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Fifty Years of the London Convention and Protocol: A Scientometric Review and Marine Environmental Governance Perspective
No full textOcean-dumping research has been fragmented, with bibliometric reviews confined to single waste categories such as plastic litter and structural analyses encompassing broader ocean dumping issues relatively lacking. Therefore, we present a comprehensive scientometric assessment of 865 articles published between 1953 and 2024 and indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate) that address ocean dumping within the governance framework of the London Convention and Protocol (LC/LP). Publication output, national and institutional productivity, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence patterns were analyzed to trace the thematic evolution, international collaboration, and the coupling of these factors with regulatory milestones. The findings revealed that scholarly output surged after each key LC/LP milestone, namely, the 1996 Protocol, 2006 carbon capture and storage (CCS) decision, and 2013 geoengineering amendment, and showed that every new domain (CCS and geoengineering) swiftly developed its own research cluster. Five dominant thematic clusters emerged: (i) pollutants in sediments; (ii) international conventions and regulatory policies; (iii) carbon capture and marine geoengineering; (iv) toxicity and ecological effects; and (v) hazardous military waste. Although output is dominated by developed nations (especially the United States and the United Kingdom), contributions are increasing from East Asia but remain underrepresented from equatorial and least-developed regions. Building on these results, we outline a concise indicator suite that includes research intensity, thematic diversity, and policy-coupling indices to support future LC/LP performance reviews. This evidence base highlights where scientific capacity and cross-domain integration should be strengthened, thereby informing more inclusive and adaptive marine-environment governance.33Nscopuskc
Effect-directed analysis and nontarget screening for identifying AhR-active substances in black-tailed gull eggs from South Korea
No full textThis study identifies major aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists in the eggs of black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) from South Korea using effect-directed analysis and nontarget screening (NTS). Significant AhR-mediated potency is observed in the mid-polar fraction (F2) of the egg extracts, as determined by the H4IIE-luc bioassay, with notable activity detected in subfractions F2.3 and F2.6–F2.9, corresponding to log KOW ranges of 2.0–3.0 and 5.0–9.0, respectively. Fourteen targeted AhR agonists, including traditional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), emerging PAHs (e-PAHs), and styrene oligomers, account for 15–61% of the total AhR-mediated potency. Among them, e-PAHs such as 20-methylcholanthrene (14%), benzo[b]anthracene (8.8%), and 10-methylbenzo[a]pyrene (4.5%) contribute substantially to the overall AhR-mediated potency. NTS using GC-QTOFMS on F2.3 and F2.6–F2.9 identifies 24 AhR agonist candidates through a five-step selection process. Among the candidates with available standards, 1,4-dicyclohexylbenzene shows significant AhR-mediated activity in the H4IIE-luc bioassay. This compound is detected in egg extracts at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 5.1 ng g−1 wet mass. However, due to its low relative potency value (7.0 × 10−4) compared to benzo[a]pyrene, its contribution to overall AhR-mediated potency is only 0.01%, on average. The log KOW and log KOA values of the maternally transferred AhR agonists in the eggs range from 5.0 to 8.0 and 6.5 to 11.5, respectively. This study represents the first identification of maternally transferred AhR agonists in the eggs of black-tailed gulls, providing new insights into the ecological and toxicological risks associated with these contaminants.11Ysciescopu
Evaluation of Block Pavement Performance in Deflection and Settlement Analysis
