Short, A.D.; Thom, B.G., and Hudson, J.P., 2025. Rock platform morphodynamics: Examples from the southern NSW coast. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 373–390. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Rock coasts occupy over half the world's shoreline. Many of them are eroding and cliffed with a rock platform at their base whose outer edge drops off into deeper water. Field investigations along the southern New South Wales coast, on ancient rocks of different lithology and structure, show how at a macroscale, such platforms are roughly horizontal, cutting across bedding in places. Lower platform elevations tend to occur in more sheltered locations and towards the rear of the platform, that is, at the base of a subaerial cliff. Platform elevations increase both longshore towards the more exposed section of the platform and in a shore-normal direction across the platform towards its seaward edge. This edge may contain a rampart that commonly rises 0.5 to 1 m above the rear of the platform, reaching more than 3 m in extreme cases. Seaward of the platform is the drop-off that descends to the subaqueous rock base. Rock structure influences the form of the drop-off or seaward edge, which may be vertical to sloping. Under present sea-level conditions, cliff retreat and platform surface formation are strongly influenced by the process of water layer weathering. This implies that the platform surface is saturated and resilient to weathering, whereas the cliff face undergoes accelerated disintegration of the rock fabric, with the weathered debris removed above the level of the saturated rock by wave action. Weathering also assists in weakening the cliff face, leading to mass movement of material onto the platform, from which it may be removed by wave action off or along the platform. However, the platform edge, drop-off, and subaqueous rock base are only exposed to physical wave attack and erosion. The process–response interaction, involving subaerial weathering and erosion of the cliff down to the saturated platform surface and wave erosion of the seaward edge of the platform, is an expression of rapid-response morphodynamics within the context of the slow response of a gradually retreating rocky coast to changing sea levels and tectonics during the Cenozoic era.

Clark, A.; Moorman, B.; Whalen, D., and Vieira, G., 2025. Segmentation and classification of Pléiades Satellite imagery for complex shoreline proxy delineation in the Western Canadian Arctic. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 391–408. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Permafrost coasts are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including above average warming in the Arctic, sea-level rise, and changes to sea-ice extent and duration. As a result, coastal erosion represents a prominent hazard that impacts communities and habitats locally, but it also potentially releases significant amounts of organic carbon that are consequential to understanding global greenhouse gas emissions, which requires appropriate quantification and monitoring. The extent and complexity of Arctic coasts represent a challenge for effective broad-scale monitoring using traditional methods of manual coastline delineation. In this study, an alternative to manual coastline delineation is presented using object-based image analysis to classify very high resolution Pléiades satellite imagery (0.5 m/pixel) scenes and subsequently extract two common coastline proxies, the tundra line and waterline.This study focused on three large, varied, coastal stretches in the Western Canadian Arctic: the Yukon North Slope, Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, and Darnley Bay coasts. Twenty-five (25) images were classified with high accuracy (92% average), while the majority of extracted coastline proxies were within 3.0 m of the reference features and in many scenarios had accuracies better than 1.5 m, which is comparable to expected digitizing error, or loss of accuracy, associated with the variance of repeated shoreline digitization of the same coastal extent. This work presents an important step towards broad-scale Arctic coastal change monitoring and quantification through semi-automated classification and feature extraction techniques, which will also enhance contextual information useful in conducting richer Arctic coastal erosion studies.

Ebert, L.A.; Schlemper, J.C.; Pelisser, M.R.; Vásquez-Ponce, F.; Branco, J.O., and Barbieri, E., 2025. Detection of pathogenic bacteria isolated from Larus dominicanus on the coast of Brazil. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 409–416. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Bacterial resistance is a significant public health issue as it exacerbates adverse impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Larus dominicanus are considered potential carriers or reservoirs. The objective of this study was to identify the possible presence of bacteria pathogenic to humans in the gull L. dominicanus and to evaluate their resistance to antibiotics. For this, 39 cloacal samples were obtained from L. dominicanus with swabs and subjected to biochemical tests for the detection of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; the isolated bacteria were subjected to antibiogram analysis using the cutoff points reported in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Twenty-two bacteria were isolated from the cloacal samples, with three families and 12 distinct genera with zoonotic potential observed more frequently in the gulls of the Moleques do Sul Archipelago. The antibiogram revealed that most of the bacteria were resistant to ampicillin.

