Category Archives: Sealand

Miss Earth USA organizes cleanups at Rose Creek and La Jolla Cove for annual Coastal Cleanup Day

Miss Earth USA Marisa Butler with 900 pounds of trash after cleaning up the Rose Creek Bike Path on Sept. 18. COURTESY PHOTO

Marisa Butler, who was named Miss Earth USA 2021 on Jan. 17, grew up next to a wildlife center in Maine where she played outside all day and also helped her mother rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned animals. That upbringing influenced her and led her into becoming a passionate advocate for animals and the environment.

After graduating from Stonehill College in Easton, Mass.five years ago, Butler moved cross country to San Diego and continued her fervor for the environment. She started the nonprofit We Clean Trails program in June 2020 and has collected nearly 10,000 pounds of litter from San Diego trails.

On Sept. 18, the 37th annual International Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County, she organized cleanups at Rose Creek in Pacific Beach and La Jolla Cove. She joined the 5,970 registered volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day who helped remove more than 30,000 pounds of litter and debris from local communities.

San Diego Community Newspaper Group spoke with her about cleanups, tagging sharks, and environmental, social, and governance financial investing.

SDCNG: The Rose Creek area has been a sore spot in PB for a long time how did you find out about it and how successful have your cleanups been? How was Sept. 18?

MB: My group visits many different locations, and per the request of one of our members we decided to tackle the Rose Creek Bike Path. On our first cleanup at that location, we met Karen (Zirk) of Friends of Rose Creek, which has long been an advocate for this part of San Diego. Karens expertise and local insight have helped make each of these events a huge success. Ever since then, we have teamed up with Friends of Rose Creek to tackle the litter issue in this important watershed. We now meet at this location every other month and it has quickly become my volunteers' favorite location.

We have conducted six cleanups with Friends of Rose Creek since we first started, and have removed approximately 3,500 pounds of trash from this locationin 2021 alone. Our cleanup on Sept. 18 was a huge success, as we removed 900 pounds in 90 minutes.

SDCNG:How did the La Jolla Cove cleanup go?

MB: The La Jolla Cove cleanup was modest in comparison, totaling in at 26.4 pounds. However, as I always tell my volunteers, every little bit counts. Cigarette butts are the single most littered item in the world and can secrete harmful toxins into the water. As thislocation is so close to the ocean and a variety of wildlife, it is just asimportant we remove this type of litter as it is to remove the big bulky items at Rose Creek.

This cleanup was done in conjunction with the San Diego Seal Society, who educate the public and advocate for the Harbor Seal and Sea Lion populations in La Jolla. I spent the afternoon leading the cleanup, and assisting them at their informational booth. One of my favorite parts of the day was talking to children about the differences between seals and sea lions, the importance of Leave No Trace, and seeing the positive effect the new signage has made on the situation at La Jolla Cove in keeping the public a safe distance from the sea lions. Our most unusual find of the day was an empty urn on the beach.

SDCNG:How is the We Clean Trails program going?

MB: I started We Clean Trails as a socially distanced social group in June 2020. When COVID-19 hit San Diego, more and more people turned to the great outdoors than ever before. While I was happy to see more people getting involved with healthy activities such as walking, biking, and hiking I, unfortunately, noticed a huge uptick in litter on my favorite hiking trails as many of these newcomers were not properly educated on the Leave No Trace principals.

I decided to invite some of my friends from the San Diego Hiking Society out on some group hikes and cleanups each Saturday in June as part of my Think Global Act Local project for Miss Earth USA. I had so much fun creating this beautiful community of earth advocates that when June came to a close I decided to continue the project indefinitely. We have now collected just under 10,000 pounds of litter from San Diego and recently became a non-profit.

SDCNG: You are working as a financial analyst/advisor how does that square with also being an environmental advocate? Dont profits outweigh the environment?

MB: The amazing part is that these two things are not mutually exclusive. As a financial advisor and earth advocate, I am a big fan of ESG (environmental, social, governance) investing. Studies have recently seen a trend that companies with a high ESG score have higher profitability and less volatility than their market counterparts with lower ESG scores. My theory as to why that is is because companies that strive to make the world a better place are approaching their decisions from a long-term and holistic point of view.

