'Magic Under the Mangroves' supports a worthy cause
Cape Coral Daily Breeze This realization has inspired me to protect this beautiful place by educating people about the natural environment, and that's what I'm honored to do as chair of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's "Magic Under the Mangroves event." I'm honored to ... |
Sequenza21 |
Laura Cetilia on Estuary, Ltd.
Sequenza21 A live recording from 2013 made in Providence, Rhode Island, Used, Broken, and Unwanted demonstrates to good effect the wide-ranging timbral palette and drone-based structures that artist Laura Cetilia explores. The title track makes use of repetition ... |
BBC News |
James Stevens No 10 lifeboat sinks in Hayle Estuary
BBC News A restored lifeboat that saved 227 lives between 1899 and 1933 has sunk during the stormy weather that has been battering the UK. The James Stevens No 10 lifeboat, which served in St Ives, Cornwall, is said to be one of only two remaining boats of its ... |
Shelter Island Reporter |
Peconic Bay National Estuary Program
Shelter Island Reporter BARBARA ELLEN KOCH PHOTO | New legislation could help preserve the East End's surface and ground waters. Water quality on the East End became a focus in Albany this year, when legislators and the governor agreed to allow some money once ... and more » |
Solar power lights the way along estuary trail
Exmouth Journal It gives everyone the opportunity to use the Exe Estuary cycle and walkway for longer, which will benefit the economy of both Exmouth and Lympstone. In particular, it allows the children and young people to make a safer journey to school.” District ... |
Ennore fishermen protest 'destruction of mangroves'
The Hindu Fishermen in Ennore took to the streets on Wednesday protesting against the destruction of mangroves in the Athipattu area by a contactor engaged by Kamraj Port Limited (KPL). Coming as it does just weeks after the floods in Chennai, the fishermen ... and more » |
Looking Ahead to 2016: The Estuary Where Politics & Religion Meet
National Catholic Reporter (blog) I would like to close out this look ahead by examining the always interesting intersection of religion and politics, the estuary where they combine, and which currents will become dominant and which will begin to wane. Politics is not really driven by ... and more » |
Looking Ahead to 2016: The Estuary Where Pollitics & Religion Meet
National Catholic Reporter (blog) I would like to close out this look ahead by examining the always interesting intersection of religion and politics, the estuary where they combine, and which currents will become dominant and which will begin to wane. Politics is not really driven by ... |
I am in dna of India |
Charkop mangroves cut down by unsocial elements for illegal construction
I am in dna of India Known for its mangroves, Charkop, over the past few months saw many stalled construction projects owing to the objection by the environment ministry for encroaching mangrove areas. But some unsocial elements have started illegal construction in ... |
Mid-Day |
Watch Video: Flattened shanties on Mumbai mangroves rise again in weeks
Mid-Day Shamsher Ali, another resident alleged, "In the year 2000, when we came to the area, the mangroves patch was completely healthy and there was not a single hut. But in the last fifteen years, many huts have come up in the area. The authorities are least ... Watch Video: Flattened shanties rise again in weeksNYOOOZ all 5 news articles » |
Researchers identify mangroves' worst enemies
Mongabay.com A new study finds that Southeast Asia lost 2 percent of its mangroves from 2000 to 2012. The main drivers of this loss were clearing for aquaculture, rice production, and oil palm plantations. The authors caution more mangroves will be deforested ... |
Blunt rules letting mangroves wither
The Hindu Even as the mangrove vegetation near Valapattanam here remains withered following the dumping of the construction waste in the area, the lack of teeth for laws is serving as a hurdle from protecting the ecologically sensitive mangrove areas from such ... and more » |
Two fires in two days damage mangroves in Charkop, residents suspect land sharks
Times of India MUMBAI: Two incidents of fires breaking out in mangrove patches of Charkop in Kandivli (west) has sent the alarm bells ringing among local residents. The question they posed was whether the fires were an attempt of sabotage by land sharks. Two fires ... and more » |
Estuary Center hosts plankton program
Cecil Whig ABINGDON — The Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, located at 700 Otter Point Road, will hold a Plankton Program, open to interested individuals who would like to take part in monitoring and research. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon ... and more » |
Dead baby humpback in vaquita refuge with R/V Martin Sheen. Photo: Sea Shepherd/Mike RigneySAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO - At dusk on Christmas Eve, crew onboard the Sea Shepherd vessel R/V Martin Sheen spotted a dead humpback calf entangled in an illegal gillnet inside the Vaquita Refuge in the northernmost tip of Mexico's Gulf of California. A two-year ban on the use of gillnets was issued by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto earlier this year in an effort to protect the Vaquita, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.
