Tropical Cyclone (TC) Kimi was active from January 15 to 19, 2021 in Australian waters. TC Kimi activity does influence the atmosphere and ocean dynamics around it, including in central and eastern Indonesian waters, with the highest increase in local winds occurring in Sangihe (315.8%), Gorontalo (236.3%), Seram (236.3%) dan Manado (225.8%). On the other hand, Gorontalo experienced the highest increase of significant wave height during TC Kimi active, with 921.4% increase. In this study, we analyze wave height change in central and eastern Indonesian waters before TC Kimi was active, at the peak intensity of TC Kimi, and after TC Kimi dissipated by employing Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) wave model. From spatial lagged correlation analysis between wind from TC Kimi and local winds in Indonesia, we obtained 12 locations that have positive lag and correlation, namely: Denpasar, Waingapu, Rote, Majene, Gorontalo, Manado, Sangihe, Sanana, Seram, Raja Ampat, Agats dan Merauke. From time series lagged correlation, the locations that have negative lag are Denpasar (-6 h) and Rote (-1 h), those with 0 h lag are Raja Ampat and Agats, and those with positive lag are Waingapu (+ 8 h), Majene (+ 10 h), Gorontalo (+ 14 h), Manado (+ 6 h), Sangihe (+ 15 h), Sanana (+ 7 h), Seram (+ 5 h) and Merauke (+ 6 h). Surface wind analysis during the development and early phase of TC Kimi shows wind flows from Sulawesi Sea, Maluku Sea, Halmahera Sea, and Banda Sea towards the TC Kimi system. When TC Kimi approaches its strongest intensity, there are low-pressure areas (Low) that are also active, including Low in the Philippines and in the Gulf of Carpentaria, while the wind flow towards TC Kimi appears to be disconnected. Low in the Philippines and the Gulf of Carpentaria, respectively, play a role in maintaining the high waves in the northern and southern waters of Indonesia. It indicates that TC Kimi plays a role in the initial increase of wind speed in Indonesia, which is continued by the presence of Low in their respective local areas.

With the development of hydraulic engineering such as harbor, channel and reclamation, more and more natural tidal flat turn into the semi-natural tidal flat (SNTF). How to evaluate ecosystem of semi-natural tidal flat is a scientific problem that has not been fully solved. The study tries to assess ecosystem health change of SNTF adjoining Hengsha East Shoal training dike in the Yangtze estuary. The study found SNTF area > 0m isobaths increased from 30.33 km² in 2010–2014 to 46.66 km² in 2014–2017 and to 56.84 km² in 2017–2020, and the Hengsha Shoal region.0m, -2m and -5m isobaths increased from 174.78 km², 303.82 km², and 556.77 km² in 2010–2014 to 233.34 km², 365.59 km², and 596.83 km² in 2014–2017 and to 243.81 km², 363.27 km² and 567.45 km² in 2017–2020. Using database of 3 pressure indicators, 16 state indicators and 3 response indicators, the study combined pressure-state-response (PSR) model and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), constructed a systematic evaluation method of ecosystem health of semi-natural tidal flat. The evaluation result found the ecosystem health of SNTF of Hengsha East Shoal was rated as "Fair" level during 2010–2020, and the summation of comprehensive evaluation index (CEI) increased from 0.4009 in 2010–2014 to 0.4703 in 2014–2017 due to the rapid expansion of tidal flat vegetation, and then decreased to 0.4450 in 2017–2020 due to a reduction in vegetation area caused by erosion. The area of salt marsh vegetation plays an important role in the health of wetland ecosystems. The Hengsha East Shoal ecosystem is undergoing a quickly dynamic evolution processes, long-term series monitoring and further research for this area are necessary to guide its future development according to the tidal flat utilization patterns.

Microplastics (MPs) were investigated in four fish species viz., paradise threadfin (Polynemus paradiseus), corsula mullet (Rhinomugil corsula), flathead sillago (Sillaginopsis panijus) and king gobyeel (Taenioides sandwipi), which were collected from the Meghna River estuary in Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of fishes (n = 80 in total) were examined for the presence of MPs following alkali digestion, microscopic observation and μ-FTIR analysis. A total of 573 MPs were detected across all four fish species, indicating the presence of MPs in 81.3% of the fish samples. On average, there were 7.16 ± 4.33 MP items/fish, 2.16 ± 1.76 items/g of GIT and 0.15 ± 0.12 items/g of body weight. Polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon were the most abundant polymers, comprising 47%, 23% and 19%, respectively, according to μ-FTIR analysis. The majority of MPs were fibers (62.48%), with white being the dominant color. R. corsula demonstrated the highest number of MPs in the < 500 μm size range, suggesting that smaller particles are more bio-available to pelagic fish. The findings confirm the contamination of the Meghna River estuary by MPs, and their presence in local fish raises concerns about potential public health risks through the food chain.

