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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Good News

A Splash of Good News: 91% of Indian Fish Species Thriving, Fishermen to Get Enhanced Support!

Exciting news from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) of ICAR! A groundbreaking study reveals that 91.1% of the 135 fish species examined are thriving sustainably, painting a promising picture for marine fish populations in Indian waters. This significant finding aligns with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), as the Department of Fisheries ramps up efforts to support fishermen with financial aid, livelihood and nutritional assistance, and Group Accident Insurance coverage. It’s a win-win for both our oceans and the communities that depend on them! Fishermen Safety At It's Best~  According to the release, traditional fishermen can also receive financial support under the PMMSY for the purchase of deep-sea fishing vessels, the upgrading of already-existing fishing vessels for export competency, the purchase of boats and nets for a better catch, communication and tracking devices, and safety kits to ensure fishermen's safety at sea. (Source: Google Images) Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, is the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy. Financial support is given under PMMSY for the development of post-harvest and cold chain facilities, fish transport, fisheries infrastructures such as fish markets, value-added enterprise units, and other activities to boost the value realization to fishermen. According to the release, the government is taking several actions to preserve and sustainably develop marine fisheries resources. These actions include building artificial reefs and conducting sea ranching, enforcing a uniform season fishing ban for 61 days during the monsoon, which is the fish breeding season in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), outlawing pair or bull trawling, and prohibiting the use of artificial light or LEDs when fishing in the EEZ. Advisories are issued to States/UTs to take measures to prevent juvenile fishing such as implementing mesh size regulations and minimum legal size of fish under their Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) to ensure sustainable and responsible fishing practices.

6 Aug 2024
Good News

Breakthrough Device Sniffs Out Potential New Medicines Under the Sea

A groundbreaking device has been developed by scientists to uncover potential new medicines hidden beneath the sea. Marine organisms release countless invisible molecules into the ocean, and researchers believe that some of these compounds could hold the key to developing life-saving drugs.  The Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Continental Biodiversity and Ecology has successfully created a proof-of-concept device that can effectively "sniff" seawater, capturing and analyzing dissolved compounds. The device, known as the In Situ Marine moleculE Logger (I-SMEL), has shown promising results in underwater caves and delicate ecosystems like coral reefs. Dr. Thierry Pérez, the co-author of the study, compared a drop of seawater to a complex broth of dissolved molecules from ocean-dwelling organisms. By isolating and examining these molecules, scientists hope to identify potential new natural products and unlock their medicinal properties. The I-SMEL device, designed to be easily handled by underwater divers, uses specially designed disks to filter and enrich the dissolved compounds. In a recent test conducted in Mediterranean sea caves, the researchers discovered diverse elemental compositions and unknown molecular structures in the captured compounds. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for drug discovery, as several metabolites captured from seawater exhibited variations between different sponge species. These findings provide valuable insights into ecosystem health and offer the potential for developing innovative medicines. The development of the I-SMEL device represents a non-invasive approach to studying marine environments and could lead to significant advancements in the field of pharmaceutical research. By tapping into the vast resources of the sea, scientists are hopeful that this device will uncover life-saving medicines that were previously hidden beneath the waves.

22 Nov 2023
Good News

Global News

Historic Sighting: Blue Whales Spotted After 58-Year Absence in Seychelles!