After spotting the whale from a distance, the crew upon closer inspection discovered that the calf's right flipper was entangled by the gillnet. The gillnet anchored the whale down to the bottom of the sea. The tail flukes were also injured and entangled with other fishing lines. The crew of the R/V Martin Sheen alerted the government authorities with the whale’s coordinates so they could remove the net and fishing debris from the area before it kills other marine life.
The R/V Martin Sheen’s international crew is currently engaged in Operation Milagro II, working with the Mexican authorities to enforce the two-year moratorium on the use of gillnets and to protect the vaquita's habitat. Vaquita are often accidentally caught in gillnets set to catch the totoaba, another endangered species native only to the northernmost part of the Gulf of California. The totoaba’s swim bladder is smuggled from Mexico and sold on the black market in China where it is used for a soup believed to have medicinal properties. The gillnets used to poach totoaba often trap the vaquita, entangling them and causing them to drown.
"It was a very sad sight to spot this dead humpback calf inside the vaquita's refuge. It proves that there is still totoaba poaching happening. There are less than 97 vaquitas surviving; any one of them could become caught in these deadly gillnets," said Bastien Boudoire, First Officer onboard the R/V Martin Sheen.
Currently, the Sea Shepherd crew is not authorized to remove the gill nets. Sea Shepherd has requested the authority from the Government of Mexico to remove gillnets in order to more effectively assist the Mexican Navy in protecting the vaquita’s habitat.
"We recognize and commend the efforts of the Mexican Navy. They are doing an outstanding job in the vaquita's refuge - extensively patrolling the area and enforcing the law here. We would like to help even further by being able to remove these nets that are a constant danger to the few surviving vaquitas. Losing even one vaquita at this point is a disaster as this species is on the brink of extinction right before our very own eyes," said Oona Layolle, Captain of the R/V Martin Sheen and Campaign Leader of Operation Milagro II.
By authorizing the Sea Shepherd crew to remove gill nets and other fishing line, Sea Shepherd can more effectively protect the vaquita and all marine wildlife in the Gulf of California. In the next few weeks, the R/V Martin Sheen will be joined by Sea Shepherd’s new fast patrol ship, the M/V Farley Mowat. This former United States Coast Guard Cutter will substantially increase Sea Shepherd’s effectiveness in patrolling the vaquita refuge and stopping the illegal use of gillnets.
Dead baby humpback in vaquita refuge with R/V Martin Sheen. Photo: Sea ShepherdSAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO - At dusk on Christmas Eve, crew onboard the Sea Shepherd vessel R/V Martin Sheen spotted a dead humpback calf entangled in an illegal gillnet inside the Vaquita Refuge in the northernmost tip of Mexico's Gulf of California. A two-year ban on the use of gillnets was issued by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto earlier this year in an effort to protect the Vaquita, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.
After spotting the whale from a distance, the crew upon closer inspection discovered that the calf's right flipper was entangled by the gillnet. The gillnet anchored the whale down to the bottom of the sea. The tail flukes were also injured and entangled with other fishing lines. The crew of the R/V Martin Sheen alerted the government authorities with the whale’s coordinates so they could remove the net and fishing debris from the area before it kills other marine life.
The R/V Martin Sheen’s international crew is currently engaged in Operation Milagro II, working with the Mexican authorities to enforce the two-year moratorium on the use of gillnets and to protect the vaquita's habitat. Vaquita are often accidentally caught in gillnets set to catch the totoaba, another endangered species native only to the northernmost part of the Gulf of California. The totoaba’s swim bladder is smuggled from Mexico and sold on the black market in China where it is used for a soup believed to have medicinal properties. The gillnets used to poach totoaba often trap the vaquita, entangling them and causing them to drown.
"It was a very sad sight to spot this dead humpback calf inside the vaquita's refuge. It proves that there is still totoaba poaching happening. There are less than 97 vaquitas surviving; any one of them could become caught in these deadly gillnets," said Bastien Boudoire, First Officer onboard the R/V Martin Sheen.
Currently, the Sea Shepherd crew is not authorized to remove the gill nets. Sea Shepherd has requested the authority from the Government of Mexico to remove gillnets in order to more effectively assist the Mexican Navy in protecting the vaquita’s habitat.
