Category Archives: Private Islands

One of the best things about cruising is the great places you get to visit, but excursions can be pricey, some even costing hundreds of dollars for families.

But there is good news for MSC cruisers visiting the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. You can have an incredible day without spending any extra money. Not a penny

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) is MSCs exclusive island in the Bahamas, just 65 miles east of Miami, providing an idyllic secluded paradise. Best of all, you can enjoy a day in paradise without adding to your cruise bill. Who doesnt love that?

Here is how you can spend your day at Ocean Cay without making a dent in your pocketbook.

MSC Cruises has repurposed the island, converting it from an industrial site, restoring it to a natural Bahamian island with plenty of vegetation and marine life. The waters around the island once again welcome fish and other aquatic animals, making it perfect for snorkeling.

Being in the sunny Caribbean, the weather at Ocean Cay is ideal for cruisers all year long, with daytime highs ranging from the 80s to 90s, along with warm sea temperatures. Great weather for a variety of activities.

Ships dock at the pier at Ocean Cay, making it an easy port stop, and you can always pop back to the ship if you forget anything. Getting around is a breeze, with numerous walking paths and free transportation that goes all over the island.

Before heading off for the day, there are a few things to know to make the most of your visit.

Bring a towel, water bottle, bathing suit, snorkeling gear, and other appropriate equipment and clothing for any activities you want to do. Dont forget the all important sunscreen and a hat. There are free lockers in the washrooms for those wanting to store stuff while visiting for the day.

If you plan on doing a lot of walking, a comfortable pair of shoes or running shoes is a good idea. The island is large, and there are lots of places to explore. For families with younger children, bringing along some sand toys can make a beach day even better.

With that sorted out, now on to the fun. Here is how you can spend a fun filled day at Ocean Cay at no extra cost.

Ocean Cay has not one but 8 beaches to enjoy while you are on the island. This includes complimentary loungers with umbrellas or some natural shade.

Amongst the most popular is South Beach. Not far from the Welcome Center, walking along the main boulevard, you can't miss it. The water at South Beach is very calm, with soft sand, and there are lifeguards on duty. Close to the main food court, a bar, and washrooms, nothing is far away. It looks across to North Beach, which you can access by a small bridge, which had few people on itthe day we visited.

There are several other beaches as well, including Lighthouse Bay, which has a great view of the ship; it is also popular with families. Colorful umbrellas dot the beach, with chairs and loungers, again at no charge.

For a break from the beach, the island offers numerous paths that take guests across the two islands that make up Ocean Cay. There are plenty of signs throughout the island, so it is easy to explore, in addition to free transportation all over.

There are many desolate beaches and beautiful tree-lined paths to explore. While visiting, I was stunned at the scenery throughout the island and the isolated areas that feel like a deserted island. MSClanted 80,000 plants, trees and shrubs on this island, which adds to its lush feel. The new vegetation has also attracted numerous birds who now make Ocean Cay their home.

Not to be overlooked is the islands signature lighthouse. With its bold red and white stripes, its easy to spot from afar. It is a magnificent spot to take pictures or relax on one of the couches at the viewing point by the bar.

The Bahamas is known for its ocean waters and marine life, and MSC went to great lengths to reinvigorate the marine life on this island. They have relocated 400 coral colonies, making a great base to see fish and explore the crystal clear waters.

You can rent equipment (for a fee), but best to bring your own snorkel equipment to take great advantage of this bountiful water which is seeing the return of coral, seagrass, conch and lobster, among many fish species.

There are outdoor showers and change rooms so that you can wash off at the end of the day.

MSC passengers can choose from a couple of complimentary food venues on the island, including a buffet as well as some food trucks. Seakers Food Court is an open air venue that offers a wide range of food options, with lots of covered searing. It opens at 11:30 and runs late in the afternoon (4 pm).

It has a fairly extensive menu with a variety of salads, and protein options such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops, sausages, and ribs, along with jerk chicken and fish, to name a few. There are plenty of great sides, including fries, corn on the cob, and mac and cheese. There is lots of fresh fruit for dessert, along with cookies and other sweet items.

Inside, you can refill your water bottle, or if you have a drink package, there is a bar area within the food court where you can use your onboard account to buy beer and soda. There are bars nearby for something more substantial.

There are a couple of food trucks located throughout the island. The Beach Shack serves BBQ favorites with pasta salad, fries and brownies, all complimentary.

If you have a drink package with MSC good news- it works on the island as well. For those that don't, bring along a water bottle which you can fill up at the buffet.

There are a variety of bars dotted around the island, so you never have to go far to find a drink. Among my favorite is the Lighthouse Bar which has incredible ocean views and was quite quiet the day we were there.

If you don't have a drink plan, fill up your water bottle prior to leaving the ship. The only place I found to fill up was Seakers Food Court, although it does not open until 11:30. The bars only have canned water that they sell.

Ocean Cay offers a wide variety of activities, some of which are at an additional cost, such as kayaking, boat tours, jet skis, stand-up paddle boarding, and it even has a spa.

However, for those looking to save their money, there are many ways to enjoy this island. The day we visited, there were numerous free activities on the agenda, including volleyball, kite flying, a treasure hunt, and bocce.