Marine fishing is critical for coastal livelihoods, sustainability transitions, and the attainment of sustainable development goals. With a long coastline and unique marine fish species, marine fishing could drive sustainable development in Africa. However, with increasing human-environmental challenges in tropical fishing zones, the projected sustainability benefits from Africa’s fisheries resources are threatened. This is worsened by the limited research to understand how these challenges have persisted or could be realigned to suit blue transformations in the marine fisheries sector. We sourced 1066 documents from Scopus, which were analyzed using bibliometrics to (i) analyze research trends and (ii) understand intricate networks and critical themes in research and policy regarding marine fisheries. Findings on research trends reveal a decline in research on marine fishing, domination of research by non-African authors, and institutions, and limited publications in reputable journals. Complex networks persist, worsened by the limited funding of transdisciplinary research. Most researchers and research institutions in Africa prefer marine fisheries science research. Limited marine sociological research has been conducted. Key themes are not prioritizing current governance pathways, and there is limited collaboration among coastal African countries, authors, and institutions in research. To build a new aura for sustainability, a Priority Action Pathway (PAP) has been developed that includes six (6) priority actions to drive sustainable transformations. With increased collaborations, focus on transdisciplinary marine fishing research and a shift in fisheries policy research emphasis to focus on the understanding of socioecological complexities, possibilities for identifying and promoting sustainability transformations (including in sustainable financing) in the sector are possible. This can be through an increased focus on collecting and integrating marine social science with marine fisheries science research. This can help identify/create novel perspectives from tropical coastal communities needed to co-design sustainable priority actions and mechanisms in coastal fishing zones.

Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), such as salt marshes, are critical in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation and their ecosystem services. However, due to a lack of research, their carbon sequestration potential in Mexico remains poorly understood. La Ribera, Baja California Sur, exemplifies an under-researched salt marsh that provides essential benefits, including surface water for drinking, habitat, and cultural services. Besides, a recent training offered by Chinese institutions such as East China Normal University in 2024 has contributed to BCEs carbon estimation by supporting training to some researchers and practitioners from the Global South. These kinds of initiatives could enhance research capabilities and promote cost-effective conservation strategies. Although salt marshes cover less area than mangroves and seagrass meadows, their preservation is vital for climate action. Global efforts to protect these ecosystems will support carbon sequestration and safeguard other critical ecosystem services for future generations.

The coastal zone plays a crucial role in the Earth system, connecting terrestrial and marine environments and serving as a hub for economic and societal development. In recent years, with the development of the economy and society and the increase of human activities, China's coastal zones confront a series of problems such as environmental pollution, biodiversity destruction, and disorderly development. To address these challenges posed by natural and anthropogenic factors in coastal zones to achieve sustainable development, conducting coastal geological survey guided by the principles of Earth System Science (ESS) is essential preliminary work. This paper presents in detail the important position and function of the coastal zone in the Earth system. It analyzes the new requirements for ESS in coastal geological survey developments while systematically summarizing China's achievements over 40 years from four perspectives: survey contents, survey techniques, research methods, and service concepts. Finally, this paper suggests that the future coastal geological survey guided by ESS should focus on the four dimensions of survey, monitor, research and service, while expanding the content of natural resources and environmental ecological survey, establishing a network of Earth system scientific observation stations, emphasizing the research on the coupling of coastal zones and human activities, and serving the integrated management of coastal zones and scientific decision-making, this ultimately will help to attain sustainable high-quality development periods within these regions.

Removal of sediment whether from navigation channels or for specific construction projects, requires dredging. In Denmark, current options are to bypass the dredged marine sediment, use it (e.g. filling or feeding coast), or if the sediment cannot be used for any of these purposed or is contaminated (but below relevant action levels), it is typically dumped at sea. This option can have adverse impacts for the ecosystems receiving the sediment, yet in Denmark, most of the dredged marine sediment is dumped at sea. Instead of being regarded as a waste, dredged marine sediment needs to be considered a valuable resource. In this way, dredged marine sediment can benefit society and the environment, and have a'beneficial use'. The reasons why beneficial use of sediments is not yet a common practice is many folds and requires a change to long-established dredging and dumping practices. In this article we will update options for beneficial use of dredged marine sediment that are available worldwide, while as much as possible suggesting its applicability in Denmark as an example to hopefully stimulate beneficial use practices of dredged marine sediment.

Surface ocean plastic and microplastic concentration have intensified in the past decade, bringing multiple potential adverse effects to ecosystems. This increased presence and related persistence of plastics in the marine environment pose questions about their interaction with sea-surface organisms, which are usually impacted by hazardous chemical leachates. Coastal regions, as entry pathways of most plastic litter through mismanaged plastic waste on land and river runoff, are zones of high plastic accumulation. The interactions of free-floating marine organisms and buoyant plastic debris (BPD) are identified as one of the issues of concern that would potentially harm future global biodiversity, needing immediate public attention and action. This article addresses emerging and underexplored ecological impacts of the plastic problem by focusing on the interaction of the sea surface layer pelagic community with BPD. The plastic litter and their macro and micro variants harbor organisms of diverse lineage, and this nursing stimulates direct behavioral and physiological changes that are able to alter the structure and the composition of a community. Such BPD-induced alteration impairs elementary traits of the most diverse group of bio-indicator and keystone organisms, such as buoyancy mechanisms and bio-physical coupling behaviors. Subsequently, such crucial impacts on remarkable eco-indicator organisms can potentially generate novel marine environmental challenges. Policy interventions on such ubiquitous nexus of BPD and sea-surface dwelling organisms that potentially disrupt crucial ecological indicators are necessary to tackle the associated social, environmental, and economic impacts.

Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in climate change mitigation by capturing and storing carbon, particularly in their soils. As essential coastal wetlands, they contribute significantly to blue carbon sequestration, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global change. This study evaluates vegetation and soil carbon stocks, along with their economic valuation, across three distinct geomorphological settings: bordering mangroves in Nusa Lembongan, estuarine mangroves in Benoa Bay, and riverine mangroves in Estuary Perancak. Soil samples were analyzed for organic carbon, bulk density, and various physical and chemical properties, and carbon economic value was estimated using the World Bank’s proposed carbon tax rates. The results revealed significant differences (ρ < 0.05) in soil carbon stocks across the sites, with Estuary Perancak showing the highest values due to its riverine characteristics, while Nusa Lembongan had the lowest values, attributed to sandy soils and limited organic input. Vegetation carbon stocks did not differ significantly among the locations. The economic assessment highlighted a range of values, from 27,622 to 87,925 USD tonCO₂⁻¹ ha⁻¹, demonstrating the financial benefits of mangrove conservation and restoration. Strong positive correlations were observed between soil carbon storage and parameters such as canopy coverage, water content, and clay content, whereas bulk density and salinity were negatively correlated. These findings underscore the critical influence of geomorphology on carbon sequestration in both vegetation and soil, while highlighting the ecological and economic value of mangroves. The study provides valuable insights to support sustainable management and conservation strategies, contributing to global climate mitigation efforts and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, 14, and 15.

Estuaries are low- elevation morphological areas that are highly susceptible to submersion and flooding, and particularly so in view of the rising sea level. As with coastlines, where many adaptation strategies are under consideration (relocation, adaptation of buildings, nature-based solutions, etc.), future adaptation strategies for estuaries involve a number of different ways of converting the area, all of which must be developed on the appropriate spatial and temporal scales and in agreement with the local people. In this regard it is appropriate to examine the views of local residents in an estuarine context. Do they feel vulnerable? What are their perceptions of how planning has evolved in relation to climate change, and what are their preferences in respect of risk management? This article presents the results of an enquiry carried out downstream of the Loire estuary in an area characterized by industry, urban development and natural spaces. The survey involved 633 individuals whose views on the relationships between the local residents and their territory, in terms of fluviomarine risks and adaptation procedures, were collected by completing a questionnaire. The results reveal that few of the people surveyed are worried about fluviomarine risks, although they are aware of the ongoing climate change and that areas close to where they live are under threat. On the other hand, they feel much more threatened by the industrial risk which is characteristic of the Loire estuary. In terms of adaptation strategies the results are highly consensual, although sometimes confused, and could reveal a lack of ‘concern’ about these topics. The results of this research highlight determining factors such as time spent in the community and at home, the elements inherent to estuarine environments, and the memory of local risks. These elements could be useful for stakeholders in large industrialized estuaries wishing to embark on an adaptation strategy or submersion risk management.

Cephalopods contribute to the food security of coastal communities in the Philippines. Despite their importance, the role of cephalopods in local food security remains relatively underexplored, posing challenges for effective coastal resource management. This study applies a modified food security framework (FAO 2006) to analyze the four dimensions of food security—availability, access, utilization, and stability—in the cephalopod fishery of Malalison Island, Philippines. The island's local management system includes a Territorial Use Rights for Fisheries scheme integrated with a Marine Protected Area, operating under a community-based management. Data was collected in 36 semi-structured interviews and during a focus group discussion with ten fishers featuring a participatory mapping activity. Findings reveal that while cephalopods remain a stable food source, cephalopods are perceived by fishers to be threatened by climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, illegal activities, as well as resource and physical constraints among fishers. To ensure cephalopods as a source of food security, future research and coastal management efforts should prioritize biological surveys and catch landing data collection, together with enhanced enforcement and community engagement.

