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This study reviews integrated coastal management (ICM) practice in Indonesia's regional autonomy law regime, particularly community engagement. It examines several laws on ICM in the current regional autonomy era and discusses various achievements and issues affecting Indonesia's program. This is legal research examines various ICM-related legislation, secondary literature, policy plans, and the interview conducted at the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The results show that the ICM program has a legal basis in various legislation, yet it faces various implementation problems. Many legal loopholes in regulation, dependence on funding institutions, environmental pollution, mismanagement, and lack of coordination and collaboration in community engagement should be instantly resolved. Also, the local community, as ecosystem users, are powerless and often ignored. Therefore, the local communities need to be informed, their ability to manage coastal areas be improved, their livelihoods protected, and be more engaged in decision-making, especially in establishing regulations and legislations. Active community engagement in the decision-making process may improve regulatory compliance and achieve a more sustainable and democratic ICM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to examine the key determinants involved in formulating a sustainable plan for marine tourist development in the Olele Marine Park region with a specific focus on geotourism, guided by the principles of integrated coastal management (ICM). The current investigation employed descriptive analytical methodologies, utilizing interpretative structural modeling (ISM) as the selected analytical tool. The current research effectively accomplished the development of a spatial use zoning map inside the Olele Marine Park region with a specific focus on its use in the context of geotourism. This study posits that the incorporation of utilization zones, in addition to the existing core zones and sustainable fisheries, is vital for effective design. In addition, the findings of the ISM analysis also indicate that the development of the Olele Marine Park area encompasses a minimum of five elements. These elements consist of primary sub-elements and supporting sub-elements, which were deemed to be independent and exert significant driving forces. The findings of this study have practical implications for the government in formulating sustainable marine tourist development plans. These recommendations primarily focus on the concepts of ICM and are aimed at promoting geotourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for sustainable alternative food sources has led to the expansion of aquaculture, with the proliferation of marine farms in more and more places, some of them very touristic. The installation of these farms in the waters of consolidated Sun and Beach tourist destinations represents a planning challenge, which requires consideration of the potential environmental and economic impacts of those activities on tourism attractions. This article critically analyzes the implementation of marine farms in the Costa Blanca (Alicante), one of the most consolidated Sun and Beach tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. The case study shows that the environmental impact studies and other documentation accompanying these projects do not include tourism aspects, which represents a deficiency that jeopardizes the economic and social sustainability of the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant consequences of the global climate crisis is that the rate at which sea levels are rising has accelerated over the past 100 years and will continue to do so for the next century. The accelerated rise in the global mean sea level will inevitably affect the rights and interests of the owners and occupiers of coastal land, especially of coastal land that is bounded by the high-water mark (agri non limitati). This is because changes in the location of the high-water mark brought about by rising sea levels will result either in the acquisition of coastal property where the high-water mark moves seaward or in the loss of coastal property where the high-water mark moves landward. The law relating to the loss or acquisition of coastal property as a result of changes in the location of the high-water mark may be traced back to the common law principles governing the acquisition of ownership by alluvion (alluvio) and the loss of ownership by erosion. As part of an attempt to address the consequences of sea level rise, section 14(5) of the National Environmental: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 has amended some of these common law principles. The purpose of this article is to set out and critically analyse the provisions of section 14(5).

This scientific paper examines the role of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) approach in the protection of coastal and marine resources in Tanzania. It engages coastal resource users and practitioners in focus group discussions and interviews, and complements the data obtained with documented sources. A modified version of the Benefit Analysis Framework is adopted from Wenger et al. (2011) to analyze the extent to which ICM yields a wide range of benefits that may potentially promote the protection of coastal ecosystem and enhance the commitment of communities that live adjacent to the coastal strip to manage mangroves, fisheries, coral reefs, and coastal land in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to increase the risks of coastal hazards (erosion and inundation). To effectively cope with these emerging problems, littoral countries are advised to assess their coastal vulnerabilities. In this study, coastal vulnerability is first assessed by considering two basic storm-induced phenomena, i.e., erosion and inundation. First, the erosion is computed using the numerical model for Storm-induced BEAch CHange (SBEACH), whereas the inundation is estimated using two different empirical equations for comparison. Then, the integration of the vulnerabilities of both storm-induced impacts associated with the same return period permits the identification of the most hazardous regions. The methodology is applied to the coast of Thrace (Greece). The majority of the coastline is not vulnerable to erosion, except for some steep and narrow beaches and the coast along the city of Alexandroupolis. Beaches with very low heights are highly vulnerable to inundation. Half of the studied coastline is considered highly or very highly vulnerable, whereas the other half is relatively safe. The above results will help decision-makers choose how to invest their resources for preventing damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a revetment is selected to protect an eroding coastline, a proper implementation procedure is required to ensure that the revetment is successful. During the last 5 years (2016–2020), Thailand has armored 45.7 km of its shoreline with revetments. Its experience and the lessons learnt from past consecutive revetment implementations have shaped a procedure to integrate engineering, social, and environmental aspects into the whole process. The nine stages involved in Thailand's revetment implementation are elaborated by using the Laem Ngoo beach revetment as an example. Although Thailand's 2021 revetment implementation procedure may not be the best approach in different physical and social environment, it may be useful for coastal practitioners to learn from and follow if they find such an approach to be sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beibu Gulf of the northern South China Sea occupies an important strategic position. However, administrative areas along the Chinese coastline of the gulf do not have a significant economic value. Therefore, increasing public attention and assisting the regional government are necessary for promoting development. In this study, a conceptual model comprising geographic location, economic potential, social function, and ecological service (GESE) for strategic position analysis was constructed and further extended to a system for regional strategic position evaluation (RSPES) based on regional characteristic resources and environment. