Latest news with #DanielStevenson
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Rare humpback birth in Kaikōura
Humpback mother supporting its new born calf in Kaikōura In a breathtaking display of nature's wonder, Wings Over Whales pilot Sam Hamill and his guests witnessed the remarkable birth of a humpback calf off the coast of Kaikōura. The event at the weekend marked a rare occurrence in this renowned whale-watching location, celebrated for its abundant marine life, particularly sperm whales, throughout the year. 'Kaikōura is a world-renowned area for year-round whale watching, typically of sperm whales,' explained Daniel Stevenson, owner of Wings Over Whales and South Pacific Helicopters. 'However, this time of year, we are on the humpback migration highway as they move from the cool Antarctic waters to New Caledonia to calve.' The calf's premature arrival was a surprise to all involved. Sam Hamill, who observed the birth during a morning flight, described the scene: 'It was a surprise; I had to do a double take. Humpbacks don't typically calve here in Kaikōura. We watched the mother supporting the calf from beneath and helping it along its way, with around a number of Dusky dolphins surrounding them.' While the waters off Kaikōura are known for various whale sightings, such as sperm whales and occasional Southern Right Whales giving birth, seeing a humpback calf born in these cooler waters is exceedingly rare. Historically, documented occurrences of whale births in Kaikōura include a notable humpback birth witnessed by Wings Over Whales pilots three years ago, as well as occasional Southern Right Whale births in the area. This unexpected event underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of marine life in Kaikōura, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and as a vital corridor for whale migration. Conservationists and marine enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this young whale's journey progresses in the coming months.
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Rare humpback birth in Kaikoura
In a breathtaking display of nature's wonder, Wings Over Whales pilot Sam Hamill and his guests witnessed the remarkable birth of a humpback calf off the coast of Kaikoura. The event at the weekend marked a rare occurrence in this renowned whale-watching location, celebrated for its abundant marine life, particularly sperm whales, throughout the year. 'Kaikoura is a world-renowned area for year-round whale watching, typically of sperm whales,' explained Daniel Stevenson, owner of Wings Over Whales and South Pacific Helicopters. 'However, this time of year, we are on the humpback migration highway as they move from the cool Antarctic waters to New Caledonia to calve.' The calf's premature arrival was a surprise to all involved. Sam Hamill, who observed the birth during a morning flight, described the scene: 'It was a surprise; I had to do a double take. Humpbacks don't typically calve here in Kaikoura. We watched the mother supporting the calf from beneath and helping it along its way, with around a number of Dusky dolphins surrounding them.' While the waters off Kaikoura are known for various whale sightings, such as sperm whales and occasional Southern Right Whales giving birth, seeing a humpback calf born in these cooler waters is exceedingly rare. Historically, documented occurrences of whale births in Kaikoura include a notable humpback birth witnessed by Wings Over Whales pilots three years ago, as well as occasional Southern Right Whale births in the area. This unexpected event underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of marine life in Kaikoura, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and as a vital corridor for whale migration. Conservationists and marine enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this young whale's journey progresses in the coming months.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brunswick Landing removes toxic foam from airport hangar
Apr. 15—The authority in charge of Brunswick Landing has removed firefighting foam containing forever chemicals from one of its airport hangars. Hangar 6 held 975 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam concentrate, or AFFF, containing a toxic PFAS chemical compound known as PFOS. A malfunction at Brunswick Executive Airport's Hangar 4, which is owned by the Navy but operated by Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, dumped 1,450 gallons of AFFF concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water last summer. The spill prompted ongoing cleanup and monitoring efforts as well as a push to get rid of the foam at the airport in Brunswick and across the state. Concern grew around Hangar 6, which some have speculated is leaking harmful chemicals based on the testing data around the airport that Friends of Merrymeeting Bay has collected over the years, though a company hired to assess risk at the hangar said there is no leak. The authority had previously turned off the AFFF system in Hangar 6 on March 28 and installed updated fire suppression methods that do not use PFAS-containing foam. According to a news release from MRRA, the authority worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center to remove the foam concentrate. The ERDC is evaluating how to properly destroy the foam, the release states. "This partnership showcases a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and finding solutions for complex issues," said MRRA Executive Director Daniel Stevenson. "The testing of alternative technologies reflects a dedication to research and development in order to mitigate the impact of PFAS contamination on the environment and threat to public health." Maine has struggled to determine how to dispose of its stockpile of toxic AFFF. The most common disposal methods — incineration, landfilling and deep underground storage — all have drawbacks. Following the August spill, cleanup company Clean Harbors trucked 12,500 gallons of foam and tainted rinse water to its incinerator outside of Sarnia, Ontario, and 10,000 gallons to its incinerator in El Dorado, Arkansas. Copy the Story Link
