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‘Coastal squeeze’: the fight to save shoreline habitats from rising tides – The Guardian
Seawalls are causing intertidal habitats to vanish as ocean levels increase. But eco-entrepreneurs say artificial rockpools and crevices can save wildlife
The rain has just stopped falling when Nigel George walks down to the beach in Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight. He crosses the coastal road and descends a concrete stairway, a sheen of sand covering its lowest steps. The place is quiet, with only a few walkers animating the shoreline.
He’s here to inspect a wooden groyne – a kind of jetty, designed to prevent erosion – which stretches out into the sea and towards France. The groyne has been fitted with a series of small, basin-like, rough concrete, structures. George peers inside one: a congregation of limpets, barnacles, seaweed, and a single sea snail peer back at him.
It started slowly but is surely picking up speed: the ocean, long considered so big it couldn’t be affected by humanity, is creeping toward us. As the water warms and the ice sheets melt, sea level has risen more than half a foot in the last century – and even if we stopped producing greenhouse gases today, a very unlikely scenario, it will only keep coming. With 40% of the Earth’s population living in coastal zones, the UN has warned that the accelerating pace of sea level rise threatens a “mass exodus”.
What we do now matters. While stopping carbon emissions is the most important collective task, individuals around the world are fighting back against the rising waters in their own ingenious ways. As our islands vanish, our shorelines shrink and our cities flood, Guardian Seascape is telling the troubling but inspiring stories of how humanity is facing down The Rising Ocean.
Chris Michael, editor
This is what George’s organisation, Artecology, calls a “Vertipool – a vertical rockpool. It’s an artificial environment that provides safe shelter for sea life in intertidal habitats, the spaces between land and sea all around the world that are alternately exposed and then swamped by tides.
Developers and scientists have installed about 1,000 of these fake rockpools on hard coastal structures around the UK, in the hopes of fending off a new, global threat – a geographical process called “coastal squeeze”.
Coastal squeeze happens when, as global heating causes sea levels to rise, tidal low-water marks – the line where the tide stops and the mud and rocks are exposed – are forced farther inland. A World Meteorological Organisation report published last year indicated this is now happening twice as fast as it was in 1993.
Humans, meanwhile, are pushing in the opposite direction, by building more hard coastal structures such as sea walls to protect themselves from rising water and worsening storms. These structures prevent the tide’s high-water mark from moving inland – effectively “squeezing” or reducing the size of intertidal habitats.
The impact to date has been brutal on the wildlife that lives within these habitats, from barnacles and limpets to crabs, starfish and snails.
“Species that inhabit the intertidal zone have evolved to live in that environment,” said Pip Moore, a professor of marine science at Newcastle University. These animals find the world’s rising temperatures very stressful, she says. “Lots of organisms use the natural heterogeneity in the rocky shore to hide away from those stresses – [but] a seawall or even a “riprap” boulder don’t have that complexity of habitat.”
Exactly how badly coastal wildlife is affected by coastal squeeze is not entirely clear, but scientists have found that structures such as Artecology’s Vertipools show a “significantly greater” species richness when compared with a normal seawall after five years. One Bournemouth University team found species of crab, fish and periwinkle living in them that had been absent before.
“If you deploy these objects in the intertidal zone they can support life that you would expect to find on a horizontal plane,” George says.
Other organisations around the world have approached the problem in different ways. A Sydney company called Living Seawalls uses 3D printers to create reinforced concrete interlocking panels that mimic the features of rocky shorelines – some scored with deep crevices, others shaped like honeycomb. Developers have attached these “fake shoreline” panels to hard coastal structures in Australia, Singapore, Gibraltar and the UK.
But effects can vary. An Australian paper in June showed some of the Living Seawalls panel designs work better than others, with a rockpool-like design hosting more than 100 different species compared with a honeycomb structure that proved only marginally better than a flat panel used as a control.