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy evaluation, and weighted comprehensive calculation were used to effectively apply this system to the Beibu Gulf. The evaluation scores demonstrate that the Beibu Gulf strategic position is at the second importance level and the importance rankings for the four subsystems are as follows: geographic location, economic potential, ecological service, and social function. Based on this, recommendations for the further development of the Beibu Gulf have been offered. The GESE model and the RSPES are suitable for the application in other areas, particularly coastal ocean areas, and can provide support for integrated coastal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant consequences of the global climate crisis is that the rate at which sea levels are rising has accelerated over the past 100 years and will continue to do so for the next century. The accelerated rise in the global mean sea level will inevitably affect the rights and interests of the owners and occupiers of coastal land, especially of coastal land that is bounded by the high-water mark (agri non limitati). This is because changes in the location of the high-water mark brought about by rising sea levels will result either in the acquisition of coastal property where the high-water mark moves seaward or in the loss of coastal property where the high-water mark moves landward. The law relating to the loss or acquisition of coastal property as a result of changes in the location of the high-water mark may be traced back to the common law principles governing the acquisition of ownership by alluvion (alluvio) and the loss of ownership by erosion. As part of an attempt to address the consequences of sea level rise, section 14(5) of the National Environmental: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 has amended some of these common law principles. The purpose of this article is to set out and critically analyse the provisions of section 14(5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally sustainable environmental practices in ports have been linked to socio-economic benefits. While African ports are increasingly acknowledging environmental issues and starting to address these in environmental policy, many are still struggling with effective implementation of sound environmental management practices. Multiple factors have been identified as potentially contributing to these challenges including institutional limitations, financial constraints, and limited human and technical capacity. In this paper, we propose an EMS framework for African ports, based on international best practice, but customised to specific continental challenges, and taking guidance from integrated coastal management (ICM) best practice recognising that coastal systems are the broader domain within which ports are spatially situated. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model provides the adaptive management structure for the proposed EMS framework. We consider this framework as a logical and structured method to initiate the implementation of EMS in African ports more effectively, compatible with international standards such as ISO 14001. Unpacking each of the key components and elements within the PDCA model, together with motivation for their inclusion, provides greater transparency to port managers who ultimately have to understand and implement EMS processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Understanding patterns and drivers of biodiversity are essential towards developing effective conservation strategies for shallow marine habitats broadly. However, little is known about the natural and anthropogenic factors that structure fish biodiversity of sandy beaches, one of the largest and most socio‐economically valuable nearshore habitats due to their endemic fauna, economic importance and cultural relevance. Here, we investigated how environmental variables and urbanization affect taxonomic and functional diversity of nearshore fish assemblages to provide general biodiversity patterns that can serve as baseline information for management plans when considering conservation prioritization. Location: Southeast Brazil. Methods: We surveyed fish communities at 77 sites along 150 km of coastline with different natural features and degrees of human influence using a combination of seine nets and surf‐BRUVS. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to investigate the influence of environmental variables and urbanization on taxonomic and functional diversity of resident fish assemblages. Main results: We found that significant breaker wave height was the most important environmental variable in explaining the taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages. The effects of increasing wave height were mostly negative, except for piscivorous fishes, which were most abundant at high energy sites, and for benthic and zoobenthivorous species, which were most abundant at sites with intermediate wave exposure. The latter species were also associated with higher chlorophyll‐a contributing to increased taxonomic richness and abundance. Further, anthropogenic impacts generally reduced diversity, with highest diversity only observed at the most pristine sites. Main conclusions: Our results demonstrate that both natural environmental variation and human activities structure the fish assemblages of sandy beach surf zones, affecting species that possess specific functional traits differently. These drivers should therefore be considered simultaneously in appointing protected areas in order to preserve a diversity of organisms and functional traits integral to productive beach ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to increase the risks of coastal hazards (erosion and inundation). To effectively cope with these emerging problems, littoral countries are advised to assess their coastal vulnerabilities. In this study, coastal vulnerability is first assessed by considering two basic storm-induced phenomena, i.e., erosion and inundation. First, the erosion is computed using the numerical model for Storm-induced BEAch CHange (SBEACH), whereas the inundation is estimated using two different empirical equations for comparison. Then, the integration of the vulnerabilities of both storm-induced impacts associated with the same return period permits the identification of the most hazardous regions. The methodology is applied to the coast of Thrace (Greece). The majority of the coastline is not vulnerable to erosion, except for some steep and narrow beaches and the coast along the city of Alexandroupolis. Beaches with very low heights are highly vulnerable to inundation. Half of the studied coastline is considered highly or very highly vulnerable, whereas the other half is relatively safe. The above results will help decision-makers choose how to invest their resources for preventing damage.

