Van Vliet-Lanoë, B.; Andrieu, V.; Cliquet, D.; Authemayou, C.; Le Roy, P., and Renouf, J.C., 2024. Sea ice and the Middle to Recent Quaternary: Marine highstands in Western Europe. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 445–473. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

This study analyzes the raised beaches of less than 700 kilo annum (ka) above present sea level along the English Channel, which are associated with negative anomalies in δ¹⁸O and evidence for anchor ice. The dated coastal events were compared in terms of recent storminess, sea-ice extents, and permafrost with regional paleoclimates. In western France, late Eemian and early interstadial highstands (HSs) indicate an extended annual sea-ice duration during early transgressions, with orbitally forced cold winters and a still-cool Southern Ocean. During regressions, storminess developed with a still-warm intertropical ocean but Arctic cooling. The Northern Atlantic ice sheets starved during early stadials, with aridity because of the seasonal sea-ice extent. (1) A delayed sea-level drop resulted from some ice storage in permafrost and sea ice, which caused depleted δ¹⁸O seawater (δ¹⁸Osw) values and limited ice caps. (2) The large ice sheets along the Northern Atlantic spread progressively and were delayed until marine isotope stage 4 (MIS 4). Their development resulted from summer precipitation rise caused by the cyclic restoration of thermohaline circulation during Dansgaard–Oechger (DO) events alternating with multiyear sea-ice cover. This led to a more unstable North Atlantic Current, which was repeatedly destabilized. (3) Early glacial storage partly or fully vanished during early DO or interstadial HSs, with climate conditions close to those of the present day.

Reef, R. and Gordon, C., 2024. Allometric equations for aboveground biomass estimation of temperate mangroves using uncrewed aerial vehicles. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 474–484. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Temperate mangrove ecosystems face different stresses compared with their tropical counterparts, resulting in reduced extent, biodiversity, and productivity. Temperate mangroves represent less than 2% of global mangrove cover and are thus less studied, but where they occur, they provide distinct ecosystem services and are expanding. Avicennia marina subsp. australasica is the sole mangrove species found in Victoria, Australia, where mangroves reach their highest latitudinal limit globally. Estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) in temperate mangroves poses challenges because of their morphological differences from tropical forests. This study used uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)–derived measurements and ground inventory data to develop allometric equations for A. marina at its latitudinal limit. A hybrid allometric equation, incorporating both field- and UAV-derived metrics, provided the most accurate prediction of AGB (coefficient of determination [R²] = 0.93). An allometric equation using solely UAV-derived inputs (canopy area and canopy height) had high-fidelity prediction capacity (R² = 0.85), although it overestimated AGB by 11%. A significant finding was the simplification of scaling from individual tree AGB to landscape-scale AGB by eliminating the need to segment individual tree canopies. Landscape-scale AGB estimates showed a stable underestimation of approximately 30%, which could be improved by segmenting the area into zones of similar height. AGB of mangroves in Western Port was estimated at 48 t ha^–1, which is within the range measured for temperate mangroves around the world. The biomass density in this temperate region is significantly lower (40%) than the continental average.

Calhoun, W.R. and Ezell, E.K., 2024. Marine debris on a protected barrier island in the southeastern United States (St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 485–498. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Marine debris is a global issue with ecological, societal, and economic impacts, but its severity on southeastern North American beaches remains poorly understood. Abundance, composition, and distribution of meso- and macrodebris on St. Catherines Island, a protected barrier island off the coast of Georgia, were estimated in June 2021. The island's 19.4 km of beaches hold an estimated 5522 items (95% confidence interval = 4361–6457) of easily visible anthropogenic marine debris, with a total end-to-end length of 1.1 km (0.7–1.6 km). The N and S ends of the island were identified as plastic debris hot spots by comparing the distributions of anthropogenic and natural debris. Although average debris density (0.012 items m^–2) was lower than most global and national averages, this study highlights the vulnerability of remote and undeveloped barrier islands as sinks for marine pollution.