Coastal wetlands face dual threats from climate change and human disturbances, while they provide important ecosystem functions and deliver essential ecosystem services. Exploring the drivers behind coastal wetland changes will benefit sustainable coastal ecosystem management. Based on GlobaLand30 data, this study systematically assessed the spatiotemporal changes and drivers of China’s coastal marsh changes during 2000–2020 by incorporating land-use transformation process and various anthropogenic and environmental factors from public datasets. Our findings revealed a net increase of 865.8 km² in coastal marsh area during 2000–2020, with distinct regional variations. Coastal marsh changes were more evident north of 30°N, particularly in the Bohai Rim region (37–41°N) and the Yangtze River Delta (30–33°N). Over 75% of major coastal marsh gains (> 1,250 ha) and losses (> 1,000 ha) based on 25 km² hexagonal grids occurred in these two regions during 2000–2020. The increase in the proportion of major coastal marsh loss grids (> 1,000 km²) from 80.0% to 89.8% in these two regions during 2010–2020 suggests that some areas continued to deteriorate, highlighting that total area changes may mask important local dynamics. While driving factors varied across latitudes, land reclamation remained the dominant reason for coastal wetland loss. Reclamation induced coastal marsh loss accounting for over 60% of the total losses across all sea regions during different periods. In the Bohai Rim, the latitudinal distribution of marsh losses aligned with aquaculture changes patterns, while marsh gains primarily resulted from ecological recovery. In the East China Sea region where the Yangtze Delta is located, accretion contributed over 65% of total gains during both 2000–2010 and 2010–2020 periods. The areas of significant coastal marsh changes in the East China Sea region spatially overlapped with the distribution range of Spartina alterniflora. Based on the analysis of driving forces and ecological issues, this study proposed region-specific adaptive management strategies. Future research should strengthen the quantitative analysis of multiple driving forces’ interactions to provide a scientific basis for developing more targeted land-sea management strategies.

Wildlife in coastal zones is often affected by anthropogenic and environmental factors that intensify at the interface of land and water. Seabirds are particularly susceptible to disturbances when they breed in large, dense colonies, such as direct harm from extreme weather and interference, or exposure of eggs and chicks to predators due to indirect human activities. All these factors potentially impact the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), a seabird that is considered vulnerable in much of its range across the Americas. This study quantified disturbances affecting two skimmer colonies within a Critical Wildlife Area in southwest Florida, a coastal area of rapidly growing human population. Skimmers experienced a wide array of disturbances that caused a total of 195 flushing events, at a rate of almost 2 per hour throughout the 3-month study period. Natural and anthropogenic disturbances were occurring simultaneously and at roughly similar frequencies at the two colonies. Weather and unexplained disturbances caused a higher portion of skimmers to flush at one colony, and weather led to longer flushing events at the other colony. Flushing responses were stronger on weekends at the second colony. Notably, breeding skimmers faced considerable disturbance despite existing within a monitored protected area. Given the overlap of disturbance types across the breeding season, this study demonstrates the need for measures to protect skimmers from anthropogenic and environmental stressors, including further study of how these factors impact reproductive success of colonies. It illustrates the challenges faced by waterbirds around the globe, amid growth in coastal human communities during this era of rapid environmental change.

Dark carbon fixation (DCF) is an integral component of the global carbon sink. However, quantitative data on its contribution to total carbon fixation in estuaries are scarce, and factors driving DCF remain under exploration. In this study, radio-¹⁴C labeling and molecular techniques were employed to investigate the temporal-spatial distribution of DCF and photosynthesis rates in the Yangtze Estuary and its adjacent coastal areas (YEA), along with the potential microorganisms involved. DCF rates ranged from 0.17 to 3.79 μmol C L⁻¹ h⁻¹ in the YEA, accounting for 15.4–97.7% of integrated total daily carbon fixation, suggesting the large variability in both DCF rates and their contributions to the carbon sink. An estimate based on ¹⁵NH₄Cl labeling experiments revealed that the contribution of DCF by ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms was low (< 3.97%) in surface waters of the YEA. Bacteria bearing the cbbL-IA&IC gene were the potential essential contributors to DCF, while eukaryotic phytoplankton harboring the cbbL-ID gene may also contribute to DCF through light-independent β-carboxylation. DCF rates were mainly influenced by nutrients, particulate organic carbon, and salinity, which affect microbial abundance. Our findings underscore the importance and variability of the DCF process in human-impacted estuarine and coastal waters, contributing to a better understanding of microbial carbon fixation processes and their potential mechanisms.

Recreational beaches are widely distributed in coastal cities. Investigating the coupling mechanisms between anthropogenic interventions and natural coastal processes on sediment grain-size distribution is critical for maintaining and enhancing recreational beach functionality and value. This study examines three major recreational beaches within Zhanjiang Bay, conducting comparative analyses of surface sediment characteristics including representative grain-size metrics, granulometric composition, and statistical parameters. Key findings include: (a) significant variations in mode size (0.87–1.89 φ) and D ₁₀ values (-0.80 to -0.09 φ) among the three beaches, contrasted with limited differences in D ₅₀ and D ₉₀ metrics; (2) dominance of medium sand (26.16–39.14%) and coarse sand (26.75–31.43%) fractions, supplemented by fine and very coarse sand components, with central transects exhibiting higher medium-coarse sand concentrations than southern/northern sections; (3) sorting coefficient gradients (0.90–1.21) ranking central > northern > southern beaches, while mean grain size (0.83–1.21 φ), skewness (-0.12 to -0.02), and kurtosis (0.87–1.18) show no distinct spatial patterns. Sediment grain-size distribution patterns are governed by four primary mechanisms: artificial nourishment inputs, anthropogenic sediment modification (harvesting/excavation), natural sediment supply processes, and hydrodynamic forcing. This research establishes a typical framework for characterizing recreational beach sediments, advancing understanding of multi-factor controlled grain-size distribution patterns and sediment transport dynamics.