As marine protected areas (MPAs) face various coastal threats, including development, their incorporation into integrated coastal management (ICM) is essential. Stakeholder participation is a major, albeit poorly addressed, component of the integration of MPAs into ICM. Driven by shared interests and values, stakeholders can signal when coastal activities become unacceptable according to good governance principles of MPAs and ICM. This study assessed stakeholders’ perceptions of coastal development associated with an MPA in southern Mozambique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and focus groups with 31 individuals representing five stakeholder groups. Stakeholders acknowledged the connection of MPAs with ICM at a sophisticated level, identifying coastal development threats potentially affecting the MPA, and proposing mitigation strategies. The results of this study confirmed the qualities of stakeholder participation to complement MPA management and offer guidance on ICM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coming decade will be extremely important in terms of steering the world onto a sustainable development path as we are facing multiple global challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, pandemics, poverty, and inequality. The global community increasingly recognizes the urgency, for instance through its commitment towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. This “deadline” coincides with a recent declaration by the United Nations (UN) to declare the decade 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, recognizing the crucial role that nature and ecosystems play for sustainable development. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, exposed as they are to the impacts of climate change, and with large coastal populations dependent on, and often competing for, dwindling coastal resources. Sector-based coastal resource management is no longer an option as broader, ecosystem-based management frameworks are needed, that include all coastal sectors and acknowledge the values of ecosystems as foundations for sustainable resource utilization, and as solutions towards adapting to climate change. If more holistic approaches to coastal management have been adopted that build on the true values of nature and ecosystems, it will be possible to manage coastal resources and biodiversity in a sustainable manner that creates synergies and co-benefits rather than causing conflicts between stakeholders and sectors. For this to happen, some challenges need to be overcome. First, all the coastal stakeholders, including in particular the coastal communities, have to be brought together and be part of the decision-making process and management plans. Second, the existing institutional structures have to be transformed to ensure better collaboration and coordination across the current sector and institutional boundaries. This paper discusses some emerging trends in integrated coastal resources management, and outline needs for the world and its coasts to enable the move towards a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for adequate planning and management of marine areas has been progressively realised due to the prevalent and ever-increasing ‘use-conflicts’ in time and space, amongst different maritime sectors. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is an effective approach to ensure marine conservation and prevent over-exploitation of marine resources by sustainably utilizing its economic potential. Literature review in the Indian context indicates that studies have been undertaken in the sphere of blue economy and acknowledging the importance of MSP in specific sectors such as fisheries and marine resource management. However, studies on possible approach and guiding methodology for real application of MSP in the context of Indian coasts seem to be meagre. The current paper attempts to present the relevance of MSP in coastal zone management planning in India, through a unique MSP framework developed for the state of Odisha and also discusses possible strengthening of the institutional structure. The paper concludes by highlighting some key opportunities and challenges for Marine Spatial Planning in India. One of the major contributions of this study would be its possible use by relevant stakeholders, in the application of MSP for marine area management in varying spatial jurisdictions. Research highlights: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework to be contextualized and used in Indian context, in order to tap the nation's latent blue economy potential while also ensuring protection of its marine environment. Comprehensive application of MSP will facilitate integrated and informed decision making by government agencies and establishments concerned with the management of marine areas. A replicable and ecosystem based - adaptable approach to mainstream MSP in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management process. Stakeholder consultations including participatory exercises for conflict identification makes the findings broad based and sensitive to ground realities for addressing dynamics of marine areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the challenges that surround the adoption of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) approach may potentially help actors and facilitators of coastal-based development initiatives to devise sustainable plans for managing coastal and marine resources. This paper analyses the challenges that prevail in contexts where ICM approach was adopted in the eastern coast of Tanzania. It draws experiences from the Kinondoni Integrated Coastal Area Management Programme (KICAMP) to yield lessons that may potentially shed light to facilitators of community-based management initiatives in the coastal regions. The paper raises three main issues: (i) What is the essence of ICM approach? (ii) What are the key challenges associated with the adoption of ICM approach in Tanzania? (iii) What is the recommended manner of addressing emerging challenges? The paper is enriched with in-depth interview inputs from 7 technical personnel and 3 marine scientists who have served in ICM projects and programmes. Their views are complemented with accounts from 3 coastal residents; selected strategically on grounds of their long-term experiences in ICM programmes. Moreover, reports from the KICAMP and Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation and Development Programme (TCZCDP) provided additional input on the emerging challenges and possible measures for addressing them. The paper adopts a critical realist framework of analysis, the RRREI(C) model, to yield insights that depict prevailing and emerging ICM challenges. Captured challenges include: over-reliance on fisheries resources, over-expectations, emergence of gender-selective activities, cultural challenges, complexity of adopted monitoring programmes, non-sustainability of some developed projects, land use issues, the condition of attaching municipal staff to ICM projects, and diversification of activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, marine resource management has shifted conceptually from top-down sectoral approaches towards the more systems-oriented multi-stakeholder frameworks of integrated coastal management and ecosystem-based conservation. However, the successful implementation of such frameworks is commonly hindered by a lack of cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer, especially between natural and social sciences. This review represents a holistic synthesis of three decades of change in the oceanography, biology and human dimension of False Bay, South Africa. The productivity of marine life in this bay and its close vicinity to the steadily growing metropolis of Cape Town have led to its socio-economic significance throughout history. Considerable research has highlighted shifts driven by climate change, human population growth, serial overfishing, and coastal development. Upwelling-inducing winds have increased in the region, leading to cooling and likely to nutrient enrichment of the bay. Subsequently the distributions of key components of the marine ecosystem have shifted eastward, including kelp, rock lobsters, seabirds, pelagic fish, and several alien invasive species. Increasing sea level and exposure to storm surges contribute to coastal erosion of the sandy shorelines in the bay, causing losses in coastal infrastructure and posing risk to coastal developments. Since the 1980s, the human population of Cape Town has doubled, and with it pollution has amplified. Overfishing has led to drastic declines in the catches of numerous commercially and recreationally targeted fish, and illegal fishing is widespread. The tourism value of the bay contributes substantially to the country’s economy, and whale watching, shark-cage diving and water sports have become important sources of revenue. Compliance with fisheries and environmental regulations would benefit from a systems- oriented approach whereby coastal systems are managed holistically, embracing both social and ecological goals. In this context, we synthesize knowledge and provide recommendations for multidisciplinary research and monitoring to achieve a better balance between developmental and environmental agendas.

