NOAA Proposes New Vessel Speed Regulations to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales
NOAA Fisheries announced proposed changes to vessel speed regulations to further protect North Atlantic right whales from death and serious injuries resulting from collisions — part of a multifaceted approach to stabilize and recover this endangered population. The changes would expand the current mandatory seasonal speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in designated areas of the ocean and extend to most vessels measuring 35 to 65 feet in length.In addition, the agency is releasing a draft “roadmap” for public comment about on-demand…
ONE Expands Reefer Fleet
Container line Ocean Network Express (ONE) is adding another 6,000 refrigerated containers (reefers) to its fleet as the trade continues to outperform that for conventional boxes.The new Reefer would expand its current refrigerated container (reefer) fleet of 240,000 TEU. Reefers include 500 units equipped with advanced Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology which slows down the respiration and ripening process to maximize the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.These reefer containers will be made available for accepting new bookings towards end of the year to meet reefer peak season global demand around the world.ONE has one of the largest…
Pentair Opens Aquaculture Center of Excellence
Mindful that fish farming has the potential to help meet an expanding population's need for protein in a world with increasing water constraints, Pentair announced the opening of its Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems' World Aquaculture Technology Engineering & Research Center of Excellence in Apopka, Florida. The center, which consists of 12,400 square feet of laboratories and fish culture systems, will be used for demonstration, research and teaching activities. Built to allow full connectivity to the Internet, customers and educational institutions will be able to monitor online the progress of fish culture trials, including water quality, feeding, feed conversion ratios, growth rates, energy consumption and harvesting activities.
Videotel Launches Vessel Catering Initiative
For the seafarer often spending long periods at sea, meals frequently act as a linchpin to the day's activities. When crews eat a balanced and nutritious diet, they are more contented, more productive and less likely to have accidents. In recognition of this Videotel has partnered with Garrets International Ltd. to launch an important new MLC focused training series, Catering On Board Ship, which aims to help improve the standard of catering on board every class of vessel – from yacht to ocean-going vessel.
"The Future of Our Oceans"
On April 23, 2012, Dr. Stephen M. Coan delivered remarks entitled “The Future of Our Ocean”, part of the Open VISIONS Forum Lecture Series and presented at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn. Following is the text of his speech. Water sustains life on Earth, and the health of our oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and marshlands, which cover 70% of the planet’s surface, is critically important to global economic and human health. Imagine this vast environment and what it could mean for us if we were able to better harvest food…
