South Coast Research Articles

Morphometric differences between sexes and populations in Norwegian Dunlins Calidris alpina

ABSTRACT Capsule The sex of Dunlins from two widely separated Norwegian breeding populations can be determined using morphometrics, with the Dunlins’ sizes differing between populations. Aims We aimed to understand the Dunlin’s physical characteristics within and outside of a zone of intergradation between the subspecies C. a. schinzii and C. a. alpina, and to provide a resource for determining the sexes. Methods We tested for morphometric differences between Dunlins from Finnmark, inland South Norway and coastal South Norway to determine if any or all of these populations had unique characteristics. We also compared morphometrics from our study with those in published sources. We performed discriminant function analyses on morphometric data from Dunlins of known sex to identify variables that could be used for sex identification in captured birds. Results Dunlins from Finnmark were significantly larger than those from South Norway. However, birds from inland South Norway, and a small sample from coastal South Norway, overlapped in multiple measurements. Our comparison with previously published sources also found no clear differences in morphometrics between birds from South Norway and C. a. schinzii from other populations. Our discriminant functions for both Finnmark and inland South Norway accurately predicted the sex of Dunlins using only the wing chord and bill length measurements. Conclusion There was no clear evidence that Dunlins from the subspecies intergradation zone in South Norway differed in size from subspecies C. a. schinzii. The sex of Norwegian-breeding Dunlins can be accurately determined by morphometrics alone, using population-specific discriminant functions.

Dynamics of the Summer Counter‐Wind Current Along South Sri Lanka Coast 1: The Dominant Role of Intra‐Seasonal Variability

Dynamics of the Summer Counter‐Wind Current Along South Sri Lanka Coast 1: The Dominant Role of Intra‐Seasonal Variability

O5 - Persistence, resistance and resilience: Waminda’s journey to providing a landmark Birthing on Country service for women and their Aboriginal families on the South Coast of NSW

O5 - Persistence, resistance and resilience: Waminda’s journey to providing a landmark Birthing on Country service for women and their Aboriginal families on the South Coast of NSW

New Insights Into the Population Structure of Hector's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) Revealed Using Environmental DNA

ABSTRACTEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is frequently used for detecting species and describing biodiversity through metabarcoding techniques. More recently, there has been emerging evidence that eDNA can be used to investigate intraspecific variability, providing novel pathways to explore population genetics questions. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between true intraspecific variation and PCR/sequence error, and the presence of DNA from multiple individuals makes using traditional frequency‐based approaches challenging. Here, we explore how eDNA can be used to investigate population structure of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), an endemic, endangered, and culturally important (taonga) species. In doing so, we present a simple and effective method to filter out noise due to PCR/sequence error and show how treating haplotype detections equally can provide similar results to frequency‐based approaches from traditional sampling methods. Over the 2022/23 Austral summer, we collected 85 water samples close to Hector's dolphins, and three negative controls, across three areas on the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand's South Island: Banks Peninsula (n = 41), Timaru (n = 33), and Dunedin (n = 14). We targeted a 348 bp region of the cetacean D‐loop in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and obtained positive detections in 68 (77%) water samples, confidently identifying seven haplotypes across the study area. The occurrence of specific haplotypes and the overall frequencies in Banks Peninsula and Timaru matched well with previous tissue‐based studies and were similar to other East Coast South Island (ECSI) subpopulations. In Dunedin, however, our results indicate a closer relationship to South Coast populations, suggesting that the membership within the ECSI population be reconsidered, which has implications for how this subpopulation is managed. We show that eDNA sampling can be used to elucidate matrilineal population structure for Hector's dolphin and provide a simple method that could be applied to other eDNA‐based studies of any taxa.

The Pulborough Gold Torc: a 4th to 3rd century BCE artefact of European significance

Two fragments of a decorated buffer terminal torc were found in 2019 near Pulborough, West Sussex. The simplicity of the design belies the complexity of the construction of this hollow, gold alloy neck-ring. The overall shape is that of 4th to 3rd century BCE buffer terminal torcs found in western Europe, particularly France, Germany and Belgium. The terminal and neck-ring are decorated with filigree made from block-twisted wire soldered to the surface of the sheet metal parts. Filigree ornament is unusual in this shape of torc but is known from other varieties of torc and contemporary gold objects found on the Continent. The location of this find, towards the south coast of England along ancient routes of Atlantic and cross-channel contact and trade, is intriguing given the disparate influences seen in the design. This is not the first buffer terminal torc discovered in England; its discovery is preceded by both gold and copper-alloy versions, but it stands out for its individual style and decorative effect. After its discovery and reporting to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the torc was subject to analysis and examination, confirming it qualified as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. The Sussex Archaeological Society acquired the torc in 2023 for the Barbican House Museum, Lewes, Sussex. Further detailed technical examination of the torc was carried out on their behalf at the British Museum and is described here.

