The Mystery of the Grouper Moon

For the full press release go here

Melvin Wylie

“The Mystery of the Grouper Moon” Documentary to Premier in Grand Cayman

"The Mystery of the Grouper Moon" Documentary to Premier in Grand Cayman 45-Minute Film Promotes Protection of the Endangered Nassau Grouper   GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN—SEPTEMBER 1, 2011— Marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey and award-winning filmmaker George Schellenger have a strong message in their new collaboration "The Mystery of the Grouper Moon"— convince Cayman government officials to extend a ban on fishing at spawning aggregations for the endangered Nassau Grouper. Shot entirely in the Cayman Islands and supported by REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, the 45-minute documentary is scheduled to premier on September 13^th at the Harquail Theatre in Grand Cayman.  Two showings are planned, with the first starting at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. The general public is invited. Dr. Harvey, a resident of Grand Cayman, will be distributing "Protect Nassau Grouper" posters to those in attendance as well as to students on subsequent school visits in October. At stake in this effort by Dr. Harvey and other leading marine scientists is the protection of one of the last-known intact spawning areas for the Nassau Grouper in the world.  An eight year ban on fishing at these spawning aggregations, mandated in 2003 by the CI Marine Conservation Board, is due to expire in December of this year. "The Nassau groupers in the Cayman Islands used to congregate over the full moon in January and February at eight specific sites," said Dr. Harvey. "Local fishermen have known about these sites for years, but recently, overfishing at these sites has led to the rapid decline in this species. Today, one active site remains in west end of Little Cayman." Dr. Harvey said that thanks to the ban at this site and other locations, colonies are beginning to grow again, thus helping the Nassau Grouper populations to recover. "Part of our awareness effort is to enlist the support of residents, especially school age children, to send e-mails to the Hon. Mark Scotland, The Minister of Environment, to express their wishes to see the extension on the protection of the grouper holes," added Dr. Harvey. To preview the film, please go to http://www.guyharvey.com/home.php?id=5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE0gqs98UQc&feature=player_embedded For more information on the Nassau Grouper, please go to www.reef.org/programs/grouper_moon   About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations will enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem where fish and other marine wildlife flourish.

Melvin Wylie

U.S. District Court: NOAA Fisheries Service Failed to Protect Columbia-Snake River Salmon

PORTLAND, Ore. - U.S. District Court Judge James Redden ruled today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service failed for the third time in ten years to produce a legal and scientifically adequate plan to protect imperiled Columbia-Snake River salmon from extinction. The harm to these species has been largely caused by operation of the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Today's court action is a watershed moment for fishing and conservation groups, the state of Oregon, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Spokane Tribe, all of which opposed the federal biological opinion, or BiOp, in court. In deciding the case, the court wrote, "The history of the Federal Defendant's lack of, or at best, marginal compliance with the procedural and substantive requirements of the ESA...has been laid out in prior Opinions and Orders in this case and is repeated here only where relevant." The court went on call the federal defendants' plan "neither a reasonable, nor a prudent, course of action." "Today is a victory for the nation," said Trip Van Noppen, President of Earthjustice, the public interest law firm that represented fishing and conservation groups in the case. "But the work has only just begun. In the wake of the worst recession the nation has experienced since the Great Depression, there's a simple path forward that would create thousands of jobs for a small investment. Taking out the four dams that strangle the lower Snake River would bring millions of dollars from restored salmon runs to communities from coastal California to Alaska and inland to Idaho. Let's reject the path that continues wasting money on failed salmon technical fixes and embrace a solution that could set an example for the rest of the nation." This is the third time Judge Redden has found a BiOp for the Columbia-Snake Basin inadequate and illegal. Today, salmon populations are critically low, lingering near just 1 percent of their historic levels. In finding the current plan's heavy reliance on unidentified and uncertain habitat actions illegal, the court wrote: "Coupled with the significant uncertainty surrounding the reliability of NOAA Fisheries' habitat methodologies, the evidence that habitat actions are falling behind schedule, and that benefits are not accruing as promised, NOAA Fisheries' approach to these issues is neither cautious nor rational." "The judge's decision is a victory for wildlife, taxpayers, and the fishing industry," said John Kostyack, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation and Global Warming, National Wildlife Federation. "Protecting Columbia-Snake River salmon protects fishing jobs, saves taxpayers billions of dollars, and helps preserve the outdoor heritage of the Northwest." Among those hit hardest by the Columbia-Snake salmon crisis are commercial, sport, recreational and tribal fishermen. Repeated fishery closures and cutbacks in recent years have harmed river and coastal family businesses and livelihoods, and fishing groups have been at the forefront of this legal battle for decades. "Now is the time for the Obama Administration to walk the talk on real salmon solutions," said Zeke Grader, Executive Director of Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations (PCFFA). "As this ruling highlights, the federal government has spent nearly 20 years spending enormous sums of money foolishly by doing all the wrong stuff. Facing the problem squarely, including potential removal of the four fish-killing dams on the lower Snake River, will create many thousands more jobs, revive the fishing industry, save billions of dollars for taxpayers, and lead in the development of clean, renewable, more efficient energy. What we need most now is for this Administration to lead us to those solutions, not just bury its head in the sand in denial as has so often happened in the past." Endangered Snake River salmon and steelhead tackle a migration like no other salmon on earth. Some swim more than 900 miles and climb almost 7,000 feet to reach their spawning grounds — scaling eight dams along the way. In addition to the amazing journey these fish make, their likelihood of surviving the coming changes from global warming makes their protection and restoration all the more urgent, and makes the BiOp's failure to adequately address climate change all the more distressing. "We applaud the court for keeping a solid eye on the science and the law," said Sierra Club Executive Director, Michael Brune. "The cool, high elevation wilderness watersheds of Central Idaho, Southeast Washington, and Northeast Oregon are a virtual Noah's Ark for salmon and steelhead in a climate changing world." Save Our Wild Salmon is a nationwide coalition of conservation organizations, river groups, fishing associations, businesses, and taxpayer and clean energy advocates working collectively to restore abundant, sustainable wild salmon to the rivers, streams and oceans of the Western salmon states.

