2026-11-06T13:34:46Z https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/oai

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/890 2026-05-19T00:55:19Z torf:ART

Growth Parameters of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) in Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 573, Southern Waters of Nusa Tenggara Barat Indonesia Murniati Damayanti, Ayu Adhita Gigentika, Soraya Amrollah Taeran, Muhammad This study aimed to determine the growth parameters of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 573 in the southern waters of West Nusa Tenggara. The data consisted of primary data collected from March to June 2025 through direct measurements at UD Versace, as well as secondary data collected from July 2024 to February 2025, obtained with permission from the Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI) Foundation. The secondary data were analyzed independently by the authors, and the interpretations and conclusions presented did not necessarily reflect the institutional position of MDPI. A total of 1,027 yellowfin tuna samples were analyzed. The results showed that the yellowfin tuna caught exhibited a varied size range, with most individuals measuring between 137.74 and 145.55 cm. Most of the fish sampled had reached gonadal maturity. The length–weight relationship analysis produced the equation W = 0.00003L².⁸⁸⁵⁹, with a b value of 2.8859, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern (b < 3). The Von Bertalanffy growth model analysis estimated an asymptotic length (L∞) of 193.00 cm and a theoretical age at zero length (t₀) of −0.53 years. The growth coefficient (K) was 0.34 year⁻¹, suggesting relatively rapid growth. The theoretical maximum age (tmax) was estimated at approximately 8.2 years. Overall, growth in yellowfin tuna was rapid during the early life stages and gradually slowed as it approached the theoretical maximum length. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-04-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/890 10.53623/torf.v1i1.890 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026; 63−73 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i1 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/890/506 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/900 2026-05-19T00:55:19Z torf:REV

Recent Advances in Marine Nitrogen Cycling: From Diazotrophy to Denitrification Okafor, Chinedu Bello, Aisha Marine nitrogen cycling; Diazotrophy; Denitrification; Climate change; Emerging pollutants Marine nitrogen cycling plays a critical role in regulating ocean productivity, biogeochemical fluxes, and the global carbon cycle. This mini-review synthesizes recent advances in understanding nitrogen transformations, from fixation by diverse diazotrophs to losses via denitrification, anammox, and DNRA, highlighting their ecological and biogeochemical significance. Recent studies have revealed the complex interactions between microbial communities and environmental drivers, including nutrient availability, oxygen minimum zones, stratification, and climate-induced warming. Technological innovations such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, proteomics, autonomous sensors, and compound-specific isotope analysis have provided unprecedented insights into nitrogen cycling dynamics, allowing high-resolution spatial and temporal assessments. The review also emphasizes the impacts of anthropogenic stressors, including eutrophication, pollution, and emerging contaminants like microplastics, on nitrogen fluxes and microbial function. Despite these advances, substantial uncertainties remain regarding global nitrogen budgets, the ecology of understudied diazotrophs, and the long-term responses of nitrogen cycling processes to climate and human pressures. Future research priorities include expanding long-term autonomous observations, integrating microbial process rates into biogeochemical and Earth system models, and investigating interactions with emerging pollutants. Improved understanding of these processes is essential for accurately predicting ocean productivity, carbon sequestration, and feedbacks to climate change. Collectively, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine molecular biology, biogeochemistry, and advanced observational technologies to resolve key knowledge gaps and enhance our capacity to manage and predict the functioning of marine nitrogen cycles in a rapidly changing ocean environment. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-02-09 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/900 10.53623/torf.v1i1.900 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026; 1-18 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i1 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/900/442 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/927 2026-05-19T00:55:19Z torf:ART

The Effect of Submersible Light Attractors on Tidal Trap Fisheries: Implications for Length at Maturity Kholis, Muhammad Natsir Puspito, Gondo Imron, Mohammad Wiryawan, Budy Mawardi, Wazir Sari, T. Ersti Yulika Prayoga, Muhamad Yogi Akita, Erliantina Arridhaty Fitri, Amraini Limbong, Irwan Submersible light attractors (SAL) Tidal trap Length at maturity (Lm) Sustainable fishing Small-scale fisheries This study examined the impact of Submersible Light Attractors (SAL) on catch composition and Length at Maturity (Lm) of fish in tidal trap (gombang) fisheries in the Bengkalis Strait, Indonesia. Tidal traps, which are passive and static fishing gear, often capture undersized fish, posing a threat to the sustainability of fish stocks. The use of SAL aimed to improve catch efficiency and selectively target mature fish, thereby enhancing fishery management. The experiment compared catch composition and Lm between two fishing treatments: one with SAL (P1) and one without SAL (P0). The results showed a 17.5% increase in total catch weight when SAL was used, with significant improvements in catch size, particularly for demersal and pelagic fish species. The study indicated that SAL not only increased catch quantity but also enhanced gear selectivity, thereby reducing the bycatch of immature fish. These findings underscore the role of SAL in promoting sustainable fishing by improving catch size distribution and supporting fish population conservation. The use of SAL was recommended as a cost-effective tool for enhancing the ecological and economic viability of small-scale fisheries. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-02-09 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/927 10.53623/torf.v1i1.927 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026; 19-31 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i1 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/927/443 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/985 2026-05-19T00:55:19Z torf:REV