Occurrence and acoustic characteristics of finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) off the south coast of Korea using hydrophone and visual surveys

Occurrence and acoustic characteristics of finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) off the south coast of Korea using hydrophone and visual surveys

Correction: Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

Correction: Exploring phenolic compound extraction from marine seaweeds of south coast India: in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation

The potential for kelp (order Laminariales) aquaculture in South Africa: a biological review

Abstract The Benguela upwelling region on the west coast of South Africa/Namibia has the only major kelp forests on the African continent. South Africa has four species of laminarian kelps; Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria pallida dominate kelp forests in the west coast Benguela upwelling system, with Macrocystis pyrifera occurring rarely in this region and Ecklonia radiata largely confined to the more nutrient-poor south and east coasts. Growth studies on these species have been limited to laboratory experiments and very few initial, small-scale coastal studies. As in other Atlantic regions, there is growing interest in the potential for kelp aquaculture in Southern Africa, and recent pilot initiatives. A comprehensive summary of available literature on South African kelps, their biology and ecology, distribution and growth parameters, is presented, and the potential for kelp aquaculture discussed in relation to recent developments elsewhere on Atlantic and Eastern Pacific coastlines. Recommendations are made with respect to the choice of potential species and sites.

Stable Isotope Analysis and Chronology Building at the Hokfv-Mocvse Cultural Site, the Earliest Evidence for South Atlantic Shell-Ring Villages

Abstract Circular shell rings along the South Atlantic coast of the United States are vestiges of the earliest sedentary villages in North America, dating to 4500–3000 BP. However, little is known about when Indigenous communities began constructing these shell-ring villages. This article presents data from the Hokfv-Mocvse Shell Ring on Ossabaw Island, Georgia. Although shell rings are often associated with the earliest ceramics in North America, no ceramics were encountered in our excavations at Hokfv-Mocvse, and the only materials recovered were projectile points similar to points found over 300 km inland. Bayesian modeling of radiocarbon dates indicates that the ring was occupied between 5090 and 4735 cal BP (95% confidence), making it the earliest dated shell ring in the region. Additionally, shell geochemistry and oyster paleobiology data suggest that inhabitants were living at the ring year-round and had established institutions at that time to manage oyster fisheries sustainably. Hokfv-Mocvse therefore provides evidence for Indigenous people settling in year-round villages and adapting to coastal environments in the region centuries before the adoption of pottery. The establishment of villages marks a visible archaeological shift toward settling down and occupying island ecosystems on a more permanent basis and in larger numbers than ever before in the region.

Difference In The Quality Of Storage Power And Randang Lokan Hedonic Test

This research is motivated by local food innovations that are processed using lokan basic ingredients from the South Coast and West Pasaman. The difference in the origin of the lokan area used will produce the resulting physical, chemical and sensory characteristics. This can affect a person's storage capacity and likability level. This study aims to analyze the shelf life and describe a person's preference for lokan randang by using the origin of different lokan areas. This type of research is a mixed method using qualitative methods for storage capacity and quantitative methods for hedonic tests of randang lokan. The data collection technique in this study is using observation and questionnaires. The data obtained using the t-test method, the results of the questionnaire were tabulated in the form of tables and level tests to find out the comparison of a person's level of preference for different randang lokan. The results show .

Filling a geographic gap: a new species of genus Lacronia Strand, 1942 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from southern Brazil

Despite the significant amount of systematic research on Gonyleptidae since its original description almost 200 years ago by Sundevall in 1833, there are still unresolved phylogenetic relationships that require further investigation. Current knowledge of the unranked clade DRMN (Gonyleptidae), consisting of Discocyrtus Holmberg, 1878 sensu stricto, Roeweriinae Carvalho & Kury, 2018, Mitobatinae Simon, 1879 and Neopachylinae Carvalho & Kury, 2020, has been advancing at strides. Recently, the genus Lacronia Strand, 1942, with species occurring along the south and southeastern Brazilian coast, underwent revision, resulting in keys and diagnoses for its species. In this article we describe Lacronia utaru sp. nov., a new species from Paraná State, which fills the supposed gap between previously discontinuous known occurrences of the genus. This new species is morphologically closer to the ‘not areolated Lacronia’ internal clade, especially to the type species Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923). Differences between L. serripes and L. utaru sp. nov. about the pattern of light-colored tubercles on the dorsal scutum are pointed out. Additionally, we present new records for two other species of Lacronia.