No full textPavements in heavy equipment operation zones often deteriorate due to differential settlements and cracking, especially on weak ground. This study examines block pavements with two base configurations—cement-treated and crushed-stone—by evaluating their structural response under load. Deflection and settlement characteristics were analyzed using Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) measurements. The results show that the cement-treated base provided better load-bearing capacity and reduced settlement compared to the crushed-stone base. Relative deflection and bearing ratios confirmed these differences, with the cement-treated base exhibiting greater resistance to deformation. LiDAR monitoring identified post-construction settlements in the crushed-stone base caused by surface loads. Among the evaluation metrics, the bearing ratio more accurately reflected settlement trends. Most observed settlements were within 5 cm, suggesting that block pavements with a cement-treated base offer enhanced durability for areas subject to heavy equipment loads. These findings support the adoption of optimized base structures to improve pavement longevity and performance in demanding operational environments.1
THERMAL STRESS AND CLIMATE-DRIVEN DISTRIBUTIONAL SHIFTS IN Turbo sazae: INTEGRATING IMMUNOLOGICAL AND GENETIC PERSPECTIVES
No full textTurbo sazae, a commercially and ecologically important marine gastropod historically found around Jeju Island, has recently shown signs of northward range expansion along Korea’s eastern coast, likely driven by rising seawater temperatures. Concurrently, populations in Jeju have experienced a marked decline, with potential links to environmental stressors remaining unclear. To better understand the biological responses of T. sazae to changing thermal environments, this study integrated cellular immunological analysis and genetic connectivity assessments. Experimental exposure to elevated seawater temperatures (22°C–30°C over 9 days) revealed significant physiological stress, including reduced hemocyte phagocytic activity and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In parallel, mitochondrial COI sequence analysis from six populations across Jeju and the East Sea indicated genetic connectivity potentially facilitated by ocean currents, with a dominant shared haplotype (EJ1) suggesting historical gene flow. Despite low genetic differentiation, ancient divergence between populations was inferred, emphasizing the importance of ongoing genetic monitoring. Together, these findings underscore the dual impact of thermal stress on immune function and potential climate-mediated range shifts in T. sazae, calling for comprehensive conservation strategies.1
An integrative description of a new species of marine water bear (Heterotardigrada: Echiniscoididae) from the tidal zone of the east coast of Korea
No full textTardigrades, or water bears, are microscopic invertebrates renowned for their extraordinary resilience and cryptic diversity. Their microscopic size, paucity of taxonomically distinctive morphological characters and limited molecular data have caused significant taxonomic deflation. Echiniscoides, the most speciose genus in the family Echiniscoididae, also harbours multiple undescribed species. In this study, we describe a new marine tardigrade species, Echiniscoides testudolapis sp. nov. collected from barnacles inhabiting the intertidal zone of Uljin, Korea. The new species was characterized using an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphological, morphometric and molecular analyses, including DIC microscopy, SEM microscopy and molecular phylogenetic reconstructions based on mitochondrial COI sequences. Morphologically, E. testudolapis sp. nov. is distinguished by its dorsal cuticular sculpturing in the form of circular discs with central punctations (weakly elevated processes), the presence of sensory organs on all legs (papilliform on legs I–II, IV and spike-like on legs III) and a dominant claw formula of 9,9,9,8. Notably, our COI analyses revealed substantial intraspecific genetic variability, with 20 haplotypes identified among 28 individuals (p-distances = 0.1–2.8%). In contrast, the examined nuclear markers exhibited low to no genetic variation (p-distances are 0.05%, 0%, 0.2–0.5% and 0.2–0.4% for 18S, 28S, ITS1 and ITS2, respectively). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses indicated that the observed COI polymorphisms are likely functionally neutral. These findings highlight the value of an integrative taxonomic approach in revealing cryptic diversity and provide new insights into the evolutionary processes and biogeographic patterns shaping marine tardigrade diversity.11Ysciescopu
Therapeutic Potential of Big-Belly Seahorse Derived Peptide in Blood Pressure Regulation and Protection Against Aortic, Renal, and Cardiac Injuries on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
