territory of the medieval Wrocław. In total, 185 skeletal elements (isolated bones and scales) were processed and 11 species belonging to six families (Acipenseridae, Cyprinidae, Siluridae, Esocidae, and Percidae) were identified. Most remains belong to the bream, tench, and perch, which were common local species. The sturgeon, salmon/trout, and carp were among the highly demanded species and mainly consumed by the nobility. Religious restrictions and habits, especially during periods of fasting, could also have a considerable impact on the volume of fishing and fish consumption. Fishing tools found at the archaeological sites indicate that various techniques were used to catch the freshwater species in the surrounding water bodies, whereas marine fishes were probably imported from the Baltics and purchased on markets. The estimated body length of individuals provide valuable data for zoological analyses and, considering the set of fishing tools found at the studied sites, might also indicate some degree of selectivity in fishing in the medieval Wrocław, although the latter cannot be affirmed due to the applied collecting method.

Incorporating uncertainty in Indigenous sea Country monitoring with Bayesian statistics: Towards more informed decision-making.

Partnerships in marine monitoring combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science are developing globally to improve our understanding of temporal changes in ecological communities that better inform coastal management practices. A fuller communication between scientists and Indigenous partners about the limitations of monitoring results to identify change is essential to the impact of monitoring datasets on decision-making. Here we present a 5-year co-developed case study from a fish monitoring partnership in northwest Australia showing how uncertainty estimated by Bayesian models can be incorporated into monitoring management indicators. Our simulation approach revealed there was high uncertainty in detecting immediate change over the following monitoring year when translated to health performance indicators. Incorporating credibility estimates into health assessments added substantial information to monitoring trends, provided a deeper understanding of monitoring limitations and highlighted the importance of carefully selecting the way we evaluate management performance indicators.

The Importance and Components of Economic Cooperation among Red Sea Countries

In an era marked by interconnectedness and global interdependence, the Red Sea region stands as a pivotal nexus linking diverse nations with shared opportunities and challenges. The importance of economic cooperation among Red Sea countries cannot be overstated, as it not only holds the potential to bolster individual national economies but also to foster regional stability, enhance sustainable development, and create a pathway towards mutual prosperity. This strategic waterway, teeming with economic potential, serves as a conduit for trade, investment, and collaboration, urging nations along its shores to recognize the mutual benefits of collective economic endeavors. In this dynamic context, fostering collaboration among Red Sea countries emerges not only as an economic imperative but also as a diplomatic and geopolitical necessity, reflecting the growing recognition that shared interests transcend national borders and can be best pursued through collective action. This paper offers a general literature review on the topic of the importance and components of economic cooperation among Red Sea countries. This literature review synthesizes existing research on the importance and components of economic cooperation among Red Sea countries. The Red Sea region, characterized by its strategic geopolitical position, is home to a diverse group of nations with unique economic challenges and opportunities. Scholars have extensively explored the potential benefits of fostering economic collaboration in this region, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in promoting regional stability, sustainable development, and mutual prosperity.

Tick-borne diseases in the North Sea region–A comprehensive overview and recommendations for diagnostics and treatment

As part of the NorthTick project, co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the North Sea Region Programme, specialists in the field of tick-borne diseases from seven North Sea countries co-operated with patient organisations and governmental health care institutions to provide this comprehensive overview of diagnostics and treatment recommendations in the region for Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia miyamotoi infection, tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, neoehrlichiosis and babesiosis. The main conclusion is that the recommendations in these northern countries are essentially the same, with very few differences. This overview presents the current diagnostics and provides useful clinical guidance.

Status i znaczenie Trójmorza w konstrukcji współczesnej globalnej architektury bezpieczeństwa

This article covers a cross-sectional and updating reflection on the phenomena taking place in the security sphere of the region, the so-called Three Seas. The research subject of the article is the Three Seas Initiative format as a potential subjective keystone of the security of Central and Eastern Europe, treated taking into account historical and current events, as one of the foundations of not only the European or Euro-Atlantic, but also the global security architecture. The priority research goal was to present and analyze the progress and integration and institutional perspectives of the Three Seas Region, and thus an attempt to search for the status arrangements of this format, by analyzing this geopolitical space in the light of, above all, the concept of regional security complexes (but also, among others, geopolitical wedges, the influence of superpowers of the global balance of power). The findings presented in these investigations signal both attempts to comprehensively bind the region with interdependence, attempts at far-reaching rapprochement and co-creation of soft security architecture – in the form of development-progressing infrastructure, as well as pragmatic and conservative behavior, resulting from both the geopolitical dynamics and current national calculations of the Three Seas countries.