Melvin Wylie

Cushman & Wakefield Strike LEED Gold at 2001 K Street in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Spitzer Enterprises along with managing agent, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., a global commercial real estate brokerage and management firm, aligned with CQI Associates, LLC, a Columbia, Maryland-based energy and environmental management consulting firm, to earn LEED Gold, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for 2001 K Street, NW in Washington, DC. The management team and tenants celebrated with a special certification presentation by the USGBC on Thursday, July 21. "Cushman & Wakefield has been a long-time advocate for high-performing, green buildings, and has once again demonstrated its commitment to transforming its building portfolio," said Jeff Kuziemko, manager of LEED Operations, USGBC, who presented the LEED plaque. "Greening our existing buildings helps save money and energy, creates healthier places to live, work and learn - all while addressing our single greatest opportunity to help solve the climate change equation." Obtaining a LEED certification is no small feat. In the DC area, the nation's top green building market, many are striving for this achievement. There are roughly 200 LEED certified projects in DC alone. Accounting for 39% of the certified square footage of LEED projects across the world, existing buildings are outpacing the number of LEED-certified new construction projects on a square foot basis, signaling a market transformation. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance identifies and rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water and natural resources; improve the indoor environments; and uncover operating inefficiencies. "We were delighted to partner with Cushman & Wakefield on this LEED Gold certification project and help to further advance its global leadership and commitment to green design and operations in commercial real estate. Based on a study of ten LEED certified projects we have completed, we learned that the average building costs are now 18% lower than they originally were and the initial investments are paying back in two and a half years. The buildings are much better for the tenants, people are healthier and the sick leave rate has dropped 33%," said CQI Associates Principal, Richard Anderson. "LEED certification of an existing building requires owner, management, staff and tenant commitment to the changes to meet sustainable and lasting green building criteria. A limited number of existing buildings have sought this certification and those who achieve it fall into a very unique group." To learn more about this project, read the full press release at usgbc.org. About Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. Cushman & Wakefield operates nearly 100 owned and alliance offices in the United States with access to more than 15,000 employees globally. With a history of commercial real estate leadership that spans 90 years, Cushman & Wakefield's brokerage and services professionals are the most trusted in the industry, typically involved in the largest, most complex assignments from New York to San Diego and in major business centers everywhere in between. About CQI Associates, LLC CQI Associates, LLC is a leader in energy and environmental consulting. The firm offers services that allow clients to increase profitability by minimizing operating costs. From small businesses to national accounts such as Northrop Grumman, Fuji, and AutoNation, CQI Associates provides custom-tailored services to suit each company's unique needs. To learn more about CQI Associates, please visit www.cqiassociates.com

Melvin Wylie

Researchers Provide Detailed Picture of Ice Loss Following the Collapse of Antarctic Ice Shelves

GREENBELT, Md. - An international team of researchers has combined data from multiple sources to provide the clearest account yet of how much glacial ice surges into the sea following the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves. The work by researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the Laboratoire d'Etudes en Geophysique et Oceanographie Spatiales, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique at the University of Toulouse, France, and the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colo. details recent ice losses while promising to sharpen future predictions of further ice loss and sea level rise likely to result from ongoing changes along the Antarctic Peninsula. "Not only do you get an initial loss of glacial ice when adjacent ice shelves collapse, but you get continued ice losses for many years — even decades — to come," says Christopher Shuman, a researcher at UMBC's Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Shuman is lead author of the study published online July 25 in the Journal of Glaciology. "This further demonstrates how important ice shelves are to Antarctic glaciers." An ice shelf is a thick floating tongue of ice, fed by a tributary glacier, extending into the sea off a land mass. Previous research showed that the recent collapse of several ice shelves in Antarctica led to acceleration of the glaciers that feed into them. Combining satellite data from NASA and the French space agency CNES, along with measurements collected during aircraft missions similar to ongoing NASA IceBridge flights, Shuman, Etienne Berthier of the University of Toulouse and Ted Scambos of the University of Colorado produced detailed ice loss maps from 2001 to 2009 for the main tributary glaciers of the Larsen A and B ice shelves, which collapsed in 1995 and 2002, respectively. "The approach we took drew on the strengths of each data source to produce the most complete picture yet of how these glaciers are changing," Berthier said, noting that the study relied on easy access to remote sensing information provided by NASA and CNES. The team used data from NASA sources including the MODerate Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments and the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). The analysis reveals rapid elevation decreases of more than 500 feet for some glaciers, and it puts the total ice loss from 2001 to 2006 squarely between the widely varying and less certain estimates produced using an approach that relies on assumptions about a glacier's mass budget. The authors' analysis shows ice loss in the study area of at least 11.2 gigatons per year from 2001 to 2006. Their ongoing work shows ice loss from 2006 to 2010 was almost as large, averaging 10.2 gigatons per year. "This study shows where the tracking of sea level rise is heading," Scambos said. "We're showing that glacier changes can start fast, with a single climate or ocean 'bang,' but they have a long persistence." An animation showing ice edge changes for the Larsen B ice shelf and its adjacent tributary glaciers can be viewed at http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/goto?3803. For more information and images, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/larsen-collapse.html