Sustainable management of coastal systems can only be achieved with an effective science-policy interface that integrates the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental protection, social progress and economic growth. The Systems Approach Framework (SAF) provides a structure to guide such a process by embracing the challenge of assessing complex systems for scenario simulations to support potential policy decisions. Based on applications of the SAF in six Baltic Sea case studies within the BONUS BaltCoast project, the SAF was revisited and further developed. Two additional steps were introduced partly to enhance implementation and decision validation and partly to facilitate the reiterative process with the addition of monitoring and evaluation. The SAF now includes six steps (Issue Identification, System Design, System Formulation, System Assessment, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation). A list of actions for each step clearly defines what needs to be done before progressing to the next SAF step. Activities within each step were improved to better integrate governance - citizen collaboration and improve the science-policy interface. Three auxiliary tools, developed in the BONUS BaltCoast project to support particular actions, were integrated in the different steps to facilitate application of the SAF by practitioners and scientists alike. The added focus on the stakeholder participation resulted in further actions being listed in the new steps to maintain stakeholder engagement and counteract stakeholder fatigue. The revised SAF is presented and discussed together with lessons learned from the different applications in five Baltic Sea study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's beaches are under severe pressure because of anthropogenic modification and climate change. The most common coastal management approaches have focused largely on the protection of infrastructure without considering the function of the beach and dune system as a natural protective barrier and a diverse ecosystem. Large-scale plantations of non-native vegetation have been initiated in many countries as a coastal protection tool. However, exotic trees commonly used for bio-shields, such as Casuarina equisetifolia, have been shown to have negative effects on the coastal environment, including the promotion of beach erosion in some instances and negative impacts on sea turtles. The aim of the study was to determine if exotic Casuarina spp. enhance the vulnerability of turtle nesting beaches by exacerbating erosion. The extent of use of exotic Casuarina spp. was assessed on 50 important sea turtle nesting beaches of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA) region and used an adapted Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) to determine vulnerability of these beaches to erosion. Sites were assessed using long-term global data sets under four risk indicators (backshore width, beach exposure, modal beach energy, dune state) and three threat indicators (coastal development, sea-level rise and storminess). Beach vulnerability was then classified into four categories: 1) High Risk-High Threat; 2) High Risk-Low Threat; 3) Low Risk-High Threat and 4) Low Risk-Low Threat. Overall, Casuarina trees were present on 28% of beaches, and seem to be a popular management option in the IOSEA region. Lepidochelys olivacea rookeries were most affected by Casuarina , which is of concern because these populations are already considered at risk from other stressors. Overall, beaches tended to have higher risk than threat, and beaches with Casuarina present were not shown to be more vulnerable to erosion (Kruskal-Wallis Χ2 44 = 42.62, p = 0.5308). However, these trees may pose other threats to sea turtles, e.g., providing obstructions to nesting females and altering nest incubation environments, which need to be carefully considered by decision makers. Ideally, natural dune cordons need to be maintained and restored, conferring benefits of protection to people, and benefits of ecological processes to biodiversity. Image 1 • 28% of IOSEA turtle rookeries are backed by exotic Casuarina trees for protection. • Exotic Casuarina trees were predicted to contribute to beach erosion. • An adapted Coastal Vulnerability Index was designed to test the prediction. • Beaches with Casuarina bio-shields were not more prone to erosion. • Casurina trees still impact nesting turtles through other mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal environments face mounting pressures from development and resource use, and appropriate coastal management supports long-term ecosystem functionality, viability and delivery of goods and services. Integrated coastal management (ICM) is advocated as a best practice approach to achieving this, but comes with its own challenges. Given the diverse nature of the coastal environment and the goods and services it offers, its management is complex. In South Africa, this is exacerbated by the legislative framework which delegates numerous responsibilities to local government without providing financial or human capacity to meet these requirements. These challenges have resulted in the development of a number of guidelines in support of achieving ICM objectives. This paper focuses on one coastal region in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, which is grappling with coastal management issues, including the implementation thereof for a 580 km coast with 76 estuaries. It considers the progressive, iterative development of an innovative Decision Support info-portal to assist local coastal managers in the absence of human capacity support and tools. Stakeholders were asked to complete a survey to provide feedback on their impression of the tool, its functions and usability. This facilitated stakeholder input into the info-portal development, which was essential in ensuring that the end product is useable, relevant and supportive of coastal management and decision making. Since its public release, the Decision Support info-portal has been implemented and utilised by government officials for both ongoing management and emergency response within the KZN province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution from land‐based run‐off threatens coastal ecosystems and the services they provide, detrimentally affecting the livelihoods of millions people on the world's coasts. Planning for linkages among terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems can help managers mitigate the impacts of land‐use change on water quality and coastal ecosystem services.We examine the approaches used for land‐sea planning, with particular focus on the models currently used to estimate the impacts of land‐use change on water quality and fisheries. Our findings could also be applied to other ecosystem services. This Review encompasses modelling of: large scale drivers of land‐use change; local activities that cause such change; run‐off, dispersal and transformation of pollutants in the coastal ocean; ecological responses to pollutants; socio‐economic responses to ecological change; and finally, the design of a planning response.We find that there is a disconnect between the dynamical models that can be used to link land to sea processes and the simple tools that are typically used to inform planning. This disconnect may weaken the robustness of plans to manage dynamic processes. Land‐sea planning is highly interdisciplinary, making the development of effective plans a challenge for small teams of managers and decision makers.Synthesis and applications. We propose some guiding principles for where and how dynamic land‐sea connections can most effectively be built into planning tools. Tools that can capture pertinent processes are needed, but they must be simple enough to be implemented in regions with limited resources for collecting data, developing models and developing integrated land‐sea plans. We propose some guiding principles for where and how dynamic land‐sea connections can most effectively be built into planning tools. Tools that can capture pertinent processes are needed, but they must be simple enough to be implemented in regions with limited resources for collecting data, developing models and developing integrated land‐sea plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Asia encompasses six large marine ecosystems (LME): the South China Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea, the Sulu-Celebes Sea, and the Indonesian Sea. Despite occupying only 3 percent of the world's ocean surface, portions of this area are considered to be the global center of marine biodiversity. Since the early 1990s, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) has refined the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) methodology and fostered a collaborative, partnership approach in the region to implement sustainable coastal and ocean development of these LMEs. ICM provided the foundational delivery system promoting interdisciplinary approaches and cooperation among users and beneficiaries to address complex development