You don't have to buy anything, but it is fun to look through the stores on the island, which are located near the dock. Set in colorful, Bahamian style buildings, they sell many Bahamian made products that the islands are well known for, including straw and sponges. I personally enjoyed talking to local Bahamians working in the retail spaces who have come to live on the island.

A major don't miss at Ocean Cay is the free nighttime activities. This is particularly nice; as the sun sets, the temperature dips to more comfortable temperatures, and you can enjoy the island in a different atmosphere.

The Junkanoo parade is amongst the best things all day at Ocean Cay. Junkanoo is a famous Bahamian tradition where dancers and musicians come together to celebrate, usually around Christmas, but luckily, MSC puts on a show all year round.

Dressed in incredibly bright costumes with beautiful hats with feathers, it was a sight to see. The musicians followed with drums and shakers, creating a magical repeating beat. They traveled along the island's main route, dancing with passengers, and everyone was having a wonderful time.

There is also a music party with lights and pumping music at the Lighthouse, which ends a perfect day.

Read this article:

How to have a great time at MSC's Ocean Cay without spending any money - Cruise Blog

It was around the end of August when Peter and Jennifer Bernard moored their 50ft cutter-rigged ketch, Steel Sapphire, at the marina below Londons Tower Bridge.

Their journey to circumnavigate the globe was supposed to have taken them back to Sydney within five years, but after four, they had only reached the British capital. They were halfway round and years late.

The forces of the natural world with the dictates of seasonal cyclones and a global pandemic had seen their beautifully laid plan fall apart.

Peter, 50, learned to sail as a teenager and had always planned to sail around the world when he retired. It was Jennifer, 52, having lost a close friend to cancer, who challenged Peter when they got together: Why would we wait until we were in our 60s?

Unlike most who tackle the odyssey, they didnt come from engineering or trade backgrounds, so the two self-described corporate desk jockeys spent eight years learning about engine maintenance, plumbing and first aid.

But the truth is, we could never have learned everything, Peter says. Ultimately, you just have to set a date.

The couple sold their three-bedroom house in Glebe to buy the yacht that would become their home on the seas. They left their management jobs in the pharmaceutical industry and set off from Sydney Harbour on 1 July 2018.

Between 2010 and 2018, everything that we planned we did to the letter and left on the day we said we would leave, Peter says.

Everything was perfect. And we then had a very detailed plan for what was going to happen next month by month, everywhere we were going to be in the world, and not a damn thing of [that] has come true.

After travelling along the east coast of Australia and then from Darwin to Indonesia, Jennifer says it was in Thailand that their beautifully laid plan fell apart.

There, a small refit got delayed and delayed and delayed, and we missed our opportunity to sail across the Indian Ocean.

Because of seasonal cyclones, You have to follow the weather. The weather dictates as to where we could be in the world and what time its safest.

The couple decided to make the most of the situation by returning to Indonesias Anambas Islands, which they had raced through on their way north.

If no one knows about them, thats great, because they are a hidden gem, Jennifer says.

At the time, Peter says, they thought: Its not that bad, its only the first year. Weve got all of 2020. What can possibly go wrong in 2020?

The Bernards arrived in Maldives the same day authorities declared a Covid-19 lockdown, which saw them and those aboard 15 other boats confined to their vessels.

After a month of being forbidden from setting foot on land, the government gave those on private boats permission to go ashore on a private island during daylight hours.

After four months in the Maldives, on 11 July 2020 the couple sailed on.

They were one of nine boats to secure a permit from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration to enter Chagos Islands despite Covid restrictions.

The islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 500km south of the southern tip of the Maldives, and thousands of miles from land in any other direction, was the home of the Chagossian people until 1973, when the entire population was forcibly removed by the British colonial administration.

While the British allow private boats to stop at Chagos if they can prove they have a valid reason for safety at sea respite, the UK refuses to allow the descendants of Chagos Islanders to return.

As part of their three weeks on the islands, the couple spent time on Boddam Island, seeing the vestiges of homes, stores, a church and a cemetery all solidly built over a 100-year period from stone, and now lying in ruins since the people were forced to leave.

Peter says what was equally sobering was the rubbish broken beer bottles scattered among the ruins, and assorted sailing debris including buoys, floats, jerry cans, a damaged rudder, even a mast left by a different era of cruising before the concept of leaving a clean wake was established.

It was hard to know what to feel more sad about the fate of the Chagossian people, forcibly evicted and unable to return despite UN resolutions demanding that the UK allow them to, or the terrible abuse of the white privilege enjoyed by the yachties who were allowed to come here when the Chagossians were not, and showed so little appreciation of the beautiful and pristine environment that they spoiled it for everyone in the future, Peter says.

After three weeks on the Chagos Islands, the Bernards sailed on to Seychelles on 4 August 2020, and thats where the world really wasnt opening up as fast as we hoped or wanted, Jennifer recalls.

We had to weigh up that decision: do we sail on to South Africa and miss out all the islands we wanted to see, like Mauritius and Runion and Madagascar, because they were all closed, and even South Africa was closed, so it was a risk to sail there, albeit wed been told it was likely to open soon, Peter explains.