Raki, A.; Mridekh, A.; Manar, M.A.; Jemily, L., and Mhammdi, N., 2024. Dynamic model of Mio-plio-quaternary evolution of the Rharb continental shelf (NW Morocco). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 499–510. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The Northwest Atlantic margin of Morocco belongs to the huge Gulf of Cadiz complex situated within the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This provides an excellent geological context in which complex mechanisms occur, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geological processes across a larger scale. This study uses a coupled methodology of calibrated industrial seismic lines interpretation and boreholes data collected between the latitudes of Larache and Kenitra cities along the Moroccan Atlantic shelf. The main results show that Neogene structural evolution is dominated by Alpine compressive forces, as evidenced by reverse structures associated with the displacement of the PreRifane Nappe. These structures create space that leads to the development of the facing growth normal fault. Seismic stratigraphy analyses illuminate a Sebou paleo-valley succession, comprising 10 third-order Plio-Quaternary seismic sequences in response to glacio-eustatic cycles. These findings underscore the profound influence of regional and local tectonics intertwined with sea-level changes on the sedimentary history of the region.

Skinner, W.K., 2024. Coastal hazard assessment from multidecadal profile response incorporating climate patterns and sea-level rise. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 511–526. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

A new method for coastal hazard assessment is described and demonstrated by reference to a 40-year cross-shore profile record in Papamoa, New Zealand. It is based on a mathematical interpretation of the envelope within which long-term historic cross-shore profiles vary and from which, for the required assessment period, the statistically significant fully accreted-state and fully eroded-state profiles can be determined. The Monte Carlo method is used to derive stochastic outcomes for long-term trend (LTT) and sea-level rise (SLR) on the basis of correlations with, and a long term proxy for, a decadal-scale climate pattern, which in the example case is the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation. Sediment volumes for short-term fluctuation and the LTT are determined and conserved to reflect a consistent wave climate over the assessment period when appraising the effect of SLR. Dune biomass is accounted for when determining erosion scarp stability and hence the final extent of the current and future hazard zones. Results are presented in schematic form as excursions relative to a land benchmark and also as full end-state profiles extending from the dune backshore to the closure depth, with the latter determined by bar volume and profile. Various scenarios are appraised, including those that incorporate SLR predictions of the climate models of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The relative risk of various scenarios is benchmarked to the probalistic expected outcome to produce a risk-based, site-specific assessment of coastal hazards.

AlMashan, N.; Al-Attar, I., and Neelamani, S., 2024. Assessment of annual sedimentation into Failaka Marina (Kuwait) and possible solutions for reduction of siltation. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 527–553. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Sedimentation is critical for ports, harbors, and marinas, requiring accurate assessment. Failaka Marina in Kuwait is experiencing a severe noncohesive sedimentation problem. The samples collected at the seven locations along the beach showed that the beach has a uniform grain-size diameter, meaning it is poorly graded sand. The sampling at the tip of the southern breakwater showed that the shoaling is mainly sand. The suspended-sediment concentration varies from 0.025 kg m^–3 to 1.2 kg m^–3, whereas the mean concentration at the marina entrance is 0.85 kg m^–3. The time series of the suspended solids over a year in the seawater surrounding Failaka Island shows a range of 8 to 48,069 ppm. Such a considerable variation in suspended load is due to the massive amounts of dredging and spoil disposal at Boubyan Island and Basra Port (Iraq) when a high sediment load moves around Failaka Island with a concentration of more than 40,000 mg L^–1. Annual sedimentation is about 2.35 m y^–1, which is responsible for blocking the main entrance for navigation. Kuwait's Ministry of Communication allocates $4 to $6 million annually for dredging and disposal activities. This study evaluates the six marina entrance modification scenarios to determine the best scenario that achieves a measurable reduction in sedimentation rate in the Marina. Six marina breakwater modifications were studied, and annual sedimentation rates were numerically computed. The study use Coupled MIKE 21/3 to simulate hydrodynamic conditions for cohesive sediment transport in a problem area. Field data from 2015 calibrated and validated the model. The primary sediment-moving force is SE wind and sea-swell waves. Littoral drift along Failaka Island's southern coastline and high suspended-sediment concentration result in littoral drift and settling. The best scenario showed a 28% sedimentation reduction and a 26% reduction in maintenance dredging costs from the six studied scenarios.