"We recognize and commend the efforts of the Mexican Navy. They are doing an outstanding job in the vaquita's refuge - extensively patrolling the area and enforcing the law here. We would like to help even further by being able to remove these nets that are a constant danger to the few surviving vaquitas. Losing even one vaquita at this point is a disaster as this species is on the brink of extinction right before our very own eyes," said Oona Layolle, Captain of the R/V Martin Sheen and Campaign Leader of Operation Milagro II.
By authorizing the Sea Shepherd crew to remove gill nets and other fishing line, Sea Shepherd can more effectively protect the vaquita and all marine wildlife in the Gulf of California. In the next few weeks, the R/V Martin Sheen will be joined by Sea Shepherd’s new fast patrol ship, the M/V Farley Mowat. This former United States Coast Guard Cutter will substantially increase Sea Shepherd’s effectiveness in patrolling the vaquita refuge and stopping the illegal use of gillnets.
Daily News & Analysis |
Save Sewri Mangroves: Activists want mangrove restoration drive in Sewri
Daily News & Analysis Naturalists and bird lovers, who have been regularly making rounds to Sewri Jetty for bird watching, demand that after successfully stopping parking of tankers on the road leading towards the jetty, authorities should now initiate the restoration of ... |
BREAKING: Manhunt in the mangroves
Central Queensland news Police and search and rescue officers make their way through mangroves on the hunt for a wanted 28-year-old driver who led police on a wild chase through Gladstone this morning. Photo Paul Braven / The Observer Paul Braven ... |
Gladstone Observer |
BREAKING: Manhunt in the mangroves
Gladstone Observer Police and search and rescue officers make their way through mangroves on the hunt for a wanted 28-year-old driver who led police on a wild chase through Gladstone this morning. Photo Paul Braven / The Observer Paul Braven ... and more » |
'Mangroves being cut down for firewood'
Times of India "This area falls under NMMC, which is a part of the mangrove committee, which is in charge of take necessary steps," said chief of state mangrove cell, N Vasudevan. Residents have expressed fear that increase in slum pockets would lead to more depletion. |
NT News |
Two fishermen in Darwin survive night next to crocodile-infested waters
Daily Mail Two crabbers braved a thunderstorm after their boat capsized and they had to spend the night in a mangrove next to crocodile-infested waters. The 27-year-old and 41-year-old fishermen submerged themselves in water to keep themselves warm near Buffalo ... Two stranded fishos spend night in mangrovesNT News Crabbers survive night in crocodile-infested creek after boat capsizes in stormABC Online all 4 news articles » |
NT News |
Two Darwin fishos spend miserable night in mangroves of Shoal Bay after tinny ...
NT News Faced with the prospect of an evening exposed to unrelenting wind and rain and the threat of attack from crocodiles, two men, whose dinghy capsized, chose to spend the long night in the mangroves of Shoal Bay. Picture: Supplied. TWO Darwin fishos have ... and more » |
Geelong Advertiser |
Bacteria closes popular estuary
Geelong Advertiser Wye River estuary has been shut after high levels of bacteria were recorded. File picture: Carolyn Tatchell. WYE River estuary is off-limits for swimmers due to high levels of bacteria. Signs have been placed along the estuary, with the Colac Otway ... |
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society fast patrol vessel Farley Mowat departs from Key West, Florida today to join up with the Sea Shepherd sailing ketch Martin Sheen in Mexico’s Gulf of California.
The mission is Operation Milagro. Sea Shepherd, in partnership with the Mexican Navy, is intent upon protecting the smallest and most endangered porpoise species on the planet – the Vaquita.
Already the Martin Sheen has been successful in keeping fishermen from illegally entering the Vaquita Refuge. With the addition of the Farley Mowat to the campaign, the operation will be even more effective.
There are less than 97 Vaquita in the world and Sea Shepherd’s Operation Milagro in partnership with the Mexican Navy is the only chance the Vaquita has for survival.
Captain Woody Henderson and the crew of the Farley Mowat will go first to Panama to transit the Panama Canal and then up the West Coast of Central America to the Gulf of California.
It will be Christmas and New Years for the crew of the Farley Mowat and the Martin Sheen at sea.
What a wonderful way to usher in 2016 by standing guard to defend one of the most endangered cetacean species on the planet.