Asok, A.B.; Sumangala, D.; Joshi, A., and Warrior, H.V., 2025. Enhancing mixed-layer depth predictions in the Bay of Bengal: A comparative study using CMIP6 models and artificial neural networks. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 417–430. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the mixed-layer depth (MLD) variations in the Bay of Bengal using data from 30 coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6) models. The study aims to assess the performance of these models in capturing MLD dynamics in the region and identifies the CAMS-CSM1-0 model as having superior accuracy compared with others. Additionally, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to refine MLD estimations, enhancing predictions derived from the CMIP6 model. The MLD predictions are made with ANN on the CAMS-CSM1-0 model alone and with an ensemble of the top 10 CMIP6 models, resulting in a correlation of up to 0.98 in the latter case. The paper also investigates the relationship between pH variabilities in the Bay of Bengal and MLD. The study offers insights into regional MLD variability and climate resilience efforts, providing valuable information for researchers and policymakers. Potential methods to further improve MLD predictions are also discussed.

Farhaoui, I.; Dakki, M., and Saloui, A., 2025. Morphodynamic classification of Morocco's steep coasts using multivariate methods and remote data. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 431–451. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The Moroccan coastline extends for 3500 km on the East Atlantic and Western Mediterranean coasts. It shows a high diversity of estuaries, bays, beaches, and steep coasts. Despite its ecological, economic, and recreational importance, Morocco does not have a comprehensive inventory of its coastal landscapes. This study develops a primary classification of Moroccan steep coasts based on a descriptive inventory of these landscapes, mainly using geological, morphological, hydrodynamic, and eolian criteria, which have been measured from satellite images and verified on the field. To achieve this classification, the 175 steep coast units of the country and the criteria are presented in a binary matrix that have been submitted to the k-means algorithm, the hierarchical ascending classification method, and factor correspondence analysis. The results of this treatment provide a clustering scheme that distinguishes six different groups of cliffs, each of them being subdivided into two or three subgroups. In this classification, four categories of criteria appear as determinants: morphometric (length, area, and elevation), geologic (dominant rock and geologic eras), hydrodynamic (swells), and aerodynamic (wind). However, the morphometric and geologic criteria have the most significant influence on the classification. Using knowledge of the Moroccan coast, this classification, mainly based on satellite data, remains preliminary and requires improvements by using additional field data. Finally, the raw and compiled data collected in this study constitute a database comprising 175 cliffs, which are described using parametric criteria; this database is a contribution to the national wetlands inventory and is essential to promoting their conservation and management.

Vincent, S.; Wilson, C.; Snedden, G.A., and Quirk, T., 2025. Time-varying rates of organic and inorganic mass accumulation in southeast Louisiana marshes: Relationships to sea-level anomalies and tropical storms. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 452–467. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Louisiana's coastal wetlands are complex systems that require a continuous input of organic and inorganic material to keep pace with relative sea-level rise. Coastal restoration projects such as sediment diversions are being implemented to mitigate land loss and increase availability of inorganic sediment to coastal wetlands, and marshes specifically rely on organic material to build soil volume and maintain surface elevation. Interannual-to-decadal sea-level anomalies such as hurricanes can affect marsh accretion, mineral deposition, and plant productivity. In this light, complex ecogeomorphic feedback controls whether a marsh surface is sustainable or eroded/drowns. This study performs some of the first differential vertical accretion rates (VARs) and organic and inorganic mass accumulation rates (MARs) over time in SE Louisiana marshes determined from the ²¹⁰Pb Constant Rate of Supply model, coupled with standard ¹³⁷Cs VARs. These accumulation rates over the past ∼100 years were measured from a total of six brackish and salt marsh locations in Barataria Basin near the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. They were then related to interannual sea-surface elevations at Grand Isle, Louisiana, over the last ∼60 years and recorded hurricane activity in the delta. Results show VARs range from 0.63 cm/y to 1.69 cm/y and total MARs range from 0.11 to 0.43 g/cm²/y. Temporally, VARs and MARs (total, inorganic, and organic) are characterized by gradual increases in rates with decreasing age along with episodic peaks in VARs and MARs. The findings of this study indicate that no relationship occurs between sea-level anomalies and VARs or organic and inorganic MARs; however, a strong relationship appears to occur between major hurricanes to VAR and MAR contributions. Furthermore, high water content (81 ± 8%) and organic-rich soils in the sediment cores highlight the significance of belowground biomass and associated pore volume in maintaining marsh elevation in the study area.

