Articles tagged with Beaches
A team of researchers found that coastal habitats can adapt to rapid sea-level rise by utilizing abundant sediment, which can help salt marshes survive. The study's key finding highlights the importance of re-infusing sediment into estuary systems when dredging is necessary.
A new modelling study reveals that most plastic debris on Seychelles beaches originates from distant sources, not the islands themselves. The study provides quantitative estimates of the sources of plastic debris for the Seychelles and other remote islands in the western Indian Ocean.
Researchers found that microplastic mass sequestered in seafloor sediments mimics global plastic production from 1965 to 2016. The study revealed a tripling of microplastics deposited on the seafloor since 2000, with accumulation rates mirroring global use of plastics.
A study by the University of Exeter found that 74% of green turtles foraging in Cyprus feed at Lake Bardawil, an Egyptian lagoon. The number of turtle nests has increased almost tripled since the early 1990s, but their dependence on this single location leaves them vulnerable to changes in conditions.
Researchers found that female tiger sharks that frequently visit Tiger Beach in the Bahamas are larger and have higher hormone levels than other individuals. The study suggests possible effects of mass tourism on these sharks, with females having better nutritional states and more omega-3 in their blood.
Researchers used drones to monitor Waikīkī Beach, finding that wave energy from south swells and trade-wind generated waves drive erosion and accretion. The studies provide insights into beach behavior and help inform management of the coastline for ecological, societal, and economic sustainability.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country analyzed beach safety flags and their management in Northern Spain, finding a lack of uniformity in colors, shapes, and sizes. A standardized system could improve safety, especially with inadequate signage and double markings that provide contradictory information.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the Israeli shoreline is contaminated with more than two million tons of microplastics, with Tel Aviv and Hadera beaches being the most polluted. The researchers warn that exposure to microplastic waste is unavoidable and poses a risk to human health.
A low-cost sensor disguised as a sea turtle egg can predict nest hatching time almost to the day. The TurtleSense system monitors nests remotely and detects synchronized developmental movement in real-time, enabling better decision-making for conservationists.
A team of researchers has identified three new turtle nesting sites in the central Red Sea, which could inform efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The discovery was made using drone surveillance and sediment samples to identify optimal nesting conditions.
Researchers analyzed 843 beach surveys to find that certain beaches and areas accumulate litter in predictable patterns. The study found that beaches with more organic flotsam tend to have more litter, and that litter on the outer coast shows a strong seasonal pattern.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
Researchers found that baby leatherback hatchlings are less sensitive to light than loggerheads, leading to circling behavior and delayed ocean entry. This difference may be an adaptation for detecting prey or habitats in the open ocean.
A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.
A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals that only 15.5% of global coastal areas remain undamaged, exposing the need for concerted efforts to conserve these ecosystems and mitigate climate change impacts.
Researchers have developed a method to detect tiny plastic scraps on remote beaches using satellite technology. This innovation enables the tracking of plastics within satellite images, allowing for more frequent and reliable observations.
The study predicts that the Balearic Islands will lose between 56 and 65% of their beach area permanently due to climate change. This loss is mainly attributed to sea level rise, which will cause devastating inroads on the coastline.
Researchers from NTU Singapore found significant increases in pollutant emissions at major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions rose by over 100% in some ports, with container ships and dry bulk carriers experiencing the largest spikes.
A new study suggests that waters off the French coast can be a deadly trap for small, foraging turtles in winter. Satellite tracking data reveals that younger individuals are at risk of being trapped in the region due to their inability to regulate body temperature and get lethargic with decreasing sea temperatures.
A UNSW-led study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data found that almost half of marine debris can be linked to land-based sources. Plastic accounts for 84% of the rubbish found on Australian beaches, with a significant portion coming from external sources such as stormwater drains near capital cities.
The StEER Network's post-event reconnaissance helped assess building damage from Hurricane Michael, revealing widespread wind- and surge-induced damage. The dataset has been used to develop data-driven fragilities, train machine learning applications, and inform policy and practice improvements for coastal communities.
West Virginia University researchers aim to create better connections with underserved populations to the blue economy, which defines sustainable use of ocean resources. They will analyze data and explore ways to package it in a way that encourages these traditionally underserved groups to utilize the blue economy.
A new study quantifies landscape changes on barrier islands, revealing that storms can create habitat for coastal species. The research found varying impacts from two hurricanes, Irene and Sandy, which reshaped Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Scientists at the University of Plymouth have developed a simple algorithm-based model to predict coastal evolution. The Forecasting Coastal Evolution (ForCE) model accurately forecasts coastline changes over timescales of days to decades and beyond.
New research from UMass Amherst reveals how beach sand grain size relates to the slope of the beach. The study found that finer-grained sand determines a beach's slope in bi-modal beaches. This discovery has implications for understanding how New England's beaches will respond to sea-level rise and increased storm activity.
A new paper proposes reconceptualizing the future using managed retreat, which involves moving people, buildings, and assets from areas vulnerable to hazards. This approach can create a wider range of futures by combining options in different ways.
A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.
A study led by Florida Atlantic University confirms that the non-native vervet monkey population in Dania Beach has West African origins and were introduced through a failed roadside zoo. The research provides critical baseline information on this little-known population, shedding light on their adaptation to urban environments.
New research shows Mediterranean green turtle populations are recovering, but loggerhead turtles face additional threats due to high mortality rates. The study found stable reproduction rates among loggerheads, suggesting deaths among all ages impede their recovery.
The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center has been designated as a 'Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike' by the US Health Resources and Services Administration. This designation enables the center to expand and enhance services for underserved populations in Palm Beach County.
International media focused on wildlife, habitat destruction, and climate change, while Australian outlets prioritized human impact, firefighters, and politicians. This disparity in coverage highlights the distinct visual news values of domestic versus international media.