Coastal lagoons are highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. In lagoons of the Global South development challenges and growing coastal populations compound climate stressors to create complex inter-connected problems that cross social, economic and environmental boundaries. The successful governance of lagoons thus requires multidimensional approaches that combine disciplines and incorporate multiple knowledges. A stakeholder informed management framework was developed for West African lagoons using a transdisciplinary and participatory approach. A network of researchers from across the region, collectively known as the Resilient Lagoon Network, facilitated participatory platforms for stakeholders to share their experiences of the stressors facing lagoons and their management. Participants were from academia, government organisations, NGOs, traditional authorities and coastal lagoon communities. The information acquired enabled an understanding and relative importance of the challenges facing lagoons as well as what constituted good management practice and an appreciation for the breadth of lagoon stakeholders. From this information a framework was created comprising three strands that outlined the “what, how and who” of sustainable lagoon management. The “what” consists of a series of social, economic, environmental and governance indicators, linked to the sustainable development goals, that provide a checklist for lagoon sustainability. The “how” outlines tenets of good governance with an emphasis on equity, participation, cooperation and open communication. The “who” maps the range of possible lagoon stakeholders. The framework has been sense tested with lagoon practitioners and made available across the region. Although based on the experience of West African lagoon stakeholders, it could be used to inform the management of lagoons across the Global South.

Wildwood and Cape May beaches in New Jersey are vital for ecological, recreational, and economic reasons. These areas support critical habitats and endangered species that depend on the unique sediment characteristics of the beaches. Economically, Cape May County tourism contributed $7.7 billion in 2023 to the local economy. This study investigates the foreshore sediment textural characteristics and grain size distribution following a renourishment cycle. Sediment samples n = 54 were collected in March (winter) and n = 57 in August (summer) 2024 along cross-shore profiles from the berm crest to the high tide line. The samples were sieved and analyzed for grain size distribution, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis using sieve analysis and GRADISTAT V8.0 software. Results indicate that Wildwood beaches in the winter (pre-nourishment) were very well-sorted fine sand, and in the summer (post-nourishment), well-sorted fine to medium sand. Cape May oceanside was predominantly well-sorted medium sand, symmetrical to coarse skewed in winter and fine skewed in summer. In contrast, Bayside consisted of more poorly sorted coarse sand, including gravel. Results indicate that Wildwood and Cape May Oceanside are depositional environments during both seasons, whereas Cape May Bayside in winter is an erosive setting with sporadic high-energy events and multiple sources of sediments. Ultimately, the long-term nourishment has caused an increase in overall average grain sizes of the beaches, where coastal structures alter the natural sediment transport and wave energy reaching the nearshore, impacting the distribution of sediments. Under modern conditions with decades of future anthropogenic influence, these beaches could demonstrate a greater resilience to erosion, while being more stable. These findings are applicable to future coastal management and habitat restoration projects.

Research on the spatial and temporal distribution of shrimp mariculture can provide a reference for the optimization of the spatial distribution and sustainable development of the shrimp mariculture industry. In recent years, most of the domestic shrimp research focuses on biological characteristics, shrimp breeding, and environmental factors, with limited studies on the overall distribution patterns of large-scale marine shrimp farming.11 provinces along the coast of China were selected as the study area to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the four types of shrimp marine aquaculture production and their spatial differences in driving factors over the past 20 years. The results showed that: (1) The production and farming area of Litopenaeus vannamei (LV) were the highest among the four types of shrimp and increased exponentially over time. The farming area of the other three shrimp species showed a decreasing trend; (2) The farming centers of LV and Penaeus monodon (PM) are located in the southern regions, while those of Fenneropenaeus chinensis (FC) and Marsupenaeus japonicus (MJ) are in the northern regions. The farming centers of all four types of shrimp have shifted to varying degrees, with farming area being the main factor influencing the movement of these centers; (3) Regarding driving factors, wild catch, farming area, and extension personnel are the leading factors in the spatial differences in production, and the interaction between the factors ultimately led to spatial differences in shrimp production; (4) Comparison of different sea areas revealed that shrimp in the South China Sea region is mainly farmed in sea water, while the northern regions rely more on freshwater farming. The yield of shrimp per unit area in the South China Sea can reach up to 14 t/ha, which is significantly higher than that in the northern region; (5) Using the established regression model to predict the production and area of LV, its production and area in the next five years to maintain a sustained growth trend. The results can provide support for the formulation of relevant government policies, thus promoting the healthy development of shrimp mariculture.