Gracy Margret Mary, R.; Sannasiraj, S.A., and Raju, D.K., 2025. Advancing coastal vulnerability assessment through machine learning: A comprehensive approach. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 468–481. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of vulnerability factors affecting the Chennai coastline from 2000 to 2022, using satellite imagery covering a 40-km stretch. Three distinct zones, delineated from Kattupalli Port to the Adyar River, reveal significant annual erosion and accretion patterns. Zone 1 exhibits high vulnerability rates and steep slopes, crucial indicators of coastal susceptibility to potential sea-level-rise implications. Wave height dynamics during cyclonic periods and wave dissipation near groins highlight the coastal area's response to varying weather conditions. The transformation of built-up regions post-Kattupalli Port establishment in zone 1 and notable changes in land-use and land-cover mapping underscore the study's importance in identifying vulnerable coastal zones. Using advanced computational models such as support vector machine, random forest, and decision tree, the research achieves accuracy rates exceeding 90%, offering invaluable insights for decision-makers. Zone-specific vulnerabilities, including erosion concerns and elevation issues, are meticulously dissected, informing tailored strategies and interventions. Urgent recommendations for resilient coastal management strategies, including beach restoration and urban planning, emphasize proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the region's safety amid evolving climatic conditions.

Al-Darasi, M.; Li, Z.; Wu, W.; Muallem, E.; Taqi, A., and Zhang, X., 2025. Exploring mesoscale eddies in the Mediterranean: A remote sensing approach with META3 product data. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 482–495. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

An investigation was undertaken in the Mediterranean region to examine mesoscale eddies using data from the META3 model. These data possess the capability to identify conspicuous hydrographic features and temporary and permanent eddies simultaneously. This research focused on cyclonic eddies (CEs) and anticyclonic eddies (ACEs) that transpired from 1993 to 2020. The purpose of this research was to investigate both short- and long-term mesoscale eddies in the Mediterranean region. The data from the META3 product were employed to analyze eddies in the Mediterranean region so as to align the product's information with the study's objectives. Throughout this temporal span, 22,245 eddies, encompassing both short- and long-term variations, were recorded. ACEs accounted for 44.8% of the total, whereas CEs accounted for 55.2%. Similarly, long-lived eddies accounted for 55.3%, whereas short-lived eddies accounted for 44.7%. Overall, a higher percentage of cyclonic vortices was observed in comparison to anticyclonic vortices. Furthermore, the seasonal variations of vortices revealed that the winter season possesses the greatest vortex density. Hence, it is imperative to investigate eddies in the Mediterranean region to develop climate indices that can approximate atmospheric variability, as well as to comprehend the water cycle and variations in temperature, salinity, and nutrients.

Choi, J., 2025. A laboratory sandbar evolution under successive ends of breaking wave crests and subsequent long-crested breaking waves. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 496–509. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

A laboratory experiment was performed to observe the evolution of a straight shore-parallel movable sandbar under the influence of a wave sequence with successive ends of breaking wave crests and its subsequent evolution under the influence of long-crested waves. The formation of the rip-current sandbar system was quantitatively measured during its evolution. In addition, a hydrodynamic simulation was performed by using the time-varying measured bathymetries to estimate the forcing (i.e. the cross-sea rip current and the bar-channel rip current) to the morphodynamics of the sandbar. The sandbar evolved into a crescent shape, and the computations highlighted the role of hydraulic forces driving this evolution.

Vasanth, K.; Muthupandi, K.; Naganandhini, V.; Radhakrishnan, K., and Narayanan, M., 2025. Length-weight relationships of eight pelagic fish species caught by drift longlines in the Gulf of Mannar, India. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 510–515. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The length-weight relationships were estimated for eight pelagic species caught in the Gulf of Mannar, India, using experimental longlines. The experimental study was conducted from January to October 2022 in fortnightly intervals using longlines (3000 m for needlefish and 11,250 m for carangids), each equipped with 600 “J”-type fishing hooks of various types (straight, reversed, kirbed). The hook numbers used were standard sizes that ranged from 8 to 11 for both groups (needlefish and carangids). The longlines were fabricated with polyamide monofilament and operated from 1 to 2 m depth for needlefish and 20 to 25 m depth for carangids for 3 to 5 hours for both longline units. Overall, 21,150 hooks were deployed in 24 fishing trials for each experimental longline. A maximum total length was recorded for four needlefish species, Strongylura strongylura (80), Tylosurus choram (91), Tylosurus crocodilus (97), and Ablennes hians (96), and four carangids species, Caranx bajad (60.5), Alectis indicus (62), Caranx ignoblis (69), and Scomberomorus commerson (74). In terms of growth, the length-weight relationships revealed positive allometric growth (b >3) for three species of carangids, C. bajad, S. commerson, and A. indicus (p < 0.05) and negative allometric growth (b <3) for four species of needlefishes, T. choram, S. strongylura, T. crocodilus, and A. hians, and one species of carangid, C. ignoblis.

