Shoreline change studies in small-scale beaches require high-resolution satellite images. In this regard, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth (GE) would be an alternative source however novel studies are needed to verify the effectiveness and the efficiency of applying those images for shoreline change detection in small-scale beaches. Addressing this gap, the current study attempts to develop a new method. Accuracies of delineated shorelines under different scenarios were used to develop relationships with digitizing methods and used eye-altitude to estimate the most effective, efficient and productive method. This was done using Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in ArcGIS software. It was found that the eye-altitude influences on digitizing accuracy and it could be improved when increasing the zoom level of the image which is under investigation. Maximum zoom level (50 m) used in this study showed the highest accuracy in shoreline digitizing while the most productive eye-altitude for shoreline delineation was found as 300 m. The current study identified that GE coupled with DSAS tool in ArcGIS software can be used as an effective and efficient method for small-scale shoreline change analysis and it is suggested that this methodology could be adopted for other similar studies.

Marine fungi are an ecological rather than a taxonomic group that has been widely researched. Significant progress has been made in documenting their phylogeny, biodiversity, ultrastructure, ecology, physiology, and capacity for degradation of lignocellulosic compounds. This review (concept paper) summarizes the current knowledge of marine fungal diversity and provides an integrated and comprehensive view of their ecological roles in the world’s oceans. Novel terms for ‘semi marine fungi’ and ‘marine fungi’ are proposed based on the existence of fungi in various oceanic environments. The major maritime currents and upwelling that affect species diversity are discussed. This paper also forecasts under-explored regions with a greater diversity of marine taxa based on oceanic currents. The prospects for marine and semi-marine mycology are highlighted, notably, technological developments in culture-independent sequencing approaches for strengthening our present understanding of marine fungi’s ecological roles.