Terengganu Coast Research Articles

Seasonal Variability On Cross-shore Profile in Meso-tidal Settings Due to Lunar Cycle Effects in Kuala Terengganu Coast

Seasonal Variability On Cross-shore Profile in Meso-tidal Settings Due to Lunar Cycle Effects in Kuala Terengganu Coast

Adaptation of coastal defence structure as a mechanism to alleviate coastal erosion in monsoon dominated coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The complexity of the coastal environment and the advent of climate change cause coastal erosion, which is incontrovertibly a significant concern worldwide, including Peninsular Malaysia, where, the coast is threatened by severe erosion linked to anthropogenic factors and monsoonal wind-driven waves. Consequently, the Malaysian government implemented a mitigation plan using several coastal defence systems to overcome the coastal erosion problem. This study assesses coastal erosion management strategies along a monsoon-dominated coasts by evaluating the efficacy of coastal protection structures against the coast. To this end, we analysed 244 km of the coastline of Terengganu, a federal state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Due to a higher frequency of storms and the ensuing inception of high wave energy environments during the northeast monsoon (relative to southwest monsoon), the study area is the most impacted region in Malaysia with regard to coastal erosion. Fifty-five (55) coastal defence structures were detected along the Terengganu coastline. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) was utilised to compute changes in the rate statistics for various historical shoreline positions along the Terengganu coast to assess the efficacy of the defence structures. Additionally, this study acquired the perception of the existing coastal management strategies through an interview session with the concerned stakeholders. The rate statistics revealed the effectiveness and impact of the coastal defence structure on the coastline. Assessing the functionality of the coastal defence structures shed light on the present scenario of coastal erosion management. Greater efficacy and lower impact of coastal defence structures are prescribed for coastal erosion management strategies across the monsoon-dominated coast.

Escherichia coli POLLUTION IN COASTAL LAGOON AND DAM RESERVOIR: REPERCUSSIONS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND AQUACULTURE

Escherichia coli are rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria naturally present in the lower intestinal tracts of warm-blooded organisms including humans and are often released into the environment through faecal material and wastewater effluent. The presence of E. coli in waters has long been regarded as an indicator for recent faecal contamination, and possible presence of other more harmful enteropathogens. This study examined the total coliform load and occurrence of E. coli to determine the microbial water quality of Merchang Lagoon on Terengganu coast facing the South China Sea, and Raban Lake, part of the Chenderoh Hydroelectric Dam reservoir in the Lenggong Valley, Perak. Water samples were collected from three sites in the lagoon, and two sites in the lake. Total coliform load in water was enumerated by most probable number (MPN) method, and E. coli isolation was carried out using eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar. The results showed greatly varied total coliform counts from site to site in both the lagoon (site 1: 7; site 2: 220; site 3: 920 CFU/100 mL) and lake (site 1: 220; site 2: 1600 CFU/100 mL). All sites showed presence of E. coli. The results suggest faecal pollution, and the impact of water stagnation and human activities on the coliform load. The impacts of faecal pollution on public health and aquaculture in the investigated areas are discussed. Long-term monitoring of faecal pollution constitutes the essential part of environmental conservation and preservation against the risk of waterborne faecal pathogens in recreational and commercial activities.

Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in South China Sea Short Core Sediments Off Southern Part Terengganu, Malaysia and Multivariate Statistics Approaches

Sediment cores from the southern South China Sea off the Terengganu coast were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH s) and perylene. The concentrations of total 17 PAH (TPAHs) and perylene varied between 5.45-27.7 ng/g and 0.51-7.77 ng/g, respectively. Analyses of variance showed significant differences between the stations, but not in sub-bottom depths at the 0.05 level. The PAH cross plots showed a predominance of pyrogenic over petrogenic PAH s. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed clustered PAH s that are correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), indicating the importance of surface runoff via fluvial transport for contributing these PAH s to the coastal environment of the study area. Overall, the concentrations of PAH s in the study area are considered to be in the low range, not exceeding the 100 ng/g mark.

Variation of Seasonal Monsoon Wave-Driven Circulation Pattern in the Lee of Groyne in Kuala Nerus beach

Terengganu coast tend to dual monsoonal as presenting Northeast Monsoon (NEM) as a storm season and Southwest Monsoon (SWM) as a calm season. The area of interest is a groyne in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu on east part of Peninsular Malaysia. The use of numerical model was performed on the dual monsoon seasons with MIKE 21 modules (Spectral Wave FM and Flow Model Hydrodynamic FM modules). Two numerical model were set up according to the two season. The resulting model indicates, the current circulation pattern consisted of persistent eddy re-circulation in the lee of the groyne during both season. As the longshore current directed into the groyne, it deflected offshore resulting in rip current along the groyne. The rip current and incoming wave converge at the tip of the groyne and flow parallel to coastline before being projected onshore performing a re-circulation cell. During NEM, the model shows a clockwise re-circulation cell and counter-clockwise formation during SWM. The formation of the rip current and eddy circulation is associated with erosion event as the sediment transported offshore causing sediment shortage on the adjacent shore. The importance of this study can be a reference to any development of coastal defense monsoon dominated environment.

