News
The Ocean Cleanup Project
Boyan Slat, a 21-year-old who gained worldwide recognition two years ago for his ambitious plan to rid the oceans of plastics, is one step closer to making his idea a reality. His foundation just raised the 1.5 million euros they needed to test their technology in real-life conditions, which will take place in the North Sea this summer. Learn More about The Ocean Clean Up Project https://youtu.be/xO1vVAb7BKk Slat is founder and president of the Ocean Cleanup, a foundation dedicated to developing advanced technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. For the past three years, he’s been working on creating a massive underwater barrier that would collect and remove trash from the Pacific ocean. The idea works like this: The V-shaped underwater wall would corral trash passing through into one concentrated area, to then be more easily removed and recycled.
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Did you Know The National Marine Sanctuary Needs Volunteers
From seabird counts to shipwreck reconnaissance to inspiring the next generation of citizens, the national marine sanctuaries offer exciting, meaningful hands-on volunteer opportunities for all ages Many sanctuaries enable volunteers to join in citizen science projects, heritage and culture restoration work, family learning programs and other activities. While local communities are critical to the success of these programs, there are also great voluntourism opportunities for visitors to these destinations. What can you do? Collect data on whale and seabird populations Lead tours Patrol sanctuary waters to inform boaters and spot illegal activity Join in beach clean-ups, recognizing and removing marine debris Help discover shipwrecks and other maritime heritage history Produce learning resources and programs for students These and many more opportunities are available at the sanctuaries listed below. WEST COAST REGION Channel Islands Cordell Bank Greater Farallones Monterey Bay Olympic Coast PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION American Samoa Hawaii Humpback Whale Papahānaumokuākea NORTHEAST AND GREAT LAKES REGION Monitor Stellwagen Bank Thunder Bay SOUTHEAST REGION Florida Keys Flower Garden Banks Gray’s Reef
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Support the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Please help support the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System. http://www.marinesanctuary.org/act/advocate/3118/ Our National Marine Sanctuary System – encompassing 14 National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments – brings ecological, heritage, cultural, recreation, education and economic benefits to communities. The science, research and conservation work conducted at these sites under NMSS auspices advance learning and inform the world. The System model emphasizes community participation and partnerships in the sites’ management, preservation and outreach. Papahānaumokuākea is home to critical habitats and marine life including monk seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, billfish and tuna. Some of these species are found nowhere else on the planet; and, the oldest living animals on Earth, black corals (Leiopathes sp.) as old as 4000 years, are living in the deep sea habitat in the proposed expansion area. These environments are protected through monitoring and conservation activities, while serving as the destination for cutting-edge research and exploration. With an expansion as proposed, the potential is endless. This special place also has a critical role in Hawaiian identity and culture. With the highest density of sacred sites in the Hawaiian Archipelago, Papahānaumokuākea has spiritual significance in the story of creation of the Hawaiian peoples and the islands themselves. It serves as a reminder of humans’ connections to the environment and our shared responsibility to take care of our planet. I urge you to expand Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to provide the greatest possible benefits to marine life, protect heritage and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Enter the Surf Rider's Protect Special Places Contest
Vote now for your favorite photo in our Annual Protect Special Places Photo Contest from August 1st - 31st, 2016. The top 12 photos with the most votes will win some incredible prizes. What are you waiting for?! Vote today! http://www.surfrider.org/protect-special-places
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Time is Running Out to Save Coral Reefs
The Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, says we don't have long to save the world's coral reefs. Edward tells WBR that the global fishing industry is having a negative impact on coral survival, and so is global warming. The world's leading coral scientists met at St James's Palace in London, to discuss what can be done. Listen to the audio report on BBC Picture: Bleached Acropora coral on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Credit: Dr Paul Marshall, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, GBRMPA.
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Why We Love Turkish Towels
We love Turkish Towels because of their beautiful textile designs as well as their versatility. I discovered Turkish Towels during a summer trip to Europe where I noticed that locals were using thin, soft, beautifully colored towels while at the beach. They not only brought one towel, but they brought several. Europeans tend to spend the entire day at the beach, so they will often bring multiple towels, coverups as well as a change of bathing suit. After much research I found artisans in Turkey that are dedicated to the original craft of creating these unique textiles. I worked with them to create the best designs and fabrics to sell direct to our clients at prices not typically seen in the home textile market, all while maintaining a high level of quality and design. Here are our top reasons why we think Turkish Towels are not only stylish and fashionable, but oh-so practical... Turkish towels dry much quicker than terry towels Terry towels absorb water, where as turkish cotton pushes water from your skin. Turkish weaves are tighter and therefore resist mold and mildew. They can be rolled tightly, which makes them them ideal for packing They the best travel companion, as they are so versatile and can be used as a wrap or blanket on the plane, a stylish scarf or sarong, and of course as your beach towel They can be embroidered for reasonable cost and make great VIP gifts, add style to corporate events and give your brand a colorful presence. We hope you will love our Turkish Towels as much as well do! Also, please know that every sale helps save the ocean! :) xo Shannon
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