They made the decision to stay in Seychelles for an extra year to be able to see all the places they had planned to on their adventure.

The Bernards had to accept theyd lost two years out of their five-year plan. They decided that in order to get their finances back on track, they would stop in London to work and earn enough money to complete the second half of their circumnavigation.

While the pandemics disruptions cast their plans into disarray, this also took them off the beaten track for most sailing cruising routes, and the couple say its some of these places that proved the most memorable. For example, because Covid prevented them from visiting so many countries, they decided to sail an alternative route through the Red Sea, which took them to Tanzania.

There they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, went on safari, hung out in coffee houses in Zanzibar and spent a few days helping a remote island community where their friends had installed a generator the year before.

Weve had places where the sailing was better for sure. Weve had places where the food was better for sure, but Tanzania was just this multifaceted experience Peter says.

When the couple sailed through the South Atlantic, they travelled from Cape Town to Namibia, then on to Saint Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled, and eventually on to Ascension Island.

Jennifer says it was in this last place that to get ashore, its the most difficult dinghy landing with this huge swell coming in.

You have to partially tie up to this pier, which you then have to leap in between swells with these huge Galpagos sharks circling underneath your dinghy just waiting for you to fall in.

And these are the bitey human-eating kind of sharks. Youre not allowed to swim in Ascension, because the sharks developed a taste for humans. It was incredibly exhilarating and scary, and I cant believe I did it.

For Peter who emigrated to Australia from Scotland in his 20s after falling in love with the country as a backpacker the highlight of their journey was sailing up the River Clyde into the port in Largs, where his father taught him to sail.

I was expecting that my dad would come out in his boat and greet us, Peter says. The bit I wasnt expecting was that my parents had organised for a bagpiper to be standing on the bow of my dads boat so as we moored it up to them, the bagpiper struck up Scotland the Brave and then proceeded to serenade us all the way into the marina.

That was a pretty epic moment. I dont know that many other moments in my life will be as epic. Bear in mind, this is Scotland and by rights it should be pouring down with rain, but it wasnt. It was beautiful sunshine and the heavens smiled and it was perfect.

The pandemic has made us change our plans, Jennifer explains. This is just a different chapter to our journey. And so were going to make the most of living in London and enjoying what this amazing city has to offer.

We dont know how long its going to be. We know it has to be a fair length of time because we really need to save up a lot more money, and its a chance to spend time with Peters family and friends.

We do believe that we will finish our circumnavigation, but as they say, sailors plans are drawn in the sand at low tide.

Originally posted here:

What can possibly go wrong? Global headwinds stall Australian couples epic round-the-world voyage - The Guardian

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A new major cruise port is set to be built in The Bahamas in what is undoubtedly an exciting development for the cruise industry. Famous the world over for their pristine beaches, vibrant and authentic Caribbean culture, and clear, deep blue waters, The Bahamas are a spot thats already popular with cruise tours and regular holidaymakers, and the exciting new cruise port development could see even more travelers getting the opportunity to experience their beauty for themselves.

The new port development which will also come with a luxury resort could change the face of cruising in the region, making up for years of inactivity at the hands of the pandemic. Heres a look at everything we know about the planned development so far, including when it is expected to be completed, how many passengers it will be able to handle, plus a look at what we know about the resort set to be built alongside it.

The Bahamas is well-known for being one of the most scenic ports in the world, with millions visiting each year to sample its delights. In 2019, prior to the pandemic putting cruise travel on the world for more than a year, the scenic island nation welcomed a staggering 3.8 million cruise guests to its beach, bays, and lively backstreets, with the country generating a substantial amount of revenue from tourism-related trade. With cruising very much back in vogue now, the country is hoping to return to such figures once more and a new cruise port looks like a great way to do it.

Just this week, the government of The Bahamas signed off on a new deal to bring a mega port to the country, a move that will boost the number of travelers able to visit the islands significantly. Azul Destinations Ltd and Calypso Cove Destinations Ltd are working to deliver the project at a cost of $250 million, with the port set to have a suitably tropical name Calypso Cove. Fortunately for travelers, the project is set to be much more than just a place to sail into, but a top destination in its own right.

The exciting new construction will be located on the countrys Long Island, which is located to the south of both the capital city and current cruise port of Nassau and Carnival Cruise Lines exclusive private island of Half Moon Cay. The Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Chester Cooper, stated that the port will play host to a large variety of different attractions, which will help solidify the country as a favorite cruise destination amongst cruise enthusiasts.

Along with a port, the construction will also include a 200-room hotel to host both cruisegoers and regular vacationers alike. The hotel will feature a water park with both indoor and outdoor pools, whilst the planned casinos and shopping center will provide guests with more than enough leisure activities to keep them occupied during their stay. As if thats not enough, there will also be an 18-hole golf course at the port, where guests can enjoy a round of the famous old sport in almost unparalleled natural surroundings.

Construction is set to begin on the project late next year or early 2024, with an estimated completion date not yet known. Once completed, the port will be capable of handling 13,000 cruise passengers per day, which will go some way towards helping the country reach its goal of welcoming 4 million passengers per year. The government will also be working on upgrading the local airports facilities to meet the expected demand.