Long-term morphological changes in beaches are crucial for developing and managing coastal zones and have significant implications for coastal disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as sustainable development of sandy shorelines under global climate change conditions. Pingtan Island, located on the west coast of the Taiwan Strait, about 40 km south of the Minjiang River Estuary, features a 70 km -long sandy shoreline, and its developmental history exhibits distinct phases. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal evolutionary characteristics of sandy shorelines on Pingtan Island over the past 35 years by utilizing continuous satellite imagery from 1990 to 2024 and the CoastSat global shoreline mapping tool. The primary controlling factors influencing the evolution of sandy shorelines are also identified in this study. The results indicate that (1) driven by variations in coastal dynamic conditions, the evolution of the sandy shoreline along Pingtan Island exhibits notable spatial differences, with erosion intensities significantly greater in the northern and eastern regions of the island than in the southeastern and southern areas. (2) The sandy shoreline of Pingtan Island demonstrates clear phased evolutionary characteristics: from 1990 to 2010, the shoreline generally experienced erosion, with a higher erosion rate observed from 1990 to 1999, followed by a deceleration in erosion from 2000 to 2010. After 2010, the shoreline tended toward stability, which was related to changes in sediment discharge in the Minjiang River estuary. (3) Following an adaptation period of 5–15 years after sediment discharge from adjacent rivers stabilized, a new dynamic equilibrium was established. However, this equilibrium was subsequently disrupted by intense human activities, leading to renewed oscillations of erosion and accretion along the sandy shoreline.

The impacts of climate change on marine fisheries are becoming increasingly evident; however, climate resilient fisheries management and policy making continues to be challenging. In the Arabian Peninsula Region (APR), productivity of the marine and coastal fisheries is largely impacted by climate change. The present study provides perspectives of the existing fisheries management plans of the APR with special emphasis on the Sultanate of Oman (SO) by conducting a comprehensive literature survey that includes primary research articles, academic theses, reports, governmental decisions and legislations and reputable websites. The study proposes future climate-adaptive management strategies for APR and SO, emphasizing the risk assessments, stakeholder collaboration by taking a transboundary approach. Fisheries management in the APR currently faces challenges of overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts, with each country employing unique approaches; regional cooperation and sharing best practices are deemed essential for long-term sustainability. Fisheries management in the SO, a critical part of the country's economy, includes measures such as licensing and seasonal closures; however, a climate-resilient framework for pelagic fisheries is lacking, which is creating an uncertainty in fisheries management the face of ongoing climate change. Effective climate-adaptive fisheries management in the SO necessitates risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and cross-border collaborations. The APR as a whole requires integrated short- and long-term strategies for addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries, with a focus on flexibility and local participation. The study recommends ecosystem-based fisheries management, which incorporates both biotic and abiotic elements, as well as regional evaluations and co-management solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Conservation of blue carbon (BC) ecosystems, consisting of both the vegetation and the subsoil thereof, has historically lagged behind terrestrial forests due in part to their scientific, socio-economic, and political incongruities. Private buy-in and a whole-of-society approach is necessary to catalyze conservation. However, the involvement of diverse stakeholders begs the question: is conservation their true aim? Or has the commodification of carbon formed a disconnect between monetization and protection of BC ecosystems? In this paper, we present a conceptual link among stakeholders of BC projects and their roles across the project stages, synthesized from semi-structured interviews among actors within the BC credit ecosystem. Thirteen stakeholder categories are identified, with involvement spanning eight project stages from pre-feasibility studies to carbon credit retirement. Stakeholders closer to the supply-side of credits are more aware of conservation but need further awareness of the carbon credit cycle and vice versa for the demand-side. Overall, our findings indicate that conservation is secondary to commodification for most stakeholders. The project developer is the main actor that interacts with and is cognizant of the roles of other stakeholders, thereby having decision-making power in steering participation levels of other stakeholders. It became apparent that the project developer has broad-reaching consequences over the outcomes of the carbon project, implying that their perceptions and receptions regarding commodification versus conservation matters the most. We put forth the following recommendations for better governance of BC projects, amongst others: establishment of nationwide legal frameworks, improved participation of local communities, and institutional accreditation of stakeholders.