No full textBackground/Objectives: Marine-derived bioactive peptides have been reported to possess blood pressure-regulatory effects. However, most studies have focused on the antihypertensive effects after single-dose administration, and research on long-term administration and its protective effects against hypertension-induced tissue damage remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long-term antihypertensive efficacy of IGTGIPGIW, a bioactive peptide derived from Hippocampus abdominalis (H. abdominalis), and its protective effects on hypertension-related tissue damage. Methods: To evaluate the blood pressure-regulatory effects, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administered a high-dose (50 mg/kg) IGTGIPGIW peptide group (H-IGTGIPGIW) for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored weekly. Serum levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were measured to assess the peptide’s regulatory effects on the renin–angiotensin system. Histological analyses of the aorta and heart tissues were performed to evaluate the protective effects against hypertension-induced tissue damage. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, H-IGTGIPGIW significantly reduced SBP, DBP, and MAP compared with SHRs. Serum Ang II and ACE levels were significantly decreased, while ACE2 levels were significantly increased. Histological analyses demonstrated that IGTGIPGIW alleviated aortic wall thickening and reduced renal and cardiac tissue damage in SHR. Conclusions: IGTGIPGIW, a bioactive peptide derived from H. abdominalis, effectively regulated blood pressure by modulating serum Ang II, ACE, and ACE2 levels. Moreover, it protected against hypertension-induced aortic, renal and cardiac tissue damage, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for managing hypertension.11Ysciescopu
국제사법재판소 기후변화에 관한 국가의 의무 권고적 의견 검토 - 해양법적 쟁점을 중심으로
No full text2025년 7월 23일 국제사법재판소(ICJ)가 내려준 기후변화에 관한 국가의 의무 권고적 의견에는 해양법적 쟁점에 대한 ICJ의 판단도 함께 전해졌다. ICJ는 지난 2024년 국제해양법재판소(ITLOS)의 권고적 의견을 적극 인용하며 인간 활동으로 인한 온실가스 배출이 UN해양법협약(UNCLOS) 제1조에서 정의하는 ‘해양환경오염’에 해당한다고 확인, 위 협약 제12부를 중심으로 관련한 의무를 식별하였다. 특히 국가들은 온실가스 배출로 인한 해양오염을 방지, 경감, 통제하기 위해 필요한 모든 조치를 취해야 할 ‘엄격한(stringent)’ 수준의 상당한 주의(due diligence) 의무를 부담하며, 이는 기후변화 관련 조약상의 의무와는 별개로 UNCLOS에 따른 의무임을 강조해 주었다. 아울러 ICJ는 기후변화로 인한 해수면 상승으로 해안선에 물리적 변화가 발생하더라도, 각국이 이미 적법하게 설정하여 공표 및 기탁한 기선이나 해양영역의 바깥 한계를 최신화할 의무를 부담하지 않는다고 판단하며 사실상 기선의 고정 가능성을 공인해주었다.
본고는 ICJ의 이번 권고적 의견에서 내려진 해양법적 쟁점에 대한 ICJ의 판단을 분석하고 평가한다. 여기서는 ICJ가 선행된 ITLOS의 권고적 의견을 적극적으로 인용하고 존중하며 판단의 조화를 추구한 점을 긍정적으로 평가한다. 반면 기선의 고정 가능성에 관한 결론의 판단이유에 대해서는 여러 우려가 제기되는바, 본고는 기선이 고정될 수 있다는 점을 인정한 결론 자체보다 그에 이르는 과정과 논거의 불충분함을 지적하며 이를 비판적으로 검토한다. 여기에는 기선의 본질적 기능에 대한 고민이 충분히 검토되었는지와, 실정법적 근거의 불명확성, 아울러 형평한 해결 원칙 적용의 적절성 문제를 주로 제기한다.
ICJ의 이번 권고적 의견은 특히 해양법 분야에서 기후변화의 영향과 관련하여 매우 중요한 법적 선례를 구성하게 될 것으로 예상된다. 다만 기선 고정과 같은 향후 국가 실행과 관련 판례에 큰 영향을 미칠 사안에 대해 ICJ가 더욱 신중한 접근을 취했어야 하는 것은 아닌가 하는 아쉬움도 함께 제기해 볼 수 있을 것이다.
The International Court of Justice(ICJ) provided its advisory opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change on July 23, 2025. In this advisory opinion, ICJ’s rendered determinations on the law of the sea issues, along with other international legal aspects. Citing the advisory opinion of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea(ITLOS) given in 2024, the ICJ confirmed that the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions constitutes the ‘pollution of the marine environment’ as defined in Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS). Based on this determination, the Court identified related obligations centered on Part XII of the Convention. In particular, the ICJ emphasized that States have a “stringent” duty of due diligence to take all necessary measures to prevent, mitigate, and control marine pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions, and that this is an obligation under UNCLOS that is separate from their obligations under climate change-related treaties. Furthermore, the ICJ ruled states are not obligated to update the information on baselines or the outer limits of their maritime area that they have already dully established following the Convention, even facing the climate change related sea-level rise.
This paper analyses and evaluates the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the law of the sea issues presented in its opinion. It positively recognises the ICJ's reference to and respect for the preceding ITLOS advisory opinion and its pursuit of coherence of determinations. However, various concerns can be raised regarding the Court’s reasoning for the conclusion regarding fixed baselines. This article critically examines the rationale for the conclusion, not the conclusion itself, which acknowledges the possibility of fixed baselines. This research raises questions about whether the essential function of baselines has been sufficiently addressed, the uncertainty of the legal basis, and the appropriateness of the application of the principle of equity or the equitable solution.22Nkc