issues. While addressing marine pollution at the beginning, it became obvious that it had to be tackled in the context of the whole marine environment and sustainable development. PEMSEA developed and adopted the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) as the regional policy instrument from which countries of the region and other partners, individually or in groups, could apply the action programmes relevant to them. This in-depth review article describes the evolution of PEMSEA from a regional marine pollution project to an international organization, highlighting key developments, such as the SDS-SEA, the ICM Code, and the Ocean Investment Service, as well the advancement of ICM throughout the East Asian region and the adoption of the State of Oceans and Coasts reporting system to track progress. Looking forward, we summarize a United Nations Environment and IOC-UNESCO assessment of the current baseline status of these East Asian LMEs to examine future key areas for intervention by PEMSEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Livelihoods are a crucial factor in sustainable integrated coastal management and can bring big payoffs for people and coral reef resources but their role in encouraging collective engagement in management is not well understood. Dive tourism is often cited for its capacity to provide livelihoods to reduce reliance on coral reef resources, however, there is little evidence of its ability to achieve this goal. We use key stakeholder interviews with artisanal fishers, their community, local government and politicians and the sustainable livelihoods framework to study Oslob Whale Sharks, the most financially successful and controversial community based dive tourism site in the world. Oslob Whale Sharks has generated income from ticket sales of approximately US$18.4 m over five years. We found that Oslob Whale Sharks has created alternate livelihoods for 177 fishers, and diversified livelihoods throughout the community, reducing fishing effort and changing livelihood strategies away from reliance on coral reef resources. Livelihoods from Oslob Whale Sharks increase food security for fishers and their families and improve the wellbeing of their community. Livelihoods have galvanised fishers and their community to change behaviour and collectively engage in management. Our findings indicate connection between livelihoods and the provision of finance to protect whale sharks and manage five marine reserves, indicating that fishers and local government are protecting the whale sharks and coral reef resources their livelihoods depend on. Highlights • Oslob Whale Sharks brought livelihoods from ticket sales of US$18.4 m in five years. • Alternative livelihood are created for 177 fishers, reducing fishing effort. • Diversified livelihoods for other residents ripple throughout the community. • Fishers and community change behaviour, engaging in sustainable ICM. Livelihoods are linked to improved protection of whale sharks & coral reef resources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the levels of physical vulnerability of coastal erosion segments, analyzed for 5 beaches of the coast of Ceará, in order to represent the reaction potential from the coast to the processes operating in the beach system and the effects of the use and occupation through a semi-quantitative approach. The levels of vulnerability and the processes of coastal erosion were established through integration of methodologies developed by Souza (1997; 2001), Souza (1999), Dominguez (1999), Souza & Suguio (2003), e Souza et al. (2005), also considering the particular characteristics of use and occupation, based on methodologies of Dal Cin & Simeoni (1994), Mallmann & Araújo (2010) and Projeto Orla (Brasil, 2006). Studies of this nature are important tools in the management processes and administration of coastal zones, allowing the indication of guidelines for a sustainable territorial development. It was possible to identify that coastal process and morphological factors, human interventions and attributes, as well as natural dynamics strongly influence the vulnerability of each beach. The results obtained show that areas which have very high vulnerability degree match the more urbanized cells and sectors, suggesting a more anthropic (man-made) than natural control over the vulnerability. The index of the vulnerability degree to erosion, after the application of the methodologies, presented the same result for each bounded cell. However, these areas require specific and integrated studies, which would allow understanding the conditions and processes acting on the natural resources, in order to seek solutions to minimize the problems arising from the improper use and occupation, aiming to reach an environmental balance. The application of the results recorded can subsidize the elaboration of spatial planning of the beaches monitored, since in most of them the urbanization is accelerated and disordered.

Monitoring the dynamic behavior of shorelines is an essential factor for integrated coastal management (ICM). In this study, satellite-derived shorelines and corresponding eroded and accreted areas of coastal zones have been calculated and assessed for 15 km along the coasts of Ezbet Elborg, Nile Delta, Egypt. A developed approach is designed based on Landsat satellite images combined with GIS to estimate an accurate shoreline changes and study the effect of seawalls on it. Landsat images for the period from 1985 to 2018 are rectified and classified using Supported Vector Machines (SVMs) and then processed using ArcGIS to estimate the effectiveness of the seawall that was constructed in year 2000. Accuracy assessment results show that the SVMs improve images accuracy up to 92.62% and the detected shoreline by the proposed method is highly correlated (0.87) with RTK-GPS measurements. In addition, the shoreline change analysis presents that a dramatic erosion of 2.1 km2 east of Ezbet Elborg seawall has occurred. Also, the total accretion areas are equal to 4.40 km2 and 10.50 km2 in between 1985-and-2000 and 2000-and-2018, respectively, along the southeast side of the study area.

La zona costera del municipio Playa, entre los ríos Quibú y Almendares, por largo tiempo ha sufrido los efectos de una urbanización acelerada y el uso inadecuado de sus recursos, muchas veces sin tener en cuenta sus potencialidades y sus limitaciones, que junto a dificultades económicas y un deterioro en la planificación y el manejo integrado de la zona costera, han afectado las potencialidades y cualidades de los paisajes del área. Así surge la necesidad de caracterizar, evaluar y determinar el estado ambiental de la zona con el propósito de proponer soluciones. Para ello se parte de la delimitación, clasificación y cartografía de los paisajes y la elaboración de la matriz de impacto según la metodología de Conesa. Se determinan las unidades de paisaje, se analizan las respuestas a la actividad humana y su vulnerabilidad, mediante el coeficiente de transformación antropogénica y se identifican los impactos ambientales que se generan o que existen, no solo como consecuencia de los procesos naturales sino también por la urbanización existente. Se concluye que continúan los aportes sostenidos de materia orgánica a todo el litoral; se confirma la influencia negativa de los ríos en la calidad de las aguas costeras en la zona de estudio, siendo las zonas estuarinas cercanas a la desembocadura de los ríos las de peores condiciones ambientales. Los impactos han ocurrido durante largo tiempo y el medio se ha adaptado a la mayoría de ellos en busca del equilibrio y por tanto los efectos actuales se consideran moderados. ABSTRACT The coastal area of Playa municipality, including Quibú and Almendares river, has long suffered the effects of rapid urbanization and improper use of resources, often without regard to its potential and its limitations, which together with economic difficulties and a deterioration in the planning and integrated management of the coastal zone have affected the potential and qualities of the landscapes of the area. So the need to characterize, evaluate and determine the environmental status of the area in order to propose solutions arises. For it is part of the definition, classification and mapping of landscapes and the development of the impact matrix methodology according to Conesa. The landscape units are identified, responses to human activity and vulnerability analyzes, by the coefficient of anthropogenic transformation and environmental impacts generated or that there are identified not only as a result of natural processes but also by the existing urbanization. It is concluded that the contributions continue sustained organic matter to the entire coast; the negative influence of the rivers is confirmed in the quality of coastal waters in the study area, with nearby estuaries at the mouths of the rivers the worst environmental conditions. The impacts have occurred for a long time and the medium is adapted to most of them in search of balance and therefore the current effects are considered moderate.