Microplastics and Pollution in Indonesia’s Marine Environment: Oceanographic Perspectives Wijaya, Ahmad Pratama Balogun, Olufemi Adekunle Mkwawa, Neema Rehema Microplastics; Indonesia; marine pollution; oceanography; ecological and socioeconomic impacts Microplastic pollution is an emerging global concern due to its persistence, ubiquity, and potential ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelagic nation with extensive coastlines, diverse ecosystems, and high population density, is particularly vulnerable to marine microplastic contamination. This review synthesizes recent research on the sources, distribution, ecological consequences, and human and socioeconomic implications of microplastics in Indonesian waters, highlighting research gaps and future directions. Microplastic inputs originate from land-based sources, including domestic waste, urban runoff, rivers, tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries, as well as sea-based sources, such as fishing gear, shipping, coastal industries, and offshore aquaculture. Their transport is influenced by hydrodynamic processes, including tides, currents, monsoonal winds, and the Indonesian Throughflow, leading to spatial and seasonal heterogeneity in surface waters, sediments, and biota. Ecological impacts include ingestion by fish and invertebrates, trophic transfer, and interaction with chemical pollutants such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, posing risks to marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Human and socioeconomic consequences arise from seafood contamination, health risks, fisheries and aquaculture productivity losses, and impacts on tourism. Significant research gaps remain, including regional bias towards western Indonesia, lack of standardized sampling and polymer identification methods, limited integration of oceanographic modeling, and insufficient long-term and interdisciplinary studies. Future research should integrate oceanographic, ecological, and socio-economic approaches, leverage remote sensing, modeling, and molecular identification technologies, and support policy and management strategies to mitigate pollution. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis to guide future research, monitoring, and sustainable management of microplastic pollution in Indonesia’s marine environment. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-03-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/985 10.53623/torf.v1i1.985 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026; 32-47 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i1 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/985/459 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1011 2026-05-19T00:55:19Z torf:ART

Characteristics of Beach Debris in Labuhan Haji District, East Lombok Regency, Indonesia Putri, Indah Fitri Ramdani Putri Paryono Sakina, Sholihati Lathifa Beach debris was defined as marine debris found in coastal areas within the zone between high and low tide (intertidal zone). This study aimed to determine the characteristics of beach debris in Labuhan Haji District, East Lombok Regency. The study was conducted using a purposive sampling method. A 100 m transect line was established parallel to the coastline, with sampling stations placed at 20 m intervals. Each transect consisted of a 5 × 5 m plot, which was subdivided into 25 sub-transects. The main parameters observed included debris weight (total debris weight), debris composition (weight per type), and debris density (number of items per type). The results showed that macro-debris was more dominant than meso-debris, with plastic being the most commonly found type, followed by rubber, wood, plastic foam, metal, and glass. Based on total weight, Ijo Balit Beach recorded the highest waste accumulation at 359.60 g/m². This was influenced by its proximity to coconut plantation activities, river estuaries, and temporary disposal sites (TPS), which contributed to substantial waste input from both domestic sources and ocean currents. Suryawangi Beach ranked second, with a total debris weight of 252.80 g/m², predominantly originating from tourist and coastal community activities, as well as river-borne debris. Meanwhile, Labuhan Haji Beach, although it had the lowest total debris weight (76.60 g/m²), recorded the highest debris density at 123.50 items/m². This was dominated by plastic debris, which was likely generated from the activities of fishermen, tourists, and local traders. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-04-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1011 10.53623/torf.v1i1.1011 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026; 48−62 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i1 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1011/505 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1013 2026-06-19T06:02:20Z torf:ART