While a high ESG score does not guarantee profitability,it isto me, an indicator of a good management team that is looking towards the long-term health of their company and not just short-term profits. My generation in particular has shown an increased demand for sustainable goods and expects the companies they support to share the same moral values. As my generation grows older, and the wealth of the nation shifts to us, I expect the demand for sustainability to only intensify. If a company does not keep up with this demand, it will shortly be phased out for more environmentally and socially responsible options.

SDCNG: How did you end up on a catamaran in Puerto Rico tagging sharks with the NOAA?

MB: In college, I became friends with one of the biologists who was involved with this study, and joined his data collection team. Through this experience, I was able to work directly with sharks of all types and gain experience collecting field data, such as size, gender, location, and blood samples.We mostly worked off the coast of Nantucket, Mass.,the gulf of Florida, and off the coast of Puerto Rico following the migratory patterns of the sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. Our data was used to place stricter fishing restrictions on the dwindling populations of theAtlantic shortfin mako shark.

SDCNG: You studied political and environmental economics at Kings College in London. Did that experience broaden your thinking about environmental advocacy?

MB: The environmental and politicaleconomics education I received at Kings College definitely broadened my knowledge base with regard to the intersection of business and the environment. This has allowed me to not only carve out a space for myself at work as an ESG investor but also explain to other people what action steps we can take to promote a healthy economy and environment simultaneously.

SDCNG: How has your athletic background molded your life/personality?

MB: I have always been an extremely active individual, and even played three Division II sports in college. Athletics has taught me discipline, leadership, goal setting, and time management skills all of which have helped me excel in academics, work, and pageants. I now stay active by weightlifting, rock climbing, hiking, and paddleboarding. The hiking community in San Diego actually was my inspiration for starting We Clean Trails.

Butlers reign as Miss Earth USA will end in January 2022.

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Miss Earth USA organizes cleanups at Rose Creek and La Jolla Cove for annual Coastal Cleanup Day - Marisa Butler who was named Miss Earth USA 2021 on...

The first phase of removing the clockwise diversions on Chester's inner ring road will begin towards the end of October.

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed the removal of the diversions is expected to start from October 25 after the first five sections of the new surface water drain were completed.

This means that two-way traffic will be allowed back on Nicholas Street once work to install new traffic signals and central reservations along St Martins Way and Nicholas Street is finished.

Read more of the top stories from across Cheshire here.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: I am very pleased to announce the first stages in the lifting of Clockwise and appreciate that the drain works have caused considerable inconvenience to many drivers.

Despite facing numerous challenges to the drain works, not least Covid restrictions and material delays, I am delighted to confirm that we can begin the partial lifting in October; and I would like to thank everyone impacted by the drain works for their continued patience over the past year while we complete as quickly as possible.

The southbound lane along Nicholas Street, between Watergate Street and the Grosvenor Roundabout, will allow traffic coming from the Sealand Road direction to turn left or right at the junction with the inner ring road

The Weaver Street junction with Nicholas Street will also allow for a left or right turn.

Both Nicholas Street and St Martins Way will remain open to northbound traffic during the works but will be limited to one lane until just after Hunter Street.

Other parts of the clockwise diversions will begin to be removed in January, including to allow southbound motorists from the Fountains Roundabout along St. Martins Way.

The section along Vicars Lane past the amphitheatre will also reopen to two-way traffic.

The reopening dates of Nuns Road and Castle Drive will be announced once the remaining drainage tunnel works are completed.

More information on the revisions to the Clockwise plan is available at clockwisechester.com

Originally posted here:

Start date revealed for removal of Clockwise Chester diversions - Cheshire Live

Sealand Aviation of Campbell River, BC, is fitting one of its De Havilland Beavers with the RED A03 engine developed by RED Aircraft in Germany. The two companies anticipate first flight of the modified DHC-2 Beaver will take place very soon.

The RED A03 engine, described by its maker as revolutionary, has already been fixed to the airframe and is now undergoing checks and calibration with a newly designed fuel system. Once this is complete, the aircraft will undergo further maintenance with other key additions, such as custom-made cowling and the installation of the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).

