Sustainable Marine Research Articles

Modeling of growth of the macroalga Ulva sp. in a controlled photobioreactor based on nitrogen accumulation dynamics

ABSTRACT Macroalgal biomass production models that capture nutrient dynamics, temperature, light and salinity are important for the design and operation of large-scale farms. The goal of this study is to understand how the nitrogen fertilizing regime, relating to dose (µM N week−1), amplitude (µM N) and duration (hours) of fertilization, affects the dynamics of nitrogen content and biomass production of Ulva sp. We hypothesize that the nitrogen fertilizing regime controls the Ulva Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), defined here as the fraction of fertilizer nitrogen that is utilized and allocated to yield N, and, accordingly, also nitrogen assimilation in the biomass and the growth rate. We test this hypothesis by measuring internal nitrogen and biomass weight and by calculating NUE under various fertilization regimes in controlled photobioreactors. Based on these experimental data, we developed a biomass productivity model that predicts nitrogen and biomass dynamics temporally over three weeks of cultivation. This study highlights efficient fertilizing regimes and enables the development of a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between external N, internal N and biomass production of Ulva sp. under varying external N levels, which is important for real-world agricultural applications. This study provides a better understanding of the external N-internal N-biomass triangle leading to an improved dynamic cultivation model, enabling better control of nutrient application and biomass production in macroalgal farming for a sustainable marine bioeconomy.

Strategi World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) dalam Mendukung Program Blue Economy di Indonesia

This article aims to explain the contribution of international organizations in preserving marine ecosystems in order to achieve sustainable economic development in Indonesia. The problem is focused on case studies of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on how WWF's strategy supports the program blue economy in Indonesia. The strategy includes policy advocacy, multi-stakeholder partnerships, sustainable marine resource management, local community development, and ecotourism promotion. In order to approach this problem, theoretical references from conceptual theory are used for Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The data in this article were collected through a literature study method on (1) WWF and environmental programs in Indonesia, (2) Indonesia and its targets blue economy, and (3) WWF's strategy in Indonesia in supporting the program blue economy, and analyzed qualitatively. This study concludes that optimizing the program blue economy in Indonesia requires the role of various actors, such as the state, society, and even NGOs. Therefore, this study found that cooperation between actors can reap success in achieving targets blue economy in Indonesia.

Editorial: African ocean stewardship: navigating ocean conservation and sustainable marine and coastal resource management in Africa

Editorial: African ocean stewardship: navigating ocean conservation and sustainable marine and coastal resource management in Africa

Women lead small-scale fisheries to sustainability in Surigao del Sur, Philippines

The absence of a gendered analysis of the contribution of women on enhancing fisheries sustainability is unsurprising given the little focus and funding on the study of women in fisheries. In this article we shed new light on how multiple roles and responsibilities of women in fisheries are crucial to motivate proper management, conservation measures and develop sound policies. The study was carried out in Surigao del Sur in the Philippines where data was generated through six focus groups participated by 10–15 women residents as a representation of the women's community in the region (N = 76). The insights from this earlier focus groups were then validated through six additional stakeholder meetings (N = 192 participants). The findings indicate that women performed several roles, such as volunteer fish wardens, leaders, and watchers in coastal areas and fish sanctuaries. Moreover, women were innovative and initiated plastic recycling activities to minimize garbage disposal problems in their communities. Despite household chores and responsibilities, women participated in fishery management activities. These active engagements of women in the fisheries led to better management of marine fisheries resources, resulting in sustainable marine resources in Surigao del Sur. Understanding and formalizing women’s activities in fisheries management reveals the often-neglected position of women that could enhance sustainability in fisheries. Indeed, their active involvement as individuals is pivotal in pushing forward and mobilizing group actions to safeguard fisheries resources.

