healthy oceans

Solomon Islands bay see another fatal spill

According to Guardian, a second major oil spill occurred in the Solomon Islands bay turning the sea water red; The affected area is the same where Solomon Trader ran aground due to unexpected gale at Kangava Bay, Rennell Island, on 4 February, causing an environmental disaster.

The environmental disruption occurred after 5,000 tonnes of bauxite fell into the sea from a barge on Monday, July 1,  according to Guardian newspaper.

This is the second environmental disaster for the area this year.

GET...

https://safety4sea.com/solomon-islands-bay-see-another-fatal-spill/

Ocean Observing System report card for 2019 launched

The Ocean Observing System report card that provides insight into the status of the global ocean observing system. Since the nations need that action has to be taken to tackle climate change, the report highlights the importance of sustained ocean monitoring.

Mainly, ocean observations provide critical data to nations for delivering marine weather and ocean services, to ensure safe and efficient maritime operations, and improving emergency response efficiency for extreme events.

So, to better...

https://safety4sea.com/ocean-observing-system-report-card-for-2019-launched/

Clean Arctic Alliance calls on immediate ban of HFO in Arctic waters

In light of climate change and its impact on the Arctic region, Dr Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, urges the shipping industry to reduce, as soon as possible, ship speed to cut CO2 emissions globally, while also reduce black carbon emissions by changing to cleaner fuels in the Arctic.

Ms Prior also called on the IMO Member States to implement a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters.

The Clean Arctic Alliance has repeatedly called IMO to ban the use...

https://safety4sea.com/clean-arctic-alliance-calls-on-immediate-ban-of-hfo-in-arctic-waters/

World Economic Forum presents six projects in support of ocean sustainability

The World Economic Forum addresses six initiatives and attempts that make the future of the oceans be more positive and hopeful. Government and industries are cooperating to invent ocean solutions, while also new approaches to the ocean enable production and protection to operate together.

According to the Forum, the recent developments that provide a more hopeful future are:

  1. Indonesian Government and Partners make efforts to tackle plastic pollution:
    The Indonesian Government recently began...

https://safety4sea.com/world-economic-forum-presents-six-projects-in-support-of-ocean-sustainability/

EU Commission launches second edition of ‘Blue Economy’ report

The European Commission launched the second edition of the ‘Blue Economy Report’ during the opening of the 2019 European Maritime Day conference in Lisbon. As 2019 focuses on boosting blue economy, the Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella presented the report.

Specifically, the Blue Economy Report focuses on the size of the Blue Economy in the EU, also examining not only established sectors, but also emerging ones, as those for which reliable data are...

https://safety4sea.com/eu-commission-launches-second-edition-of-blue-economy-report/

More microplastics are hidden in the ocean than the surface

The highest levels of microplastics are seen at more than 650 feet below the surface. Anela Choy, who studies the things that deep-sea creatures eat, has resulted to often studying plastics; Over the years, plastic would show up again and again in the stomachs of certain fish. She, then, realised that the plastic must be going down to them.

According to Sarah Zhang, staff writer at The Atlantic, microplastics, tiny pieces less than five millimeters in size—have largely been studied as a problem...

https://safety4sea.com/more-microplastics-are-hidden-in-the-ocean-than-the-surface/

IAATO imposes restrictions on commercial drone use in Antarctica

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has announced new restrictions on commercial drone use in Antarctica. The Association decided that for the 2019-20 season, commercial drone flights are banned in coastal areas without the IAATO operator’s authorization.

Specifically, the constraints, voted in at IAATO’s annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, April 30 – May 3, mean that those using drones for commercial purposes on IAATO vessels will have new restrictions...

https://safety4sea.com/iaato-imposes-restrictions-on-commercial-drone-use-in-antarctica/

Watch: Ocean preservation and fishing

In light of the Oceans Day celebrated in the shipping industry, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) published a video on a success story in sea life recovery in Costa Rica. A fishing community in Tárcoles, on the country’s Pacific Coast, decided to act and protect their livelihoods by setting up a marine conservation area.

Mainly, David Chacon, Coope Tárcoles, noted that fishing indiscriminately, and conserving fish when you’re hungry aren’t two compatible things. Thus, Costa Rica’s fishing...

https://safety4sea.com/watch-ocean-preservation-and-fishing/

UK leads water protection with additional 41 marine conservation zones

The UK Government created 41 new marine conservation zones (MCZs) one week ahead of World Oceans Day. The new zones will be added to the existent ones, reaching the overall 91 zones, and covering roughly 32,000 square kilometres.

The new marine conservation zones, bring the UK to the top of Oceana’s leaderboard concerning marine protection in Europe, as the 40% of its waters is now protected.

Pascale Moehrle, executive director for Oceana in Europe noted

We hope that all 91 zones will be properly...

https://safety4sea.com/uk-leads-water-protection-with-additional-41-marine-conservation-zones/

Clean Arctic Alliance calls for ban of HFO use in Iceland’s waters

In light of Iceland’s Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources decision, which enables the use of fuel oil with more than 0.1% sulphur content for ships operating in its territorial waters, Dr Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, highlighted that the Alliance although supports this decision, they are in favour of generally banning HFO use and carriage as fuel.

Dr San Prior commented

While this prohibition will lower emissions of sulphur oxides, and particulate matter...

https://safety4sea.com/clean-arctic-alliance-calls-for-ban-of-hfo-use-in-icelands-waters/

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