#pacific

Good News

Ocean CleanUp Launches System 03, Capable of Cleaning a Football Field Every 5 Seconds in the Pacific Garbage Patch

The Ocean Cleanup organization has unveiled System 03, a colossal innovation aimed at cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This new system, nearly three times larger than its predecessor, boasts the remarkable ability to clean an area equivalent to a football field every five seconds. System 03 comprises a massive floating barrier, measuring approximately 1.4 miles (2.2 km) in length, which is towed between two slow-moving vessels. Beneath the surface, a screen extends 13 feet (4 meters) to capture the majority of floating plastic encountered in the water. Since its deployment, this impressive technology has already extracted over 275 tons of plastic from the Garbage Patch, furthering the mission to remove at least 90% of plastic trash from the oceans by 2040. The Ocean Cleanup's dedication to sustainable practices is evident in their sorting process. Once the plastic is retrieved, an onboard crew meticulously sorts it to ensure that it can be recycled and transformed into new, eco-friendly products. This commitment to recycling and repurposing the collected plastic extends to a recent partnership with automaker Kia, where salvaged plastic is incorporated into their electric vehicles. Furthermore, The Ocean Cleanup is tackling the issue of plastic pollution at its source by addressing littered rivers. Their solar-powered barges, known as Interceptors, have successfully collected an impressive 220,000 pounds (100,000 kilograms) of plastic per day from rivers in various global locations. System 03's monumental size and increased efficiency mark a significant step forward in the fight against ocean pollution. With their innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships, The Ocean Cleanup continues to inspire hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future for our oceans.

5 Sep 2023

Good News

New Zealand Funds Landmark Study on Traditional Plant's Potential for PTSD Treatment

The New Zealand government has awarded a landmark grant to researchers from the University of Waikato to study the traditional kava plant ceremony as a potential treatment for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Kava is a drink made from the roots of the kava plant, which is traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures for its calming and relaxing effects. The study will focus on the use of kava in traditional ceremonies, which have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, social connection, and healing. The researchers hope to explore the potential of this ancient practice as a modern treatment for PTSD, which affects thousands of people in New Zealand and around the world. The grant, which is worth over $1 million, is a significant investment in the research of alternative therapies for PTSD. The study will involve working with Pacific Island communities to understand the cultural and traditional practices surrounding kava, and to explore how these practices can be adapted for modern use. The research team hopes that the study will lead to the development of new and innovative treatments for PTSD, which are more accessible and culturally appropriate for Pacific Island communities. With the support of the New Zealand government, this groundbreaking research has the potential to change the way we understand and treat PTSD, offering new hope to those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

7 Jul 2023

Good News

This Airport in India has Bagged Asia Pacific's Cleanest Airport Award!

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has recently bagged the coveted title of the cleanest airport in the entire Asia Pacific region by the Airports Council International. It's a monumental accomplishment, a triumph for the dedicated staff who have labored tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. This recognition marks a turning point for the airport, as it sets a new standard of excellence for others to aspire to. Apart from the cleanliness aspect, the airport is also widely regarded as one of the best in the Asia Pacific region. The airport has been named one of the best for five years in a row, an award that the staff and management are honored to receive. The awards are based on surveys conducted with passengers at airports across the Asia Pacific region. These surveys cover a range of performance indicators and are designed to gather feedback on the quality of services and facilities provided by airports. The recognition received by the Indira Gandhi International Airport is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and management. They have worked tirelessly to maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and customer service, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience when traveling through the airport. The Airport Service Quality awards ceremony will take place in September 2023 in the Republic of Korea’s Incheon.This award is not just a point of pride for the airport but also for India as a whole. It shows that the country is on the right track to becoming a global leader in infrastructure and services.

11 Mar 2023

Good News

This Daring Indian Becomes the World’s First Woman to Fly Solo Over Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

“I lost one day of my life which I will never get back...” Aarohi laughed and uttered these words after crossing the International Date Line, also known as the Line of Confusion, which changes the date and causes instruments to malfunction for a few minutes. At the same time, Aarohi is thrilled as she has gained an experience that she will always treasure. Mumbai girl Aarohi Pandit, an Indian commercial pilot licence and LSA licence holder etched her name in history as she became the first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans solo in a light sports aircraft (LSA). The Global Flight Aarohi Pandit who is currently on a global circumnavigation flight, as part of the Women Empower Expedition (WE!), flew from the city of Unalakleet in Alaska across Pacific Ocean’s Bering Sea, made a stop at Nome in Alaska and then landed at Anadyr Airport in the region of Chukotka, Russia, thus becoming the first-ever women to accomplish this arduous journey. According to her Mumbai team, Aarohi has broken and created several records, including becoming the world’s first woman to complete a solo flight over the dangerous Greenland ice-cap in an LSA, and the first woman to fly all across Canada from the northeast to the northwest via the south. Aarohi’s Inspiration Aarohi was inspired by none other than Amelia Earheart, the legendary American aviator. For this global flight, she went through rigorous training where she had to combat oceans, high altitude, snow, extreme weather conditions, and various terrains. She also took up physical and mental exercises to help build resilience to take on the toughest terrains alone. Aarohi found the Pacific ocean crossing far more beautiful than the experience of crossing the Atlantic ocean and it was also the most significant sector for the circumnavigation, marking its entry into a new country, a new continent, and a new day.