Elucidation and quantification health-promoting phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties and sugar levels of ultrasound assisted extraction, aroma compositions and amino acids profiles of macroalgae, Laurencia papillosa

Currently, sustainability is one of the most critical issues confronting society today. The growing of macroalgae in ocean farms appears more sustainable than agriculture on land due to it does not require any fresh water, chemical fertiliser, or soil. Macroalgae have been shown to be a sustainable marine source of amino acids, novel bioactive phenolic and aroma compounds that can be exploitation in food, cosmetic, nutraceuticals, pharmacological applications. Despite starting the huge cultivation of macroalgae in world, bioactive compounds in the edible macroalgae have not been well characterized. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction (CE) techniques were compared and red macroalgae, L. papillosa extracts were characterized. The highest amount of amino acid was glutamic acid (GLU) and composed of 35% was essential amino acids. UAE at 10% amplitude for 15 min showed significantly highest (p < 0.05) phenolic (212.03±3.03 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) as well as antioxidant activity determined by DPPH (105.69±3.02 µmol Trolox/100 g), ABTS (238.69±2.23 µmol Trolox/100 g) radical assay and FRAP value (72.47±3.13 µmol Trolox/100 g) when in comparison with CE. Furthermore, bioactive compounds in extracts were indicated as phlorotannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and other polyphenols using liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). This result confirmed higher antioxidant capacity detected with the UAE. A total of 46 volatile organic compounds were identified and quantified by GC-FID/MS with HS-SPME system. This study emerges as first report to novel extraction method used and deeply characterization of L papillosa. The results seem that significant potential application in the functional food, active packaging and nutraceuticals industry.

Implementation and operational feasibility of an offshore floating charging station for sustainable marine transportation

Implementation and operational feasibility of an offshore floating charging station for sustainable marine transportation

Novel criteria and methods for sustainable marine ecologic management

Novel criteria and methods for sustainable marine ecologic management

Contested Community Participation in the Governance of Marine Resources in the Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania: A Political Chicanery

It is almost two and half decades since the government of Tanzania established the Mafia Island Marine Park. Guided by the principle of participatory resource governance, this significant socio-economic move was expected to promote sustainable marine resource use and conserve ecosystem processes and biodiversity. However, this is contrary to what is befalling today. This qualitative study sought to examine how this cardinal governance rule was applied during the establishment of the park and how the nature of its execution could have a bearing on the current exhaustion and destructive course. The study used focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, life histories, and observations to collect data. Both, manual content analysis and software-aided qualitative data analysis (Nvivo—12) were applied to gain a sense of the data. The findings of the study indicate that the current unsustainable marine resource practices in the park are, in some measure, a result of inconsiderate, poor, and disingenuous participation exercised during and after the inception of the park in 1995. The study recommends a democratically genuine participatory process in which the most affected, collectively or individually, actively decide on the course of action to address their genuine concerns.

Towards sustainable marine spatial planning of aquaculture

An efficient and adaptive strategy within the EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive has to manage the existing and increasing conflicts between human uses and habitat conservation in coastal-marine areas. Among the different human activities developed along the coasts, aquaculture occupies a primary role. In this context, the aims of this research have been: (1) to propose a conceptual model suitable for aquaculture marine spatial planning; (2) to collect and integrate indicators useful for the characterization of the study area in terms of socio-ecological-economic sensitivities and pressures; and (3) to identify and map the most suitable areas for the development of new fish and shellfish farms. The study area is the Apulia Region (Southern Italy) with a coastline of about 1,000 km, in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and characterized by several economic activities within a high value natural context. The evaluation of area’s suitability for fish and shellfish farms have been carried out through the ecological characterization of the coastal areas, the identification of the socio-economic, ecological, cultural, and legal-military constraints and the estimate of the “Suitability Index” that, through a Weighted Linear Combination, integrates environmental variables and allows to classify areas as “Highly Suitable”, “Suitable” or “Unsuitable”. The “highly suitable areas” for new fish and shellfish farms are mainly located in northernmost of the Southern Adriatic Sea along the Gargano coast and in the Gulf of Manfredonia, whilst concerning the Northern Ionian Sea they are at a mean distance of 5 Km from the shoreline. The suitability maps have shown that existing fish farms are in line with their suitable areas but, surprisingly, this has seemed not to be true for shellfish farms. This can be explained by the fact that these aquaculture activities have traditionally been present in some areas (e.g., Taranto Seas), currently strongly impacted by human activities. This research has highlighted that despite aquaculture is generally conceived as an environmental impacting activity, it could be also impacted by other environmental and/or anthropic stressors (i.e., industrial ports, sewage discharges). Considering all these elements, the present research addresses decision-makers, providing information and tools necessary to plan in a more aware way, and also stakeholders interested in investing in the aquaculture sector, who could benefit from the proposed suitability maps for fish and shellfish farms for a sustainable development of this sector.

DOMESTIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON MARINE POLLUTION – A CRITICAL APPRECIATION

This scholarly inquiry undertakes a comprehensive and critical analysis of marine pollution (MP) as it pertains to the domestic legal framework of Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the paramountcy of oceans and the mounting exigencies confronting them. Marine pollution poses deleterious ramifications for ecosystems, living resources, human health, and maritime activities. In the context of Pakistan, multifarious causal antecedents underlie this phenomenon, encompassing industrial and agricultural runoff, shipping-related incidents, and the pervasive scourge of plastic pollution. Despite the existence of international conventions and domestic legislative enactments aimed at redressing this environmental malaise, the practical implementation thereof faces notable challenges, including shortcomings in enforcement and regulatory efficacy. To mitigate marine pollution in Pakistan, substantive efforts have been pursued, notably entailing the proscription of plastic bags, the deployment of advanced technologies for marine waste disposal, and the proactive advocacy of extended producer responsibility. Paramount among the international conventions are those mandating ship-owners' liability for oil spills, pivotal in safeguarding the sanctity of marine environments. Intrinsically intertwined with humanitarian and ecological import, the preservation of marine life mandates the promulgation of comprehensive legal edicts that assiduously protect marine ecosystems and proffer due reverence to the rights of marine denizens. Notwithstanding, the exigency to confront implementation obstacles within the Pakistani legal milieu accentuates the imperative for resolute enforcement mechanisms. Addressing these intricate challenges necessitates the adoption of proactive measures, notably the institutionalization of an autonomous industrial reporting system and exacting compliance with stringent environmental impact assessments. In summation, the efficacious resolution of marine pollution imperatives within Pakistan obliges the cultivation of a robust and meticulously enforced legal framework, profoundly attentive to sustainable marine resource management. Harmonizing international conventions with domestic jurisprudence holds indubitable import in perpetuating the sanctity of marine ecosystems and buttressing the well-being of humanity. Through rigorous legal scrutiny and judicious enforcement, the collective aspiration to ameliorate marine pollution resonates with heightened resonance and veracity.

Sustainable Marine Tourism of Eco Resort Criteria South Waigeo Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat is one of the regions in Indonesia that implements the concept of sustainable marine tourism. The concept of sustainability for eco-resorts is adapted from the criteria of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GSTC). The aim of this study is to find accurate data related to whether 8 resorts in South Waigeo have met the criteria for sustainable accommodation. Research is carried out with the collection of data quantitatively and qualitatively with descriptive analysis. The scores obtained are then processed on a likert scale with P=(F/Nx100%). The total sample was 96 people with a random sampling technique. The results showed GSTC criteria in 8 resorts obtained with a variable percentage. The lowest percentage is in the environmental sustainability criteria of 20-50% including indicators of nature conservation, natural resource management, waste and emission management, criteria for socio-economic improvement of local communities and criteria on the protection of cultural heritage indicate percentages below 55%, while organizational management criteria that include organizational structure, stakeholder engagement, obtain a percentagen of 49-63%. This percentage indicates that eight resorts do not meet the implementation of the criteria of sustainable water tourism, need seriousness together with all stakeholders in encouraging the tourism business to carry out the practice of Sustainable Tourism.

