Les territoires et les paysages littoraux sont soumis à des risques naturels de mieux en mieux identifiés et croissants (tempêtes, submersions…), notamment sous les effets du changement climatique, dont les manifestations, pas seulement eustatiques, auront d’autres conséquences sur les paysages. Comment, dans une logique proactive, tirer parti des modifications de paysages tout en limitant, contrôlant, voire corrigeant les dérives induites par la hausse du niveau marin sur les littoraux ? L’objectif est de montrer qu’il est possible de s’ajuster à ces risques par la prise en compte des paysages et par la pratique d’une gestion plus douce et raisonnée des aménagements côtiers. Après avoir établi un bilan argumenté sur la prise en compte du paysage dans les stratégies aujourd’hui mises en œuvre pour réduire les risques d’inondation et de submersion, la thèse évalue comment le projet de paysage, processus holistique de conception et de partage de visions à long terme, peut-il être un outil de réduction de la vulnérabilité du territoire et de sa société. Puis, la thèse se focalise sur la Camargue, territoire deltaïque emblématique dont les processus naturels et sociaux ont permis d’inventer une société et des paysages créateurs de richesses dans un équilibre dynamique face aux risques permanents d’inondation et de submersion. Cependant, avec, entre autres causes, celle du changement climatique, cet équilibre stratégique est remis en question et nécessite d’élaborer les hypothèses d’une autre Camargue. Ainsi, dans une dimension exploratoire, la thèse propose une illustration argumentée de nouveaux modèles de développement et d’ajustement du système camarguais. La double prise en compte du paysage et du changement climatique et les premiers résultats de l’étude de dépoldérisation des Bas-Champs Picards, nous amènent à revendiquer la mise en œuvre d’une politique de renouvellement littoral en tant que réponse aux problèmes des territoires côtiers d’aujourd’hui et plus encore de demain. / Coastal territories and landscapes are submitted to increasing yet better identified natural risks (storms, flooding, etc.), especially under the effects of climate change. Its reflections, the eustatic ones among others, have various consequences on the landscape. How is it possible, in a proactive reasoning, to take advantage of the lanscape alterations at the same time as limitating, controling and why not correcting the excesses due to the sea level rise on the coasts ? The aim is to show that it is possible to adjust to these risks upon taking landscapes into account and managing the coastal structures a lighter and better thought-out way.An argued assessment on the way the landscape is taken into account in current strategies used to reduce the flooding risks, is followed with an evaluation of the way the landscape project, a holistic process of designing and sharing long term visions, can be used as a tool to reduce the vulnerability of both the territory and its society. Then, the thesis focuses on the emblematic Camargue delta, a territory which natural and social processes allowed to develop a society together with lanscapes creators of wealth in a dynamic balance considering the permanent flooding risks. However, keeping in mind, among other causes, that of climate change, this strategic balance is being questioned and needs the elaboration of hypotheses for another form of Camargue. Thus, in an exploratory dimension, the thesis suggests an argued illustration of new models of development and adjustment for the system of Camargue. Taking into account both the landscape and climate change, the first results of a study on managed realignment in Bas-Champs, Picardie, lead us to a demand for the implementation of a coastal regeneration policy as the answer to the issues of coastal terriories for today, and even more for tomorrow.