Scientists are searching for sunken treasure that holds key to protecting Texas' Gulf shoreline from storms and rising seas. They will create a high-resolution seismic map of ancient river valleys to estimate volume and quality of sand.
Piping plover populations have been found to differ in their nesting habitat preferences along the Atlantic Coast, with those in New England favoring backshore habitats and Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions opting for overwash areas. These differences may be related to the availability of food, as birds in overwash areas often move tow...
Research from the University of New Hampshire found significant support for offshore wind energy development among coastal recreation visitors, with 77% in favor. The study's findings suggest that OWD will likely have little impact on coastal recreation and tourism, instead potentially amplifying visitation.
Researchers analyzed citizen science data and found massive by-the-wind sailor jellyfish strandings occurred in warmer winters, with beach cover spanning over 620 miles. The study suggests a tipping point in the ecosystem towards these jellies as climate change warms oceans.
Researchers have isolated multidrug-resistant Candida auris from a sandy beach and tidal swamp, revealing the fungus thrives in natural environments. Whole genome sequencing shows close relation to pathogenic strains in Southeast Asia, suggesting a possible connection between human activity and its emergence.
A new study uses a high-resolution ocean model to track the migration of baby sea turtles in their 'lost years'. The model shows that hatchlings are swept towards regions with favorable food availability, increasing their chances of survival. This research provides insights into the critical stages of sea turtle conservation efforts.
The global COVID19 pandemic may be an opportunity to rethink sustainable tourism's impact on Mediterranean beaches. Researchers found that 80% of marine litter comes from tourists' activities, generating huge amounts of microplastics.
The study presents a modeling framework that accurately predicts water quality at beaches after only a day or two of frequent water sampling. This approach could be used to monitor unmonitored coastal areas, protecting the well-being of beachgoers and thriving ocean economies worldwide.
A new research group at the University of Oldenburg is studying subsurface processes on North Sea beaches with high waves and strong tides. The team aims to assess the importance of these underground habitats for coastal ecosystems and global carbon, nutrient, and trace element cycling.
Scientists investigate how moisture in sand affects sound travel across beaches, shedding light on factors influencing long-range sound propagation. The findings will help develop numerical models describing how sound travels through coastal areas, accounting for various environmental factors.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that preschool children struggle to recognize scenes when asked to remember only the scene, but can easily distinguish between objects. This bias towards object-focused attention may be linked to early infant development and language acquisition.
Research finds smaller earthquakes (magnitude 5.5 and below) are the main source of strong shaking at a 60-kilometer distance. These 'little earthquakes with ambition' produce more shaking than expected, often causing significant damage.
Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.
A team of international coastal scientists disagrees with a paper predicting half the world's beaches will disappear by 2100 due to sea-level rise. They argue that beaches can migrate landward and retain their shape as long as they have space to move, but those backed by cliffs or seawalls are unlikely to survive.
A study found that Americans significantly reduced visits to grocery stores and pharmacies during COVID-19 lockdowns, but not to parks and beaches. In densely populated areas, these reductions were even more pronounced, suggesting better access to services may be a factor.
Researchers are working to determine how severe coastal storms contribute to water pollution in beach aquifers. The team will use computerized sensors installed at sites along the shoreline to measure groundwater flow and track the effects of saltwater intrusion.
A study using GPS-enabled decoy sea turtle eggs gathered evidence of the illegal trade and tracked eggs from beaches to restaurants and bars in Central America. The findings suggest that most stolen eggs remain in local areas, making it crucial to target conservation efforts towards local communities.
A new study warns that up to 40% of O'ahu's sandy beaches could be lost by mid-century due to rising sea levels and shoreline hardening. The research assesses the risk of erosion hazards and identifies areas that qualify for emergency permitting, highlighting the need for creative solutions to rescue beachfront owners.
On average, four and a half people are killed annually in Australian coastal rescues, with victims often being male beachgoers trying to help minors. The study highlights the risks of bystander rescues and emphasizes the need for caution when intervening in water emergencies.
Researchers from IKBFU Institute of Living Systems studied the protective mechanisms of beach pea plants (Lathyrus maritimus Bigel) on the Curonian Spit. The study found that these plants accumulate low-molecular antioxidants to adapt to extreme conditions, such as high salinity and low temperatures.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that short, frequent walks in blue spaces significantly improve well-being and mood. Researchers measured participants' blood pressure and heart rate before, during, and after walks in a beach environment versus urban environments.
Research in Curonian Spit beaches reveals significant macro waste pollution in isolated spots, while microplastic is evenly distributed due to sea storms, affecting the environment and nearby port city Klaipeda with massive industrial activity
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Marine Conservation Society found no difference in litter levels inside and outside England's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with plastic being the main form of litter. The research highlights the need for locally appropriate management to tackle specific sources of litter in different areas.
Researchers have created a preliminary design for giant kinetic umbrellas to provide shade during fair weather and form a flood barrier in advance of storms. The proposed structures, made of reinforced concrete, would be able to withstand acute storm surges with stability at 75% of their deployed height.
Researchers estimate that LEGO bricks can endure for anywhere between 100 and 1,300 years in the marine environment. The study found that weathered LEGO bricks had smoothed and discolored, with some structures having fractured and fragmented.
A new study by UCF predicts that Canaveral National Seashore will experience the greatest impact from sea level rise and hurricanes, with a loss of about 1% of its loggerhead habitat by 2100. The study used a new method to calculate current and future sea turtle nesting areas, which can help the National Park Service manage resources.
A new study warns that coastal erosion and rising sea levels will accelerate due to climate change, threatening the world's sandy beaches. Effective climate action could prevent 40% of erosion, but societies will still need to adapt and protect these ecosystems.