Marine biology

Sector Leaders Chart Course with Recommendations for Forthcoming UN Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 13, 2023

Amidst the escalating global plastic pollution crisis, key stakeholders from across the plastics space, NGOs, policymakers, and the scientific community, have unveiled their recommendations to guide UN negotiations on establishing an international, legally-binding treaty to combat plastic pollution.

Key Points: 
  • Amidst the escalating global plastic pollution crisis, key stakeholders from across the plastics space, NGOs, policymakers, and the scientific community, have unveiled their recommendations to guide UN negotiations on establishing an international, legally-binding treaty to combat plastic pollution.
  • Delegates at the inaugural Global Plastics Summit in Bangkok propose a raft of solutions to plug gaps in a draft of a Global Plastics Treaty to ensure it is robust enough to tackle the plastics crisis.
  • Incorporating Key Voices: Stakeholders from Global South and SIDS countries to be given a prominent voice in the negotiations, including the upcoming INC-3.
  • Charles Goddard, Editorial Director at Economist Impact and Chief Moderator at the Global Plastics Summit, said: "These recommendations underscore the critical importance of engaging all stakeholders in the development of the UN Plastics Treaty.

JM Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus Announce Celebration for Black Achievers

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 2, 2023

Deerfield Beach, Fla., Oct. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JM Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus announce the return of the Black Achievers Awards, formerly known as African-American Achievers.

Key Points: 
  • Deerfield Beach, Fla., Oct. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JM Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus announce the return of the Black Achievers Awards, formerly known as African-American Achievers.
  • She pushes her students to succeed, requiring a 3.5 grade point average to be a part of the team.
  • Each year, in recognition of the Achievers and their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community, JM Family and its subsidiaries Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus contributed $10,000 in each Achiever’s name to the South Florida charity(ies) of his or her choice.
  • This honor, which was named in memory of 1995 Black Achiever Jerome Edmund Gray, Esq., includes a four-year, need-based scholarship to Florida State University.

Nigeria's new blue economy ministry could harness marine resources - moving the focus away from oil

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 2, 2023

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a new ministerial portfolio in August: Marine and Blue Economy. This was welcome news as it renewed hope for economic development outside the oil sector. We asked marine sustainability and blue economy expert Isa Olalekan Elegbede to explain how the ministry could benefit Nigeria.Why has Nigeria established a new ministry for the blue economy?It includes a wide range of sectors and resources related to oceans, seas, coasts and waterways.

Key Points: 


Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a new ministerial portfolio in August: Marine and Blue Economy. This was welcome news as it renewed hope for economic development outside the oil sector. We asked marine sustainability and blue economy expert Isa Olalekan Elegbede to explain how the ministry could benefit Nigeria.

Why has Nigeria established a new ministry for the blue economy?

    • It includes a wide range of sectors and resources related to oceans, seas, coasts and waterways.
    • Nigeria’s establishment of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a strategic move.
    • I believe the ministry will tap the country’s rich marine resources as an element of the national economic framework.
    • Marine resources can be exploited to create jobs and transform Nigeria into a leader in sustainable marine activities.

What four areas should the ministry focus on?


    Nigeria hopes to generate over US$1.5 trillion annually from exploiting its marine resources. To achieve this, the ministry should do the following:

What benefits will Nigerians feel if these steps are taken?

    • Harnessing the blue economy could be a game changer for Nigeria.
    • First, it could create jobs and generate income from fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping and renewable energy.
    • Second, a blue economy could mitigate environmental damage as it enables the restoration of marine ecosystems.
    • Despite competition from more experienced countries in the marine industry, the blue economy offers Nigeria significant potential.

University of Washington Student Receives SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 8, 2023

CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The SBB Research Group Foundation named Leah Davis a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The SBB Research Group Foundation named Leah Davis a recipient of its STEM scholarship.
  • Leah Davis, a senior, studies marine biology at the University of Washington.
  • Her contributions to research studying the myostatin gene pathway in salmonids provided implications for how to best facilitate aquaculture.
  • We're thrilled to support her in her efforts," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.

Classic literature still offers rich lessons about life in the deep blue sea

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 12, 2023

In the novel, a supposedly indestructible vessel strikes an iceberg.

Key Points: 
  • In the novel, a supposedly indestructible vessel strikes an iceberg.
  • A man of untold wealth dreams of voyaging to the bottom of the sea, sharing with a select few passengers a glimpse of the mysteries of the deep.
  • He descends to the ocean floor in order to gawk at the wreckage of a great ship that sank years before.

Exploring the ‘seven seas’

    • A “league” (French “lieue”) was a measure that has been different lengths at different times in history.
    • In Melville’s novel, the great white whale rams the good ship Pequod and drags Captain Ahab to a watery death.
    • For Hardy, the claim that the Titanic was “unsinkable” is a prime example of human arrogance.

Unexplored depths

    • Indeed, it is often said that we know more about Mars than we do about the bottom of the sea.
    • The National Ocean Service reminds us that the seas cover more than two-thirds of the planet.
    • This fear is depicted in such haunting paintings as Théodore Géricault’s “The Raft of the Medusa” and J.M.W.
    • In our world of marine biodiversity loss, bleached coral and ocean acidification, we need positive as well as paranoid imaginings of the deep.