The project will be overseen by former Carnival Corporation Vice president for Global Port and Destination Development, Carlos Torres de Navarra, who stated that choosing a location in close proximity to the cruise capital of the world, Florida, was a major factor in selecting Long Island for the new port. The port will feature a pier large enough to welcome two Oasis-class ships, which are amongst the largest in the world.

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New Major Cruise Port To Be Built In The Bahamas - Travel Off Path

Fiji has been named as the top island Australia and The South Pacific by readers of the influential tourism magazine, Cond Nast Traveler.

Fiji has beaten destinations such as Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Tasmania, Australia, Moorea, French Polynesia and Tahiti, French Polynesia in the Top Islands: Readers Choice Awards 2022 category.

Very proud to today announce that Fiji has been named #1 Island in the Pacific by travel Bible Cond Nast in the US, said Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill in a social media post.

Fiji has also been featured on the cover of the Cond Nast Traveler and featuring an right page spread on Fiji tourism.

Fantastic exposure for us in one of our key markets.

Congratulations also to Royal Davui Island Resort, Turtle Island, Kokomo Private Island Fiji and Nanuku Resort, Fiji being named in the top 10 resorts in the Pacific.

Book in and come and see what all the hype is about where Happiness Finds You!

Read the rest here:

The Fiji Times In the top 10 resorts in the Pacific - Fiji Times

BARNSTABLE COUNTY Two candidates are vying to become the next Cape and Islands District Attorney an office that's been dominated by Republican leadership since 1971.

After Michael O'Keefe, current district attorney for the Cape and Islandsannounced in January that he wouldn't run for re-election, three Republicancandidates immediately jumped on the ticket, with Daniel Higgins, assistant district attorney for the Cape and Islands, immerging victorious afterSeptember's primary elections.

Higgins will run against Robert Galibois,a Barnstable-based defense attorney, who is running as a Democrat.

While Higgins has served in the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office since 2009,Galibois was alsoassistant district attorney from1997 to 2003,serving under then-Cape and Islands District AttorneyPhilip Rollins.

Shortly after O'Keefe's election in 2002, Galibois began practicing as a criminal defense attorney in 2003, subsequently opening a private practice in 2008.

More: What will be focus for Galibois, Higgins, in race for Cape and Islands district attorney?

The duties of a district attorney, who is answerable only to voters,include, working with state and local police investigating major crimes, determining whether a suspect is charged and what charges a suspect should face, recommending bail and how much the bail should be, confiscating property even prior to a conviction, recommending the sentence for defendantswho are convicted, offeringan alternative to criminal charges, such as counseling; and deciding whether a plea bargain is offered to a defendant, according to the League of Women Voters Cape Cod Area.

The Cape andIslands District Attorney's Office prosecutes crimes inGay Head (Aquinnah),Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury andYarmouth.

We asked both candidates to provide information about their backgrounds, experience and priorities if elected. They are in alphabetical order.

Age: 52

Residence: Barnstable

Education: Boston College High School, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts School of Law at Andover

Political Experience:Bourne Planning Board from 1997 to 2002; chairman of the Bourne Planning Board from 2001to 2002.

Other Civic Involvement:Capital Outlay Committee, Finance Committee and School Building Committee in the town of Bourne. Volunteered at Massachusetts vaccination sitesto assist in COVIDvaccine distribution and organized teams of volunteers to prepare 100,000 meals for those suffering from food insecurity during this pandemic.

Employment Experience: Law Offices of Robert J. Galibois II

Why do youwant to be district attorney?

The first priority of any district attorney must be public safety. Over the course of my 27 years working as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in courtrooms across the Cape and Islands as well as the entire commonwealth, I have gained the necessary experience across the entire spectrum of criminal cases. My caseload in courtrooms provides diverse experiences where I witnessed different solutions to common problems within our communities. Moreover, my lifelong commitment to serving the members of the community through both civic engagement and volunteer efforts, reveals my passion to serve.

Additionally, I will unequivocally utilize the power of the office to protect womens reproductive health care rights while also protecting health care providers.

What are the most pressing issues in your district and how would you address it?

The opioid crisis remains at the forefront of our communities. For far too long there has been a critical need to establish residential treatment programs in the Mid- to Lower Cape areas as well as each island. Efforts to build such residential treatment programs are not within the traditional role of the District Attorneys Office; however, and again for a long period, these are not traditional times. A districtattorney should endeavor to work with a focus group consisting of other local elected officials, medical professionals in the field and private investors to explore ways to grow residential treatment.

Additionally, I would seek to launch new sessions dedicated to mental health and a veterans sessionin the district court. In these specialty sessions, teams of professionals and volunteers would work alongside our judges, probation officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys to identify and address the core issues that bring someone suffering from a mental health matter. Undoubtedly, these efforts would reduce recidivism and make our neighborhoods safer.

How do I differ from the other candidates?