Melvin Wylie

Mexico City Reduces GHG Emissions by 5.7 Million Metric Tonnes

MEXICO CITY - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been reduced by an accumulated 5.7 million metric tonnes (mt) in Mexico City since it began implementing its Green Plan in 2008, the Mexico City government has announced. The reduction represents 82% of Mexico City's overall target of reducing GHG emissions by 7 million mt of CO2eq, which was established by the Green Plan. Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City, said the city will realize the full target of 7 million mt on schedule next year. "Over the past four years, we have made significant progress toward becoming one of the world's most sustainable cities by promoting environmental stewardship not only in our government operations but also by encouraging widespread business and citizen participation," Mayor Ebrard said. Mexico City's Green Plan is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It includes initiatives and investments in transportation, energy and water conservation, solid waste management, air quality, reforestation and climate adaptation. The transport sector, which accounts for 44% of total GHG emissions in Mexico City, was responsible for an accumulated reduction of 4.8 million mt of CO2eq. Mayor Ebrard cited a 350% expansion of the Metrobus system, replacement of 84,000 high-emission microbuses and taxis, development of Zero Emissions Corridors, development of the Ecobibi bicycle sharing network and construction of a new Metro subway line as contributing factors. Martha Delgado, Minister of the Environment, said reforestation efforts and prevention of forest fires contributed to a GHG reduction of 607,846 mt, while improvements in energy conservation contributed 183,425 mt of CO2eq. Separation of organic and non-organic solid waste contributed to a reduction of 127,175 mt of CO2 and methane. In December, Mexico City is scheduled to close Bordo Poniente, one of the world's largest solid waste facilities, which by itself is responsible for 16% of the metropolitan area's GHG emissions. Mayor Ebrard is also serving as chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate. In this capacity, he hosted mayors from around the world last November to sign the Mexico City Pact, a voluntary agreement among cities to cooperate and report their climate efforts. To date, nearly 200 cities around the world have signed the agreement.

Melvin Wylie

Ohio Distributor of Budweiser Charged With Polluting Surface Runoff

Teamsters File Charges against Heidelberg Distributing for Dumping Contaminates into Storm Water Drain DAYTON, Ohio - On July 22, 2011 the Teamsters Local 957 filed a complaint with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency today charging Heidelberg Distributing, an Ohio distributor of Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser, with dumping contaminated water into a storm water drain on the company's property. The complaint was filed after several Budweiser delivery drivers objected to the practice in a questionnaire completed last week regarding problematic business practices at the company. Heidelberg distributes Budweiser, Samuel Adams, and Monster Energy Drink products in Dayton. "We have an obligation to make sure our employers are responsible stewards of the environment and are not engaging in practices that violate environmental regulations," said Varney Richmond, President of Teamsters Local 957. "We believe that corporate citizens such as Anheuser-Busch also have a responsibility to the community to ensure that the companies they hire to distribute their products are not hurting the environment or violating the letter or spirit of state or federal environmental laws."

Melvin Wylie

Guy Harvey Joins Effort to Take Marlin Off the Menu

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—AUGUST 26, 2011— The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) has joined forces with the International Game Fish Association and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation in support of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2011—essentially taking billfish such as Marlin off the menus in the U.S as a seafood option. It is currently illegal to harvest or import Atlantic-caught billfish into the U.S., however, fish caught in the Pacific Ocean continue to flood into U.S. markets in substantial numbers, threatening the survival of these fisheries. Scientific evidence has shown that the current consumer demand for marlin and other billfish has passed sustainable levels, and worldwide marlin populations are being decimated by commercial overfishing. Marlin, considered to be the pinnacle of offshore gamefishing due to the size, power and relative rareness and vulnerability of the species, has made its way onto dinner plates and seafood markets around the world.  The U.S. is one of the main importers of marlin, which has been designated by Greenpeace International to its seafood Red List—a list sold into markets that have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries. The Billfish Conservation Act of 2011 (S. 1451 and H.R. 2706), introduced into Congress on July 29^th of this year, would close U.S. commercial markets to Pacific billfish, preventing their sale and importation (excluding Hawaii and the Pacific Insular Island Area). For more information on the Billfish Conservation Act of 2011, go to http://www.igfa.org/Conserve/MARLIN-OFF-THE-MENU.aspx About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations will enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem where fish and other marine wildlife flourish.

Melvin Wylie

Shared Responsibility in Protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

FAIRFAX, Va. - Today, the Virginia Conservation Network and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG) hosted a public forum in Northern Virginia focused on the critical role that organizations and individuals play in protecting and conserving the region's water resources, including the Chesapeake Bay and its headwaters. The forum, held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., convened a cross-section of more than 90 community leaders, government officials, academics and environmentalists who share the common goal of improving the quality of the region's waterways and, as a result, protecting their diverse eco-systems. "The forum demonstrated that each one of us can make a meaningful difference in protecting the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Nathan Lott, executive director of the Virginia Conservation Network. "While some of the solutions to our water quality issues are expensive and long-term, communities and homeowners can positively affect our waterways everyday by how they care for their property." Much of the day's discussion focused on stormwater management issues facing rapidly growing urban and suburban regions of Northern Virginia. Solutions including stream restoration, vegetative swales, grass buffers and best practices in turf care were discussed as ways in which municipalities and homeowners can take action to mitigate stormwater overflow. Another key topic at the forum was the importance of public stewardship and responsible lawn care and landscaping practices in the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Several speakers underscored that healthy and properly maintained lawns and landscaping are highly effective in helping to absorb water and prevent stormwater runoff. "Healthy, sustainable lawns and landscaping are essential to protecting our rivers, estuaries, lakes and streams," said Chris Wible, director of Environmental Stewardship at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, and a speaker at the forum. "At ScottsMiracle-Gro, we are committed to doing our part to ensure our company and lawn care products advance water quality and conservation. We are also working to educate consumers that proper lawn care practices will help protect our precious water resources." Wible recommended homeowners follow these simple best practices in caring for their lawns:

• Mow grass high. Tall grass grows strong roots, which are better able to absorb water and keep rainfall in your backyard and not moving into storm sewers and waterways.

 

• Mulch grass clippings. Mulching grass clippings recycles nutrients, and returns organic matter to the soil. Rich soil helps absorb and filter rainfall, reducing erosion and water runoff.

 

• Clean up. Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer and leaves off sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces to help keep nutrients out of waterways.

 

• Conserve water. Use rainfall as much as possible to water your lawn. Most yards do not need supplemental irrigation. Direct downspouts out into the lawn, rain gardens and rain barrels.

 

• Create buffer. If your lawn borders water, do not mow or fertilize to the water's edge. Create a buffer zone with uncut grass or other vegetation to capture stormwater and prevent soil erosion.