Temporal shifts in sources and composition of particulate metals in an environmental justice community: Impacts of continued emission reductions, COVID-19, and wildfires

In this study, we evaluated trends in the composition and source contributions of ambient particulate metals, many of which are toxic air contaminants, in Paramount, California. Paramount is an environmental justice community disproportionately impacted by air pollution from multiple emission sources near sensitive receptors. Concentrations of ambient metals bound to total suspended particulates (TSP) were measured hourly using a Xact 625 ambient metal monitor between 2017 and 2020. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model identified traffic, industry, and soil dust as major contributors. Results showed that contributions of traffic and soil dust noticeably declined during the COVID-19 lockdown period (March–April 2020) due to reduced human activities but reverted to normal levels within a few months. Industry-related factors, however, dropped significantly during this period and remained low throughout the year. Contributions from industry-related sources in Paramount began declining even before 2020, despite no similar trend in regional levels, implying local emission reductions. These reductions resulted from tariffs, decreased demand, regulatory actions by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and voluntary controls by local facilities. Consequently, Paramount is experiencing drastically lower levels of metals (up to 80%, depending on the metal and source) from metal-processing facilities and related sources. Moreover, we observed markedly elevated concentrations of several metals (e.g., Ba, Ca, Mn, K, etc.) during the unprecedented September 2020 wildfires that engulfed much of the western US, adding to the limited body of studies on this phenomenon and emphasizing the considerable impact of massive wildfires on ambient levels of particulate metals.

Vertical arrays of artificial rockpools on a seawall provide refugia across tidal levels for intertidal species in the UK

Eco-engineering of coastal infrastructure aims to address the insufficient intertidal habitat provided by coastal development and flood defence. There are numerous ways to enhance coastal infrastructure with habitat features, but a common method involves retrofitting artificial rockpools. Often these are ‘bolt-on’ units that are fixed to existing coastal infrastructure but there is a paucity of literature on how to optimise their arrangement for biodiversity.In this study, 24 artificial rockpools were installed at three levels between High Water Neaps and Mean Tide Level on a vertical concrete seawall on the south coast of the UK. The species abundance of the rockpools and adjacent seawall were surveyed at low tide for 2 years following rockpool installation and compared. Over the course of the study, sediment had begun to accumulate in some of the rockpools. At the 2-year mark, the sediment was removed and assessed for macrofauna. Algal biomass of the seawall and rockpools was estimated using previously obtained dry weight values for the dominant algae taxa.After 2 years, it was determined that artificial rockpools successfully increase species richness of seawalls, particularly at higher tidal levels where water-retaining refugia are crucial for many species. The rockpools hosted 37 sessile taxa and 9 sessile taxa were recorded on the seawall. Rockpools increased the vertical elevation for brown canopy-forming seaweeds by providing better attachment surfaces. Although the retained sediment only hosted 3 infaunal species, it was observed to provide shelter for shore crabs during surveys. As sea levels and ocean and air temperatures continue to rise, vertical eco-engineering arrangements will play a crucial role in allowing species to migrate up the tidal zone, negating habitat loss and localised extinction.

First investigation of the temporal distribution of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and the candidate causative microalgae along the South Sea Coast of Korea

The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), produced by cyanobacteria and diatoms, has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This study first investigated the occurrence and monthly distributions of BMAA and its isomers, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-2-aminoethylglycine (AEG), in phytoplankton and mussels from 11 sites along the South Sea Coast of Korea throughout 2021. These toxins were quantified using LC-MS/MS, revealing elevated BMAA concentrations from late autumn to spring, with phase lags observed between phytoplankton and mussels. The highest concentration of BMAA in phytoplankton was detected in November (mean: 1490 ng g-1 dry weight (dw)), while in mussels, it peaked in December (mean: 1240 ng g-1 dw). DAB was detected in phytoplankton but was absent in mussels, indicating limited bioaccumulation potential. In February, the peak mean DAB concentration in phytoplankton was 89 ng g-1 dw. AEG was not detected in any samples. Chlorophyll-a concentrations consistently showed an inverse correlation with BMAA concentrations in mussels throughout the year. Through correlation analysis, four diatom genera, Bacillaria, Hemiaulus, Odontella, and Pleurosigma, were identified as potential causative microalgae of BMAA. This study offers insights into identifying the causative microalgae for BMAA and informs future regulatory efforts regarding unmanaged biotoxins.