This paper addresses the dynamics surrounding urban sprawl on the coastline of Douala, Cameroon. Douala is the economic capital, main seaport and the industrial nerve of Cameroon. Also, Douala harbours about 80% of the Cameroon׳s industries. Due to the centralized nature of economic activities in Douala by the State, urban development is more noticeable here than any other city in Cameroon. The fast developing nature of the city coupled with limited human/physical capital and poor management policies have resulted to intense anthropogenic pressure on coastal resources. This article examines the key actors shaping the urban planning process in Douala and expatiates on the gaps constraining sustainable urban planning in Cameroon. Moreover, Xiamen׳s socio-economic and environmental outlook before and after the implementation of integrated coastal management (ICM) is discussed. It is showcased that, the delegation of additional powers to local governments to implement new environmental laws and accepting of bilateral and multilateral assistance by the Chinese Central Government served as a crunch since the introduction of ICM. Moreover, the political will bestowed by the Xiamen municipal authorities, the participation and inculcation of relevant participants/stakeholders, the establishment of a multi-agency council and the acquisition of sea-use zoning scheme are all key points that symbols Xiamen׳s ICM accomplishment. Today, with the successful implementation of ICM, Xiamen has built dual status of a vibrant economy and comprehensive ecological environment. The conclusions of this effort portray that sprawl in Cameroon is caused by inadequate policy implementation, outdated master plan, insufficient information, disparity in resources distribution among the different regions of the State and the gaps expounded by the traditional management. Grounded in the knowledge drawn from Xiamen ICM, the paper recommends the creation of an autonomous coastal interagency in Douala to address the gaps disrupted by sectoral management, and thus, improve coastal management in Cameroon.

Abstract The complexity of current socio-environmental impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems has pushed scientific endeavors toward more participative and holistic approaches, such as the Post-Normal Science, Marine Ecosystem-Based Approach and Integrated Coastal Management. Knowledge integration is a key element of these approaches. Nevertheless, the development of integrated and interdisciplinary research still faces many obstacles. Here, we discuss the process of scientific knowledge production and integration among the diverse research areas of Oceanography and between science and society. Aiming to contribute to the development of future interdisciplinary scientific research and to improve science-policy interface in coastal zones, we conducted an analysis of an oceanographic research project in which an interdisciplinary and applied approach was adopted to understand the components, processes and importance of a coastal bay in Southeast Brazil. From interviews with project researchers, a documentary analysis and a social network analysis, we showed that interdisciplinarity was stronger (a) within groups from related research fields and (b) with specific management modules. Similarly, integration between the project and society was limited to specific research modules. In addition, it was possible to identify actions that would foster integration in future research projects, related to developing common research goals, concepts and methods, such as promoting opportunities for integration and investing in publications for lay people in addition to scientific publications. Despite not achieving the objectives of interdisciplinarity and integration with every project module, the project resulted in important legacies that have impacted the Araçá Bay community and local decision-making. This project can be considered to be a good example of integrated science in Brazil, especially regarding the under-explored potential of interdisciplinarity development within oceanographic projects. Highlights • Interdisciplinarity is an important aspect for oceanographic science. • Science-policy interface is necessary to solve socio-environmental problems. • Integrated science embraces interdisciplinarity and science-policy interface. • Social Network Analysis can demonstrate research integration. • The Biota/Araçá Project fostered integrated marine science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Environmental education (EE) is a way to promote coastal literacy among elementary school students, using an integrated and interdisciplinary point of view. This study describes and analyzes the collaborative process of creation of interdisciplinary and participatory EE activities in an elementary public school in the São Sebastião municipality (Brazil), a place with rich and diverse ecosystems but subjected to great anthropogenic stressors. Activities were evaluated based on mobilization (of teachers), planning, implementation, and feedback. The main results were: (I) 13 teachers initially joined the EE project, but only 7 actually developed activities; (II) 16 activities were planned and 13 of those were implemented; and (III) feedback was essentially positive from the teachers that engaged in the project. The materials produced were displayed afterwards at a municipal educational fair. The existence of a school's environmental agenda, support from the school principal and university researchers, time availability for the teachers planning the activities, financial support, and the participation of local people were factors that fostered the EE initiative. Lack of time, low interest and engagement from school teachers, lack of discipline among school students, too many students per class, and discontinuation of the EE activities in following years were identified as difficulties to overcome. This collaborative process of approaching socio-environmental problems aimed to give students an integrated and interdisciplinary view, potentially contributing to future coastal management decision processes through public participation, to empower local social actors. Highlights • Environmental education (EE) can promote coastal literacy among school's students. • The process of creation of an interdisciplinary and participative EE was analyzed. • Factors that can foster or hinder EE initiatives in schools were discussed. • It is crucial to encourage activities at schools aiming at coastal literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonizing coastal fisheries with water-quality improvement has become an essential factor for the sustainable use of coastal ecosystem services. Here, we present the scope of our study based on an interdisciplinary approach including ecological actions, socio-economic actions and socio-psychological actions. We chose to focus on the interaction between oyster aquaculture and seagrass vegetation as a typical ecological action using the coastal ecosystem complex (CEC) concept. Coastal organisms have adapted their traits to the environment over a long period of time, so that restoration of the CEC represents reconstruction of the original process of coastal production. Subtidal seagrass vegetation with intertidal oyster reefs is the original CEC in Japan, which would be expected to enhance coastal production by improving the production efficiency without adding nutrients. A simple field experiment examining carbon and nitrogen contents and stable isotope ratios revealed that oyster spats cultivated on a tidal flat adjacent to seagrass beds had higher nitrogen contents and higher δ13C ratios than spats cultivated in an offshore area using only pelagic production. This result suggests that utilization of the CEC, which enables oysters to use both pelagic