  Several lawn care tips can be viewed on www.scotts.com or by going to the Lawn Care Basics Web site. ScottsMiracle-Gro has been involved with Chesapeake Bay stakeholders on water quality issues for many years. In 2006, the Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chesapeake Executive Council that supported a stewardship program to reduce nutrient losses from residential lawns. As part of that program, ScottsMiracle-Gro agreed to reduce the level of phosphorus, a nutrient, in its lawn maintenance fertilizers by 50 percent by the end of 2009. The Company achieved that goal and has since announced that all its lawn maintenance fertilizers will be phosphorus-free by the end of 2012. ScottsMiracle-Gro plans to host similar public forums across the country throughout the next several years in an effort to bring further attention to local and regional water-related issues. Most recently, the Company hosted a Water Quality forum in Erie, Pa. in May. ScottsMiracle-Gro has also made a multi-year commitment to educate consumers about the role they can play in advancing water quality and conservation through best practices in lawn and garden care.

Melvin Wylie

Groundbreaking Technology to Protect Chesapeake Bay

MANHEIM, Pa. - Joined by local and state officials at Kreider Farms, Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. (OTC: BNET) today unveiled groundbreaking new technology that protects local streams and the Chesapeake Bay, saves taxpayer money, and creates a source of renewable energy. Featured speakers included Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Executive Deputy Secretary John Hines and Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Executive Director Dr. Paul Marchetti. Forgoing the traditional approach of treatment at municipal wastewater and stormwater facilities, Bion's new advanced micro-aerobic digestion technology provides on-site nutrient treatment at a livestock farm before they ever have an opportunity to flow into local streams and watersheds. The result is a dramatic reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus from animal waste that otherwise would enter the Chesapeake Bay. When Bion's projects at Kreider Farms are fully implemented the technology will create enough biomass to power approximately 2,700 homes. "Bion's groundbreaking technology has far-reaching implications beyond the Chesapeake Bay," said company CEO Dominic Bassani. "Not only does it help protect our local aquifers and rivers, as well as produce a source of renewable energy, but reduced cleanup costs mean an incredible savings for taxpayers. Bion's technology addresses challenges that threaten our global water supply by addressing nutrient runoff at the local level." Bion's recently completed $7.5-million installation at Kreider Dairy Farms, a 1,200 dairy-cow operation, was funded by PENNVEST, and DEP will verify nutrient reductions. Offsets can be used by municipal wastewater and regional stormwater facilities as qualified reductions for the federal Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Chesapeake Bay initiative. The credits could also be made available for use by municipalities in other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area. The Bion performance data released today is based upon independent laboratory analysis. The analysis found the technology is already removing 85 percent of the nitrogen targets with 100 percent of the phosphorous captured for Bion's approved nutrient-reduction plan filed with DEP. The installation will be fully operational by Oct. 1. For more data, please see www.biontech.com. "Remediation for nutrients has long been unaffordable by livestock operators," said Bion Executive Vice Chair Ed Schafer, former governor of North Dakota and secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The verified nutrient reductions in the watershed made possible by the Bion technology enable on-farm installations to provide an affordable solution to the Chesapeake Bay nutrient-reduction mandates committed to by Pennsylvania in its Watershed Improvement Program." About Bion Bion Environmental Technologies has provided environmental treatment solutions to the agriculture and livestock industry since 1990. Bion's patented next-generation technology provides a unique comprehensive treatment of livestock waste that achieves substantial reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus, ammonia, and greenhouse and other gases, as well as pathogens, hormones, herbicides and pesticides. Bion's process simultaneously recovers cellulosic biomass from the waste stream. For more information see www.biontech.com and www.bionpa.com.

Melvin Wylie

Nissan LEAF Parts Will Be Built in Decherd, Tenn.,

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Nissan Americas today confirmed that, starting in early 2013, it will produce the electric motor for the Nissan LEAF – the world's first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle designed for the mass market – at its Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant. Preparation of the plant for electric motor production, facilitated by U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program loan funds, will include addition of a new assembly line and will create up to 90 new jobs. When the new assembly line is completed, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 electric motors annually for Nissan LEAFs, which will be built at the company's assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn. "Nissan's Tennessee operations are paving the way to a zero-emission future for everyone," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman of Nissan Americas. "By delivering motors for the first mass-produced electric vehicles manufactured in the United States, our Decherd plant will play a vital role in making zero-emission mobility a reality for American consumers." The work to support the electric motor assembly line represents the fifth addition to Nissan's Decherd operations, which began production in 1997. The new assembly line will be located within the existing facility using 100,000 sq.-ft. of available floor space, and will feature highly automated, state-of-the-art equipment including wire winding machines, magnetization and magnet insertion equipment, varnishing and hot press equipment and test equipment. Today, the 1.2 million sq.-ft. Decherd plant produces engines and components for Nissan vehicles built in North America, and also houses engine casting and forging operations. The plant currently has the capacity to produce 950,000 engines, 1.1 million crankshaft forgings and 192,000 cylinder-block castings annually. Nissan will produce the Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it at its Smyrna manufacturing complex. The advanced, lithium-ion battery plant is on track to be operational late next year at approximately the same time LEAF production is targeted to begin in Smyrna.

Melvin Wylie

Corona Save the Beach Project

Corona Save the Beach built a hotel made of rubbish collected partly from Europe's beach to raise awareness of beach pollution.    