Among the first

    • It was only with the invention of the submarine that humans could reach more than a few feet below the surface of the waves.
    • In the 1620s the Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel descended into the River Thames in a bell-shaped submersible powered by oars, his oxygen supplied by setting fire to saltpeter.
    • His more immediate inspiration was the Plongeur, designed for the French navy in the early 1860s.
    • It reached a depth of 30 feet – or 9 meters – and could stay underwater for two hours.
    • Verne saw a model of it at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where he also learned about a recent discovery: the mechanical power of electricity.

Congresswoman Nanette Barragán Provides $1 Million in Federal Funding for Ocean STEM Labs at AltaSea

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 7, 2023

Through intensive collaboration, students and research scientists will continue to conceptualize, identify, and address the most pressing issues facing the ocean today.

Key Points: 
  • Through intensive collaboration, students and research scientists will continue to conceptualize, identify, and address the most pressing issues facing the ocean today.
  • “I consistently meet such intelligent, talented, and driven students in my district who I know will be the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow,” said Rep. Barragán.
  • “The work being done at AltaSea gives us a look into an exciting future,” said Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena).
  • AltaSea thanks Congresswoman Barragán for bringing this important federal funding to AltaSea, and we also appreciate the work of State Senator Bradford in continuing his support of AltaSea in Sacramento,” added Tamminen.

Holland America Line Introduces New 'National Geographic Day Tours' to Mediterranean Cruises

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 22, 2023

SEATTLE, June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Expanding its reputation for immersive travel experiences, Holland America Line has started operating "National Geographic Day Tours" that allow guests to connect more deeply, and in a more sustainable way, with destinations in the Mediterranean. The exclusive shore excursions were developed with National Geographic, a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration. 

Key Points: 
  • "We are continually looking for enriching and transformative experiences for our guests and the new National Geographic Day Tours are not only immersive, but provide exclusive access and hands-on experiences," said Carole Biencourt, vice president overseeing shore tour experience for Holland America Line.
  • Guests on select sailings in the Mediterranean can now book National Geographic tours online or through a travel advisor.
  • For foodies and wine aficionados, Holland America Line features shore excursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine.
  • For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com .

AltaSea and Kearny Point Launch Collaborative Effort to Promote Sustainability, Blue and Green Economy

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 16, 2023

AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles and Kearny Point have joined to launch an initiative aimed at promoting sustainability, aquaculture, and the blue and green economy.

Key Points: 
  • AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles and Kearny Point have joined to launch an initiative aimed at promoting sustainability, aquaculture, and the blue and green economy.
  • As part of the initiative, AltaSea and Kearny Point will work together to support the development of sustainable aquaculture practices, renewable energy solutions, and cutting-edge blue and green technologies.
  • "We are thrilled to partner with AltaSea on this exciting collaboration," said Wendy Neu, CEO of Hugo Neu Corporation, the parent company of Kearny Point.
  • "AltaSea is excited to collaborate with Kearny Point on this initiative," said Terry Tamminen, CEO of AltaSea.

HKSTP Reinforces Vision to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2045 and Help Hong Kong Lead the Region in Green Tech and Green Finance

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Reduction of 52% carbon emissions intensity (per square meter) from capital goods such as embodied carbon emissions.

Key Points: 
  • Reduction of 52% carbon emissions intensity (per square meter) from capital goods such as embodied carbon emissions.
  • Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “Hong Kong is fast emerging as a leader and a first-mover in green tech and green finance innovation.
  • We hope our Net-Zero 2045 vision can help lead the way by setting new operating benchmarks and show Hong Kong businesses and industries that Net-Zero is a viable business goal.
  • HKSTP is building a green tech and green finance ecosystem to spark a cluster effect to launch climate and sustainability innovations from Hong Kong to the world and vice versa.

Royal Caribbean Group Extends Collaboration to Capture Critical Ocean Conservation Data Onboard Ships

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

MIAMI, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) Strengthening a decades-long commitment to ocean conservation and environmental research efforts, Royal Caribbean Group today announced a four-year extension of its investment in OceanScope, an open-source data program that provides scientists with critical information to study climate and ocean conservation. Collaborating with key program partners including the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, NASA, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the program's renewal on World Oceans Day builds on over 20 years of groundbreaking ocean and marine life research from Royal Caribbean Group ships. 

Key Points: 
  • MIAMI, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) Strengthening a decades-long commitment to ocean conservation and environmental research efforts, Royal Caribbean Group today announced a four-year extension of its investment in OceanScope , an open-source data program that provides scientists with critical information to study climate and ocean conservation.
  • "At Royal Caribbean Group, every day is World Oceans Day – and we are thrilled to renew a program as impactful to oceanic research as OceanScope," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
  • Extending OceanScope on Royal Caribbean Group ships helps ensure ongoing monitoring and changes of key ocean and atmospheric processes in critical ecosystems.
  • "In particular, the CO2, surface temperature and salinity data from Royal Caribbean Group's ships are major contributors to these ocean observing networks to determine the ocean's carbon sink strength and ocean acidification."