You can be a part of Operation Milagro by joining Sea Shepherd’s efforts. Please donate to save the Vaquita and follow the campaign at http://ift.tt/1V8CD2z
Farley Mowat At Sea
Estuary Council thrift shop taking donations
theday.com The Thrift Shop at the Estuary Council of Seniors Inc., 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, is accepting clothing and household donations. The shop accepts men's, women's and children's clothing as well as shoes, handbags, accessories, housewares, small ... |
The Sunshine Coast Daily |
Mangrove clearing a costly move
The Sunshine Coast Daily A MOUNTAIN Creek man has been fined $5000 for removing mangroves in front of his property. The man faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court following an investigation by officers from Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP). They had found he ... |
Daily News & Analysis |
dna impact: Authorities to file police case against tanker that dumped oil in ...
Daily News & Analysis dna had reported on Tuesday how Pradip Patade, a marine life enthusiast who has been documenting the marine life in and around Mumbai, saw the oil-soaked mangroves close to the tanker parking area just before the jetty and raised an alarm by sending a ... |
The Indian Express |
BMC to set up plant for crushing debris to protect mangrove belt
The Indian Express WITH a view to end illegal dumping of debris, especially to stop dumping of construction industry waste on mangroves, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will soon set up a debris crushing plant. With debris currently not permitted to be ... BMC resolves to tackle debris crisis, may set up recycling unitsDaily News & Analysis all 5 news articles » |
Hunters push a dolphin into the nets Photo: Sea ShepherdA large pod of approximately 85-90 bottlenose dolphins driven into Taiji, Japan’s infamous cove on Sunday, Dec. 20 (Japan time) was held for two nights by the dolphin hunters, without food or shelter, and forced to endure brutal captive selection and slaughter that claimed the freedom of 30 dolphins and the lives of 28-30 others.
On Sunday, Dec. 20 (Japan time), the pod was located by the hunters of the Taiji Fisherman’s Union and as the dolphins fought to escape the hunting boats, they were pushed toward shallow waters in three separate drives, until the entire pod was netted within the cove. The frightened bottlenose – including babies and juveniles, clinging to their mothers’ sides – were left in the cove overnight without food or shelter, to face continued horrors the following morning.
On Monday, Dec. 21 (Japan time), the hunters and trainers returned to the cove and began a violent captive selection process that saw a staggering 25 dolphins taken for captivity. Some did not survive the horrific ordeal and drowned in the cove. The newly captive dolphins will soon face a lifetime of imprisonment in captivity in facilities in Japan or overseas. Those remaining in the cove were left exhausted and searching for their missing family members throughout the night.
Captive selection resumed yesterday, Dec. 22 (Japan time) and five additional dolphins were taken for captivity as others were slaughtered under the tarps or died during the captive selection. In total, 28-30 dolphins were killed over the two days, between the slaughter and those who succumbed during the violent captures. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s Cove Guardians witnessed hunters heartlessly consuming fresh dolphin meat outside the Taiji butcher house following these atrocities.
The remaining 25-30 dolphins were driven back out to sea, swimming quickly for open waters far from the deadly cove. Some were juvenile dolphins who had a hard time keeping up with the frantic pod in the chaotic drive. The Taiji hunters often dump or drive back out to sea juvenile and infant dolphins following the slaughter of their pods because these small dolphins will not produce much meat. Though they are left with little chance of survival on their own, the hunters do not count them in the season’s self-allocated kill quota.
Despite what Taiji’s fishermen contend about the separation of the captive selection and slaughter process, Sea Shepherd’s Cove Guardians have documented time and time again that the hunters and trainers work side-by-side to select the “prettiest” dolphins (those without visible scars) for captivity, while simultaneously slaughtering their fellow pod members. Dolphins enduring captive selection are forced to swim in the blood of their families. It is the profitable captive trade that allows the drive hunt to continue, and thus, raising awareness of the inextricable link between captivity and the slaughter has been a large focus of Sea Shepherd’s 2015-2016 Taiji Dolphin Defense Campaign, Operation Henkaku.
“Bottlenose dolphins are always a lucrative find for the hunters and trainers of Taiji because they are in high demand by marine parks around the world. These dolphins who swam free just days ago have been torn apart for nothing but greed and profit,” said David Hance, Sea Shepherd Campaign Coordinator. “Sea Shepherd believes that the drive hunt could not be sustained solely by the sale of dolphin meat for human consumption; demand for this meat is at an all-time low. The global demand for captive cetaceans is the true economic fuel that drives the hunting boats.”