Melvin Wylie

17th Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 17th Episode of GreenNews4U! In this episode I interview Theresa who is the Sustainability Coordinator for Golden Colorado. The City of Golden is situated near the foothills of the Rockey Mountains and the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon just fifteen miles west of Denver. Where the West Lives or should I say Where the West Bikes. Golden is the home of the Historic cycling museum and was featured in the movie American Flyers staring Kevin Costner. So it's no wonder that Golden was picked as the Final Starting Stage of the USA Pro Challenge on Sunday August 28, 2011. Golden will be the most coveted spot of the entire week-long race, because racers will pass through downtown Golden three times before heading to Denver for the finale.   To download this episode go here You can follow Pro Cycling Golden on Twitter View the web page of Pro Cycling Golden View the web page of USA Pro Cycling Challenge View the web page of Golden here or here

Melvin Wylie

Guy Harvey Research Institute Working for a Sustainable Marine Ecosystem

[caption id="attachment_2680" align="alignright" width="300" caption="GHRI research assistants (left-to-right) Andrea Bernard, Kate Hamilton, Rebekah Horn, Teagen Gray and Shara Teter."][/caption] DANIA BEACH, FL Released on AUGUST 10, 2011 - One of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to the science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) is making important, new scientific discoveries on everything from migratory and reproductive patterns of various pelagic species, to breakthroughs in DNA analysis, to uncovering seafood fraud, exposing what some restaurants are actually serving on your dinner plate. A collaboration between renowned marine artist, scientist and conservationist, Dr. Guy Harvey and Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) Oceanographic Center, the GHRI was established in 1999 with a mission to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve and effectively manage the world's marine fishes and their ecosystems. GHRI's major research discoveries include:

• Development of DNA testing to identify sharks in the global fin trade and determining impact of this trade on shark populations,

• Proving that sharks can reproduce by virgin birth

• Discovering the existence of a new billfish species, the roundscale spearfish.

The GHRI has received widespread attention, including Time and Newsweek magazines and is on display in the Smithsonian's Ocean Hall. _________________________________ On a blistering South Florida July afternoon, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, a NSU professor and director of the GHRI, strides along the NSU Oceanographic Marina located at the terminus of John U. Lloyd Beach State Park and opposite bustling Port Everglades. He stops and nods in the direction of a busy construction site where cranes and men in hardhats are building America's largest coral reef research center. "Our new home," said Shivji, proudly pointing to NSU's Center of Excellence in Coral Reef Ecosystems Science (CoE CRES), a state-of-the-art $40 million facility dedicated to the research and conservation of coral reef ecosystems and their surrounding environment. "This puts us on the global map allowing us to address national and international priorities in coral reef research and enhancing our focus at GHRI to conserve and manage marine fishes and their ecosystems." The new center, according to NSU Oceanographic Center officials, will focus on five thematic areas: 1) Impacts of global and local stressors; 2) Geospatial analysis and mapping; 3) Deep sea coral reefs and biodiversity; 4) Genetic and genomic connectivity; and 5) Hydrodynamics.  It is currently scheduled for completion in May 2012. With new laboratories that will allow for research collaboration, training and staging for fieldwork, Shivji and his staff of graduate and post-doctoral researchers are looking forward to moving into their new home and expanding their conservation research work. GHRI's research, education and outreach activities for the last decade have been supported by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), AFTCO Inc., the Save Our Seas Foundation, extramural research grants from the federal government and private foundations, philanthropic donations by private businesses and individuals and Nova Southeastern University. Shivji and staff are currently working on numerous studies that include sharks, billfish and coral reef fishes.  Project examples include:

• Development of DNA forensic methods to assist the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office for Law Enforcement to identify if protected sharks are being landed in US fishery

• Using DNA forensics to determine the species composition and geographic origin of shark products (e.g., fins) in global markets

• Investigating migration patterns of sharks using a combination of satellite tag tracking and DNA analysis.  Sharks being studied, include tiger, blue, oceanic whitetip, shortfin mako and sand tiger sharks

• Investigating stock structure of sharks globally. Species currently under study include, great hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, porbeagle, blue, tiger, dusky, oceanic whitetip, silky, night, bull, grey reef, Caribbean reef and basking sharks

• Investigating impacts of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on deep sea sharks

• Impacts of overfishing on genetic integrity of Nassau grouper spawning aggregations in the USVI and Cayman Islands

• Development of DNA forensic methods to identify billfish body parts in the Atlantic

• Investigating migration patterns of blue marlin using satellite tag tracking

• Assessing impacts of roundscale spearfish misidentification on previous white marlin stock assessments

  [caption id="attachment_2681" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Check presentation from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to Nova Southeastern University's Guy Harvey Research Institute"][/caption] Building on the long history of top-tier research conducted by the GHRI, Dr. Harvey furthered his conservation efforts by founding the GHOF in 2008. The GHRI continues to function as the research branch of the GHOF while the Foundation endeavors to keep the public informed through outreach and education programs. As for Dr. Harvey, through the GHRI, GHOF and other numerous research organizations around the region, he continues his mission to fund inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. Last year, for example, following news that a Bahamian seafood company was considering exporting sharks to the Far East, the Bahamas National Trust along with the U.S. based Pew Environmental Group and individual conservationists such as Dr. Harvey (who created a "Protect Bahamian Sharks" campaign logo and poster) initiated a petition drive to force the issue of banning commercial shark-fishing.  The government this July, upon receiving a petition signed by 5,000 Bahamian residents, enacted into law the protection of some 40 sharks species found in Bahamian waters from commercial fisherman. A year earlier, Dr. Harvey raised more than a half million dollars through the sale of T-shirts to initiate a Save Our Gulf research study following the wake of the nation's largest oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. With shark, blue fin tuna, grouper and other endangered populations around the world continuing to spiral downward, marine scientists such as Dr. Mahmood Shivji and Dr. Guy Harvey, are working around the clock. Their inspirational work along with hundreds of colleagues around the world will give these animals a fighting chance for survival and a sustainable environment in which to thrive.