and benthic production, has potential to sustain a food provisioning service for humans, even in oligotrophic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most important instruments used for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have demonstrated their efficiency in the preservation of sensitive marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of their resources. In Algeria, only two sites are officially classified as “Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance” and six others are in project, including the extension of the coastal National Park of Gouraya (NPG) to the marine area. This paper addresses the issue of stakeholder involvement in the governance process of high ecological coastal protected areas, highly coveted and exposed to the constraints related to the multiplicity of actors. This study is considered as an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) mini-project based on the steps set out in the ICZM Mediterranean Protocol and inspired by the concept founded on ecosystem approach of problems by associating multiple stakeholders around a common project. The management process of the NPG and the involvement of actors were evaluated through direct interviews and a stakeholder analysis using the “MACTOR” method. Results indicate that the current management and the local context are not mature regarding the involvement of the actors. The challenge around issues of sustainable development, especially for civil society, is a relatively new and demanding matter. The human dimension is a top-priority aspect that the sustainable management of the Park and the marine area should be based upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic climate change constitutes a main challenge for the Wadden Sea. Accelerated sea level rise, increasing temperatures and changing wind climate may strongly alter present structures and functions of the ecosystem with negative consequences both for nature conservation and for coastal risk management. Being aware of these challenges, Schleswig-Holstein State Government decided to establish an integrated climate change adaptation strategy for the Schleswig-Holstein sector of the Wadden Sea. The strategy was adopted in June 2015. It aims at the long-term maintenance of present functions and structures as well as the integrity of the Wadden Sea ecosystem in a changing climate. The strategy was prepared by a project group consisting of representatives from State authorities as well as from nature conservation organisations and local institutions. First outcome of the strategy is that extra adaptation measures will not be necessary in the coming decades. However, pending on the future rate of sea level rise, shoreline erosion and sediment deficits in the Wadden Sea will increase and sooner or later drowning of tidal flats and terrestrial habitats like beaches, primary dunes and salt marshes will start. At the time when management measures to counteract the negative developments become expedient from a nature conservation viewpoint as well as for coastal risk management, adequate actions with minimized ecological interferences are possible. It is assumed that balancing the sediment deficits as the main adaptation measure may be implemented most efficiently by concentrating sediment suppletion at locations where natural forces organize redistribution in the Wadden Sea. Local technical coastal risk management measures like the strengthening of sea defences will, nevertheless, remain necessary as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campeche's coastal environment and its natural protected areas (NPA) possess great biodiversity. However, anthropogenic activities, excessive resource use and coastal ecosystems' depletion have taken their toll on ecological settings and altered communities' livelihoods. This paper describes how key informants perceive local governance's role in coastal ecosystem health. We applied semi-structured interviews (n = 17) to key informants from artisanal fisheries, community tourism projects, and natural resources conservation programs in three socio-ecological systems (SES). Most stakeholders belong cooperative societies (76.5%). While family members comprise both Isla Arena-RCBR SES 1 and Isla Aguada-LTFFPA SES 3, Campeche PBR SES 2 does not follow this pattern. Cooperatives generally pursue two economic activities (52.9%): conservation and tourism, or fisheries and tourism. In SES 1 and SES 3 most cooperatives grant information to members for decision-making and apply norms in a transparent way. Those key users have skillful knowledge of natural resources conservation, and can identify or participate in ecosystem conservation projects, such as mangrove restoration. The most consistent attributes between them are: accountability and transparency in decision making, and knowing how to perceive, locate, and sustainably use high environmental value areas. However, long-term conservation goals for many SES actors remain key objectives to achieve. While all three SES acknowledge environmental change through time, such as decreased fishery capture indices and coastal erosion, plastic and glass containers pollution levels pose the most severe risk in ecosystems health. All SES key users worry about environmental changes due to excessive fishing, and this factor remains a priority in order to balance local demand. Because this is an extremely complex, multi-causal problem, coastal communities, local government, and the academic sector must work together to achieve sustainable goals. • Key users have an average of 22.6 years of experience in fishing, tourism orconservation. 52.9% are engaged in 2 activities. • In SES 1 Isla Arena-CBR Key Users key users high levels of Attributes of Good Governance (II, IV and VI). • In SES 2 Campeche-RBLP there is a high level of Attributes of Good Governance (VII and VIII). • In SES 3 Isla Aguada-APFFLT there is a high level of Attributes of Good Governance (IV, V and VI). • 94.1% of users noticed changes in the environment such as overfishing. 41.2% identified initiatives to reduce threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 20 years, Khao Lak coastal areas in Thailand Phang-nga province developed into popular tourism sites, but tourism levels were down for a couple of years after the destructive 2004 tsunami disaster. The Khao Lak area was selected as a case study to develop adaptive guidelines to assess coastal community risk and vulnerability in an attempt to mitigate future tsunami impact and other coastal hazards. In this article, vulnerability analysis is based on both physical features and the socio/cultural/economic dimensions. Recommendations to reduce vulnerability and increase local resilience include, but are not limited to, the use of integrated coastal management (ICM) principles and positive socioeconomic enforcement in coastal development planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal zones can be considered inherently vulnerable because of sensitive ecosystems, geomorphological dynamics and complexity, and the clustering of many social, economic, and sometimes conflicting activities. In urban areas where tourism is highly treasured, this vulnerability is even worse. Intense demographic pressure may overload the carrying capacity limits of the sensitive coastal ecosystems. This process also exposes the population living in risky areas to physical vulnerability. This paper aims to present a methodology to integrate the physical, socioeconomic and ecosystem dimensions of coastal vulnerability through a useful tool for coastal zone management. It is propose a matrix that allows correlating the exposition degree and adaptive capacity of vulnerability. Based on this matrix it is possible to plot the integrated coastal vulnerability into a diagram of integrated coastal