Impact of 2019 Tropical Storm (Pabuk) on Beach Morphology, Terengganu Coast (Malaysia)

Shariful, F.; Sedrati, M.; Ariffin, E.H.; Md Shubri, S., and Akhir, M.F., 2020. Impact of 2019 tropical storm (Pabuk) on beach morphology, Terengganu coast (Malaysia). In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 346-350. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Occurrences of tropical storms, including cyclone and typhoon, across the Southeast Asia region are uncommon despite being highly prone to monsoon storm. Nevertheless, Thailand was recently hit by a cyclone called Pabuk, which had affected several parts of Malaysia with a significant impact along the Terengganu coastal area, particularly its infrastructure erected along the coastal line. This Pabuk storm was associated with the direction of waves, along with intense current velocities and strong winds, in comparison to a normal monsoon storm. The Pabuk storm had struck the Terengganu coastal area precisely in January 2019, which was during the Northeast monsoon storm that commonly occurs between November and January with heavy rainfall and strong wind. Interestingly, in November and December 2018, the rainfall was minimal to only a few drops, while the weather was hot and dry. In order to comprehend the variances between seasonal monsoon and the Pabuk storm, beach profile surveys were conducted during monsoon seasons, including the Southwest monsoon (June 2018), the transition monsoon (October 2018), the Northeast monsoon (December 2018), and after the Pabuk storm. In particular, during the Northeast monsoon season, erosion was absent along the beach, except for some discovery in the anthropogenic area, while the beach volume decreased from the beach dune and foreshore areas after the Pabuk storm. This study revealed that the highest significant wave height from numerical model (MIKE-21) during the Pabuk storm inflicted a significant morphological change onto the beach dune. Since the recovery of beach dune varies depending on the availability of sediment source, the recovery process may take a longer period in the anthropogenic areas. Such findings are integral for coastal managers involved in repairing and rebuilding activities on the adversely affected coastal infrastructures along the coastal line at the event of tropical storm.

Microplastic ingestion by zooplankton in Terengganu coastal waters, southern South China Sea.

This study investigates the presence of microplastics in surface seawater and zooplankton at five different locations off the Terengganu coast in Malaysia, southern South China Sea. A total of 983 microplastic particles, with an average abundance of 3.3 particles L-1 were found in surface seawater. An average of one plastic particle was detected in 130 individuals from 6 groups of zooplankton. These groups include fish larvae, cyclopoid, shrimps, polychaete, calanoid and chaetognath where they ingested 0.14, 0.13, 0.01, 0.007, 0.005 and 0.003 particle per individual, respectively. Microplastics in the form of fragments are the most common type of ingested microplastics that ranged between 0.02 mm (cyclopoid) - 1.68 mm (shrimp and zoea). Contrastingly, fibers, which are identified as polyamide are the main type of microplastics that dominate in seawater.

Short-term observations of beach Morphodynamics during seasonal monsoons: two examples from Kuala Terengganu coast (Malaysia)

This paper describes the morphodynamic changes that took place along Kuala Terengganu coastline over daily periods during seasonal monsoons (onset of Northeast Monsoon in October 2014 and during Southwest Monsoon in May 2015). Cross-shore beach profiles had been determined and foreshore sediments were sampled from two selected beaches; north of Kuala Terengganu at Pengkalan Maras (PM) and another to the south at Kuala Ibai (KI). Based on the beach classification scheme, PM appeared to be a spilling breaker type beach (ξb) with an Intermediate state (Ω), whereas KI belonged to the plunging breaker type (ξb) with Intermediate-Dissipative state (Ω). The beaches were dominated by coarse and fine sands at PM and KI, respectively. The wave hydrodynamics on the southern beach (KI) was characterised by higher Hb values, when compared to that in the north (PM). This study investigated the impact of morphodynamic changes during seasonal monsoons, regardless of the presence of coastal defence structures. Without any coastal defence structure (revetment), the PM beach exhibited attainment of equilibrium state, when compared to the KI beach. Therefore, coastal structures, such as revetments, directly modified the morphodynamics at KI beach. The PM beach displayed the tendency for occurrence of erosion during the Northeast Monsoon, while exhibited accretion during the Southwest Monsoon. This scenario differed from that noted at the KI beach, which signified erosion during both seasonal monsoons. The study outcomes may assist in formulating an effective coastal zone management plan for monsoon-dominated coasts, particularly sandy beaches.