Melvin Wylie

Human Rights Case Against ExxonMobil Moves Forward

IN Washington DC, on July 8, 2011 - The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that a lawsuit against ExxonMobil for human rights abuses can go forward. Eleven Indonesian citizens sued Exxon Mobil Corporation for abuses allegedly committed by ExxonMobil's security personnel, including murder, torture and sexual assault. Plaintiffs allege that these security personnel physically abused and killed their family members who lived or worked in villages within Exxon's sprawling operations in rural Aceh, Indonesia. The Plaintiffs had largely completed discovery and were preparing for trial, when the case was transferred to a new district court, which dismissed the case on standing grounds. This appeal, and a cross-appeal by Exxon, followed. Agnieszka Fryszman, a partner at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC and co-counsel for the Plaintiffs who argued the case, said: "The Court of Appeals' opinion is a big victory for the Plaintiffs." The Court: ·Held that corporations can be liable under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). In a scholarly 112-page opinion, the Court rejected the Second Circuit Court's 2010 decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, which had held that corporations were not liable under international law, holding: "It would create a bizarre anomaly to immunize corporations from liability for the conduct of their agents in lawsuits brought for 'shockingly egregious violations of universally recognized principles of international law.'"

• Held that a defendant can be liable for aiding and abetting under the ATS if it had knowledge of the violations and provided substantial assistance to those who carried out the harm.

• Affirmed that non-resident aliens have standing to sue in the United States courts, reversing the 2009 decision dismissing Plaintiffs' common law claims on standing grounds.

Fryszman adds: "This decision means that our clients and their families who endured murder, torture, and sexual assault will finally be able to present their evidence to a jury." Co-counsel Paul Hoffman of Schonbrun DeSimone Seplow Harris Hoffman & Harrison, LLP, who also argued for Plaintiffs, said, "The well-reasoned and thoughtful opinion is an important one for the enforcement of human rights law." Co-counsel Terry Collingsworth of Conrad & Scherer added, "Since I first met our clients in 2001, they have endured not only the agony of human rights crimes, but ten years of justice delayed. We are looking forward to getting this case to trial so that our long-suffering clients can obtain justice."

Melvin Wylie

Cleaning the Anacostia River

Yesterday, while cycling home after the rains I looked down into the Anacostia River and saw a trashy mess. It looked like oil floating on the river and, of course, trash. It always looks like this after it rains. All the storm drain run-off flows right into the river. Buckets, CD's, paper, bags, cans, foam, bottles and Lord knows what else. It's heart breaking to look at. This morning, while cycling into work I saw a wonderful site. Boats were out and they had a net that stretched from side to side catching the debris floating on the river. A step in the right direction that I am very happy to see. Take a look at the flat bed in the picture. That's a lot of debris they are collecting. Where they are collecting debris is only a very small part of the river near the Anacostia Boathouse.

• The Anacostia River is one of the 3 bodies of water of concern by the Chesapeake Bay Program for toxics-related contamination problems.
• The Anacostia River is a local, state and federal priority for urban watershed restoration activities.
• It's been estimated that approximately 20,000 tons of trash and debris enter the Anacostia River annually.
• Cleanup and restoration efforts for the Anacostia watershed began nearly two decades ago. Unfortunately it seems like priority to clean up the river is falling short of expectation.

Melvin Wylie

16th Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 16th Episode of GreenNews4U In this episode I interview Trebbe Johnson. She is the founder of Vision Arrow and Radical Joy for Hard Times. She has written a book entitled The World Is a Waiting Lover: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved. Her articles about people's emotional and spiritual relationship with nature have appeared in Sierra, The Nation, Harper's, Spirituality and Health and other magazines, and she is a Consulting Editor and frequent contributor to Parabola. Among the awards she has received for her work are the John Masefield Award of the Poetry Society of America; the Telly Award for "Only One Earth," produced for the United Nations twentieth anniversary celebration of Earth Day; a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to produce "A Mountain Split in Two," about the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute; gold, silver and bronze awards from the International Film and TV Festival for her work in multimedia; and a grant from the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forest Program to plant 75 trees in her home village of Thompson, PA. She is a member of the Wilderness Guides Council and has served on the stewardship committee of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve in Thompson for more than twenty years. For more information, click the links to Radical Joy for Hard Times and Vision Arrow. To download or embed this episode to your web page please go here or follow the Podcast Media links on the sidebar.   I hope you enjoy this episode of GreenNews4U.

http://www.archive.org/download/16thEpisodeofGreenNews4U/16thepisodeofgreennews4u.mp3  

Melvin Wylie

Green Police

Entertaining, makes you think

Melvin Wylie

BPA Problems

Fred Vom Saal researches the adverse effects of plastic additives

Melvin Wylie

Feacal Attraction

From water to water - If there are humans, there will be excreta.

Melvin Wylie

15th Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 15th Episode of GreenNews4U In this Episode I interview Craig Busch the Founder and CEO of Busch Group of Companies. We focus on Bush Systems, the Leader of Recycling Container  and go over how containers are made, the trend in recycling, composting and so much more! Busch Systems has the world's largest, most complete line of recycling, waste and compost containers. As the industry leader for over 25 years, their innovative products have revolutionized the marketplace with unique, customized bins that maximize participation rates without sacrificing durability, function, economy and style. Busch Systems specializes in providing waste diversion solutions for home, office, government, educational, commercial and industrial settings. If you would like to contact or find more information on Busch Systems go here. I hope you enjoy the 15th Episode of GreenNews4U http://www.archive.org/download/15thEpisodeofGreenNews4U/15thepisodeofgreennews4u.mp3 To download or embed this episode to your web page please go here or follow the Podcast Media links on the side bar.