Understanding Fuel Saving and Clean Fuel Strategies Towards Green Maritime

Abstract Due to recent emission-associated regulations imposed on marine fuel, ship owners have been forced to seek alternate fuels, in order to meet the new limits. The aim of achieving low-carbon shipping by the year 2050, has meant that alternative marine fuels, as well as various technological and operational initiatives, need to be taken into account. This article evaluates and examines recent clean fuels and novel clean technologies for vessels. The alternative fuels are classified as low-carbon fuels, carbon-free fuels, and carbon neutral fuels, based on their properties. Fuel properties, the status of technological development, and existing challenges are also summarised in this paper. Furthermore, researchers have also investigated energy-saving devices and discovered that zero-carbon and virtually zero-carbon clean fuels, together with clean production, might play an important part in shipping, despite the commercial impracticability of existing costs and infrastructure. More interestingly, the transition to marine fuel is known to be a lengthy process; thus, early consensus-building, as well as action-adoption, in the maritime community is critical for meeting the expectations and aims of sustainable marine transportation.

Analysis of the spatio-temporal changes and driving factors of the marine economic–ecological–social coupling coordination: A case study of 11 coastal regions in China

For the sustainable development of the ocean, examining the coupled and coordinated relationships of the marine economic-ecological-social system (MEESS) is crucial. In this study, data from 11 coastal regions of China from 2006 to 2020 are utilized to quantify and analyze the MEESS coupling coordination relationships and driving factors using the entropy method, mean squared deviation weighting method, coefficient of variation method, improved coupling coordination degree (CCD), GM (1,1) (grey model), and generalized method of moments (GMM) models. The findings show that (1) the comprehensive level of the MEESS in the study area indicates a steady upward trend. The marine economic system maintains a steady rise, the marine ecological system starts at a high level and grows at a low rate, and the marine social system starts at a low level and grows at a high rate. (2) The coupling degree is higher in areas with a higher comprehensive level of marine ecological systems. (3) As of 2020, six study regions were in the moderate coordination stage. Except for Shanghai, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) in other regions shows a fluctuating upward trend. (4) From 2021 to 2026, the coastal area overall will enter the intermediate coordination stage. Shandong will take the lead in the good coordination stage. (5) In terms of drivers, port activity, financial industry development, and government support significantly affect the CCD. The findings of this study demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the improved CCD model in evaluating the interactions of multiple ocean subsystems. This demonstration can help policymakers tailor marine development planning and provide a new perspective on sustainable marine development.

The Relationship between Marine Sports Tourist Destinations, Social Responsibility, and Environmentally Responsible Behavior

This study investigated the structural relationship between tourist destination identification and environmental responsibility practices based on the social responsibility activities for visitors of marine sports tourist destinations where domestic travel has been active since COVID-19. Furthermore, we aimed to provide academic and practical implications by investigating the relationship between DSR, a major variable in sustainable marine sports tourism, and ERB. Data from a survey of tourists who participated in marine sports (n = 392) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. According to the analysis results, it was found that marine sports tourist DSR positively affected destination identification and ERB, and that tourist destination identification positively influenced ERB. Second, it was shown that the effect of the social responsibility of a marine sports tourist destination on ERB is mediated via the influence of tourist destination identification.

Establishing Integrative Framework for Sustainable Reef Conservation in Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia

The Coral Triangle region is facing negative impacts due to unbalanced carrying capacity and inappropriate public behavior, leading to unsustainable reef tourism. As a result, there has been increased awareness and preference for sustainable reef conservation (SRC). This study evaluates the integrative perspective framework of tourists’ heterogeneity preferences in SRC programs using a choice experiment conducted in Karimunjawa National Park (KNP), Indonesia. The study found that tourists preferred boat anchoring at the mooring buoy, a lower number of boats, smaller tourist groups with interpretation, added information boards, and environmental awareness education. Additionally, this research revealed that most tourists preferred the alternative SRC program and had a heterogeneous preference, which showed different features among each group. The scenario of an integrative program generated the highest value compared to the “recreational management” and “institutional control” scenarios. This evidence can assist policymakers in adapting policies for SRC programs and in potentially securing conservation funds associated with enhancing the institutional aspects of carrying capacity and marine environmental education for sustainable marine development.