Meanwhile, another project, called Marineff, dropped 12 “eco-engineered” breakwater blocks into the intertidal zone of Cherbourg harbour in France. Instead of the flat surfaces of standard breakwater blocks, Marineff’s were covered with crevices and holes to better support wildlife. They were formed with a concrete mix that contained 20% oyster shell, aiming to provide a ‘bio-mimetic’ surface for sea life to live on, according to the project director Pascal Claquin.
One of the biggest intertidal interventions to date is part of the US government’s Rebuild by Design project, launched in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy killed 24 people on Staten Island.
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Instead of building a traditional breakwater to prevent future flooding, the project allocated $60m (£49m) for a six-kilometre “living breakwater”, including 600 concrete rockpools. Designed by a company called ECOncrete, these rockpools are a lot larger than Artecology’s, weighing about 1.4 tonnes each.
The company claims the incoming organisms that grow in the rockpools help to protect the breakwater itself. “They absorb wave and debris forces, so the actual concrete that’s contained within them is maintained for a much longer time,” says Andrew Rella, the project’s director at ECOncrete, which is based in Israel. “Really, we’re creating a barrier between the concrete element and the natural environment.” The firm has deployed similar concrete objects in the Netherlands, Hong Kong and the UAE.
Pouring such vast amounts of concrete has been criticised, given that cement contributes between 5-8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Rella argues that ECOncrete only contributes to structures that would have used concrete anyway, and that the habitats help offset emissions by hosting wildlife that sequesters carbon.
Whether or not that’s true, such interventions are likely to increase as governments enact more ecological legislation. One major effort is the UK’s “biodiversity net gain” requirement, which will become mandatory late in 2023, that would force building developers to achieve a 10% overall biodiversity gain for new projects. It would require coastal developers to build structures that provide better habitats for intertidal wildlife, or compensate for damage elsewhere.
“Exactly how this will play out for all coastal developments, and in the future for offshore areas, is still being worked out – it’s still fairly new,” said Dr Kevin Linnane, an associate director at development consulting group RPS. He said that most developers supported the net gain policy.
Scientists are sceptical: one paper published in the journal Conservation Letters last year concluded that enforcement and governance would prove difficult. “Reconciling infrastructure expansion with biodiversity conservation is deeply challenging,” the authors wrote. “Even ambitious policies are subject to huge uncertainties that risk undermining their biodiversity benefits.”
George believes a systemic change to how people view the natural world is the only long-term solution to intertidal habitat loss. Artecology wants to do that person by person, starting with the local community on the Isle of Wight. To that end, his team have run free daylong craft sessions at a local school for children with special needs, and a free two-day arts and science festival for families October. George is now in the early stages of creating an educational Centre for Flexible Learning and Bio-Innovation at Artecology’s studio.
“They need to understand what’s going on and why,” he said. “We’re not going to get the take-up we need when we don’t have the support of our communities and people.
“It’s as much about human beings as it is wildlife.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers 2023-24 promotional schedule will provide fans with a fun-filled season of great giveaways, special theme nights and memorable celebrations. It all tips off with back-to-back games on Opening Weekend at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Fans in attendance on opening night, Friday, Oct. 27 vs. the OKC Thunder at 7:30 p.m., will receive a Cavs vintage t-shirt presented by Cleveland Clinic.
On Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., the Cavs host the Indiana Pacers for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Cleveland Clinic. In support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cavs and Cleveland Clinic are once again teaming up to educate fans on how to join in the fight against breast cancer. All fans attending the game are encouraged to wear pink.
Two exclusive bobblehead nights headline this season’s fan giveaways:
Other fun giveaways this season include:
The Cavs have teamed up with valued partners to present a variety of special theme nights throughout the season:
City Edition Premiere presented by KeyBank
Friday, Nov. 17 vs. Detroit Pistons
The Cavs will debut the 2023-24 City Edition uniform for the first time this season. The Cavs will also unveil their new city edition court. More details to be announced soon!
