Dry Winter Forecast Spells More Trouble for Shallow Mississippi River
Low water levels on the Mississippi River are likely to persist this winter as drier-than-normal weather is expected across the southern United States and Gulf Coast, U.S. government forecasters said on Thursday.Drought, which currently spans 59% of the country, is expected to continue or worsen in the middle and lower Mississippi River valley as well as in much of the West and the Great Plains, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center said in its winter (December-February) outlook.Above-average precipitation…
Ballast Water Management is Reducing the Flow of Invasive Species into the Great Lakes
Freshwater ecosystems are threatened by a host of environmental stressors from human activities. Among the most insidious and impactful of these is invasion by non-native species.Over the past two centuries, established populations of nearly 190 non-native species of invertebrates, fishes, plants and microbes have been discovered in the Great Lakes basin. They were introduced through several sources and pathways including canals, pet release, bait bucket dumping, aquaculture escapes…
Normal Atlantic Hurricane Activity Forecast over Next Two Weeks
There will likely be normal levels of tropical storm activity over the next two weeks as the Atlantic Ocean hurricane season hits its peak, forecasters at Colorado State University said on Thursday.An upper-level trough in the atmosphere is expected to continue bringing near-normal to above-normal wind shear over the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, the forecasters said.“This increased shear is likely due to a vigorous tropical upper-tropospheric trough which has been one of the primary reasons why the Atlantic hurricane season has not been as active as projected…
Trafigura Posts Highest-ever First Half Profit
Global commodities trader Trafigura on Thursday posted its highest-ever first-half net profit and core earnings, largely driven by the economic recovery.The Geneva-based trader's net profit rose to $2.1 billion for the period ending March 31, from 500 million the previous year. The company's financial year ends on Sept. 30.Revenue rose 19% to $98 billion while core earnings were $3.7 billion, up over 50% from a year before. Gross profit rose similarly to $4.3 billion from $2.8 billion…
Irma Barrels Toward Caribbean, U.S. Mainland
Hurricane Irma, a powerful Category 4 storm, plowed toward the Caribbean and the southern United States on Tuesday as islands in its path braced for possible life-threatening winds, storm surges and flooding. Hurricane warnings and watches were in effect for parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, in preparation for a storm that was intensifying with 150 mph (240 kph) winds, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. "Dangerous Hurricane Irma heading for the Leeward Islands," the hurricane center said. A Category 4 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale means sustained winds of 130-156 mph (209-251 kph) with "catastrophic" outcomes.
Beier Radio Celebrates 70th Anniversary
Beier Radio, Inc. marks 70-years of providing engineering, sales and service for marine electronics around the globe. During its 70 years in business, Beier Radio has grown from being one of the first marine electronics distributors in the southern United States to a leader in integrated vessel control, navigation and communications systems as well as mariner training. “Beier Radio has always been committed to delivering products and services that meet the current demands of the marine industry and also anticipate the future needs of our customers in the challenging marine environment…
Beier Radio Marks 70 Years Serving Global Marine Industry
Beier Radio, Inc. marks its 70-year anniversary in 2015 providing engineering, sales and service for marine electronics around the globe. During its 70 years in business, Beier Radio has grown from being one of the first marine electronics distributors in the southern United States to a worldwide leader in integrated vessel control, navigation and communications systems as well as mariner training. “Beier Radio has always been committed to delivering products and services that…
Coast Guard Foundation Honors Heroes
The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families, will hold its 20th annual tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District on November 8th, 2013, at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. During the event, the Coast Guard Foundation will provide a special honor to the members of a Clearwater-based helicopter crew for the heroism, dedication and aviation professionalism they displayed on January 18, 2013 while saving the lives of seven mariners from the 170-foot research vessel Seaprobe, 230 nautical miles west of Clearwater, Florida.
Fazekas Joins Terresolve
Terresolve Technologies, an industry leader in producing environmentally safe lubricants and functional fluids, today announced that Stephen Fazekas has joined the company as director of business development. Fazekas holds more than 21 years of industrial experience in the areas of market development, management, direct sales and engineering. At Terresolve, Fazekas will explore new market opportunities as well as develop and enhance business opportunities within the company’s existing target markets.
Raising a Red Flag?
A Review of Recent Developments with the Americans with Disabilities Act's Requirements for U.S. By James P. Nader & Rudolph F. Douglas Spector and Tammy Stevens presumably do not know each other, but they have a lot in common. Approximately five years ago, both Spector and Stevens boarded cruise ships out of major ports in the southern United States. Both Spector and Stevens, who are wheel-chair bound, believed their respective cruise ships discriminated against them as disabled passengers. Both individuals filed suit in federal courts alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite the similarities in their lawsuits, these two federal courts reached completely opposite results.
West Coast Port Dispute Reach Tenative Deal
The longshoremen and West Coast shippers have reached a tentative pact that addresses issues relating to pension benefits and arbitration procedures, including technological advancements. The agreement will allow the introduction of technology that would improve the flow of cargo through the West Coast terminals. The entire agreement which was announced late Saturday must be approved by members of the ILWU. Negotiations were guided by Peter Hurtgen, director of the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service. In a statement, the president said: "I am very pleased that labor and management have reached an agreement concerning the West Coast Ports. This agreement is good for workers, good for employers, and it's good for America's economy.