Knowledge of the geospatial distribution of vegetation is fundamental for resource management. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data to improve classification accuracy of high spatial resolution optical imagery and compare the ability of two classification algorithms to accurately identify and map wetland vegetation communities. In this study, high resolution imagery integrated with LIDAR data was compared jointly and alone; and the nearest neighbor (NN) and machine learning random forest (RF) classifiers were assessed in semi-automated geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approaches for classification accuracy of heterogeneous vegetation assemblages at Everglades National Park, FL, USA. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Shorelines are a primary source of attraction for the nearly two million tourists who visit Palm Beach County annually. Many of Palm Beach County beaches are located on barrier islands, separated by a series of inlets which serve as access points to the Intracoastal Waterway. However, inlets are often cited as a source of erosion, through interruption of littoral drift and interaction with nearshore hydrodynamics (e.g., causing wave diffraction or refraction). In an effort to mitigate potential negative impacts of the economically important tidal inlets, Palm Beach County has installed a sand transfer plant (STP) at two inlet locations, the Lake Worth Inlet and the South Lake Worth Inlet. Through analysis of annual aerial photography and beach profile surveys taken between 2000 and 2009, this study will determine what effect, if any, these sand transfer plants are having on the inlet-adjacent shorelines north and south of the two inlets with STP, as well as an inlet without an STP (Boca Inlet). This study hopes to increase the understanding of shoreline dynamics in Palm Beach County, which could recognize important alongshore patterns, such as the occurrence of erosional hot spots, to assist in future mitigation efforts. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Oregon's ocean waters are a potential source of wind, wave, and tidal energy; of interest to renewable energy entrepreneurs and to the U.S. government as it seeks to bolster energy security. In order to install technology to capture this energy, however, it may be necessary to mitigate conflict with existing ocean space users. The objective of this research was to construct a conflict analysis model in a GIS to answer the following research questions: (1) Within the study area off the coast of Oregon, where are stakeholders currently using ocean space and how many uses overlap? (2) To what extent might existing ocean space use present potential for conflict with renewable energy development? (3) How do various types of uncertainty affect analysis results? (4) What are the implications of these findings for ecosystem based management of the ocean? All available spatial information on ocean space usage by commercial fishing, commercial non-fishing, recreational, Native American, and scientific communities was gathered. Stakeholder outreach with these communities was used to vet the collected data and allow each to contribute knowledge not previously available through GIS data clearinghouses maintained by government or interest groups. The resulting data were used as inputs to a conflict visualization model written in Python and imported to an ArcGIS tool. Results showed extensive coverage and overlap of existing ocean space uses; specifically that 99.7% of the 1-nm² grid cells of the study area are occupied by at least 6 different categories of ocean space use. The six uses with the greatest coverage were: Fishing – Trolling, Habitat, Military, Fishing - Closure Areas, Protected, and Marine Transportation - Low Intensity. An uncertainty analysis was also completed to illustrate the margin for error and therefore the necessity of appropriate stakeholder outreach during the renewable energy siting process, as opposed to relying only on a GIS. Ranking of each category by its potential for conflict with renewable energy development demonstrated which areas of the ocean may be particularly contentious. Because rankings are subjective, a tool was created to allow users to input their own rankings. For the purpose of this report, default rankings were assigned to each as justified by the literature. Results under these assumptions showed that space use and potential for conflict were highest between the coast and approximately 30 nm at sea. This is likely because certain space use is limited by depth (e.g., recreational use); there is increased shipping density as vessels approach and depart major ports; and increased fuel costs associated with traveling further from shore. Two potential applications of model results were demonstrated. First, comparison with existing wave energy permit sites highlighted relative potential for conflict among the sites and the input data detailed the specific uses present. Second, comparison with areas determined most suitable for development by the wave energy industry illustrated that areas of high suitability often also had high rankings for potential for conflict. It appeared that the factors that determined development suitability were often the same factors that drew current ocean space users to those locations. Current support at the state, regional and federal level under the National Ocean Policy for the use of marine spatial planning as a tool to implement ecosystem based management of the oceans requires that tools such as the one developed in this research are used, to ensure that all components of the marine ecosystem are considered prior to implementation of a management plan. The addition of renewable energy to the current social landscape of the ocean will reduce the resource base for many categories of ocean space use. Model results demonstrated that mitigation of conflict between development and existing space use is not merely a best practice supported by current policy, but a necessity. Results presented a visualization of the social landscape of the ocean that could help managers determine which stakeholders to engage during the initial stage of choosing a site for development. / Graduation date: 2012

