|
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
INTERMPA to address CHINA MARITIME Clean Ships, Seas, Shores and Ports Conference
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AWARD NOMINATIONS
United Nations Association of Australia
World Environment Day Awards 2012
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN NATIONALLY
Each year, in support of United Nations World Environment Day (June 5), the United Nations Association of Australia recognises innovative and outstanding environmental initiatives and projects from across Australia through the World Environment Day Awards.
The Awards invite nominations from individuals, organisations and businesses that have taken positive steps towards sustainability and demonstrated environmental excellence in their homes, schools, communities and workplaces.
In 2012, the Awards are held in support of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All and United Nations World Environment Day 2012 'Green Economy: Does it include you?'.
The 2012 Award Categories are:
· Biodiversity Award
· BHP Billiton Business Awards
· Virgin Australia Community Award
· Environmental School Award
· Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management Award
· Excellence in Sustainable Water Management Award
· Green Building Award
· Individual Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment
· Local Government Awards
· Media Award for Environmental Reporting
· Peter Szental Award for Sustainability Entrepreneurship
· Sustainability Education Award
· Sustainability Leadership Awards
ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday 4 May
Winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation Dinner to be held on Friday 8 June at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
For more information about the Awards, including entry criteria and nomination forms, please visitwww.unaavictoria.org.au.
If you have any enquiries, don’t hesitate to contact the UNAA Victoria office on or via email:awards@unaavictoria.org.au.
www.ausmepa.org.au
Thursday, February 9, 2012
DEVELOPMENT ON KEPPLE ISLAND
Ocean Whispers have received a letter of concern from conservationists who tell us that Queensland's Kepple Island is under threat from development that will cause destruction of acres of natural habitat. Should some pieces of coastal land remain or be allowed to return to a natural state? Those finding merit with this consideration which seeks to
www.ausmepa.org.au
- oppose the development of Lot 21 (875 ha) for villas and a golf course. I support the state government’s assessment that Lot 21 be reserved for conservation purposes. The current lease of Lot 21 is for recreation and public access, not real estate.
- oppose the building of a marina at Putney Beach due to the damage that will be caused to the sensitive marine environment in the vicinity including fringing coral reefs.
may choose to click here if wishing to register their details for a petition.
www.ausmepa.org.au
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
How to Prevent a Shark Attack, Jennifer Kennedy
Australian Geographic notes that there have been 873 shark attacks in Australia since records began in 1791, 211 of which have been fatal. See webpage with excellent diagram here
With her permission please find the following interesting article by Jennifer Kennedy on shark attacks with a few insights for those whose fears exceed the danger and some for those whose don't.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Tony Isaacson, Fiji |
How
to Prevent a Shark Attack
By Jennifer Kennedy, About.com
Guide
Even though you're
more likely to die from a lightning strike, alligator attack or on a bicycle
than from a shark attack, sharks do sometimes bite humans. According to the International Shark Attack File there were 79 cases of unprovoked
shark attacks worldwide in 2010. The top 3 attacking
shark species were the white, tiger and bull sharks.
There are many ways (most of them common-sense) that you can
avoid a shark attack. Below is a list of what not to do if you'll be swimming
in waters where sharks might be present, and techniques for getting away alive
if a shark attack really does happen.
What Not to Do:
·
Don't swim alone.
·
Don't swim during dark or twilight hours.
·
Don't swim with shiny jewelry.
·
Don't swim if you have an open wound.
·
Don't swim too far offshore.
·
Ladies: don't swim if you're menstuating.
·
Don't splash excessively or make erratic movements.
·
Keep pets out of the water.
·
Don't swim in areas where there are sewage (for other obvious
reasons!) or pinnipeds
[seals or sealions] that
are hauled-out. Both areas can attract sharks.
·
Don't swim in areas being used by fishermen, as their bait could
attract sharks.
·
Don't push your luck - never harass a shark. Get out of the
water if one is spotted.
What to Do If You're Attacked:
Let's hope you've followed the advice above and successfully
avoided an attack. But what do you do if you suspect a shark's in the area or
are being attacked?
·
If you feel something brush against you, get out of the water.
According to an article from National Geographic,
many shark bite victims don't feel any pain. And sharks may strike more than
once.
·
If you are attacked, the rule described here is
"do whatever it takes to get away." Possibilities include yelling
underwater, blowing bubbles, and punching the shark's nose, eye or gills and
then leaving the area before the shark strikes again.
References and Additional Information:
·
Burgess, George H. 2011. ISAF Statistics on Attacking
Species of Shark. (Online). FL Museum of Natural History
·
Burgess, George H. 2009. ISAF 2008 Worldwide Shark Attack
Summary (Online). FL Museum of Natural History
·
Burgess, George H. 1998. Just for Kids: How to Avoid a Shark Attack Reprinted with permission from The
Kids' How to Do (Almost) Everything Guide, Monday Morning Books, Palo Alto , California
·
ISAF. 2009. International Shark Attack File. (Online). FL Museum of Natural History
·
Popular Mechanics. 2009. Survive Anything: How to Escape a
Shark Attack. (Online) Popular Mechanics. Accessed February 5, 2010.
Shark Facts
Shark Conservatoin
More About Shark
Attacks
Related Articles
www.ausmepa.org.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)