Prevalence of injuries in a Caiman crocodilus chiapasius (Bocourt 1876) population from the South Pacific coast of Mexico

ABSTRACT Crocodilians injuries are indicators of their health and social interactions. We analyzed the prevalence and distribution of injuries in spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus chiapasius) from the Biosphere Reserve of La Encrucijada (BRLE) in relation to the habitat, size, and sex of individuals. We collected data on injuries in caimans captured during nocturnal surveys (2014–2022) in the estuary and swamps of the BRLE. We determined the sex of each caiman, measured their snout–vent length, and registered the type of injury and body region where injuries were detected. From all records, 102 of 301 caimans (33.9%) presented injuries and they were more likely to be injured in the estuary than in the swamps, probably due to the presence of a larger sympatric crocodile species in the estuary (Crocodylus acutus). Sex had no effect on the proportion of injured individuals, but larger caimans have a higher probability of being injured than smaller ones, explained by an ontogenetic change in the individuals’ behaviors. Habitat, sex, and size class of individuals do not influence the number of injuries on different body regions. The tail was the most injured body region (17.6% of individuals), followed by the abdomen (13.0%), back (12.6%), head (9.6%), and extremities (4.0%).

2311 Doing nothing is NOT an option—successful collaboration as part of wider quality improvement exercise in frailty services

Abstract Introduction Population is growing old worldwide and UK is no exception. Health service models designed to cater the needs of service users are under immense pressure due to the ageing phenomenon. With unprecedented demand, their often low acuity, hence low priority and delayed conveyance to hospital and unavailability of services to address their needs due to delayed arrival; frail older patients often have to wait longer in emergency department (ED) to receive care in ED. Innovation and news models of care are therefore need of the hour to address this challenging situation. Methods Quality improvement initiative to establish acute frailty service. Development of Older Person assessment unit (OPAU) in Oct 2022 with already established and functional acute frailty team. Plan for direct referral to OPAU from South East coast ambulance service (SECAmb) colleagues. Weekly meetings with SECAmb. Geriatrician of the Day supporting alternative pathways instead of ED. Development of frailty poster with criteria to referral and uploaded on SECAmb work iPads, displayed in ambulances delivery area and ambulance queuing area inside the hospital. Single point of access phone number launched April 2023 to access frailty team & other alternative services from outside the hospital. SECAmb webinar for education and awareness of alternative pathways (UCR, SDEC, frailty, virtual ward), attended by 40 front line SECAMB staff. Results October 2022–0 patients. November 2022–2 patients. December 2022–8 patients. January 2023–18 patients. February 2023–32 patients. March 2023–33 patients. April 2023–39 patients. Conclusion With sustained efforts and effective collaboration, number of patients being referred to alternate pathway (frailty team) are increasing with anticipated significant reduction to SECAmb conveyance to ED in the long run, addressing overcrowding issues.

Optimization of the Weir as a Micro Hydro Power Plant in Bayang Nyalo Padang, West Sumatra

The objective of this research is to guarantee that the building of PLTMH Bayang Nyalo achieves maximum energy output and utilizes possible renewable energy sources in a sustainable and efficient manner. This research is a study that aims to describe and analyze data using a quantitative technique. The quantitative research technique is used when study data is in numerical form. Quantitative descriptive research is a method used to examine obtained data by providing a detailed and accurate description of the data. This study aims to determine the optimal value for designing small-scale hydropower plants (PLTMH). In order to do research for this thesis, the author investigates the number of studies performed in the Bead Dam Nyalo Kec. Nagari Bayang North, South Coast Regency West Sumatra. The PLTMH project aims to harness the water flow from the subterranean river, which has a discharge rate of 14.67 liters per second. The power plant is designed to have a power capacity of 623.32 kW, using a high discharge waterfall with an effective height of 5 m. Based on the examination of technological elements, we have reached conclusions: The civil component of this PLTMH includes a gravity concrete dam that is prepared for operation, while the electrical components consist of a Cross flow Turbine. The development of mechanical transmission is ongoing.