In the vast expanse of the ocean, the term "whale" encompasses many different kinds of huge marine creatures. Yet, one colossal figure stands supreme: the blue whale. Characterized by its awe-inspiring size, the blue whale commands attention as the pinnacle of oceanic grandeur. Recent research has spotlighted these majestic creatures, particularly in the waters surrounding the Seychelles, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean. This discovery marks a significant moment in marine conservation, as it signals the return of blue whales to these warm, tropical seas after more than half a century. More than a dozen blue whales were found during a study of whales near this Seychelles' territorial seas, which marine researchers have called a "phenomenal finding." It is a fantastic turning point in the lengthy and more successful recovery story for the largest mammal in the world. It is their first time spotted in these warm waters since 1966. Historically, the Seychelles, which are in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, served as a stopover point for Soviet whalers heading to Antarctica. The years 1963 to 1966 were particularly hard for the whales here, and many were taken before the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling ended the practice of hunting baleen whales in 1973. Since 1966, there hasn't been a dedicated study of whales in the Seychelles until 2020, when a collaboration between four universities conducted an acoustic survey over two years, resulting in five separate sightings of groups of up to ten animals. 'Success Recovery for the World' ~ Largest Animal On Earth:  One of the whales the researchers spotted. Credit Jeremy J. Kiszka. Florida International University. (Source: Google Images) Jeremy Kiszka, a co-author of the Florida International University study, stated in The Conversation that "this was a phenomenal finding." "Given the intense hunting that has been going on lately and the complete lack of information available since the last blue whale was killed in the area in 1964, we were ready to see no blue whales." These animals may easily weigh 200 tons and are as long as a basketball court. They are just the biggest animal that has ever been discovered. It's hard to determine for sure, although certain early whales and ichthyosaurs are thought to have been as enormous or greater based on extrapolations from fossilized remnants. Not a single whale on the reel matched any other whale that had ever been photographed, according to the survey team, who had uploaded pictures of the whales' dorsal sides to a database to see whether any of them had ever been documented before. The research surmises that this indicates they have likely never been sighted previously, which may seem odd for a species of that size. Still, in addition to their limited number of 5,000 to 15,000 on Earth, they roam great distances while submerging deeply, making it extremely difficult to document their movements. Using hydroponic microphones, the survey detected 23 different kinds of whales over two years, with December and April seeing the most activity. This is an intriguing discovery that implies something about the seas surrounding the Seychelles is ideal for whale habitat. The return of blue whales in the Seychelles paints a picture of resilience and hope. Their return to these warm waters signifies not only a triumph for conservation but also a reminder of the intricate balance of marine ecosystems. As we marvel at the magnificence of these gentle giants, let us be inspired by their story and hope that their majestic presence continue to grace our seas.

3 May 2024
Global News

Sydney Harbor Welcomes 100 Tiny Endangered Seahorses in a Remarkable Conservation Effort

In a remarkable conservation effort, Sydney Harbor has become the new home for 100 tiny endangered seahorses, offering hope for their declining population. The seahorses, known as White's seahorses or New Holland seahorses, were bred at the Sea Life Aquarium in Sydney before being released into the harbor. This initiative is part of a larger plan to rehabilitate and reintroduce these iconic Australian creatures. Laura Simmons, the Aquarium's curator, revealed that this release is one of many that have already taken place, with several more planned for 2024. The White's seahorses possess fascinating characteristics, including ovoviviparous reproduction, where the female deposits fertilized eggs into the male's brood pouch for gestation. They also exhibit strong fidelity and seasonal monogamous mating. Unfortunately, their population has been in decline for years, making this conservation effort even more crucial. Simmons expressed the importance of reversing the decline and reestablishing the seahorse population. She emphasized that these seahorses are a national icon, and it is crucial to protect and preserve them. The release site at Clontarf, a tide pool north of Sydney Harbor, marks the sixth release this year alone. Previous successful releases have taken place at Chowder Bay, Botany Bay, and Little Manly Beach, resulting in over 400 individual seahorses finding their way into their natural habitats. Swimmers in Clontarf may have the chance to observe these seahorses clinging to the habitat net in the tidal pool. However, it is essential to respect their habitat and avoid disturbing the animals.