In-Season Tournament presented by Betway
Friday, Nov. 17 vs. Detroit Pistons
The NBA In-Season Tournament is a new NBA element that Cavs fans will not want to miss! The inaugural tournament begins Nov. 17 for the Cavs competing in Group East A with the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers.
Cavs Retro Night presented by adidas
Wednesday, Nov. 22 vs. Miami Heat
Celebrate in style with the Cavs and adidas for Retro Night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Take a trip down memory lane with throwback music and nostalgic fashion trends from some of the best decades in history.
Salute to Service presented by Ohio CAT
Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Toronto Raptors
The Cavs will honor current and former members of the United States military during their annual Salute to Service presented by Ohio CAT.
Sustainability Night presented by Republic Services
Thursday, Nov. 30 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Fans will be reminded of the importance of living a more sustainable and ecofriendly lifestyle. The Cleveland Cavaliers in partnership with Republic Services will host Sustainability Night to bring awareness and resources to help fans reduce, reuse and recycle.
Black Heritage Celebration presented by Crown Royal Regal Apple
Wednesday, Jan. 31 vs. Detroit Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers 20th Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by Crown Royal Regal Apple will kick off Black History Month. BHC events and tributes will take place at Cavs games throughout February.
Bow Tie Night
Sunday, March 3 vs. New York Knicks
The Cleveland Cavaliers, in partnership with NF Forward and the Children’s Tumor Foundation, launched the Bow Tie Campaign last season. Bow Tie Night honors Nick Gilbert, the late son of Cavs Chairman Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer Gilbert, and others affected by the genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis (NF) for which there is no present cure. Bow Tie Night will be dedicated to raising awareness and funding to further advance NF research efforts to eradicate the disease.
Women’s Hoops Night presented by Avery Dennison
Friday, March 8 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
On the heels of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four on Friday, April 5 and Sunday, April 7, the Cavs and Avery Dennison will celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by recognizing women’s sports and highlighting women’s basketball.
Mental Health Awareness Night presented by Cleveland Clinic
Monday, March 25 vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Clinic partner to educate fans and share mental health resources through activations during the game.
Autism Awareness Night presented by Cleveland Clinic
Friday, April 12 vs. Indiana Pacers
In recognition of World Autism Month, the Cavs and Cleveland Clinic will host their annual Autism Awareness Night to bring awareness to autism and autism care.
Fan Appreciation Day presented by Discount Drug Mart
Sunday, April 14 vs. Charlotte Hornets
The 22nd Annual Fan Appreciation Day presented by Discount Drug Mart will complete the Cavs regular season at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. During the fan-favorite celebration, the Cavs will give away thousands of prizes throughout the game and across all digital platforms. Fans in attendance will also receive a clear Cavs tote bag presented by Discount Drug Mart to carry home all their prizes.
Additional theme and awareness nights and celebrations during the Cavs 2023-24 season include:
The entire 2023-24 promotional schedule is available at cavs.com/promo
Ticket Information and Promotions
Single game tickets for all 41 regular season home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are on sale NOW at cavs.com/promo.
Family Fun Pack presented by Molina Healthcare
Bring the entire family to a Cavs game! The Family Fun Pack presented by Molina Healthcare includes four tickets, each with a $10 food and beverage credit, starting at just $20 per ticket. This offer is available for select games and additional tickets can be added to
packages. Fans can access this deal at cavs.com/offers.
Cavs Student Pass presented by LECOM
Take advantage of exclusive ticket offers just for college and high school students! Sign up with a school email at Cavs.com/studentpass to receive last-minute ticket offers as low as $10.
Cavs Fast Break Pass
Score last-minute ticket offers with a text! Fan can text* FASTBREAK to 30594 to receive notifications when last-minute seats become available.
*By signing up via text, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) from Cleveland Cavaliers at the cell number used when signing up. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. View Terms & Privacy.