Transitioning towards environmentally benign marine antifouling coatings

Marine biofouling has been an issue since antiquity whose solutions have a history of negative environmental impact. The development of environmentally sustainable solutions is paramount as society is becoming more conscious of anthropogenic impacts on the global ecosystem, particularly the global oceans. Herein we include a brief overview of common strategies in the development of sustainable marine antifouling coatings in terms of their efficacy, durability, and environmental impact. We discuss technical challenges to the development of sustainable antifouling coatings; barriers and incentives to their market uptake; and advocate the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including scientists, engineers, industry groups, and regulators, toward the development of marketable and sustainable antifouling coating solutions.

A Fully Integrated Biorefinery Process for the Valorization of Ulva fasciata into Different Green and Sustainable Value-Added Products

In the framework of a sustainable marine bioeconomy, the present work describes an advanced, eco-friendly, fully integrated biorefinery process for marine Ulva fasciata macroalgae. That would serve as a solution for ecosystem bioremediation, an effective utilization of marine macroalgal resources, and a new initiative to promote a green and low-carbon economy. Ulva fasciata biomass can be utilized as an organic fertilizer with total N, P2O5, and K2O contents of 3.17% and a C/N ratio of 11.71. It can also be used as a solid biofuel with a sufficient calorific value of 15.19 MJ/kg. It has high carbohydrate content and low lignin content of approximately 44.85% and 1.5%, respectively, which recommend its applicability in bioethanol and biobutanol production. Its protein, fiber, lipid, and ash contents of approximately 13.13%, 9.9%, 3.27%, and 21%, respectively with relatively high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and omega-9 fatty acids (n-9 MUFAs) and relatively low omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) and a n-6/n-3 ratio of 0.13 also recommend its applicability as food additives and animal feeders. Moreover, the suggested sequential zero-waste biomass residue process yielded 34.89% mineral-rich water extract (MRWE), 2.61% chlorophylla,b, 0.41% carotenoids, 12.55% starch, 3.27% lipids, 22.24% ulvan, 13.37% proteins, and 10.66% cellulose of Ulva fasciata dry weight. The efficient biocidal activity of extracted ulvan against pathogenic microorganisms and sulfate-reducing bacteria recommends its application for medical purposes, water densification, and mitigation of microbially induced corrosion in the oil and gas industry.

A new Merluccius polli reference genome to investigate the effects of global change in West African waters

Genome resources have become crucial to assess genome-wide level of variation as well as to detect adaptive variation. This is particularly important for studying diversity in marine species inhabiting regions highly affected by accelerated climate warming and pollution, also known as global change. A greater awareness of the impacts of global change is urgently needed to ensure sustainable marine fisheries. Despite recent efforts, there are still many gaps in fish reference genomes, both geographical and taxonomic. Here, we sequence, assemble and annotate the genome of Merluccius polli. The total length of this new assembly (~582 Kb, N50 = 168Kb) is approximately 40% longer and much less fragmented than a previous version. Even though it might not be intrinsic of this species, low level of heterozygosity (1.16 SNPs/Kb) and low proportion of repeat content (9.21%) was found in this genome. This hake species has a wide latitudinal distribution; therefore, it is exposed to a changing temperature gradient and to a variety of contaminants in part of its distribution along West African coast. Special emphasis was laid on the identification and characterization of candidate genes known to respond to different stressors (depth, temperature, hypoxia, and heavy metals) happening along its geographical distribution. A total of 68 of the selected candidate genes known to be associated with responses to these stressors were found in the current assembly of the genome, and their predicted sequence can be considered as full-length. Therefore, it is expected that this genome would serve as a tool to further investigations of global change in one of the most stressed marine regions in the planet.