The breadth of my experience over 27 years provides me with a unique vantage point in this race. My experiences across the entire commonwealth as well as in other states have allowed me to work with a vast number of district attorneys offices. I have witnessed firsthand how many different types of district attorneys have tried to transform their priorities into practice.

Here on the Cape and Islands, there remains a disconnect between the DAs office and the people it serves.

To develop and nurture the relationship between the District Attorneys Office and the people it serves I have proposed three specific ideas to promote community engagement:

First, the creation of a full-time community engagement liaison whose exclusive responsibility will involve being present throughout the district every day and reporting directly back to me.

Second, building a community coalition, called the DA and US, with a chapter in every town on the Cape and one for each Island. The coalition will be comprised of local elects (members from the select board, school committee, etc.), local officials including police and community residents and monthly meetings will be held with our office.

Third, there are approximately 65 employees on staff. Each employee, including yours truly, will commit to 4 hours of community service each month.

All of these specific ideas express my unique vision of how the District Attorneys Office can remain connected to the people it serves. These efforts complement the more traditional roles to promote public safety.

I also believe in the sanctity of elections and will honor the will of the voters by accepting the result of the election.

Age:39

Residence:West Barnstable

Education:Boston College,Suffolk University Law School.

Employment:Assistant district attorney at the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office

Political Experience:None

Civic engagement:YMCA Cape Cod, Barnstable Bar Association, West Barnstable Civic Association, White Ribbon Day, Independence House, Earth Day Cleanup

Why are you running?

I am running for district attorney because I believe its important to keep experienced professional leadership at work in the District Attorneys Office. My home is here in the district. I live in West Barnstable with my wife Elizabeth and our son Charlie. I want to keep our communities safe for my family and yours. This is not a place for on-the-job training. This is a job where experience counts. The district attorney has to lead the largest law firm on the Cape and that requires knowledge and good judgment, which only comes from experience. I bring that knowledge and experience to this race, and thats why I am running.

What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it?

The most pressing issue remains drug addiction. It is a problem that has been hidden somewhat by the pandemic. But as the pandemic recedes, attention will once again focus on this issue. In our office, we have 18 Massachusetts State Police personnel, half of whom are dedicated to drug interdiction.

But we cannot arrest our way out of this scourge of drugs. We must continually work on improving treatment and prevention in medical facilities and schools. It takes all of society to do this, not just the criminal justice system.

The foregoing should not diminish other serious issues such as child and elder abuse, domestic violence and violent crime, all of which are important particularly if they happen to impact you or a loved one. In our office, we pay attention to all of these issues.

How do you differ from other candidates?

I differ from the other candidate in one important respect. I have devoted my entire legal career to prosecuting those who prey on our communities. I have the prosecutorial experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system to be district attorney and to lead a group of 25 assistant district attorneys. I have been an assistant district attorney for the past 13 years. I have prosecuted all types of criminal cases including murder. I have been in a leadership position in the District Attorneys Office, supervising the attorneys in the five district courts in our jurisdiction. Being a district attorney is not like being a state representative or senator. It is an executive position where hard decisions have to be made.

I will continue to ensure that the assistant district attorneys who work in this office recognize the difference between those who come before the court out of human frailty and those who commit genuinely evil acts. While we try to help the first group with either substance abuse problems or mental health issues the second group must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to keep our communities safe.

I bring that understanding and experience to this race and that is why I am the best candidate for this job.

Contact Rachael Devaney at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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Originally posted here:

Galibois, Higgins vie to be the next Cape & Islands District Attorney - Cape Cod Times

By Sorrel North

Lopez Island

Orca Behavior Institutes new study claims evidence for a protective sentinel effect provided by whale-watching vessels in the vicinity of killer whales. The study was undertaken to fill in gaps of data regarding the sentinel vs. magnet effect (private vessels being attracted to whales due to the presence of whale watching vessels). However, OBIs study focuses exclusively on the benefits of commercial whale watching and leaves out any data related to cumulative vessel impacts, including underwater noise and disturbance, on the orcas. OBI promotes the ecological benefits of allowing professional commercial whale watchers to be present near killer whales in the Salish Sea. The study, read in its entirety, appears more like a public relations campaign for commercial whale watching than an unbiased research paper.

OBI was founded by Monika Wieland Shields and Michael Weiss, who is also the Research Director of the Center for Whale Research. Center for Whale Research has, for years, received significant funding from Pacific Whale Watching Association. PWWA funds numerous orca researchers and organizations (including San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau), all of whom unsurprisingly defend and promote commercial whale watching. Most of the data for OBIs study was collected by observers on commercial whale-watching boats.

Soundwatch Boater Education Studies have been conducted in the San Juans for over two decades. Prior to the new licensing regulations, Soundwatch observed commercial whale watchers following the Southern Residents up to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, primarily in their core feeding habitat near San Juan Island. While the majority of rule infractions are committed by private boaters, whale watchers are responsible for dozens of violations every year. The science panel for the Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Advisory Committee concluded in 2020 that there is no evidence that commercial whale watchers provide a sentinel effect for the Southern Resident orcas.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations recent study (Holt, 2021), boat traffic within 400 yards of Southern Resident killer whales interrupts their foraging, often leading female whales to cease feeding altogether. OBIs study was conducted from whale-watching boats that routinely approach the endangered orcas just outside the 300-yard distance regulation. At this range, whale watchers knowingly cause the nutritionally deprived whales to abandon foraging. They also attract private vessels close enough to create what one researcher called an underwater acoustic hell. Waving flags to shoo away private boaters does not make whale watchers into sentinels, especially when they are simultaneously depriving the orcas of their ability to feed.