Joshi, N.; Arya, P.C., and Saulnier-Talbot, E., 2025. Benthic foraminifera as useful bioindicators of heavy metal and organic enrichment in northern temperate coastal zones: A comprehensive review. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 516–535. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Benthic foraminifera are known to respond to naturally occurring and anthropogenically induced stresses. A considerable body of literature exists describing the effects that contamination by heavy metal and organic enrichment has on these organisms in coastal environments. This review of the literature on the subject since 1980 shows that these types of contamination are reflected through changes in the physiology, abundance, and community structure of foraminifera, confirming them as useful bioindicators of environmental quality in the geographical context of the north temperate zone. Based on this analysis of the literature, results show that metal enrichment leads to deformations and altered foraminiferal test chemistry, whereas organic enrichment tends to mostly affect foraminiferal abundance and community structure, with little evidence for morphological effects. Additionally, anthropogenic activities can degrade and even destroy the ecological niches occupied by foraminifera, as evidenced by the disappearance of symbiont-bearing taxa with increasing organic contamination. This review highlights the usefulness of the ecological responses of foraminifera in assessing the current and long-term state of ecosystems in temperate benthic coastal environments, especially in the context of increased heavy metal and organic contamination by anthropogenic activities.

Stalter, R. and Lonard, R.I., 2025. Biological flora of maritime coastal sand dunes: Oenothera drummondii Hooker. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 536–540. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

Oenothera drummondii Hooker, beach evening primrose, is a warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical coastal dune inhabitant that occurs naturally from South Carolina to Florida along the Atlantic coast and along coastlines from Louisiana to Texas and to Vera Cruz, Mexico. It has been introduced in coastal temperate zones globally in several countries and continents and has become an aggressive invasive species in Spain. Plants are short-lived perennials with densely hirsute, grayish stems up to 75 cm tall with sprawling stems up to 1.0 m long from the base of the plant. Petals are yellow, 2.0 to 3.5 cm long, and turn reddish yellow after flowering 1 day. Nocturnal pollinators are typically hawkmoths that are attracted to copious amounts of nectar and masses of pollen grains. Two subspecies are recognized: O. drummondii subsp. drummondii and subspecies thalassaphila. The taxon is confined to nearshore topographic zones on barrier islands in the United States and Mexico and populates siliceous sand dune complexes subject to wind erosion, sand deposition, extreme temperature fluctuations, and low soil moisture.

Scott, T.M. and Ross, B.K., 2025. ShoreLock^®, a natural biopolymer composite with potential for use in mitigating coastal erosion and escarpments. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 541–549. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The use of admixtures as soil amendments for dust and erosion control has been implemented since ancient times. In recent years, research has focused on the use of environmentally friendly amendments, including naturally occurring biopolymers. ShoreLock^® is a natural biopolymer composite that can be added to beach sand to increase its cohesion and reduce or eliminate erosion escarpments. In laboratory testing, sand treated with ShoreLock exhibited an 85% increase in cohesion as measured in a Sci-Tech Shear Scan Automated Annular Shear Cell. A 65% increase in unconfined yield strength was also observed. ShoreLock had no observable macroscopic or microscopic effect on the surface morphology or (Munsell) color of treated sand. Additionally, when evaluated by ASTM International and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodologies, ShoreLock exhibited no cytotoxicity and was nontoxic to marine organisms. In field studies, ShoreLock-treated beaches accreted sand, and erosion escarpments were significantly reduced. Additionally, the treated beaches exhibited no difference in sand temperature, moisture content, or compaction. No differences in micro- or meiofauna were observed. The results highlight the efficacy and safety of ShoreLock biopolymer and its potential for use in extending the life of traditional beach nourishments while significantly reducing the need for the engineered berms (escarpments) often implemented in these projects, which create a public safety hazard on recreational beaches and compromise sea turtle nesting activity.