Balasubramanian, A.; Meenakumari, B.; Pravin, P.; Boopendranath, M.R.; Rajani, M., and Erzini, K., 2024. Mesh and hook selectivity of larger carangid Caranx ignobilis (Forsskal, 1775), captured along the Kanyakumari coast of India. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 554–562. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The larger carangid Caranx ignobilis is one of the key commercial fisheries operated by traditional fishermen on the Kanyakumari coast of Tamil Nadu, India, using larger meshed gillnet and drift hand lines. No selectivity study was conducted for this species in chosen study area; selectivity studies were conducted for C. ignobilis using different larger meshed gillnets having mesh sizes of 13.5, 14.0, 14.5 and 15.0 cm and hooks No. 5,6,7, and 8. Catch data obtained from gillnets and hooks were appropriated into various uninormal models (i.e. normal scale, normal location, log-normal, and gamma model) and a binormal model for finding the best fit that employs the share each length catch total (SELECT) methodology incorporated in Generalised Including Log-Linear N Estimation Technique (GILLNET) software. The estimated parameters of these models were evaluated using the statistical tools (i.e. model deviance, dispersion parameter, residual plots) to determine the best fit of the selectivity data. The binormal model under equal fishing power and fishing power proportional to hook size were found as best fit for the gillnet and hook selection data respectively. For all meshes and hooks tested, mesh size of 14.5 cm and hook No. 5 showed good catching efficiency capturing the respective modal length of fish 63.3 cm and 62.4 cm, which revealed that modal length of fish caught in the experimental mesh size is greater than the gears used by the traditional fishermen. Gillnet catch data appropriately converged into unimode in the selection curve, whereas the hook catch data appeared with bimode under the binormal model. Over dispersion was common phenomena in catch data obtained from gillnet and hooks because of the dispersed nature of population and the abundance of a larger size of fish in the study area.

Ab Halim, A. and Mohd Noor, M., 2024. Accelerating the coastal community telecentre (CCT) effectiveness and resilience model for community empowerment in rural Malaysia. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 563–570. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

This article examines the effectiveness of telecentres in affecting sustainability of coastal communities. Community capability, usefulness of the telecentre, and community participation are factors highlighted in this study that influence the effectiveness of telecentres. Digital inequities impede community empowerment and have a negative impact on overall community development. Coastal community telecentres (CCTs) are community-based organisations that offer coastal residents with access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). The CCTs are intended to increase the effectiveness and resilience of coastal communities through enhanced communication, information exchange, and service access. However, to ensure telecentre success, they must improve their effectiveness and resilience. This can be accomplished through strengthening partnerships, improving ICT infrastructure, empowering community members, developing creative solutions, and monitoring and evaluating results. In this study, 315 questionnaires were given to eight telecentres in three districts of Kelantan, Malaysia, as part of the initiative. In terms of community demographics, community competence, community usefulness, and community engagement, the data showed a significant association between community empowerment and telecentre effectiveness. As a result of the study's findings, the coastal community telecentre effectiveness and resilience model was developed. Further research is needed to evaluate telecentres from the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in their development. This study emphasises the significance of CCTs in coastal community development and the measures that can be used to make them more successful and resilient.

Griggs, G., 2024. Can we make coastal communities resilient to sea-level rise? Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 571–576. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

“Resilient” is a term that has gotten increasingly widespread usage in recent years as a solution or response for coastal communities to the well-documented global rise in sea level. The message that is usually conveyed seems to be that if we can make coastal communities resilient, everything will be fine and we will have solved the challenge of how to adapt to a rising sea. The federal government and some coastal state government agencies are providing grant money to encourage coastal communities to develop plans to become more resilient. This is an appropriate time to ask what would a resilient coastal community look like and can we actually make a community resilient to future sea-level rise, and if so, for how long?

Nguyen, T.H.T., 2024. A review of marine debris research in Vietnam. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 588–597. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Being considered one of the biggest contributors of marine debris in the world, Vietnam issued a National Action Plan in 2019 that committed to reducing plastic waste in the sea and ocean by 75% by 2030. This present study reviewed the current state of knowledge on marine debris research and management in Vietnam and aimed to support an overall picture of data in order to help deal with the marine pollution problem. According to the records gathered, the research on marine pollution over time in Vietnam has increased, from 8 manuscripts in 2019 to 22 manuscripts in 2022. Study results also showed that there are prepossessions in current research on debris properties, such as predilection for plastic type or fiber and fragment shapes, leaning toward certain environmental compartments (like beaches and floating systems), and favor toward the study area. There is a geographical trend of research being conducted in four main regions in Vietnam (the Red River Delta, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and the Mekong River Delta). The gaps and limits of current marine debris research in Vietnam are also discussed, and avenues for future research are proposed, which are intended to be helpful for both academic and management efforts.