Commercial whale-watching licensing rules were created after an exhaustive and thorough process initiated by the Southern Resident Orca Task Force. The Department of Fish and Wildlife suspended commercial whale watching last summer due to its known detrimental impacts on the orcas. OBIs study only confirms that the industry places profit above protection. Why else would whale watchers continue to approach the Southern Residents closer than 400 yards when multiple studies have confirmed that vessel noise within this range has devastating consequences? The endangered orcas do need protection, from private vessels and commercial whale watchers alike. More enforcement boats should be provided by the state, along with an indefinite suspension of whale watching.

Over the last 30 years, the whale-watching industry has appropriated the entire Salish Sea ecosystem for its own financial gain. But the Southern Resident orcas are not commodities to exploit for profit. They are a critically endangered species who have a right to thrive in their ancestral waters. The Coast Salish Peoples view these whales as beloved relatives worthy of dignity and respect. Its time we do the same.

Read more from the original source:

Orca Behavior Institute study leaves out data related to cumulative vessel impacts | The Journal of the San Juan Islands - Journal of the San Juan...

MALE, Maldives, 12 October 2022Over 100 children and young people from across Maldives and other small island developing states, as well as the South Asian nations Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, gathered in Male today to meet with stakeholders and put children and young people at the forefront of the climate change agenda.

Leading up to COP27, the Multi-Stakeholder Consultation with Young People on Climate Action was hosted by the Government of Maldives in partnership with UNICEF Maldives. The pre-COP27 event provided the opportunity for young people to engage with key government stakeholders, civil society organizations, and private sector partners working around climate action in Maldives.

Through the three key themesPlastic-Free Maldives, Protection and Conservation and Energy and Innovations, the sessions highlighted the critical role children and young people can play in leading the change to create a safer and a more resilient future for all.

Speaking at the opening of the event,Chief Guest, Minister of Education H. E. Dr. Aishath Alistated, Platforms like this are vital in preparing younger generations for what is to come, provides them with pathways to familiarize themselves on issues that will impact their future, engages them in the decision-making process, enhance their knowledge and open their eyes to the world they will soon inherit.

'If the Maldives can do it, the entire world should be able to do it.', saidH.E. Ms. Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technologyon driving up climate ambition, strengthening commitments to net-zero & providing opportunities for young people within the climate space.

Children and young people in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Maldives are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Maldives consists of 99 percent water and 1 percent land, with most islands rising just 1.5 meters above sea level. The country is expected to become uninhabitable as early as 2050 and disappear entirely by the end of the century. As a country that does not significantly contribute to climate change, for children in Maldives, climate change is a direct existential threat.

Nationally, I believe the Maldives must incorporate climate resilience into everything we do. Because resilience means self-sufficiency in a world that is increasingly uncertain. And even though global climate action is essential, we still have much to gain by maximizing our efforts of regenerating and protecting our own environment., noted theSpecial Envoy for Climate Change, H. E. Ms. Sabra Noordeen

In recognition of the urgency, young people voiced the need for urgent and accelerated climate action. For me, climate change is a fact that tomorrow may not come -Yaala, 13 years old

Young people from different islands across Maldives and South Asia also presented informed solutions to accelerate climate action and influence child and youth-sensitive climate policies. Maldivian youth also presented their key asks through a youth statement aimed at policymakers, to be taken to COP27 this November in Egypt. Their demands and voices join a global chorus calling for governments to:

UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Enrico Gavegliastated, COPs are a pivotal moment to advance humankinds fight against climate change. How much more negotiation is needed to sustain concerted climate action? COP27 will need to resolve hesitations to bring climate change under control.

TheUNICEF Regional Adviser on WASH and Environment Mr. Peter Harveyshed light on the need for more attention to what can be done within the South Asia region in terms of climate action, especially by empowering and mobilizing youth in advocacy and policy engagement.

Maldives has taken sustained action at the national and international level to address the climate crisis. After hosting the first-ever Small States Conference in 1989, Maldives led efforts to form the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), an intergovernmental organization that remains a key advocate in international environmental policies and SIDS. To take further action and increase ambition, the Government of Maldives has made commitments to phase out single-use plastics by 2023 and achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

See more here:

Government of Maldives - UNICEF

While we have loads of vacation rental recommendations, ranging from quaint cottages in the north to beaches in Florida, South Carolina, Hawaii, and beyond, were taking our picks a step further. Its time for private island rentals!

Yes, thats right you can actually rent a private island and have it all to yourself, and weve compiled a list of 10 opportunities to do so, all available through Airbnb.com. Each of these islands comes highly rated with a good number of reviews, is the only rental on its respective island, and is in North America.