Estuaries are irreplaceable natural resources that must be managed carefully for the mutual benefit of all who enjoy and depend on them. The estuarine environment is a very dynamic and complex environment, which poses threats and challenges to estuary managers and estuary users. As estuarine management is a very knowledge-intensive task, researchers in the Eastern Cape Estuaries Management Programme (ECEMP), estuary managers and estuary users have recently turned their attention to knowledge management as one of the important means of ensuring continued success and effective management of estuaries. However, knowledge management as an emerging field has been slow in formulating universally accepted methodologies for auditing, capturing, creating, acquiring, sharing and utilising knowledge. Existing methodologies do not adequately address, in particular, the knowledge audit requirements of non-traditional or non-constrained and non-formalised organisations. The purpose of this study was to develop a context-specific model for auditing knowledge in the Eastern Cape estuaries, with special reference to the Tyolomnqa Estuary. The study intended to identify the knowledge community, analyse existing knowledge and knowledge needs and gaps in the Tyolomnqa Estuary area. In order to achieve the objectives, the descriptive research design, employing the case study approach was used in the study. Focus groups and unstructured interviews were used to collect data. A literature review, concentrating on values and issues surrounding the management of estuaries and key issues in knowledge management and knowledge auditing, was carried out. The collected data was analysed according to themes such as knowledge sources, knowledge identification and knowledge needs and gaps. The study found that the communities of the Tyolomnqa Estuary lack knowledge concerning the management of estuaries. The study also established that the community has little knowledge on who to contact for expert advice in addressing estuarine issues. Furthermore, the study found that the community needed knowledge on how to address estuarine management issues and how that knowledge could be accessed. Based on the findings and the literature review, the study proposes a context-specific knowledge audit model for non-traditional organisations. The model is meant to assist non-traditional organisations to evaluate their knowledge health or status, and to develop a much better understanding of the know-how and how it can be used to effectively sustain their services. The model can be used to successfully implement knowledge management strategies in non-traditional organisations. The model needs to be tested for verification and validation purposes. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The South African coastal and marine environment is an essential ecologic and economic asset. Its associated services and products are substantially contributing to economic growth and sustainable development of the country. However, it is internationally and nationally recognised that land-based marine pollution (LBMP) is the most important single risk to the health and sustainability of coastal and marine waters and the associated ecosystems. The regulation of LBMP at the national level is still difficult and challenging. The issue of LBMP management has only recently been introduced in South Africa with the development of the National Programme of Action to Protect Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, 2008. South Africa is only starting to consider the question of LBMP regulation. This thesis aims to conduct a critical analysis of the South African regulatory framework pertaining to LBMP in comparison to international best practice and the French regulatory framework, in order to identify the key South African challenges in this regard and to make recommendations to address them. In order to do so, this research commences by providing an analysis of LBMP and the theoretical foundations associated with LBMP regulation, as promoted by international best practice. The study identifies and assesses the main regulatory features to be considered in the development, implementation and/or assessment of a regulatory framework pertaining to LBMP. These features will form the methodological framework to conduct the comparative legal assessment between the French and South African regulatory frameworks pertaining to LBMP. This thesis then provides a detailed and thorough legal analysis of the French and South African regulatory frameworks pertaining to LBMP using the methodological framework developed using guidance from international best practice. Finally, based on lessons learnt from the comparative legal study, this study concludes with a set of recommendations for the South African context. / Thesis (LL.D.