Melvin Wylie

Corn-Based Ethanol's - Main Cause of Rising Meat & Poultry Prices

The connection between rising food prices and federal support for corn-based ethanol is explained in a new website launched today by organizations whose members produce and process the majority of meat and poultry in the United States. Food prices are up – meat and poultry prices specifically are up 8.5 percent from a year ago – and many consumers are asking why. According to the new website, the government's federal subsidies for corn-based ethanol are key contributors. About 40 percent of the U.S. corn crop is now devoted to ethanol production, because nearly all ethanol produced in this country is derived from corn. This increase in corn demand drives its cost higher, putting tremendous pressure on the livestock and poultry industries that traditionally have been major users of corn as feed. Corn prices have roughly tripled since the government in 2006 mandated ethanol be blended into gasoline and the Consumer Price Index for meat and poultry has risen steadily with it. The new website outlines for consumers how these rising corn prices have contributed to increased meat and poultry costs at the grocery store and asks them for their help in ending federal support of the corn-based ethanol industry, by signing a petition that states: "Federal energy policies need to move beyond corn-based ethanol and look for the next generation of alternative fuels that don't pit food, feed and fuel needs against each other." The site is sponsored by the American Meat Institute (AMI), National Chicken Council (NCC), National Meat Association (NMA) and National Turkey Federation (NTF). "When consumers see the 'Contains Ethanol' sticker at the gas pump, many don't realize the connection between the sticker and their grocery bills," said AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle. "This new website aims to provide the facts and allow consumers to raise objections to this policy in an online petition. It also offers tips on stretching your meat and poultry dollar." "The policies and rules of the game for corn-based ethanol must be re-balanced and the playing field must be leveled to permit chicken producers and other animal agriculture producers to more fairly compete for the very limited supplies of corn this year and most likely for the next few years," noted NCC President Mike Brown. "Chicken companies and all of animal agriculture are bearing the burden and feeling the disastrous effects of competing for corn on a field that is heavily tilted toward the ethanol industry," he said, adding that some companies have been forced to limit production and lay off workers due to the high cost of corn. "The facts on this site show that food prices are in an escalating competition with ethanol due to its tariffs and subsidies," added NMA CEO Barry Carpenter. "These short-sighted policies have done too little to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and too much to pull feed ingredients off the market, which is radically increasing food costs without benefit." "Consumers will be able to use this website as an informative resource on food-to-fuel policies," said NTF President Joel Brandenberger. "It also will help them urge their elected officials to make better decisions to balance food and energy needs. There is also a section to help families cope with rising grocery prices by making a few modifications to their food purchasing and cooking techniques."

Melvin Wylie

Largetooth Sawfish an Endangered Species

Shark Advocates International is applauding the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision to list largetooth sawfish (Pristisperotteti)under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Largetooth sawfish occur in coastal waters and rivers in Mexico, Central and South America, as well as West Africa. In the U.S., the species has been found in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily off Texas, but not since the 1960s. "Sawfish are among the most endangered fish in the world," said Shark Advocates International President, Sonja Fordham. "By adding largetooth sawfish to the Endangered Species List, the U.S. government is taking an important step toward preventing extinction of this remarkable animal and raising awareness about the plight of all sawfish species." Sawfish are rays characterized by long, tooth-studded snouts. They are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation due to slow growth, late maturity, and small number of young. All species are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Critically Endangered. The only other sawfish species native to the U.S., smalltooth sawfish (Pristispectinata), was listed under the ESA in 2003 and is now the subject of a recovery plan. The biggest threats to sawfish are incidental take (or "bycatch") in fishing gear, particularly shrimp trawls, and degradation of near-shore habitats. Sawfish "saws" are sold as curios; their fins are prized for shark fin soup. In 2007, a U.S. proposal led to the listing of all sawfish species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); international trade is essentially banned for all but one species. Beginning August 11, largetooth sawfish will receive federal protection; the U.S. will also encourage other range countries to take similar steps. Shark Advocates International supports ESA listing of largetooth sawfish as well as:

• National protection for all species of sawfish in all range countries
• Better monitoring of South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico shrimp fisheries
• Fishing measures to minimize sawfish bycatch
• Research to inform sawfish conservation, and
• Development of an IUCN Shark Specialist Group global strategy for sawfish conservation.

Melvin Wylie

Nissan's 'Drive Electric Tour' Headed to 26 U.S. Cities

Nissan North America Inc. is bringing test drives of the all-electric Nissan LEAF to 26 cities across the United States, as part of Nissan's "Drive Electric Tour." The second phase tour kicks off in Long Island, N.Y., on the heels of the Nissan LEAF achieving the milestone of 4,000 U.S. deliveries. Nissan is resuming the tour, which began last fall, with a combination of new cities and return stops, due to the growing, nationwide enthusiasm for the Nissan LEAF – the first and only 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle available to the mass market. Since its launch in December 2010, Nissan has delivered more than 4,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles in the United States. The Nissan LEAF currently is available in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, Oregon and Washington, with additional markets launching later this year. To date, more than 350,000 people have expressed interest in the Nissan LEAF by signing up for updates, including information on how to purchase and reserve a vehicle, at www.NissanUSA.com. "As the Nissan LEAF gains momentum in its U.S. rollout, more consumers have expressed the desire to get behind the wheel and experience gas-free driving for themselves," said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, NNA. "We're thrilled to bring the 'Drive Electric Tour' to new cities across the country, as well as revisit several key markets where consumer interest continues to grow." The Drive Electric Tour, a one-of-a-kind consumer driving experience, began in October 2010 and by March 27 had provided approximately 50,000 Nissan LEAF test drives in key markets across the country. The tour provides prospective Nissan LEAF owners the opportunity to learn about the car, its technology and features, and take it for a test drive. Current Nissan LEAF owners also are invited to participate and share their ownership experiences with others interested in electric-vehicle technology. Interested drivers can learn more about the tour, including specific locations, and register to drive the Nissan LEAF at www.drivenissanleaf.com. Tour stops include:

July 8-10: Long Island, N.Y.	Oct. 7-9: Los Angeles
July 15-17: Jersey City, N.J.	Oct. 14-16: Houston
July 22-24: Hartford, Conn.	Oct. 21-23: Dallas
July 29-31: Boston	Oct. 28-30: Phoenix
Aug. 5-7: Washington, D.C.	Nov. 4-6: Las Vegas
Aug. 12-14: Philadelphia	Nov. 11-13: San Diego
Aug. 19-21: Detroit	Nov. 18-27: San Francisco
Aug. 26-28: Chicago	Dec. 2-4: Portland, Ore.
Sept. 2-4: Indianapolis	Dec. 9-11: Seattle
Sept. 9-11: Memphis, Tenn.	Jan. 6-8, 2012: Austin, Texas
Sept. 16-18: Columbus, Ohio	Jan. 13-15, 2012: Atlanta
Sept. 23-25: Denver	Jan. 20-22, 2012, Orlando, Fla.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Santa Monica, Calif.	Jan. 27-20, 2012: Miami

