Friday, January 28, 2011

2010 WORLD WIDE WEATHER EXTREMES

Factbox: 2010 hit by weather extremes: Pakistan to Russia
Wed Jan 12 22:26:45 UTC 2011
(Reuters) - Last year, in which extreme weather caused devastating floods in Pakistan and China and a heatwave in Russia, tied as the warmest year since records began, a U.S. government agency said on Wednesday. The U.N. panel of climate change experts says that weather is likely to be more extreme in the 21st century because of a build-up of heat-trapping gases from human use of fossil fuels.Last year tied with 2005 as the warmest since global surface records began in 1880, according to the National Climatic Data Center, an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

....To read the article and more about Australian and world wide examples of extreme weather in 2010 click here.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Heroes riding the flood waters

The elements are unforgiving and lucky for us our mariners are made of tough stuff.
Many thanks to Doug Hislop and Peter Fenton plus the Coast Guard and Maritime Safety Qld for their combined efforts as a result of the SE Queensland floods.





12th January 2011
Tug boat master Doug Hislop was hailed a hero after he guided a massive piece of the Riverwalk down the Brisbane River, missing the Gateway Bridge."What a feat of seamanship, whoever was the pilot of the tug boat deserves and Order of Australia," Mr Rudd told Sky News. 
Read more about the tug boat in the article here

Manly Coast Guard rush to flood rescue. More than 100 Coast Guard volunteers put their lives at risk - article here

Maritime Safety article here
www.couriermail.com.au
MARITIME Safety Queensland has collected 365 pontoons and 18 yachts washed down the Brisbane River in the floods.

STRING BALL OF OCEAN RUBBISH

At the moment beaches near Brisbane are bringing up some very odd pieces of land-based refuse and plastic from the major flooding that has occurred in January.


If you are a teacher or concerned community member and are looking for a novel way to raise awareness of ocean debris in your school or community, this might be the right time to start an ocean rubbish string ball as suggested by SOAR here. A collection of string balls might make a terrific focal point for a conversation/communication piece on ocean pollution.


If you are suggesting this activity to students, in particular, safety is very important! Debris may have sharp bits on them or under them and hands must be washed after touching things from the beach. 


Teachers looking for a unit on Marine Pollution to bring the point home are welcome to use the free online materials provided by AUSMEPA here.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sapphire Coast Summer Activities, New South Wailes

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Snug Cove Wharf, Eden (253 Imlay Street) Ph: 02 64961699
Come and discover our amazing marine environment
• Kids corner • Aquaria
• Touch tank• Beachcombing table
• Science room • Whale room
• theatrette with stunning films
• Tsunami demos• Research displays
• DVD presentations• Experienced guides
NEW MARINE LABORATORY NOW OPEN
and much more !

CHRISTMAS SCHOOL HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES
11am to 3pm
Wednesday to Saturday from 5th January – 29th January 2011
Adults $7, Seniors $5, Children $2, Families $15

Holiday Activity Programs (Minimum Group Size 4)
Rocky Shore Ramble
Join an experienced guide exploring the amazing diversity of life found on our rock platforms
Any age   1.5hrs   $5 Adults   $2 Children   $12 Families
 (Note: subject to tides)
Guided Snorkel Tours
Our Trained Instructors can show you some of the hidden secrets in the clear waters anywhere along the Sapphire Coast
Ages 12+    2hrs    25 Adults    $10 Children    $60 Families
(Maximum Group Size: 8)
Beachcombing walk
Take a guided walk along one of our local beaches and see what hidden treasures you can find
Any age   1.5hrs   $5 Adults   $2 Children   $12 Families

If you don’t have the numbers, give us a call and we’ll see what we can arrange for you.
Phone us to discuss your needs and book a tour on 6496 1699!

Help for Flood Affected in Queensland during Dec 2010 and Jan 2011



Many AUSMEPA schools, teachers, colleagues and friends have been affected either directly or indirectly by the serious flooding that has occurred in Queensland over the last six weeks not to mention subsequent flooding in states to the south. We share the community concern for flood affected homes, families, farms and businesses. Our thoughts go specially to the Marine Teachers and we would like to encourage everyone who can lend a hand to contribute to the cleanup and wonderful restoration efforts. 

Below please find information from the Queensland Government website for the ways you might be able to help  (click here

Significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland during late December 2010 and early January 2011, with three quarters of the state declared a disaster zone.
Recovery work is underway, with support available for those affected and opportunities for everyone to help others in need.

Need help?
Significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland during late December 2010 and early January 2011, with three quarters of the state declared a disaster zone.
Recovery work is underway, with support available for those affected and opportunities for everyone to help others in need.

Need help?

Community recovery, rebuilding and repairing homes and insurance.

Keep Informed

News and alertsFinding your local radio frequency, news and updates, twitter and facebook feeds and weather warnings.

Be prepared

Preparing for floodsIf you are in an area that may be affected by flooding and may need to evacuate and be prepared.

Images from Brisbane, Southbank, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Grantham, Crows Nest, Condamine, Dayboro, Everton Park, Gatton, Dutton Park, East Brisbane, Fairfield, Greenmount, Maryborough, Jindalee, Oxley, Milton, Laidley, Bunya, Petrie, Riverview, Redbank Plains, Stanthorpe, West End. If you're in a posit








Monday, January 3, 2011

Summer by the Sea 2011 -- 300 free coastal events from 3 to 23 January

Got some free time while you are holidaying in Victoria this January? It is well worth checking out the schedule of free coastal events organised by Coast Action/Coastcare this year. 

"Summer by the Sea provides an opportunity to discover and appreciate the natural wonders of Victoria’s coastal and marine environments. The program promotes respect for the coast, environmental stewardship and participation in coastal conservation."

Some activities:
  • guided walks and rockpool rambles
  • snorkel safaris
  • kayak and boat tours
  • geology adventures
  • bird watching


Click here to find out more