In the past, there have been a couple of different articles done about private islands, but these articles did not focus on places only in North America. Now, weve compiled a fresh list for you to pick from and odds are, theyre closer to home. Happy vacationing!

Traveling with a larger party, a group of friends, or hosting a family gathering? This nice-sized home on a 4-acre islandthat sits on Katinka Lake offers over 2,100 feet of frontage and a granite walking path throughout. With space for up to 16 guests, this is a spacious home that welcomes your furry friends, too!

Note: There are limited railings and the terrain is uneven, something to consider for those with mobility issues. You will also need something to get you across the water. The host can help you secure a pontoon rental if needed.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 16

This stunning log cottageis just 30 feet from your private dock and waterside deck on an island located in Muskoka. You will love the warm feeling you get in this beautifully decorated cottage that comes with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and whirlpool tub.

Outside, you can enjoy the many seating areas that include a hammock and large covered porch that offers beautiful lake views. A canoe and paddle boat are provided for you, but the host recommends you either bring or rent a boat to best enjoy full access to the lake. Note: Weather can occasionally keep you from being able to leave the island for short periods of time, so be prepared prior to your visit.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

This quaint cottage known as the Island Hausis on a private island thats a wonderful spot for relaxing and making forever memories. Accessible via a private pedestrian bridge, this is a perfect spot for couples to enjoy some privacy or for families to enjoy together. Located on Gull Lake, you will love the over 600 feet of water frontage, hanging out by the fire pit, or relaxing in the hammock.

Beach towels, two paddle boards, five kayaks, a propane grill, and lots of amenities in the kitchen are provided for your use. If the weather fails to cooperate at any time, take advantage of one of the two screened-in patios or spend some time lounging in the living room that has a smart TV. This one has so much to offer definitely worth a look!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 6

Located on Nym Lake, this 1.2-acre island with a rustic private cabinis waiting for you. Featuring Voyageur-inspired decor, a stone fireplace, and a lakeview screened-in porch, youll create great memories here at the firepit or watching sunsets on the private dock. The photos posted by the host on the listing suggest amazing views definitely worth checking out!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 6

This brand-new cottage, known as the Paddle Inn on Heron Hideaway Island, offers abundant privacy and endless outdoor adventure along with a charming interior. You can head out to the back deck to go fishing, swim in the lake, relax on the covered porch, and take in all the nature you would like while staying in this cute red cabin.

There is a canoe and two kayaks available for your use, as well as a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, electric burner, crock pot, dishes, and more!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

This tiny cabin sits on a completely private islandthat offers 360 degrees of shoreline, a 40-foot private dock, heat, air-conditioning, and even a boat if you need one! You will also have access to four kayaks, a fire pit, a charcoal barbecue, and a generator. There is even a licensed captain who can get you to and from the island included in your booking if you have that need. The host recommends that you prepare for this trip as though you are preparing to camp in a tent just to be safe.

There are several marinas and a town just across the waterway if you want to leave for dinner or other vacation activities.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

Situated on a private 10-acre island, this gorgeous four-season cottageis accessible by boat in the summer months and a private ice road during the winter months. This cabin, located in what many consider the deep north, comes equipped with fresh linens, kitchen cooking supplies, and more. The photos offer a great view of just how cool this island is. Be sure to read the entire listing to get a full understanding of some of the critters you may encounter during your stay!

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

Youre gonna need a boat, as this island is boat-access only. This rustic cottagesits on a pink granite rock island on the St. Lawrence River, offering you peaceful living with boating, fishing, swimming, and more! You will be a short boat ride from the 1,000 Island National Park in this small but well-equipped cottage.

You will have electricity, but there is no running water so be prepared. The host does supply bottled water, and the kitchen includes a small refrigerator, a wine refrigerator, a small oven, and several other amenities. Note: Read the full description carefully so you can be best prepared for this awesome island experience.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

Built in 1917, this historic waterfront cabinis a private island retreat! There is one private bedroom with a second bedroom in the open area of the cottage. This island is accessible by land, and there are restaurants and bars within walking and boating distance.

You can bring a boat or you can rent a boat. The host also offers kayak rentals and private boat tours. There is firewood available as well as a gas grill. Book your stay soon!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

To discover more bucket list travel destinations, check out:

See the original post here:

9 Top Private Islands Rentals In The U.S. And Canada - TravelAwaits

Listing of the Day

Location: Antiparos, Cyclades, Greece

Price: 7.5 million (US$7.5 million)

This strikingly modern circular villa thats tucked into a secluded hillside on the small Cyclades island of Antiparos offers privacy, a curved infinity pool that faces out to the Aegean Sea, an outdoor home theater and easy access to quiet beaches.

Known as Cronos, the stone and concrete home was designed by the Athens-based studio Deca Architecture and was recently completed, said listing agent Despina Laou of Greece Sothebys International Realty.

Perched on a hilltop, Cronus is sited to enjoy both sunrise and sunset as well as mountain and sea views, she said.

More: Why Are Property Taxes in Greece Higher Than Other Parts of Europe?

Atmospheric lighting at night creates a cozy ambience enhanced by the beauty of the night sky, she said.