I see the RED A03 engine as the ideal intermediate step in getting to zero-emission power for the Beaver and other aircraft, said Bill Alder, President, of Sealand Aviation. The lower fuel burn with increased horsepower allows for faster airspeed and bigger payloads. This will keep the Beaver as a viable aircraft for the foreseeable future and lowers the aircrafts environmental impact.

RED Aircraft notes the De Havilland DHC-2 is an iconic aircraft that has operated as aviations workhorse in remote regions around the world for decades, pointing to its short take-off and landing capabilities and ability to carry large payloads making it an ideal choice for inhospitable terrain. The engine maker explains these features are only further enhanced by the addition of the new RED A03 engine.

RED Aircraft explains the RED A03 engine offers unsurpassed fuel efficiency and high power output. Working with Sealand Aviation provides us with a fantastic opportunity to show the world how the RED A03 can transform an established airframe such as the DHC-2 Beaver, said Enrico Evers, Head of Sales RED Aircraft. We believe that upgrading popular airframes with modern clean sheet-designed engines such as ours will help create a greener aviation sector. Saving fuel, lowering emissions, and reducing costs for the operators.

Sealand takes delivery of the RED A03. (Photo: Sealand, RED Aircraft)

The RED A03 is used in brand new concept designs but can also be retrofitted to older airframes. To facilitate this in the DHC-2, Sealand has recruited the services of Hardwood Custom Composites, which is charged with creating cowling to accommodate the new engine.

Over the last 40 years, Sealand has worked with De Havilland to develop several supplemental type certificates (STCs). The latest adaptation of the De Havilland Beaver should demonstrate how greater efficiency is still possible, using innovative solutions, such as the RED A03 powerplant.

Upon completing the final few remaining tasks, the aircraft will undergo an approval process, authorizing the test flight. It has yet to be decided whether this will take place on wheels or floats. The final decision for the trials will rest on the remaining timescale available.

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Sealand fits DHC-2 Beaver with RED A03 engine - wingsmagazine.com

With more people visiting the Welsh coast than ever before, wildlife disturbance is on the increase. Recently, weve received sad news of the death of a seal pup after its mother failed to return to feed after being disturbed and scared off by people who wanted to take pictures and selfies with the seal pup.

During the breeding season (August to December) you may come across white fluffy seal pups on beaches or rocky outcrops along the Welsh coast often on their own. The mother however will probably be close by, so it is vital to keep your distance so she can return to her pup to feed it.

Sue Burton, SAC Officer for Pembrokeshire Marine SAC said that Seal pups need space and time to rest and grow, they are fed by their mothers for just three weeks before they have to fend for themselves. It is vital that during this time they are given space. Disturbance can lead to abandonment and death.

It is very important to remember that these beautiful iconic creatures are wild animals.

Keep your distance from wildlife Enjoy from afar

Link:

The Saddening result of seal and seal pup disturbance on the Welsh coast - Herald Wales

Student of The Year 2 actor Adiya Seal has been in a steady relationship with Anushka Ranjan and looks like the couple is all set to take their romance to the next stage. According to a news portal, Aditya and Anushka are planning to tie the knot on November 21. The couple has reportedly finalized their wedding outfits and their families are also working on the prep for the big day. Owing to the pandemic restrictions, Aditya and Anushkas wedding will take place amid a whole lot of safety protocols . Speaking about their bond, Aditya had previously told BT in an interview, Anushka and I are very different from each other. She has a much stronger personality than I do. Her thought process is clearer, and she is an exceptionally good speaker. We are very different in a lot of ways, but together, we are right for each other. We met three-and-a-half years ago. I was invited to an event hosted by her family, and thats where I met her for the first time. We clicked pretty well that day and chatted a lot, even after the event was over. Then we started hanging out together. It took a while for us to get into a relationship, but eventually, it happened. Interestingly, this year Aditya moved into a house in the same building where Anushka lives with her family. And while he was in quarantine, the actor received a lot of support from his lady love. My mom gets along with Anushkas family, so moving to this house has worked out very well. When I was under quarantine, I was happy that my mom had Anushka and her mother around. Through my quarantine phase, Anushka and I were constantly in touch with each other through phone calls, the actor had previously shared.