Isotopic evidence of connectivity between an inshore vegetated lagoon (nursery habitat) and coastal artificial reefs (adult habitats) for the reef fish Lethrinus lentjan on the Terengganu coast, Malaysia

Stable isotope analyses of muscle tissue (δ13Cmuscle and δ15Nmuscle) and otoliths (δ13Cotolith and δ18Ootolith) were used to retrospectively track habitat uses of Lethrinus lentjan, and to determine any association between Setiu Lagoon (nursery habitat) and coastal artificial reefs (CARs; adult habitats) on the Terengganu coast, Malaysia. Muscle stable isotopes exhibited a spatial change from inshore to offshore habitats associated with growth, possibly related to the reef-ward movement of the fish. Otolith stable isotopes of adult fish from CARs were measured in juvenile (from outside the core to the first opaque zone of otolith) and adult (the edge of otolith) portions and were compared with those of juveniles from Setiu Lagoon, suggesting that the adult fish may not primarily use the lagoon as a nursery before ontogenetically migrating to CARs. The effects of coastal currents between monsoonal seasons could reorientate offshore juvenile migration; hence, adult cohorts in CARs may be replenished from various nursery habitats along the coast. Additionally, similarities in the δ18Ootolith values of juvenile and adult sections suggested that some individuals may not spend their juvenile phases in shallow estuarine habitats. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that coastal conservation strategies take into account multiple nursery habitats rather than a single one.

Beach morphodynamics and evolution of monsoon-dominated coasts in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia: Perspectives for integrated management

Coastal defence structures have a strong influence on the configuration of shorelines. Artificial structures can influence the wave regime, hydrodynamic circulation and sediment transport, thus reducing the ability of a shoreline to respond to natural forcing factors (such as the monsoonal regime) which also fragment the coastal space. In the studied area on the Kuala Terengganu coast of Malaysia, a new 1-km airport runway extension was constructed with a tarmac structure jutting out into the sea. This extension structure has a groyne-shaped geometry that has consequently altered the shoreline, hydrodynamics and sediment transport patterns on the adjoining coast. This recently transformed environment is investigated using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and Mike programs. The objective of this article is to describe the various coastal morphodynamic situations, as well as discuss the sustainable erosion mitigation strategies that are available, by involving local stakeholders within the coastal management system itself. The lessons learnt from previous management failures show that addressing the concerns, views and opinions of local stakeholders is pivotal, and must be taken into consideration by consulting them during the early stages of the planning process and beyond. The study then sets out a proposed solution to the issues at stake, based on a combination of detached breakwaters and beach nourishments within the critically eroded areas. There is indeed a direct need for more coastal defence structures in the studied area due to the ever-increasing coastal erosion, especially in the northern sector. In fact, although a series of revetments/ripraps have been built in the past to protect the beaches from erosion, these artificial structures have proved to be quite ineffective in mitigating the erosion problem at the sites in question.

Fisheries Economic Activities among the Malay Society at the Terengganu Coast in the early 20th century

This study focus on the fisheries activities at the Terengganu coast among the Malay society in the early of 20th century. Terengganu shows fisheries industry’s improvement as a result of high demind from the local and non-local people on dried fish product. This research uses qualitative method by using the primary sources such as annual reports, letters, memos and government files. Those documents come from the British Colonial, the Terengganu Secretary Office, the Terengganu Legal Advisory Office and the Terengganu Chief Minister Office that have been analysed using the historical approach. Secondary sources like journals and books are also referred to support the results. The results find out that fisherman and dried fish entrepreneurs are the main jobs of coastal Malay people in Terengganu during the early of 20th century. The involvement of Malay society at the coastal area in fisheries has raised the Terengganu’s economy.