The home is also fairly private. The closest property at the moment is almost a kilometer away, she said. But even if more properties are constructed in the area, its elevated position and the 10,000 square meters of land surrounding the villa ensure its privacy.

Antiparos, which is only accessible by boat, is a peaceful island that attracts those who are seeking privacy, safety and access to many private beaches, Ms. Laou said. It is also ideal for people that enjoy boating.

Located next to Paros island, Antiparos is one of those Greek islands that have managed to stay off the radar, she said. Known for its mostly sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is less crowded than Paros, but it has a cosmopolitan character.

More: Quality of Life Draws Luxury Buyers to Europe

The upper level of the villa holds the open-plan living spaces, which include a large living room and a modern kitchen that follows the same curvature of the architecture. A staircase in each room leads to the lower level where the six en-suite bedrooms are located.

While serving as a dramatic design feature, the elevated circular roof also brings shade to each of the outdoor spaces, including a large dining area. Other architectural features include a central courtyard open to the sky, a bamboo thatched ceiling, built-in window seats and bi-fold doors that connect the interior living spaces to the outdoor terraces.

Stats

The 3,164-square-foot house has six bedrooms, nine full bathrooms and two partial bathrooms. It sits on a 2.38-acre lot.

Amenities

Amenities include a curved infinity pool, an outdoor home theater and barbecue area, a fitness room, a garden, a shaded outdoor dining area and a fireplace.

Neighborhood Notes

The property is about 10 minutes from Antiparos town, Ms. Laou said. The closest airport is on the nearby island of Paros, which is just a seven-minute ferry ride from Antiparos.

There are two secluded beaches nearby, with a path leading to one of them thats about a 10-minute walk from the villa, she said. Livadia Beach is about a five-minute drive from the home.

Agent: Despina Laou, Head of Private Office, Greece Sothebys International Realty

View the original listing

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A Striking Modern Villa Tucked Into a Private Hillside on the Greek Island of Antiparos - Mansion Global

Consultant GastroenterologistConsultant NeurologistConsultant ENT SurgeonGuernsey, Channel Islands

A refreshing new healthcare career in an island community.

We have a number of exciting opportunities for GMC Specialist Registered Consultants to join the group.

About the Medical Specialist Group

We are a partnership of currently 54 Consultants, which, under contract, provides specialist medical services to the Guernsey Health Service with a health care model that is different and separate from the NHS. As well as providing contract care the MSG consultants also provide private care which is remunerated separately, but is carried out in both MSG and PEH facilities as there are no other private facilities on island. MSG administration and secretarial staff also support a consultant private practice. Tertiary care services are supplied by hospitals on the UK Mainland, mainly Southampton University Hospital, usually through contracted services.

The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is a modern hospital with approximately 145 beds and strong clinical links to UK mainland centres, particularly Southampton General Hospital and Kings College Hospital.

Our vision is to be internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for clinical care and loved by the Guernsey community.

Our purpose is to use our expertise and compassion to provide outstanding patient-centred services that improve the health of the community we serve.

Learn more about us here

A better work-life balance

If youre searching for a dose of sea air or a better work-life balance, our island community has it all.

Renowned for its sandy beaches and mild climate, Guernsey offers an idyllic, family friendly, lifestyle with excellent connections to the UK, France, and beautiful nearby islands.

Our flexible working patterns and short journey times give you more time to enjoy life, whether thats a paddleboard and beach BBQ with the family after work, an afternoon hiking the cliffs or catching up with friends at one of our many award-winning restaurants.

Our consultants and their families have also benefited from the excellent schools and the wide variety of activities on offer on the island.

For more information on what your new lifestyle could look like, or about the practicalities of re-locating to Guernsey, visit the dedicated website here. Alternatively, hear from other healthcare professionals who have relocated here.

About the roles

Gastroenterologist: This is a replacement post with an exciting opportunity to enable the development of new on-island services with the other established Gastroenterologist/GIM physician. The appointee will NOT be expected to take part in the GIM on call rota.

Neurologist: This post has arisen as a result of retirement and offers the opportunity to change the way off island specialist services are provided in the area of Neurology and is an excellent way to provide the island with ground-breaking accessibility and patient services. There is no formal on call associated with this post.

ENT Surgeon: This is a replacement post for the retiring Head and Neck Specialist with an exciting opportunity to provide clinical excellence in ENT. Applicants must hold full GMC registration and be on the UK GMC Specialist Register for Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery or be within 6 months of obtaining this at the time of interview.

Benefits

In addition to the appealing lifestyle that Guernsey offers, we have an attractive benefits package which includes:

Apply

For more information on the roles, benefits and relocation package, please contact our People & Organisation team by emailing by clicking the Apply buttonor clicking the Reveal Telephone numberand give use a call. Contact Dr Steve Evans, Consultant Geriatrician & Directorate Chair (email stephen.evans@msg.gg) to discuss the Gastroenterologist or Neurologist role, and contact David Beaumont, Consultant ENT Surgeon (david.beaumont@msg.gg) to discuss the ENT Surgeon role.

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Consultants in Gastroenterology, Neurologist and ENT Surgeon job with The Medical Specialist Group | 163080 - The BMJ