Abundance and Characterization of Microplastics in Marketed Edible Salt from a Coastal Region of South Sumatra, Indonesia Purwiyanto, Anna Ida Sunaryo Saputra, Rizky Herman Putri, Wike Ayu Eka Rozirwan Melki Microplastic contamination in food products has become an increasing environmental concern due to its widespread occurrence in marine and coastal ecosystems. Edible salt, a commonly consumed marine-derived product, has been recognized as a potential pathway of human exposure to microplastics. This study investigated the occurrence, abundance, and physical characteristics of microplastics in commercial table salt marketed in Sungsang Village, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Two locally marketed salt brands were analyzed using density separation, vacuum filtration, and microscopic examination. Microplastic particles were characterized according to their shape and size distribution. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with abundances ranging from 513 to 587 particles/kg. Fragments were the predominant particle type. Most particles were within the 50–300 μm size range, indicating that small-sized microplastics constituted a substantial proportion of the contamination. Based on average salt consumption rates, consumers may have been continuously exposed to microplastics through their daily consumption of salt. The presence of microplastics in all analyzed samples indicated that contamination could have occurred throughout the production and distribution chain of commercial salt. These findings contributed to the growing body of evidence regarding microplastic contamination in edible salt and highlighted the importance of routine monitoring and improved plastic waste management in coastal environments to reduce contamination of food products. Microplastic contamination in food products has become an increasing environmental concern due to its widespread occurrence in marine and coastal ecosystems. Edible salt, a commonly consumed marine-derived product, has been recognized as a potential pathway of human exposure to microplastics. This study investigated the occurrence, abundance, and physical characteristics of microplastics in commercial table salt marketed in Sungsang Village, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Two locally marketed salt brands were analyzed using density separation, vacuum filtration, and microscopic examination. Microplastic particles were characterized according to their shape and size distribution. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with abundances ranging from 513 to 587 particles/kg. Fragments were the predominant particle type. Most particles were within the 50–300 μm size range, indicating that small-sized microplastics constituted a substantial proportion of the contamination. Based on average salt consumption rates, consumers may have been continuously exposed to microplastics through their daily consumption of salt. The presence of microplastics in all analyzed samples indicated that contamination could have occurred throughout the production and distribution chain of commercial salt. These findings contributed to the growing body of evidence regarding microplastic contamination in edible salt and highlighted the importance of routine monitoring and improved plastic waste management in coastal environments to reduce contamination of food products. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-06-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1013 10.53623/torf.v1i2.1013 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 2026; 74−88 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i2 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1013/583 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1248 2026-08-10T08:31:43Z torf:REV

Blue Economy Development in ASEAN: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways Toward Ocean Sustainability Cruz, Rogelio A. Santos, Maria Elena P. The blue economy has emerged as a strategic framework for reconciling ocean-based economic development with marine ecosystem conservation and social well-being, particularly in maritime regions such as Southeast Asia. As one of the world’s most ocean-dependent regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) possesses extensive marine resources that support fisheries, marine tourism, shipping, offshore energy, and emerging marine biotechnology industries. This review critically synthesizes the development, governance, challenges, and future prospects of the blue economy across the ten ASEAN member states. A total of 40 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2024 were systematically reviewed and organized into four thematic areas: (i) the sectoral composition and economic contribution of blue economy activities; (ii) policy, institutional, and governance frameworks; (iii) environmental and socioeconomic constraints; and (iv) emerging pathways toward sustainable and inclusive ocean-based development. The synthesis indicates that ASEAN’s ocean-based sectors collectively generate an estimated USD 360–380 billion annually, demonstrating their substantial contribution to regional economies. However, their long-term sustainability remains constrained by fragmented governance, marine ecosystem degradation, unsustainable resource exploitation, uneven institutional capacity, and inequitable distribution of economic benefits. Significant differences among member states further highlight the need for context-specific national strategies supported by stronger regional coordination. Future blue economy development should prioritize integrated ocean governance, sustainable blue finance, technological innovation and transfer, ecosystem-based management, and meaningful participation of coastal communities. Strengthening these mechanisms would enable ASEAN to move beyond sector-driven ocean exploitation toward a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable blue economy while accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14: Life Below Water) and the broader 2030 Agenda. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-10-14 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1248 10.53623/torf.v1i2.1248 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 2026; 89−102 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i2 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1248/692 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1262 2026-08-10T08:29:27Z torf:REV

Plankton Ecology in the Philippines: Diversity, Dynamics, and Ecological Significance Across Tropical Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems Reyes, Maria Kristina L. Metillo, Eduardo B. Plankton communities in the Philippines occupy a critical ecological position in one of the world's most biologically diverse marine regions. Situated within the Coral Triangle and traversed by the Western Pacific Warm Pool, Philippine waters support extraordinary phytoplankton and zooplankton assemblages that regulate primary production, mediate carbon fluxes, and sustain the productivity of pelagic and coastal fisheries. Yet these communities are shaped by complex interactions among the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons, seasonal upwelling, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, eutrophication, and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum causing paralytic shellfish poisoning across coastal provinces. This review synthesizes published knowledge on phytoplankton diversity, zooplankton assemblage structure, HAB ecology, nutrient–plankton interactions, and the roles of plankton in biogeochemical cycles within Philippine marine and freshwater ecosystems. We further evaluate the impacts of eutrophication in enclosed bays such as Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay, coastal upwelling dynamics in the Visayas and Mindanao Seas, meroplankton contributions to larval connectivity, and emerging threats from climate change and land-based pollution. Knowledge gaps, monitoring priorities, and research directions including molecular approaches, autonomous sensing, and citizen science are identified. Integrative and long-term ecological research on Philippine plankton is urgently needed to support evidence-based marine spatial planning, fisheries management, and coastal conservation policy. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-10-14 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1262 10.53623/torf.v1i2.1262 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 2026; 103−115 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i2 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1262/693 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1263 2026-08-10T08:26:38Z torf:ART