Ghosh, S.; Anju, P.; Pattanayak, R., and Sahu, N.C., 2024. Fisheries and aquaculture in wetland ecosystems: A review of benefits, risks, and future prospects in India. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 598–612. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Globally, wetland ecosystems are vital for supporting biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services, with fisheries playing a pivotal role. Wetlands are essential nurseries for fish, supporting fisheries that contribute significantly to food security and livelihoods. Wetlands offer a consistent supply of water, which can be well utilized for fisheries and aquaculture. Groundwater recharge from wetlands is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and other uses. Additionally, wetlands control water movement, aiding in the reduction of floods and droughts. They also serve as carbon sinks and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. However, wetlands face multiple risks, including habitat destruction due to urbanization and agricultural expansion, water pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. Climate change exacerbates these threats, altering wetland habitats and fish behavior. Sustainable wetland fisheries management is essential to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for community-based approaches, habitat restoration, and the development of resilient fish populations. The future prospects of wetland fisheries lie in integrated conservation strategies that balance the ecological significance of wetlands with the socioeconomic benefits to humans. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research, and policy interventions will be key to safeguarding these ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. In the context of the expanding fisheries and aquaculture industries, this study addresses the significance, risks, and future prospects of wetlands in India.

Lee, H.-J.; Jeung, H.-D.; Song, J.-H.; Hur, Y.B., and Hong, H.-K., 2024. Enhancing seed harvest of wild Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) through fiberglass mesh installation in the tidal flat of Jugyo, west coast of Korea. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 613–616. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum (Bivalvia: Veneridae), is a commercially important species cultivated in tidal flats along the coasts of Korea. However, the local clam industries on the west coast face challenges due to a shortage of seed clams, primarily relying on catching wild juveniles or importing seeds from China. This study aimed to enhance the natural seed harvest of Manila clams by installing fiberglass mesh on the tidal flats of Jugyo, Korea. Fiberglass mesh was installed at three different stations on the tidal flats in October 2017 and clam density was monitored monthly from November 2017 to January 2018. Sediment samples were collected at each station three times using stainless steel quad-rats, and clams were categorized by size (<5 mm, 5–10 mm, 10–20 mm, 20–30 mm, and >30 mm). The results revealed spatial and temporal variations in clam density, with higher concentrations observed closer to the tidal waterline. Clam size distribution also differed across stations, with smaller clams dominating certain areas. The mesh installation in November 2017 did not significantly affect clam density compared with the control group. However, clam density substantially increased in December 2017 and January 2018 because of mesh installation, especially at the lowest station. These findings suggest that installing fiberglass mesh can enhance the survival of newly settled Manila clams, providing a potential solution to the seed shortage the local clam industries face.

Borichangar, R.V.; Vyas, U.D.; Parmar, J.N.; Vanza, J.G.; Solanki, H.G., and Pathak, N., 2024. Additional record and taxonomic description of the Arabian carpet shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum, from Dholai Port, southwest coast of Gujarat, India. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 617–622. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The present study reports an additional record of the Arabian carpet shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum, off Dholai Port, southwest coast of Gujarat, India. Two specimens were caught in a bottom trawl net at a depth of 30–32 m around the southwest coast of Gujarat. The total length and weight of the male and female specimens were recorded as 56.10 cm and 812.5 g and 52.80 cm and 681 g, respectively. In total, 119 morphometric parameters were closely observed and recorded for the taxonomic identification and confirmation of the species. Previously, C. arabicum has been reported from Okha, Mangrol, and Veraval ports along the northwest coast of Gujarat. This study serves as the initial report of the presence of the Arabian carpet shark from Dholai Port, southwest coast of Gujarat.

Stalter, R.; Lonard, R.I., and Judd, F.W., 2024. Biological flora of sand dunes on the Atlantic coastline of North America: Ammophila breviligulata Fernald. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 577–587. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Ammophila breviligulata Fernald, American beachgrass, is a North American temperature zone rhizomatous species that is often the dominant species on foredunes and primary dune complexes of the mid-Atlantic United States and adjacent maritime Canadian provinces. Ammophila breviligululata is a pioneer dune-forming species that serves as an ecosystem engineer. It thrives in accreting sand environments and requires partial burial for robust growth. The taxon has low freshwater moisture requirements and tolerates high soil temperatures, moderate soil salinity, and salt spray. Caryopses production and seedling establishment are low. Asexual reproduction by rhizome proliferation and fragmentation is the primary mechanism of reproduction. The extensive rhizome/adventitious root matrix of American beachgrass is an important factor in stabilizing dunes and reducing dune erosion. This species grows rapidly, attains large size, and produces dense stands in dune complexes. Leaf endophytic fungi have been identified as enhancing belowground productivity. Pathogenic fungi and parasitic nematodes are major causes of loss of vigor and mortality. Ammophila breviligulata provides nutrition and cover for a variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.