Epidemiology of jellyfish stings using the Sting Index to identify trends and support proactive management

We explore the epidemiological trends of jellyfish stings along the south and eastern Spanish coast. Using data from lifeguard reports over a 15-year span, we offer a comprehensive analysis of the “Sting Index” (SI), initially described by Bordehore et al. (2016). Our findings reveal that from 2008 to 2022, jellyfish stings accounted for 54.5% of reported beach injuries, a slight decrease from the previously reported 59.7% in 2012. We found 359,909 people were stung during the study period from 787 participating lifeguard stations. We observed high variability in the SI, with a peak in 2012, followed by a period of stability with a slight decrease overall from 2013 onwards. However, the number of stings did not see the same decrease. The Balearic Islands and Granada exhibit the highest SI. Despite visual overlaps in their distribution, we found no significant correlation between SI and sightings of high-stinging species like Pelagia noctiluca. The knowledge derived from our research is vital for developing informed beach management policies, improving beachgoer safety, and monitoring jellyfish presence. By providing a more accurate reflection of sting incidents through the SI, independent of fluctuations in beach attendance, this study enhances our understanding of jellyfish impacts and aids in the implementation of effective management measures.

‘A dangerous and exhausting struggle’: Hunting the devil fish of coastal North and South Carolina from the colonial era to the early decades of the 1900s

Scientists, hunters and business entrepreneurs in the Carolinas all had mutual interests in giant manta rays ( Mobula birostris) during the early decades of the 1900s. Eastern-seaboard coastal communities called them devil fish, because of the horn-shaped fins on their head. Although the Ocean Leather Company in Morehead City primarily processed shark-skin leather, it also experimented with the skins of rays and other sea animals for the manufacture of a great variety of consumer products. Articles were written for scientific journals and ray specimens were contributed to national institutions like the American Museum of Natural History. Local fishermen, along with celebrities like the US president, Teddy Roosevelt, harpooned devil fish in Cape Lookout while marvelling at their grace and strength, breaching up to six feet above the water's surface. Beaufort planter William Elliott presented many accounts of this fantastic sea creature, with vivid stories of enslaved African harpooners jumping off boats onto the backs of giant manta rays. This research combines historical accounts and images, newspaper advertisements and talks at local explorer clubs to illustrate case studies of the community's obsession with collecting, cooking, hunting and conquering rays as an important component of maritime leisure and environmental history. It concludes by addressing international examples of subsistence, recreational and industrial fishing, and its impacts on manta rays.

Landscape, demographic, and dispersal parameters influence the spread and establishment of an aquatic biological invasion

AbstractHuman‐mediated species introductions are contributing to the biotic homogenization of global flora and fauna. Despite extensive research, we lack simple methods of predicting how and where an introduced species will spread and establish, particularly in species with complex life histories in aquatic ecosystems. We predict that spread can be modeled simply using the characteristics of the invading population, specifically species growth rate and dispersal capacity. In addition, we predict that the establishment of introduced species should be explained by the characteristics of the receiving ecosystem. Using the brown trout (Salmo trutta) invasion on the Island of Newfoundland as a case study, we fit and test a reaction–diffusion model with brown trout population data collected from the literature. Next, we use statistical models to assess the influence of a suite of abiotic (conductivity, pH, turbidity, calcium), biotic (Atlantic salmon occurrence), and landscape (watershed relief, watershed area, distance to original introduction) variables on brown trout establishment (i.e., presence–absence) patterns. We find that observed coastal spread in Newfoundland is slow (~4.4 km/year), and that it lies on the lower end of the range of predictions made by the reaction–diffusion model parameterized based on the estimates of growth rate and movement from the literature (predicted spread range 1.4 to 92 km/year). Also, we did not find evidence for a relationship between abiotic or biotic variables and brown trout establishment. However, we did observe that landscape variables of the distance to trout introduction point and estuary area may explain establishment patterns along the south coast of Newfoundland. Our results suggest the importance of using population‐specific parameterization and the need to integrate regional landscape factors that are generally applicable across biological invasions (e.g., distance to introduction), and those that are more specific to the ecology of the invader (e.g., estuary area). Our study contextualizes the mechanisms that contribute to a slow invasion by an aquatic species with a complex life history and reveals that future studies need to integrate a variety of methods to elucidate the processes governing invasions.