 

Melvin Wylie

World's First Wave Power Plant

On July 8th, 2011, the Basque seaport of Mutriku, located between Bilbao and San Sebastian witnessed a historical day in energy generation history. Utility Ente Vasco de la Energ a (EVE) officially inaugurated the Mutriku wave power plant - the first worldwide in commercial operation. Voith Hydro supplied the equipment for Mutriku's 16 power units that will provide an output of 300 kilowatts in total - electricity sufficient for around 250 homes. "The rising global demand for green energy proves to be a strong catalyst for the implementations of innovative forms of renewable energy. The Mutriku project shows: Our wave power technology is commercially viable and ready for wide deployment on the global markets," says Dr. Roland Muench, Chief Executive Officer of Voith Hydro Holding. "To further this development, adequate feed-in-tariffs for wave power, as they already exist for a number of renewables, can now set the right legal framework." Voith Hydro's wave power technology can be deployed in new and existing breakwaters, and in purpose-built structures. Building on its long-term proven reliability, continuous design improvement have allowed for developing the technology to its leading-edge performance. The worldwide potential of the ocean energies is at an estimated 1.8 terawatts and still remains largely untapped.

Melvin Wylie

Eco Artist Greg Pitts

Music in the Wind

Melvin Wylie

Mitsubishi Electric & Motors Debut Solar-Powered Charging Station

CYPRESS, Calif. - Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric) and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. debuted a solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles at the MMNA headquarters in Cypress, California. The unveiling took place on July 7, 2011. This charging facility, the first of its kind in Cypress, symbolizes MMNA's commitment to electric vehicle readiness, and will help kick off the preparations as certified Mitsubishi dealers become EV-ready in anticipation of the scheduled launch date of Mitsubishi i for each state. The charging station is powered by 96, 175W photovoltaic modules from Mitsubishi Electric. This charging station will help support CHAdeMO compatible electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i, which will arrive in showrooms in November of this year. Mitsubishi i vehicles are now being reserved by prospective owners through a pre-order process available at i.mitsubishicars.com. Able to charge up to four vehicles at once, the station features three types of chargers with different voltages: standard level 1 voltage (110v) will deliver a 100 percent charge in 22 hours on the new Mitsubishi i; level 2 (220v) which can charge the vehicle in six hours; and level 3 CHAdeMO Quick Charger, which can charge to 80 percent battery capacity in 25 minutes. The DC Quick Charger used for the Cypress charging station is manufactured by the Eaton Corporation, and is the first-of-its-kind CHAdeMO Quick Charger certified for U.S. sale and public utility. The actual installation of the charging equipment and the supporting electrical infrastructure was handled by Rogers Electric. The twin-arch structure for the charging station was designed by California Green Designs. The charging station is the first such collaboration between the two similarly named companies, whose headquarters are just a few blocks apart in northern Orange County. Situated near the junction of the 405 and 605 freeways, the hope is that the Cypress charging station, with its Quick Charge capability, can serve as a gateway charging pad for Mitsubishi i users commuting between Los Angeles and Orange counties. "This project will build awareness of solar power's versatility and efficiency," said Katsuya Takamiya, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA. "As electric vehicles' popularity grows, we expect to see more charging stations at large employers, automobile dealerships, shopping centers and schools, where cars can charge while people work, shop or study." Mitsubishi Motors North America President Yoichi Yokozawa said "We hope that our dealers, learning institutions, and municipalities will look to this technology with a keen eye towards the future, and bear in mind that the gradual acceptance of the pure-EV transportation will be aided by increasing the number of facilities like this one." Mitsubishi Electric's solar panels are made with 100 percent lead-free solder, and have one of the higher sunlight-to-energy conversion ratios in the industry, adding to the project's efficiency and sustainability.

Melvin Wylie

Bahamas Acts to Protect Sharks

NASSAU, Bahamas - Sharks in The Bahamas can breathe more easily after the nation's government announced on July5, 2011 that all commercial shark fishing in the approximately 630,000 square kilometers (243,244 square miles) of the country's waters is now prohibited. "2011 is fast becoming the year of the shark," said Jill Hepp, manager of global shark conservation for the Pew Environment Group. "Today's announcement permanently protects more than 40 shark species in Bahamian waters. We applaud the people and government of The Bahamas for being bold leaders in marine conservation." The island nation joins Palau, the Maldives and Honduras in prohibiting the commercial fishing of sharks. Together, this adds up to almost 2.4 million square kilometers (926,645 square miles) of ocean, where these animals can now swim safely. The Bahamian sanctuary was created by adding an amendment to the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act (Chapter 244) to prohibit commercial shark fishing along with the sale, importation and export of shark products. "The Bahamas' prohibition on longline fishing gear 20 years ago protected the marine resources of The Bahamas and ensured that our shark populations would remain healthy," said Eric Carey, executive director of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT). "But there were no specific laws in The Bahamas for sharks, the crown jewels of ocean health. The new regulations signed this morning by Minister Cartwright ensure that that sharks can continue to thrive for generations in our waters, one of the world's best places to see sharks." The new sanctuary is the result of a partnership between the Pew Environment Group and BNT, which began just as a major Bahamian seafood company announced its intention to catch sharks and export their fins. Globally, commercial fisheries kill up to 73 million sharks annually (threatening the future existence of many species)—mainly for their fins. The collaboration between the Pew Environment Group and BNT produced popular public service announcements and a supportive petition signed by more than 5,000 Bahamians. Staff also coordinated outreach trips to support shark protections by Pierre-Yves Cousteau (son of Jacques Cousteau), scientist and artist Guy Harvey, and Sherman's Lagoon cartoonist Jim Toomey. "We congratulate the Right Honorable Hubert Ingraham, the Bahamian Prime Minister, and Lawrence S. Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, for acting to save sharks, the ocean's apex predator," said Hepp.

Melvin Wylie