23 Aug 2019

Good News

Positive Reads

The Endangered Blue Whales Make Remarkable Comeback in California Waters

Blue whales, the largest animals on earth, have been spotted in California waters at levels not seen since the whaling industry decimated their population in the early 1900s. According to researchers, the endangered species is making a remarkable comeback in the Eastern North Pacific. Scientists from the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University have been monitoring blue whale populations off the coast of California since 1991. In recent years, they have observed a significant increase in the number of blue whales returning to the region. This is a promising sign for the species, which was hunted to near extinction by commercial whaling in the 20th century. Blue whales were once abundant in the Eastern North Pacific, with an estimated population of around 2,000 individuals. However, by the mid-1960s, that number had dropped to just a few hundred. The recovery of blue whale populations in California is due in part to conservation efforts that have been put in place to protect the species. These efforts include regulations on commercial whaling, as well as measures to reduce ship strikes and entanglements in fishing gear. The return of blue whales to California is a positive development not only for the species but also for the health of the ocean ecosystem. As apex predators, blue whales play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the marine food web. Their resurgence is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of conservation efforts to make a difference.

23 Jun 2023

Positive Reads

Global News

Uncharted Waters: English Expedition Discovers Over 5,000 New Ocean Species in the Pacific

An English expedition has discovered 5,000 new ocean species that were previously unknown to science during a research trip in the Pacific. The expedition, led by the University of Oxford's Professor Alex Rogers, spent six weeks exploring the deep sea using cutting-edge technology. The team used underwater robots to explore the depths of the ocean and collect samples of marine life. They discovered a wide variety of new species, including fish, crustaceans, and corals. Many of the species are believed to be new to science, and some may have important ecological or commercial value. The discovery is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the biodiversity of the ocean and highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The expedition's findings will be used to inform conservation efforts and help protect vulnerable marine species. Professor Rogers said, "This is a major discovery that will help us understand the biodiversity of the ocean and the role that these species play in the ecosystem. We hope that our findings will inspire others to explore the ocean and discover new species." The researchers plan to further analyze the samples collected during the expedition and publish their findings in scientific journals. The discovery underscores the importance of investing in scientific research to better understand our planet's biodiversity and protect it for future generations.

29 May 2023

Global News

Ocean Cleanup: 220 Tons of Plastic Waste Cleared From Pacific Garbage Patch, Making Waves for a Cleaner Future

The Ocean Cleanup, the organization dedicated to cleaning up the world's oceans, has achieved a major milestone in its mission to rid the Great Pacific Garbage Patch of plastic waste. The organization announced that it has removed over 220 tons of garbage from the patch, which is located between Hawaii and California in the North Pacific Ocean. This achievement is particularly significant, as the Pacific Garbage Patch is one of the largest accumulation zones of plastic waste in the world. The patch is not so much an island as it is an area where major currents and winds have brought together trillions of pieces of plastic. It is estimated to contain over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, with a total weight of approximately 80,000 tons. The Ocean Cleanup's efforts to remove this plastic waste have been ongoing for several years, with the organization deploying a fleet of floating devices that use ocean currents to collect and concentrate plastic debris. The collected debris is then transported back to shore for recycling and proper disposal. According to the organization's latest update, the cleanup operation has been successful in removing a significant amount of plastic waste from the patch, including large items such as discarded fishing nets and plastic containers, as well as smaller debris like microplastics. The organization plans to continue its efforts to clean up the Pacific Garbage Patch, with the goal of removing 100% of the plastic waste in just a decade.

10 Apr 2023

Global News

Record-Breaking Discovery: World's Deepest Fish Found Nearly 5 Miles Beneath the Ocean's Surface

An as-of-yet undescribed species of snailfish was recently recorded swimming about—a mind-boggling 5 miles (8 kilometers) under the surface of the ocean. The expedition was organized by the Minderoo-University of Western Australia’s Deep Sea Research Center in partnership with the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. The Izu-Ogasawara Trench is one of three the team will explore, the deepest being more than 9 kilometers down. The video footage shows a group of snailfish swimming near the bottom of the trench, with one fish in particular catching the researchers' attention, which is believed to be a new species. The researchers believe that the Trench may be home to many more undiscovered species, and the discovery of the snailfish is just the beginning. The team used a high-definition camera to capture the footage, which they plan to use to study the behavior and biology of the snailfish. They hope that their findings will shed light on the adaptations that allow these fish to survive in such extreme conditions. The discovery is a testament to the resilience of life in even the most extreme environments. As we continue to explore the depths of the ocean, we may uncover even more secrets and discover new species that have yet to be seen by human eyes.

7 Apr 2023

Global News