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The South African coastal and marine environment is an essential ecologic and economic asset. Its associated services and products are substantially contributing to economic growth and sustainable development of the country. However, it is internationally and nationally recognised that land-based marine pollution (LBMP) is the most important single risk to the health and sustainability of coastal and marine waters and the associated ecosystems. The regulation of LBMP at the national level is still difficult and challenging. The issue of LBMP management has only recently been introduced in South Africa with the development of the National Programme of Action to Protect Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, 2008. South Africa is only starting to consider the question of LBMP regulation. This thesis aims to conduct a critical analysis of the South African regulatory framework pertaining to LBMP in comparison to international best practice and the French regulatory framework, in order to identify the key South African challenges in this regard and to make recommendations to address them. In order to do so, this research commences by providing an analysis of LBMP and the theoretical foundations associated with LBMP regulation, as promoted by international best practice. The study identifies and assesses the main regulatory features to be considered in the development, implementation and/or assessment of a regulatory framework pertaining to LBMP. These features will form the methodological framework to conduct the comparative legal assessment between the French and South African regulatory frameworks pertaining to LBMP. This thesis then provides a detailed and thorough legal analysis of the French and South African regulatory frameworks pertaining to LBMP using the methodological framework developed using guidance from international best practice. Finally, based on lessons learnt from the comparative legal study, this study concludes with a set of recommendations for the South African context. / Thesis (LL.D.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Since the study on the Port Alfred/Kenton-on-Sea/Boknes linefishery by Hecht and Tilney (1989) there have been substantive changes to the linefish management environment in South Africa. Using the Port Alfred linefishery as a model, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the linefish management regulations that were implemented by Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) since 1992, and to assess the behaviour and 'status' of the fishery in response to these changes. Changes to both the licensing structure and catch regulations have had a significant effect on the functioning of many aspects of the Port Alfred linefishery (fishing effort, catch composition, cpue) as well as on the structure of the fishery and its socio-economic profile. Overall commercial cpue decreased from 1985 to 1998. Since 1998 there has been a significant increase in cpue (from 2.3 Kg.fisher⁻¹ hour⁻¹ to a peak of 4.8 Kg.fisher⁻¹.hour⁻¹ in 2005. This was attributed to good catches of geelbek, particularly in 2005, 2007 and 2008 (during these years geelbek contributed an average of 35% to the total landings in comparison to a mean contribution of II % between 1985 and 2004). However, size spectra analysis suggests that the increase in overall cpue since 1998 misrepresents the actual status of the fishery. If geelbek is excluded from the analysis on the grounds that it is the only species in the fishery that is highly migratory, susceptible to recruitment fluctuations and it does not contribute to the catches on a year round basis, then the results suggest that the fishery is still in a declining phase despite the 80% reduction in commercial effort and numerous stricter catch regulations (e.g. size/bag limits). Furthermore, the cpue of silver kob, which has been the "mainstay" species of the fishery, has consistently declined over the last 23 year period (from 1.69 Kg.fisher⁻1 .hour1 in 1986 to 0.86 Kg.fisher⁻1.hour⁻1in 2007). The substantial reduction in commercial effort in the fishery from 33 vessels in 2001 to 13 in 2002 resulted in a shift from commercial to recreational fishing. The number of active commercial vessels in Port Alfred alone decreased from 29 in 1989 (Hecht 1993) to four in 2008. During the same timeframe, the number of regularly active recreational vessels had almost doubled (16 in 1989 to 26 in 2008). Despite the greater number of recreational boats in the fishery they only landed approximately half the average yearly tonnage of the commercial vessels (21,5 and 44,7 tonnes,annum-I , respectively) between 2006 and 2008, This was ascribed to the differences in catch regulations for the two sectors, Furthermore, it was speculated that increasing operating costs and narrowing profit margins have contributed to lower levels of compliance in both the commercial and recreational sectors since 2006, For example, 16% of silver kob landed during 2006-08 were under the minimum size, Despite the changes made to the regulations since 1998 and the 60,6% reduction In legislated commercial effort in the fishery between 2001 and 2002 it was concluded that the fishery has continued to decline, Except for the good recruitment of geelbek (which may be due to regulatory changes made in 1992) the changes in the management environment have had no measurable positive effect on this fishery, It is recommended that commercial effort should not be allowed to increase beyond the current number of active boats, that there should be an area restriction on all commerciallinefish vessels, that the current recreational bag limit for silver kob should be re-assessed, there should also be a concerted and nationally funded effort to educate recreational anglers about the merits of catch and release, and the frequency of catch inspections of both sectors should be increased, / KMBT_363 / Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in