Ocean Wave Properties of Terengganu for Renewable Energy Potential

The development of renewable energy sources together with the expansion of those currently exploited is crucial in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases as prescribed by the Kyoto protocol. Among renewable energy sources, ocean waves contain the highest energy density. This allows for substantial energy generation in relatively small areas from a virtually inexhaustible energy source. Wave energy has a number of significant advantages with respect to other renewable energy sources -- predictability, abundance, high load factor and low environmental impact, among others. In spite of these advantages, wave energy exploitation is still in its infancy due to technological challenges still ahead. Although wave energy potential has been reported for a few countries around the world, reliable and year-long wave data is still needed for Malaysia. This study therefore addresses this need. The wave resource characterization is a crucial point towards the exploitation of wave energy. Wave power along the Terengganu coast was analyzed at a time scale of months to examine the seasonal dependencies. These investigations show that the Terengganu coast could provide a source of low wave power. The wave climate in the Terengganu coast is among the harshest in Malaysia. The maximum wave height varies between 1--13 m and 3.13 m. The month of December has the highest probability of occurrence of significant wave heights greater than 2 m (2.15%), the possibility of this occurrence begins in November and lasts through January. Similarly, the month of December has the highest probability of occurrence of maximum wave heights greater than 2 m (44.09%) followed by January (40.86%) and November (32.78%). An identical evolution is seen for the wave heights in the classes 1--2 m, the highest frequency of occurrence is in December and represents 68.01% of the total of the month. The wave mean period varies between 2.76 and 5.28 sec and monthly averaged wave peak period varies between 3.94 and 8.28 sec. The main direction in terms of wave energy is North. Further, its high wave energy potential is available during northeast monsoon season. It may be concluded that the Terengganu coast of Malaysia can consider northeast monsoon period for wave energy exploitation.

The relationship of sediment texture with coastal environments along the Kuala Terengganu Coast, Malaysia

The subtidal sediments of four coastal environments (beach, berm, surf zone and nearshore sea floor) of Kuala Terengganu have been studied in terms of their textural characteristics and depositional process. Sampling and statistical analyses of the grain size distributions of beach, surf zone and shallow sea-floor sediments at various locations along the coastline show that they varied in their mean grain size as well as values of sorting and skewness. The statistical parameters of grain size distributions thus allowed recognition of distinct sub-environments. The size distribution of such sediments suggests that the various processes that are responsible for their transportation and deposition are wave, current and wind action. The different energy conditions and the morphology of each coastal environment seem to be reflected in the characteristics of the sediments in each environment.

TOPSAR wave spectra model and coastal erosion detection

This paper presents work done utilizing TOPSAR data to detect shoreline change along the Terengganu coast (Malaysia). TOPSAR data were used to extract information on wave spectra. This wave spectra information was then used to model shoreline changes by investigating the wave refraction patterns. From these patterns, the volume transport at several locations was estimated. The shoreline change model developed was designed to cover a 20 km stretch of shoreline of Kuala Terengganu. The model utilized data from aerial photographs, TOPSAR data and ground truth data. The location of sedimentation and erosion along the shoreline of Kuala Terengganu was estimated. The wave spectra extracted from TOPSAR data showed wavelengths ranging from 20 m to 175 m. The main direction of the waves given by the spectra was from the northeast. The wave refraction patterns varied, showing both convergence and divergence, indicating erosion and sedimentation locations, respectively. A comparison between the TOPSAR shoreline change model and aerial photographs and ground truth data showed a significant relationship. Finally, the regression model showed that erosion occurred particularly at Sultan Mahmed Airport, at a rate of −1.5 m/year. The maximum rate of sedimentation along the 20 km stretch was 1 m/year.

Variation of beach sand in relation to littoral drift direction along the Kuala Terengganu coast

A knowledge oflong shore variation in beach sediment and littoral drift direction is important for making decisions in coastal zone management and coastal engineering, especially in the construction of ports and breakwaters. This paper discusses a systematic analysis of the beach grain size variation along the north-western coast of Kuala Terengganu by applying a time series approach. The study area is located close to the city of Kuala Terengganu, extending from the beach at Tanjung Gelang to Kuala Ibai. The beach sediments in the study area are exclusively sandy with median diameter between coarse and fine grained sand. The median grain size, as well as sorting and skewness values show a spatial and temporal variation throughout the entire study area The median grain-size generally decreases along the direction of the littoral drift with increasing distance from the sediment source. The beaches' morphologies vary throughout the area, with finer beach sediment causing a more gentle foreshore due to less erosion. The study shows that sediment grain-size gradation can be used as an indicator of net littoral drift direction.

Effective range of traditional Malaysian FAD as determined by fish-releasing method

An experiment to determine the effective range of a traditional Malaysian FAD, the unjam, was conducted in waters off the Terengganu coast, South China Sea. Seventy-two fish of different species, with a float and line attached as a marker, were released at a distance of 30 m from the unjam and subsequently increased by every 30 m until no fish were observed heading towards the unjam. It was found that the effective range of the unjam was 180 m. Landmark orientation was hypothesized that, as the released fish were all unjam-associated species and residents in the area, they had been familiar with the surroundings and had learnt the “home” unjam.