Steep slopes along narrow-high coastlines are highly susceptible to slope hazards due to road construction and quarrying activities. On December 8, 2024, a landslide occurred on the southern slope of the Black Sea Coastal Highway near the Kıyıcık locality in the Arhavi district (Artvin, Türkiye). This landslide resulted in the loss of four lives and led to the temporary closure of the Black Sea Coastal Highway, which is of both national and international importance. This study aims to investigate the role of the Black Sea Coastal Road construction in triggering the Kıyıcık landslide. The research utilizes historical aerial photographs, high-resolution drone imagery obtained after the landslide, a 1:25,000 scale topographic map, and climate records from 1962 to 2022. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted to determine the mineral composition of the landslide mass, and spatial analyses were performed using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The weathering effect of marine moisture and wind on the narrow-high coastal slope, and the erosion effect of heavy waves in stormy weather overtopping the road platform and reaching the slope are natural processes. The landslide mass comprises saprolite and lateritic regolith—products of the chemical weathering of mafic volcanic rocks. Road construction and quarrying operations have increased slope steepness, fracture density in the mafic volcanic rocks, and the intensity of chemical weathering processes. A total of 244.4 kg/m² of rainfall and infiltration between November 16 and 29, 2024, caused water accumulation in the loose regolith, increasing the static load and triggering a translational earth landslide. Tension cracks and fissures observed in the area indicate that the landslide remains active, highlighting the need for further risk mitigation measures.

New Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) technology to harvest energy from the ocean is being developed worldwide, including in Mexico, and it will probably increase in the future. Importantly, as new technologies for MRE electricity production develop, it is necessary to assess the societal perception and the acceptance of these new technologies. Ignoring these is an error that could result in the opposition and interruption of these projects, even if they benefit the environment and society. Thus, this study aimed to explore local authorities' perceptions of the development of a marine energy project off the coast of Cozumel. The approach was qualitative, and the methodology consisted of conducting open interviews with key actors to inquire about the perceived challenges to developing a marine energy project. The results show that the main perceived limitations are social, highlighting the resistance of various groups towards external projects. The resistance to changes in the environment results from previous experiences where the project promoters neither informed adequately the population about the practice of conducting research in the area nor shared the results and did not consider the participation of local actors. 

Storm surges and the discharge of high-level pond aquaculture effluent (HPAE) are critical factors influencing the erosion and deposition dynamics of sandy coasts in South China. Understanding the mechanisms by which these factors affect sediment grain size and shape distribution patterns is significant for ecological disaster mitigation and restoration of sandy coastlines. This study examines sediment samples collected from beaches in Western Guangdong, impacted by HPAE, two days and six days after the landfall of Typhoon “Chaba” (No. 2203). We analyze grain size parameters (mean size, sorting coefficient, skewness, and kurtosis) and shape parameters (sphericity, aspect ratio, convexity, circularity, symmetry), focusing on their characteristic values and spatial distribution patterns, as well as the underlying reasons for their similarities and differences. The results indicate that: (1) From two to six days post-typhoon, sediments on the affected beaches near the shore become coarser and less well-sorted, while sediments in the middle region become finer and better sorted. On the unaffected beaches, sediments near the shore become coarser, and those further offshore become finer, with no consistent pattern in sorting coefficient; (2) Landward sediments of the affected beaches exhibit a shift towards a more flattened shape, whereas sediments on the unaffected beaches trend towards a more rounded shape; (3) The correlation between the mean size, kurtosis, and grain shape parameters of the affected beaches weakens, while the correlation between the sorting coefficient and skewness strengthens. In contrast, the unaffected beaches exhibits the opposite trends. This study provides a case for understanding the impact mechanisms of sediment grain size and shape distribution under the combined influence of storms and HPAE. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sediment dynamics and the role of marine aquaculture in shaping sandy coastal geomorphology.

Mangrove forests possess significant ecological and aesthetic values. Investigating the spatial distribution characteristics of beach sediments in mangrove habitats and their relationships with hydrodynamic conditions and vegetation dynamics is crucial for sustaining the health and sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. This study aims to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of sediments in the mangrove beach of Xiashan Sea-viewing Promenade, Zhanjiang, and their relationship with hydrodynamics and mangrove vegetation. A total of 59 surface sediment samples were collected from 6 transects in the study area. The elevation of the sampling points, as well as wave and current data during the sampling period, were measured. The sediment transport trends of the 6 transects were also analyzed. The results show that the average grain size of surface sediments in the study area ranges from -0.75 to 5.15 φ; the average sorting coefficient is 1.26, indicating poor sediment sorting; the average skewness is 0.19, with positively skewed and extremely positively skewed sediments widely distributed in the study area; the kurtosis values range from 0.36 to 2.31, with an average of 1.14, and narrow kurtosis is observed on the seaward side of the southern and northern parts of the study area. The significant wave height in the study area ranges from 0.05 to 0.17 m, the wave period ranges from 1.44 to 3.38 s, and the current velocity ranges from 1.44 to 7.44 cm·s⁻¹. The surface sediment types include gravel, sand, silt, and clay, with sand being the most abundant, followed by silt, while gravel and clay are present in small amounts, with gravel only found in small quantities near the shore in the northern part of the study area. The sand content decreases from the shore to the sea, while the spatial distribution of silt shows the opposite trend. The clay content is relatively low, with a higher concentration in the seaward area. The wave action in the study area is significantly stronger than the current action, with the strongest hydrodynamic forces occurring during the early flood tide and late ebb tide, leading to an onshore sediment transport trend. This process can increase beach elevation and stability, which is beneficial for the growth and development of mangroves.