vulnerability assessment (DICVA). The case study of Região dos Lagos presented in this paper uses this integrated approach of coastal vulnerability. Between 2000 and 2010, the urban population grew significantly on the coast subject to erosion and tidal flood, as well as in flood-prone areas around the lagoons. In many cities, a massive influx of tourists surpasses the number of urban residents causing a deficiency in the water and sewage utilities systems. A resulting problem is the risk of groundwater contamination and lagoons pollution. These impacts can backfire and negatively impact the tourism industry as the environmental quality declines and the risk sensation increases. The proposed, integrated, and updated approach to coastal vulnerability may help to understand the complex effects of the relationship found in the different dimensions involved. Furthermore, this approach contributes to the effective use of the matrix and Diagram of Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, and may guide coastal management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing body of literature on integrated land–sea management (ILSM), very little critical assessment has been conducted in order to evaluate ILSM in practice on island systems. Here we develop indicators for assessing 10 integrated island management principles and evaluate the performance of planning and implementation in four island ILSM projects from the tropical Pacific across different governance structures. We find that where customary governance is still strongly respected and enabled through national legislation, ILSM in practice can be very effective at restricting access and use according to fluctuations in resource availability. However, decision-making under customary governance systems may be vulnerable to mismanagement. Government-led ILSM processes have the potential to design management actions that address the spatial scale of ecosystem processes and threats within the context of national policy and legislation, but may not fully capture broad stakeholder interests, and implementation may be poorly coordinated across highly dispersed island archipelagos. Private sector partnerships offer unique opportunities for resourcing island ILSM, although these are highly likely to be geared towards private sector interests that may change in the future and no longer align with community and/or national objectives. We identify consistent challenges that arise during island ILSM planning and implementation and offer recommendations for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The socio-economic and "natural" systems are, to a variable extent, now locked in a coevolutionary path, characterized by a joint determinism and complex feedback effects. The management of the coastal zones, including also modeling and assessment measures, should, be reoriented over time to properly capture the causes and consequences of the joint system changes as manifested in the coastal areas. This will require a collaborative work among a range of economical, environmental and social science disciplines. The pressures and the high instability are similar between the coast and the sea, in both senses (from the land to the sea and also from the sea to the land), being given by various factors as the strong winds, waves, storms, open sea, currents, as well well also the variability of temperatures, salinity, density, due to the Danube impact, etc. The influence of the rivers discharging into the Black Sea is important, while the coastal erosion, flooding, urbanization, tourism, naval industry have an impact on the coast and the sea environment. The Marine Spatial Planning Directive is appropriate in Romania to put in practice the similar tools and practical approach from the coast to the maritime space. This paper aims to represent an useful starting point in the management of the coastal zones for both natural and social science research that would be seeked (by a more integrated modelling and assessment process) to better describe and understand the functioning of the ecosystems, that form the coastal interface and in particular the filter effect is exerted on nutrients in response to the environmental pressures, both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic - the climate change, land use/cover change, urbanization and effluent treatment from both point and non-point sources. For this it is necessary a broad analytical framework (rather than a specific model) in which to set a more detailed analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas are under increasing pressure driven by demands for coastal space, primarily though population growth, in migration and the need for space for socioeconomic activities. The pressures and associated changes to the coastal environment need to be managed to ensure long-term sustainability. South Africa has enacted an Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICM Act) to facilitate dedicated management of its coastal environment. The implementation has been met with a number of challenges, primarily relating to financial and human capacity constraints, particularly at the local government level. Given that the ICM Act devolves powers to local government, it is imperative that implementation challenges be addressed. This paper focuses on KwaZulu-Natal, one of four South African coastal regions, which is a renowned tourist destination and home to 11.1 million people (Statistics South Africa 2015). This paper considers the state of coastal management, as well as implementation challenges being experienced at a local governance level, and highlights ways to address these. Data were acquired through questionnaire surveys and semistructured interviews. The Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was used to identify relevant ICM issues and concerns and develop potential actions for improving the implementation of coastal management activities and the ICM Act. In the assessment of the ICM governance and implementation to date, a key concern identified was a general lack of coastal management knowledge among officials. It was specifically identified that knowledgeable management and capacity-building required championing from the provincial government in order to more efficiently and effectively implement the objectives of the ICM Act through an improved understanding of the coastal environment, its functioning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the framework for assessing progress of coastal management initiatives. The framework is based on the cycle of integrated coastal management (ICM). Each step in the cycle suggests the indicators or self-assessment questions by which progress and learning can be assessed. We worked out and tested in the field self-assessment questions through participation techniques and meetings with a number of stakeholders among local coastal management projects in Thailand. The prime stakeholders comprise community members, local government officers, and coastal management managers. More senior levels of government need to be involved in the progress assessment as well, as they potentially have the capacity for making policy changes and resource allocation decisions that will aid the local stakeholders in achieving integrated coastal management.

Since 2001, the villagers in Vanuaso Tikina, Gau Island, Fiji, have collaborated with the University of the South Pacific to manage their environmental resources to prepare them for difficult and challenging times ahead. This review essay seeks to publicize this island community-based experience by illustrating a range of resource management initiatives, and some of the challenges of their implementation. The experience is instructive to the rest of Fiji and other island and coastal societies where similar initiatives can be tried or further promoted.