1 Jan 2024
Global News

Unprecedented Sighting: 13-Foot Sawfish Ventures North, Ushering in Hope for Species Revival

A 13-foot sawfish, a bizarre relative of the ray with a chainsaw for a nose, has been spotted in Florida's Cedar Key, further north than any sawfish sighting in decades. The rare sighting has given hope for the recovery of the endangered species, which was once widespread in the US southeast but saw its numbers plummet due to a variety of factors. Marine ecologist Dean Grubbs, who was on a fishing trip with some students, caught the mature female sawfish and tagged it for tracking purposes. The tagging will allow biologists to track the animal for 10 years to see where it spends its time. Grubbs and his colleague were encouraged to see that the animal was female and had mating scars, indicating that it was reproducing. The sawfish nurseries tend to be found in calm waters under and around mangrove trees, and the belief is forming that they are returning to old haunts as part of a slow, steady recovery. Increased protection for mangroves and a ban on gill nets, in which sawfish rostrums were famous for getting trapped, are among the measures contributing to the recovery of the species. The sighting of the 13-foot sawfish is a positive sign for the recovery of the species and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered marine life.

26 Jul 2023
Global News

Lost World Found: Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Reef Teeming with Life

A never-before-seen deep-sea reef has been discovered in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, providing much-needed hope for the marine environment. The discovery was made by an underwater explorer more than 1,300 feet below the surface, at the summit of an underwater volcano, in the center of a large archipelago. The 1.2-mile expanse is teeming with marine life, including octopus, sea urchins, squat lobsters, sharks, and rays. The discovery also included a collection of coral that is thought to be thousands of years old. The newly discovered reefs are pristine and contain 50-60% live coral in many areas, which is very rare. The discovery is potentially of global significance as it can act as a canary in the mine for other reefs globally. These sites can be monitored over time to understand how pristine habitats evolve with our current climate crisis. The discovery was made possible by the Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin submersible, which has had many upgrades since its inception in 1964 and now features high-definition imaging, better lighting, and sensors. The Galapágos Marine Reserve covers 76,448 square miles and is home to over 3,000 known species, making it one of the world's most significant areas of biodiversity. Remarkably, little of it has been subject to recent exploration, suggesting there may be more reef structures across different depths waiting to be explored. The discovery also highlights the importance of following through with the historic ocean treaty, in which nations have pledged to protect 30% of open waters by 2030. This discovery gives hope for the future of our marine environment and emphasizes the need for further exploration and protection of our oceans.

24 Apr 2023
Global News

The Future of Artificial Reefs: How One Dutch Startup is Redefining Sustainability

The gray waters off the port of Rotterdam are now home to a unique seawall made of Lego-like blocks that double as an artificial oyster reef. These blocks have been developed by Dutch startup Reefy to help safeguard marine life populations and prevent offshore erosion of the seabed caused by waves and storms. While natural coral reefs can absorb up to 97% of storm surge energy, artificial reefs made of cheap materials such as old cars or solid concrete are not as flexible or beneficial for the environment. They do not make room for nature and often fail to disperse the energy of incoming waves. Reefy's blocks address these limitations by making holes that allow waves to expend their energy going through the blocks rather than bouncing off them. The holes also create space for animals to pass through or make their home inside. The low-carbon concrete outside of the blocks is textured to encourage the growth of mussels and oysters, while a "Reefy Paint" of calcium carbonate is being developed as a supplement for bivalves. Reefy's Lego-like blocks are customizable and can be interconnected into any shape, making them ideal for climate-proof coastal infrastructure. The company's proprietary technology analyzes the force and angle of waves to determine the optimal pattern for reducing wave energy. This innovation marks a significant step forward in creating long-lasting artificial solutions that enhance biodiversity and protect the marine ecosystem. Other parts of the world, such as Israel, are also exploring 3D printing of artificial ceramic reefs as a way to replace natural reefs lost to climate change. The Lego-like seawall in Rotterdam is a prime example of how technology and innovation can work hand in hand with nature to create sustainable solutions for the challenges we face.

14 Apr 2023
Global News

The Whys and Hows

Decoding the Mysteries: Do Octopuses Dream Like Humans?