Assessing the multiple benefits of partially protected marine protected areas in Australia: A systematic review protocol.

There is global pressure to protect more of the world's oceans, primarily to protect biodiversity, and to fulfill the "30 by 30" goal set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that has recently been ratified under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP-15). Fully protected marine protected areas (MPAs) provide the highest level of protection for biodiversity from destructive or extractive practices and may limit access to the area itself. Fully protected MPAs (also commonly referred to as 'no-take MPAs') ban all fishing activities, thereby removing the realisation of direct economic and social benefits from resource extraction within these areas. However, fully protected MPAs can still act as source of productivity to surrounding areas, while also providing an important scientific reference role for off-reserve management thereby providing indirect economic and social outcomes, as well as biodiversity benefits. Sustainable marine resource management strives to achieve 'triple-bottom line' benefits, where economic, social, and biodiversity benefits are maximised in managed areas of the ocean. Implementing 'partially protected' areas (PPAs) in areas of high biodiversity value (i.e., inshore, productive areas of the ocean) that allow for some extractive activities, may allow us to supplement fully MPAs to meet IUCN conservation goals, while maximising social and economic benefits. However, our current understanding lacks explicit quantitative assessments of whether and how PPAs can benefit (or otherwise) biodiversity, while also providing economic and social benefits. This study provides a method to systematically review the scientific and legislative literature to understand how PPAs may contribute to conserving biodiversity while also providing social and economic benefits to Australia. The implementation of partially protected areas (PPAs) requires careful consideration of many potentially competing factors, and an understanding of the types of partial protection already in place in a region. We have developed a systematic literature review protocol focussing on the primary research question: "What is the current state of partially protected area (PPA) implementation across Australian marine areas?". The aim of the review is to provide marine resource managers with a comprehensive overview of PPAs in Australia, including associated goals and stated management strategies to achieve these goals, and a methodological approach that may be utilised globally. The review protocol was designed by the research team for a Fisheries Resource and Development Corporation (FRDC) strategic research grant and will seek input from a project steering committee for the project on aggregation of the initial results. The steering committee is made up of stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, covering marine conservation, fisheries management, Indigenous values, and academic research in Australia. Multiple academic databases, alongside Australian Federal, State, and Territory legislation and related policies will be reviewed using Boolean keyword search strings for both academic databases and relevant grey literature. Results from eligible documents will be compiled and insights from the review collated to provide information on the status of PPA implementation in Australia.

Assessing the effectiveness of MARPOL Annex V at reducing marine debris on Australian beaches

To mitigate marine debris and promote sustainable marine industries, legislation and regulations surrounding the management of marine debris have been adopted worldwide. One of the most well-known and important agreements is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which focuses on reducing all types of ship-sourced marine pollution. MARPOL Annex V, which deals with the disposal of solid waste, came into force on 31 December 1988. However, was only amended to include a complete ban on waste disposal as of 1 January 2013. Assessing the effectiveness of key regulations is fundamental for supporting evidence-based decisions regarding the management of our oceans. Here, we evaluated whether MARPOL Annex V translated into a decrease in the incidence of shipping- and commercial fishing-sourced debris on remote beaches in Australia using 14 years of standardised, community-driven data. From 2006 to 2020 there was a significant change over time in the density of fishing and shipping debris on Australian beaches; debris density increased up to 2013 followed by a decrease until mid-2017. Although the new regulation started in January 2013, the decrease in density was not recorded until one year later. The decline was only observed for 4 years, reinforcing the existence of lags between the implementation of international agreements and the corresponding potential reduction in debris in the environment. This provides compelling evidence that international agreements and policies by themselves are not enough to solve the debris problem, with improved implementation and enforcement also required. We discuss future perspectives and solutions to reduce ocean-sourced litter inputs into the ocean and highlight the urgent need for action.