High-level pond aquaculture, as a typical aquaculture model along the South China coast, poses potential threats to coastal ecosystems due to beach topographic changes induced by its tailwater discharge. Supported by drone technology, this study employed a combined method of DJI Matrice 300 RTK UAV LiDAR surveying and ground GNSS RTK measurements to collect data from the beach area affected by high-level pond tailwater discharge in northern Longhaitian, eastern Leizhou Peninsula. The study aims to investigate the impact of high-level pond tailwater discharge on beach topography using DSM generated from UAV LiDAR data. The results show: (1) By verifying the accuracy of UAV LiDAR data (RMSE of 8.05 cm, 99% confidence interval [6.59,8.09] cm), confirmed the reliability and applicability of UAV LiDAR for monitoring beach topography affected by high-level pond tailwater discharge, with credible measurement data; (2) The beach exhibits significant spatial differentiation characteristics: the beach berm is eroded by aquaculture tailwater, with the central beach berm completely eroded away; (3) Compared to unaffected profiles, those influenced by high-level pond tailwater discharge show greater elevation change ranges, with maximum erosion depths exceeding 4 m and maximum sedimentation thickness approaching 2 m. The affected beach area demonstrates berm erosion, sedimentation in erosion gullies, and scarp erosion in the southern section, with maximum scarp erosion reaching approximately 5 m. The combined effects of tides and aquaculture tailwater discharge are the primary factors causing these phenomena. These research findings can provide technical support for the quantitative assessment of beach topography changes induced by high-level pond tailwater discharge.

A sedimentation issue in the estuary of Porong induced by Lapindo hot mud discharge had caused a significant morphological alteration. This study aims to determine the geomorphological evolution in the Porong Estuary and the geochronological formation of Lusi Island. This study employed a numerical modeling approach, consisting of flow and sediment transport modeling modules (Delft3D-FLOW and Delft3D-SED), with a curvilinear grid resolution of 25–50 m over a 5 × 6 km domain. A satellite imagery processing was also performed using multitemporal Landsat data (2000–2024) analyzed using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), followed by binary classification and vector digitization. The results show that sediment accumulation of ± 0.06 m in 15 days, increasing to over 1 m after four years (MORFAC 96), with land expansion confirmed by satellite data from 6.29 hectares in 2000 to 147.86 hectares in 2024. Of particular concern, the increasing sediment thickness from 0.0026 m to 0.38 m over a 14-year equivalent simulation suggests a sustained process of geomorphological development. The findings of this study emphasize significant sedimentation trends and the dynamics of the estuarine environment in the Porong Estuary. It is, therefore, crucial to implement coastal hazard mitigation strategies, effective land use planning, and environmental monitoring to minimize further environmental degradation resulting from excessive sedimentation.

In the context of the global climate crisis, the analysis and strengthening of adaptive capacities in coastal urban environments has become imperative. Nearly 40% of the global population lives within 100 km of the coastline, making them critical research hotspots due to their particular vulnerability. This qualitative literature review takes a transdisciplinary approach and prioritizes research that addresses specific challenges and solutions for these vulnerable environments, with an emphasis on resilience to phenomena such as sea level rise, flooding and extreme weather events. The review analyzes articles that offer a holistic view, encompassing green and blue infrastructures, community needs and governance dynamics. It highlights studies that propose innovative strategies to foster citizen participation and explicitly address aspects such as climate justice. By synthesizing interdisciplinary perspectives and local knowledge, this review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for climate adaptation in coastal urban areas. The findings have the potential to inform public policy and urban planning practices.

Accurate oceanic weather forecasting plays a crucial role in various marine applications, from wave energy resource assessment to the establishment of operational safety limits for maritime activities. Among the key oceanic parameters, significant wave height is of particular importance due to its direct impact on marine operations. Traditional numerical simulations, while effective, require precise boundary conditions and substantial computational resources, often leading to long processing times. In contrast, deep learning approaches, leveraging powerful neural networks, have gained increasing attention for their ability to generalize and model complex, nonlinear relationships in data. However, current deep learning-based predictive models still face challenges regarding prediction accuracy and generalizability, particularly over extended forecast periods. To address these challenges, we propose an innovative predictive framework, VMD-Informer, which combines deep learning techniques with signal processing methods to improve the accuracy of significant wave height predictions over long forecasting horizons. The framework utilizes the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) method to decompose wave signal data during the preprocessing stage, enhancing both processing efficiency and prediction accuracy. The model construction incorporates the Informer model, which is specifically designed to ensure high accuracy across multi-step long-term time series predictions. Using data from NOAA's global buoy station 46,078, covering the years 2018–2019, our experiments demonstrate that the VMD-Informer model outperforms traditional machine learning models, particularly in predicting significant wave height for longer forecast intervals. These results highlight the potential of the VMD-Informer approach for advancing the accuracy of long-term oceanic weather predictions, providing valuable insights for marine forecasting systems.