Measuring economic resilience for the CEE and Black Sea countries in the framework of comprehensive defense

The main research objective of this paper is to identify key factors influencing economic resilience from the perspective of comprehensive defence. This involves developing a composite economic resilience index (Ericda) that outlines the relative economic resilience of countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea regions, within the comprehensive defence framework. The paper employs qualitative research methods, focusing on an analysis of specialist literature pertaining to economic resilience. Quantitative methods are also used for developing the Economic Resilience Index from the Comprehensive Approach to Defence (Ericda) perspective. This includes using data on selected resilience indicators in Central and the Eastern European and Black Sea region countries to generate rankings. The results of the study reveal strong positive correlations between the economic resilience index and various factors, such as logistics and infrastructure, economic complexity, foreign trade vulnerabilities and dependence, economic stability and development, governance effectiveness, military, and human capital. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed with the resilience index. The research findings suggest that to ensure effective comprehensive defence, isolated measures targeting individual pillars are inadequate. Economic resilience requires a collaborative approach, extending beyond the purview of the finance ministry and involving a broader range of stakeholders.

Hai loài san hô mềm Xenia novaebritanniae Ashworth, 1900 và Xenia lillieae Roxas, 1933 (Malacalcyonacea: Xeniidae) mới phát hiện ở đảo Song Tử Tây – quần đảo Trường Sa – Việt Nam

The coral in the Truong Sa archipelago (Spratly Islands) is considered of high diversity, the pervious research showed that Truong Sa archipelago has over 333 species of 71 genera and 15 families of hard corals, accounting for 74% of the species known in Vietnam and 57.6% of the coral species recorded in neighbouring South China Sea (Bien Dong) countries. However, the studying on soft coral biodiversity is extremely limited, this result was the first time two soft coral species, Xenia novaebritanniae and Xenia lillieae, were found in Spratly archipelago (Song Tu Tay/Southwest Cay). The morphological differences and sclerite structure of the soft coral specimens are described in detail. Previously, these two species were only found in the coastal waters of Central Viet Nam. Our findings not only contribute to expanding the distribution of soft corals, but also increasing the value of coral reef ecosystem biodiversity in this area.

Trends of nonalcoholic fatty liver research in Southeast Asia from 2004 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis

With a 25–30% prevalence worldwide, the burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to increase. Southeast Asia has the greatest prevalence of NAFLD in Asia, estimated to be 29% overall. This paper aims to determine the characteristics and trends of published NAFLD studies in SEA countries. We systematically reviewed the literature using the Scopus database and obtained pertinent bibliographic and citation information. Visualization of collaboration networks of countries and keywords related to NAFLD was conducted using VOSviewer software. This bibliometric analysis shows that research on NAFLD is increasing in SEA but varies among countries. Singapore is the most productive country in NAFLD research, followed by Malaysia and Thailand. The majority of papers were published in journals based outside Asia. The study's emergent themes include probiotics, epigenetics, cardiovascular disease, diagnostics, treatment, genetics-related risk factors, and comorbidities. Research productivity in NAFLD and collaborations vary within and outside the region among different countries and is influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Making Waves: The Role of Indigenous Water Beings in Debates about Human and Non‐Human Rights

ABSTRACTRejecting nature‐culture dualism, contemporary anthropology recognises the mutually constitutive processes that create shared human and non‐human lifeworlds. Such recognition owes much to ethnographic engagement with diverse indigenous cosmologies many of which have, for millennia, upheld ideas about indivisible worlds in which all living kinds occupy a shared ontological space and non‐human species and environments are approached respectfully, with expectations of reciprocity and partnership. As many societies confront the global chaos caused by the anthropocentric prioritisation of human interests, anthropologists and indigenous communities are therefore well placed to articulate alternative models in which the non‐human domain is dealt with more equitably and inclusively. This paper is located comparatively in long‐term ethnographic research with indigenous communities in Australia, alongside the Mitchell River in North Queensland and the Brisbane River in South Queensland. It draws more specifically on involvement in legal claims for water rights by Māori iwis in New Zealand; in land claims by the Kunjen language group in Cape York; and in a recent ‘sea country’ case brought against a major multi‐national by the Tiwi Islanders in Australia's Northern Territory. It also makes use of a major comparative study of water beings in diverse cultural and historical contexts, and considers the central importance of water beings such as Māori taniwha and the Australian Rainbow Serpent in such legal conflicts, and in broader debates about human and non‐human rights. Like other water deities around the world, these beings personify the generative (and potentially punitive) powers of water and its co‐creative role in shaping human and non‐human lives. They are resurfacing today with an important representational role in contemporary conflicts over land and water.