NOTE: All promotional schedule giveaways and theme nights are subject to change.
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September 26, 2023 | Men's Basketball
By: Wes Bloomquist
Ready for the fight.
??? https://t.co/u76U8y6Xpf pic.twitter.com/SVfd7iX1PK
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Since putting on gloves at 13 years old, Canelo Alvarez has gone from red-haired rookie sensation to boxing royalty.
Born in Guadalajara, the Mexican star has won gold in four divisions and he’s the current undisputed super middleweight champion. He has beaten the best in boxing, including Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, and Gennadiy Golovkin.
Now 33, the battle-hardened Canelo has transitioned into the “veteran” category and some feel his best years are behind him. He now seeks to prove his doubters wrong when he defends his titles against Jermell Charlo on September 30.
“I always believe that I’m number one, my whole career,” Canelo said at a media workout. “You need to believe in yourself, I still believe I’m number one. But I believe there is more than just one fighter alone at the top, there are a few. I still feel young and fresh. I never think about the end of my career. I just train and fight year after year. I still feel that I’m at my best.”
The Canelo-Charlo fight takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a familiar home for Canelo, whereas Charlo is headlining there for the first time. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on Showtime PPV in the U.S. and DAZN in the U.K.
MORE: The best five years in boxing history revisited
Per Sports Interaction, Canelo is the -388 favorite, while Charlo, the undisputed super welterweight champion, is the +288 underdog. Despite those odds, Charlo, also 33, sees himself as the better fighter.
“This is the biggest fight in boxing, and I’m coming to leave it all in the ring like I do every time,” Charlo said. “I manifested this fight into existence and earned it with everything I’ve done in this sport so far. Canelo is a great fighter, but he’s gonna see what Lions Only is all about. When the fight’s over, people are gonna have to recognize that I’m the best fighter in the sport.”
Charlo is not worried about the weight gain, having to move up two weight classes to take on Canelo. Sparring big men and working alongside his brother Jermall, the WBC middleweight champion, Jermell believes this is the perfect time to fight Canelo.
Does Charlo have a fair point? Could Canelo be overlooking the supposedly smaller man?
Canelo already announced his intentions on The Breakfast Club to retire around 36-37. He even teased retirement if he lost to John Ryder in May, which is a fight he would go on to win by unanimous decision. A former pound-for-pound No. 1, Canelo has tough challenges ahead of him outside of Charlo, including David Benavidez and a potential rematch against light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
Boxing great Bernard Hopkins believes Charlo is a different challenge for Canelo, who hasn’t fought below super middleweight since 2019.
WATCH: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo, live on DAZN
“His style is totally different from the styles that Canelo has fought. [Charlo is] younger, more determined to prove that Canelo’s time has been great, but it’s up,” Hopkins told Fight Hype via Boxing Social. “I just believe that Canelo will have to get him out of there early. The later the fight goes, the more Canelo will start showing not only his age but he’ll start showing the success he’s been enjoying for so long is starting to look different.
“I see hard-earned, skillful moments in that fight where [Charlo], who wants to prove himself, will come out and show us something that we knew he had, but he’s never had to show it till he steps in with Canelo. Canelo elevates Charlo. I just think he has the skills, and if he maintains that mentality, it can be really a nightmare for Canelo, based on style.”
Charlo was supposed to fight Tim Tszyu for super welterweight gold before a hand injury nixed a planned bout. He wants to become undisputed at 168, return to 154, and potentially take on pound-for-pound No. 1 Terence Crawford. Regardless of his upcoming plans, Charlo’s focus is solely on beating Canelo, the man who has had beef with both brothers.
Holding more gold and honoring family is enough motivation for Charlo. Though he has proven everyone wrong over the years, the current uncertainty surrounding Canelo may be the perfect time for the Louisiana-born Charlo to face the super middleweight king.
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