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Are Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan planning to get married on November 21? - Times of India

Actors Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan met each other four years back at an event hosted by the latters family

By Titas Chowdhury

PUBLISHED ON SEP 23, 2021 01:18 PM IST

Actors Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan met each other four years back at an event hosted by the latters family. A while later, the duo began dating. And now, rumour mill are buzzing with reports that the lovebirds are all set to tie the knot on November 21.

Talking about it, she tells us, It took me by surprise to see that article. But, of course, when things are concrete, we would like to comment.

Ranjan and Seal have been capturing the attention of netizens with their mushy social media posts. She believes that knowing Seal has changed her life for the better. It has been an amazing learning experience. We come from different worlds and, as a human being, you need to widen your horizon. He showed me a world and a thought process that taught me a lot. They made me who I am today, she shares.

The actor, who was last seen in the 2019 web show, Fittrat, says that she is not at all bothered with her personal life making headlines. She remarks, My work, friends, family and relationships make me me. I am not defined by one thing and so, it is fine if people speak about any aspect. As long as it is positive, I am okay with that.

Despite not much work happening in the past few months, Ranjan remains unfazed as out of sight does not amount to being out of the audiences mind. Sometimes, you are bound to worry about whats next but that happened even during pre-Covid-19 times. During the on-going pandemic, I think that it is selfish and ungrateful to worry about these things while the world is suffering, she ends.

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Anushka Ranjan on rumours of her wedding with Aditya Seal: When things are concrete, will comment - Hindustan Times

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are using an engineered nanostructure called cerium oxide modified with small amounts of silver to produce a disinfectant that can continuously kill viruses on a surface for up to seven days.

Cerium oxide is known for its regenerative antioxidant properties and this development could be a powerful weapon against Covid-19 and other emerging pathogenic viruses, the researchers say.

The disinfectant is being created at UCF in partnership with Kismet Technologies, whose founder, Christina Drake, said she was inspired to develop it after seeing a worker at a grocery store spraying disinfectant on a refrigerator handle, then wiping off the spray immediately.

Initially, my thought was to develop a fast-acting disinfectant, Drake said in a media statement. But we spoke to consumers like doctors and dentists to find out what they really wanted from a disinfectant. What mattered the most to them was something long-lasting that would continue to disinfect high-touch areas like door handles and floors long after application.

The cerium oxide nano-particle engineered disinfectant she came up with together with a team at UCF, is already potent but its properties increase with the added traces of silver.

It works both chemically and mechanically, said Sudipta Seal, an expert in nanoscience and co-author of the study. The nanoparticles emit electrons that oxidize the virus, rendering it inactive. Mechanically, they also attach themselves to the virus and rupture the surface almost like popping a balloon.

According to Seal and Drake, most disinfecting wipes or sprays will disinfect a surface within three to six minutes of application but have no residual effects. This means surfaces need to be wiped down repeatedly to stay clean. The nanoparticle formulation, however, maintains its ability to inactivate microbes and continues to disinfect a surface for up to seven days after a single application.

In its present formulation, the disinfectant has shown antiviral activity against seven different viruses, including the coronavirus and rhinovirus. It also proved effective against a wide range of other viruses with different structures and complexities which, the researchers say, may make it a highly effective tool against other new emerging viruses.

The product is also free of harmful chemicals. However, more research is needed before it can go to market. This is why the next phase of the study will look at how the disinfectant performs outside of the lab in real-world applications. That work will look at how the disinfectant is affected by external factors such as temperature or sunlight.

To make this final step, the team is in talks with a local hospital network to test the product.

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Silver-enhanced disinfectant has long-lasting effects against Covid-19 - The Northern Miner

From September 25 to November 5, the stunning blue lagoon is set to be closed for public access.

National Trust Cymru have closed off the area in order to protect the ongoing grey seals breeding colony. An estimated 5,000 seals could soon appear on the coastline of west Wales which is considered "vital" for around half the world's population of grey seals.

During this breeding season, the blue lagoon will be closed to public access in order to protect the breeding colony from disturbance. An estimated 1,400 seal pups expected to be born in the area.

Read more:Wally the Walrus is not dead, say marine experts, after carcass found

National Trust Cymru is welcoming the return of the growing number by preventing public access to the sheltered area in an attempt to prevent disturbing the seals.

The decision was made as a result of the blue lagoon's increasing visitor numbers. Visitors will still be able to watch the wild creatures in their natural habitat from the coastal path and and coasteering activity providers who have signed up to the National Trusts Coasteering Agreement.

Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymrus Countryside Manager, Pembrokeshire said: There are two species of seal that can be found in Britain: the common seal and the grey seal. Only grey seals occur regularly in Pembrokeshire, where they are present all year around.

About half the worlds population of grey seal breed on our coastline and the total number in west Wales, mostly Pembrokeshire, is estimated to be about 5,000, with some 1,400 pups being born each year.

The breeding season is vital for our seal colonies here in Pembrokeshire, and we ask that visitors do not access the Blue Lagoon and that they follow the guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the coastal path.

If you happen to spot one of the seals on your visit to the blue lagoon or Pembrokeshire, National Trust Cymru recommends adopting the following strategies to ensure minimal disturbance:

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The adorable reason why the blue lagoon in Pembrokeshire is to close for public access - Wales Online

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Cool, Comfortable, and Optically Clear Mask By Omni Labs Protects With 99.997% Filtration - GlobeNewswire

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

A leopard seal was being monitored on Sunday at whiro Bay after the spine of an elephant fish became stuck in the top of its mouth.

It was one stressful event after another for rescuers over the weekend as they rushed to help three stranded dolphins and a leopard seal, which had an elephant fish stuck in its mouth after attempting to have it for breakfast.

On Saturday, three young dusky dolphins were found stranded and an operation was launched by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Project Jonah and Whale Rescue to refloat the dolphins in deeper waters on the other side of Mana Island.

While two dolphins were successfully refloated, Whale Rescue coordinator Linda Robinson said the other dolphin died just before the release, likely from stress.

The dolphin had been buried and blessed by Ngti Toa.

READ MORE:* One of three dolphins stuck in Porirua Harbour dies after showing signs of distress* Kayaker heightens concerns for orca in Wellington inlet* Pod of orcas spotted in Porirua Harbour* Wellington's conservation community loses a lodestone in Colin Ryder

Monique Ford/Stuff

Two to three volunteers were assigned to a dolphin each on Saturday.

The dolphins had been disoriented and did not know where they were, Robinson said.

Robinson, who helped with the operation on land, said two to three volunteers, all of whom had attended a stranding before, were assigned to a dolphin each.

One of those volunteers was Mandy Coleman, who said the dolphins did not know how to get back to deeper waters and kept trying to swim towards the shallow inlet.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

Two boats transported the dolphins to deeper waters on the other side of Mana Island.

Robinson said it was unusual for dusky dolphins, a type of dolphin often found in deep coastal waters, to have swum towards the shallow waters of the harbour.

We still don't know why they came in.

While it was fairly easy for Robinson to coordinate rescue efforts for the three dolphins, there had been concerns with the boats, which would carry the dolphins to deeper waters, potentially getting stuck due to low tide, she said.

While everyone had wanted all three to survive, she was glad two of them had made it, she said.

If they had received no help, they would have all died in the harbour.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

The leopard seal left whiro Bay on Sunday at 11.30, but Department of Conservation staff were still monitoring the situation.

With two of the dolphins successfully released, Robinson said some volunteers headed from Porirua Harbour to whiro Bay, to tend to a leopard seal.

The leopard seal had washed up on Saturday morning and was being monitored after eating an elephant fish that had got stuck in its mouth, she said.

Crew were keeping an eye on the leopard seal and had been rotating with two-hour blocks.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

A cordon was initially put in place to keep the leopard seal and people safe.

Vets are there along with DOC. The leopard seal is a lot happier than before."

DOC spokeswoman Cassandra Spearin said the leopard seal left the beach around 11.30am on Sunday but staff were still monitoring the situation.

The seal had an elephant fish spine embedded in the top of its mouth and a cordon had initially been put in place around the seal to keep it and people safe, Spearin said.

Staff had been taking photos and sending those to DOC's technical advisors who with Wildlife Vets, she said.

The current advice is to wait and monitor. It's hoped that the spine will dislodge naturally, Spearin said.

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF

An operation to refloat the Dusky dolphins took place on Saturday as groups from DOC, Project Jonah and Whale Rescue battled against low tide.

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From dolphins to a leopard seal: One rescue after another in Wellington - Stuff.co.nz