The aims of this study were to determine the potential use of biomarkers at multiple levels of biological organisation together with a fish community bioindicator to assess the estuarine health status of three temporarily open/closed estuaries. The estuaries investigated were the East Kleinemonde (EK), Old Woman's (OW) and Mtana (MTN), all of which are situated in the Eastern Cape Province. Three biomarkers, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay, lipid peroxidation (LPx) assay, liver histopathology and a condition factor were used to determine sub-organism health and one bioindicator, the Estuarine Fish Community Index (EFCI), was used as a bioindicator of community health. The estuarine-dependent marine species Rhabdosargus holubi was selected as an indicator species for the sub-organism level analyses. The results from the community analyses indicated that the EK and OW estuaries were in 'good' condition, while the MTN was found to be in 'moderate' condition. Histological analyses revealed that R. holubi from all three estuaries showed signs of pathological changes to the liver, with the fish from the MTN eliciting the highest occurrence of these changes. The LPx assay found that R. holubi from both the OW and MTN showed signs of oxidative damage in the liver tissue, but those from the EK did not appear to be affected. The AChE assay showed that only the fish from the OW had been affected by anticholinesterase compounds. A laboratory study was undertaken using R. holubi as a positive control for the AChE and LPx assay. The fish were exposed to 3 μg/L chlorpyrifos, a known cholinesterase inhibitor, for six hours and their tissues were examined for changes to LPx levels and AChE activities. AChE activity was significantly inhibited (Mann Whitney U test, Z = 3.65, n = 38, P < 0.001) by the exposure, but LPx levels were not significantly affected. A composite index incorporating the biomarkers at different biological levels of organisation was developed. The index was designed to assist managers and scientists to determine whether the ichthyofauna of a system was being affected by environmental stressors and what management interventions could be undertaken to ameliorate the water quality in an estuary. The index was applied to the three estuaries investigated during the present study and both the OW and MTN were assessed to be in need of immediate management intervention. The fish in the OW were found to be stressed at all the sub-organism levels measured and the reason for this was hypothesised to be as a result of golf course activities in this adjacent estuary. A number of management actions are proposed to reduce the sub-organism stress observed in the fish from the OW. The livers of fish from the MTN were shown to be under stress; however the causative agent of this stress was unknown because there is no formal development in the MTN catchment. However, a possible contaminant source is proposed and management interventions to alleviate the stress on the biota of the MTN are suggested. The EK does not require immediate management intervention, however, continuous routine monitoring is recommended to ensure that conditions do not deteriorate. Shortcomings of the index were outlined and a number of suggestions were made in terms of other measures of biological health which could be incorporated into the index.

Studies of the dunefield systems crossing the Cape St. Francis headland in the Eastern Cape have focused on the role that wind plays in sediment transfer in coastal dunefield systems, with limited consideration of the role of water. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the morphology, processes and patterns within the Oyster Bay HBD system, focussing particularly on surface water and groundwater interactions and the role of surface water in sediment transfer across the dunefield system. An extensive field survey was conducted, to collect related data, complimented by spatial and temporal analysis of the study area using GIS. The key findings from this research were the apparent differences between the western and eastern regions of the dunefield with regard to specific drivers and the respective processes and responses. Wind is the major driver of change up to and across the crest of the dunefield. In the eastern region water (ground water, surface water and the Sand River System) is the primary agent of sediment flux through processes of aggregation and slumping as well as episodic events including debris flows. This study has highlighted a need for further quantitative studies that investigate the movement of sediment through dunefield systems such as this (where water is at or near the land surface). The paradigm that sediment flux is entirely due to wind is almost certainly simplistic, and deeper understanding of these systems is needed / Maiden name: Elkington, Lauren