Monitoring Microplastics in Coastal Sediments of Eastern Mindanao Island, Philippines Navarro, Christopher J. Fernandez, Maria Theresa L. Microplastic contamination in coastal sediments represents a growing environmental concern, particularly in tropical regions where intensive coastal development and diverse anthropogenic activities contribute to plastic accumulation. However, spatially resolved information on microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer composition remains limited in the coastal environments of Eastern Mindanao, Philippines. This study assessed the spatial distribution and characteristics of sediment-associated microplastics across five coastal locations representing fishing communities, estuarine environments, industrial-port activities, tourism, and aquaculture. Surface sediment samples were processed using density separation and chemical digestion, followed by microscopic characterisation and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for polymer identification. Microplastics were detected at all sampling locations, with concentrations ranging from 76 ± 9 to 187 ± 22 particles/kg dry sediment. The highest concentration was observed in the industrial-port area, whereas the lowest occurred at the less populated tourist beach, indicating spatial heterogeneity in microplastic accumulation across different coastal settings. Fragments and fibers predominated across the sampling locations, suggesting contributions from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris and potentially fiber-releasing activities. FTIR analysis identified polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with PE and PP collectively accounting for more than 60% of the identified particles. Variations in microplastic abundance, morphology, color, and polymer composition indicated potential relationships with surrounding land-use characteristics, although specific pollution sources could not be conclusively established. The principal contribution of this study is the integrated characterisation of microplastic abundance, particle morphology, and polymer composition across contrasting coastal land-use settings in an understudied tropical island region. The findings establish a preliminary baseline for sediment microplastic contamination in Eastern Mindanao and provide evidence to inform targeted pollution monitoring, source investigations, and coastal waste-management strategies. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-10-29 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1263 10.53623/torf.v1i2.1263 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 2026; 116–127 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i2 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1263/723 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers

oai:oai.tecnoscientifica.com:article/1461 2026-10-28T23:58:48Z torf:REV

Coastal and Island System Dynamics in the Philippines: A Review of Mangrove, Coral Reef and Seagrass Ecosystem Processes, Coastal Erosion and Habitat Restoration Approaches Dela Pena, Maria Cristina Santos, Jose Miguel The Philippine archipelago lies at the centre of global marine shore fish biodiversity and supports extensive mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass meadows that sustain coastal livelihoods, food security and shoreline protection. These ecosystems are under mounting pressure from aquaculture conversion, siltation, destructive fishing, coastal development, land subsidence and increasingly intense tropical cyclones. This review synthesises peer-reviewed literature on (i) the ecological processes that govern mangrove, coral reef and seagrass dynamics in the Philippines, (ii) the drivers and consequences of coastal erosion and hazard exposure, and (iii) the effectiveness of habitat restoration approaches. Philippine mangrove cover has declined substantially over the past century, largely through conversion to brackishwater fishponds, and long-term survival of planted mangroves has often been low because of inappropriate species and site selection. Philippine coral reefs have lost about a third of their hard coral cover within a decade, while seagrass species richness declines sharply under siltation and aquaculture effluent. Healthy reefs and mangroves substantially attenuate wave energy, yet their protective role is undermined by degradation, subsidence and maladaptive hard engineering. Restoration has advanced from monospecific mangrove planting and coral gardening towards hydrology-based mangrove rehabilitation, larval enhancement of corals and seascape-scale planning. However, restoration remains constrained by scale, limited monitoring and weak institutional integration. We propose a research and management agenda that couples ecosystem process knowledge with nature-based coastal protection, long-term monitoring and governance reform. Tecno Scientifica Publishing 2026-11-03 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion application/pdf https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1461 10.53623/torf.v1i2.1461 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers; Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 2026; 128−141 3125-0300 10.53623/torf.v1i2 eng https://tecnoscientifica.com/journal/torf/article/view/1461/741 Copyright (c) 2026 Tropical Oceanographic Research Frontiers