Ocean Life News in Brief September 01-2017
NASA New Telescope -on Imminent Launch Sets Eye on Ocean Worlds
Universe Today reported on August 28 that the new NASA telescope -scheduled to launch next October will focus on solar system Ocean Worlds. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center added that the James Webb Space Telescope will take on the task by using “its infrared capabilities”. High value targets are Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus.
“Hudson River in New York Dumps 300 Million Microfibers into Atlantic Ocean,” Press Report
PBB News Hour reported on August 29 that the Hudson River in New York is discharging 300 million clothing fiberts every day into the Atlantic Ocean. The press quoted a recent study which ran in the Marine Pollution Bulletin. Focal source of pollution was identified as “agining clothing which is rinsed out with the laundry”. Half of the fibers are according to the study plastic -most invisible to the naked eye but hazardous to environment and human health.
TARA Expeditions Out in Heron Island Conducting Great Barrier Investigation
TARA Expeditions -known for their internationally recognized work with plankton announced on August 25 the kickstart of a Great Barrier Investigation. “It will take us about 4 days to reach our first research spot south of the Great Barrier Reef: beautiful Heron Island, a green speck on an ocean of blue,” TARA reported.
New Nanotube Technology Uses Ocean to Harvest Direct Energy
Science Mag reported on August 24 on a new nanotube technology which assures can harvest energy directly from ocean waves. “The researchers found that the twistron (nanotubes) could harvest power directly from ocean waves or...from the wearer’s breathing motion,” the media reported.
MAPFRE Takes Leg Zero at Volvo Ocean Engine Race Warm Up
Volvo Ocean Race reported on August 16 that Team Mapfre took the win at Leg Zero. Competition ended with Vestas 11th Hour Racing as partial winner but Mapfre ended taking the overall general lead. The Volvo Ocean Race is -most prestigious international regatta is drawing near and Teams have already tested each other at Leg Zero.
Galapagos Birds on Decrease Pattern due Warming and Sardine Drops
Science Daily reported on August 25 on a new study which assures that Galapagos seabird population is expected to decrease due to ocean warming. “Within the next century, rising ocean temperatures around the Galápagos Islands are expected to make the water too warm for a key prey species, sardines, to tolerate,” the study which focused on the tropical seabird -Nazca booby says.
Moore Foundation Drops 152 Million USD in North American Ocean Value Conservation
On August 25 the Moore Foundation announced commitment of 152 million USD to be destined to Marine Conservation. The funds will direct seven years of work. “To ensure that North American oceans can sustain their productivity, biodiversity, and ecological value, the initiative will support efforts to protect ecologically important features,” the Foundation said.
Honduras Roatan International Freediving Competition Wraps Up
Deeper Blue reported on August 27 on the wrap up of the Roatan 2017 competition. 15 Current World and National Record Holders participated among the 60 Freediver Athletes in packed days of action.
American Chemical Society Developing Methods to Shakedown Fish Fraud
On August 16 International Science Press echoed the report of the American Chemical Society on the elimination of bait and switch. “Fish fraud, the misrepresentation of cheaper fish as more expensive ones, is a rampant problem worldwide,” the Society explained. Researchers are pressing towards the development of a protein database capable of definitively identifying fish species.
South Africa and Maldives Sign Agreement to Manage Indian Ocean Tuna Stocks
Cape Business News reported on August 23 on a new Agreement signed between South Africa and the Maldives. The agreement will aim to improve livelihood of fishing communities in Maldives and the management of tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean.
Xtreme Sailing Series: SAP Extreme Sailing Takes Cardiff Stop
Sailing World reported on August 28 on the triumph of SAP Extreme Sailing in the Cardiff Stop. “It went down to the wire between SAP Extreme Sailing Team and Alinghi in the thrilling finale of Extreme Sailing Series Act 6, Cardiff,” Press reported.
French Explorers and Family on Third Under the Pole Expedition
World Crunch reported on August 25 on the third Under the Pole Expedition conducted by French Explorers and Family. Explorers Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout and Ghislain Bardout -and their two sons are in the Pole after leaving their home three home ago. The family is sided by a crew of 12 assisting the third under and above the ice.