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the critical importance of adequate sleep for human health. A broader biological implication of this is that sleep appears to be nearly universal in animals. Despite its importance, it is still unclear what sleep is for. Researchers are considering the idea of non-human animals dreaming during REM-like sleep because species act out waking-like actions in this condition. Sleep spindles are visible in octopuses' sleep, just as they are in humans. Furthermore, during the octopuses' peaceful sleep, the researchers discovered distinct brain waves. These closely mimic specific waveforms recorded in mammalian brains during non-REM sleep. These waves are referred to by scientists as sleep spindles. Scientists believe that these waves are important in octopus memory consolidation as they sleep. Dr. Tomoyuki Mano, the first co-author, employed a powerful microscope to discover that these sleep spindle-like waves occur in areas of the octopuses' brains associated with learning and memory. This implies a function similar to that of humans. The octopuses went into an active sleep phase that lasted about a minute every hour. Their brain activity closely reflected their awake state throughout this stage. This is similar to REM sleep in humans. Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers, in collaboration with the University of Washington, have closely examined brain activity and skin patterning in octopuses (Octopus laqueus) during this active period of sleep and discovered that they closely resemble neural activity and skin patterning behavior seen when awake. In mammals, wake-like activity occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when most dreams occur. In several senses, the REM sleep state is contradictory. It is characterized by increased metabolic activity and brainwave patterns more akin to wakefulness. At the same time, most skeletal muscles relax (the exception being the eye muscles).  Octopuses sleep in the same way as humans do but with a twist. The slumber bouts of these bright marine invertebrates are punctuated by bursts of frenetic activity. During sleep, the octopuses' eyes and arms quiver, their breathing becomes more rapid, and their skin flashes in a beautiful display of colors. The brain architecture of octopuses (and other cephalopods) differs dramatically from that of almost every other type of organism on the planet. They appear to be extremely intelligent, with extraordinary problem-solving abilities, and their brains have a few surprising similarities with humans.  It's an intriguing discovery that could shed light on the evolution and function of sleep!

23 Dec 2023
The Whys and Hows

Star Citizens

Sea enthusiast builds a hospital for the 1,000 seals he saves off the coast of Britain.

A woman who oversees a hospital for injured seals in Cornwall, a picturesque and windy seaside city, also volunteers to save various marine creatures. She was recently recognized for her extraordinary efforts with the Animal Action Award. Lizzi Larbalestier, a volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), converted her Airbnb into a temporary animal hospital and cared for injured seals for nine months. She, her husband, and other volunteers decided it was insufficient and started from scratch to construct a fully operational seal hospital in Cornwall. The couple's home facility had six pens, but the new site has 10. Entering their third breeding season, Larbalestier anticipates receiving about 100 seals annually for rehabilitation. The previous year, they received 3,000 calls to assist with wounded or displaced marine species. Some need immediate medical attention after being brought in with injuries from boats or fishing equipment. Some are pups who have been separated from their parents; others are young animals who were unsuccessful hunters and would have died from severe malnourishment. Substantiation of her Work:  Lizzi highlights that everyone on the team contributes to the daily tasks and that every volunteer is "critical" to BDMLR's efforts to save the maritime environment."Any volunteer medics can rescue the pups, and if needed, we bring them to the hospital so a veterinarian can examine them and develop a treatment plan," the woman stated. "It takes a true team effort to ensure pups receive the best care; we have clear protocols for that."After their rescue, we provide these animals with vital treatment, which helps to stabilize the puppies and get them ready to go to larger rehabilitation facilities. Sensitivity of Work:  President and CEO of IFAW, said, "The Animal Action Awards are our long-standing commitment to honor and herald the animal heroes that make an impact." This kind of appreciation leads to self-actualization needs in life and further motivates the person to stay driven by self-belief. Lizzi reports that although the BDMLR( British Divers Marine Life Rescue) volunteer team primarily rescues seals, they also respond to calls regarding various marine animals, such as "cetaceans" (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). It was a tremendous team effort under trying conditions, she said. But I'm going to help them no matter what!  

7 Nov 2023
Star Citizens

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