Latest news with #aquatic
CTV News
15 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Lawson Pool replacement will cost an additional $40 million: city report
WATCH: A new report shows the replacement for the Lawson Aquatic Centre's pool will now cost $281 million, up $40 million from just months ago.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science
Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton. The etymology of 'plankton' originates from the ancient Greek word for 'drifter.' Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents. Read more: There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton). We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet. In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton. Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton. Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around. Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump. However, other plankton, primarily bacteria and fungi, are involved in decomposition of dead material that remains in the water column and their activity recycles chemical elements essential for other organisms. Together with the biological carbon pump, this decomposition activity can have global consequences in climate regulation. Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers. Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that's now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts. Breakthroughs and even Nobel Prizes (medicine) have stemmed from the study of plankton (jellyfish stings, advancing allergy studies. Similarly, research on freshwater ciliate telomeres and the use of fluorescent jellyfish proteins have contributed to further understanding of ageing and cancer. Certain plankton species are used as diagnostic tools in forensic science. Others are often used as models in biomedical and ecotoxicological research. Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton. Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods. Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research. On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes. Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important. Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry. The often strange structural forms of plankton have inspired architects and engineers, including the designers of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and the former Monumental Gate (Porte Binet) in Paris. Plankton have inspired many artists, the first being biologist Ernst Haeckel. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services adopted the Life Framework of Values. This framework centres living from, with, in and as nature as a position from which to inform policies around biodiversity and ecosystem services. Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity. Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth's ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity's living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture. Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world. We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organisation bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Beatrix Beisner, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM); Maria Grigoratou, Umeå University; Sakina-Dorothée Ayata, Sorbonne Université, and Susanne Menden-Deuer, University of Rhode Island Read more: We study 'planktivores' – and found an amazing diversity of shapes among plankton-feeding fishes Tiny oceanic plankton adapted to warming during the last ice age, but probably won't survive future climate change – new study Sea plankton shells hold key to millions of years of climate data Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network. Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board. Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF). Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.
CNA
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Catch mermaid shows with aquatic artists at Cosford Container Park starting May 31
Looking for a magical experience this June school holidays? Cosford Container Park at Changi will be bringing live mermaid performances, featuring aquatic artists, every weekend starting Saturday (May 31) until the end of the year. The shows are presented in collaboration with The Dancing Mermaid, founded by belly dancer and certified mermaid dancing instructor, Aliyah. The hour-long multisensory performances will feature different themes each weekend, such as Arabian Nights, Mythical Creatures Night and Galactic Mermaid Night, with aquatic artists bringing these underwater shows to life through graceful flips and captivating spins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cosford Container Park (@cosfordcontainerpark) Visitors can look forward to meet-and-greet sessions with the mermaids after each show with a chance to snap photographs with the performers. To add to the fun, guests will also have the chance to try on mermaid fins.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Take a dip in these 15 public swimming pools around the Peoria area in summer 2025
With Memorial Day marking the official start of summer, get ready to cool off at area swimming pools to fight those hot days to come: What to know: Open year-round and operates Monday-Saturday. Facilities include a two-story water slide, lazy river, zero depth pool and splash equipment Hours: Non-members are welcome for open swim noon to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday. The pool is open for members from 5 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday. Preschool Splash for children ages 5 and under with an adult is available from 9-11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact: 600 NE Water St., Peoria, 309-282-1700. Online: Admission: Riverplex and YMCA members free. General admission prices not available. What to know: Opens June 4. The facility offers a zero depth pool, a water slide, a diving well and a wet sand play area. Hours: Open Monday-Thursday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Contact: 809 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, 309-229-9554 Online: Admission: Not available. What to know: Features a swimming pool opening on June 2. The splash pad is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours: Pool open from noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Splash pad open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Contact: 309 S. DuSable St., Peoria, 309-673-9183 Online: Admission: Not available More: Grammy-winners, blues and soul icons lead Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival What to know: Located in Alpha Park, the pool opened May 24. Closes Aug. 10. Hours: The pool is heated, and open Noon-6 p.m. seven days a week. Contact: 1605 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville, 309-697-8835 Online: Admission: $5/general admission; $3/seniors; free/children ages 3 and younger. What to know: Opens May 31. Closes Aug. 9. Features two water slides, diving well, zero-depth entry pool with play equipment and a full-service concession stand. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. seven days a week. Online: Contact: 100 Park Blvd., Chillicothe, 309-274-3409 Admission: $9/ages 4 and older; $7/seniors ages 60 and older; free/children ages 3 and younger. What to know: Open May 30 through Aug. 10. Three pools, including a zero-depth option, a competition pool with multiple lanes and two diving boards, and a wading pool with slide. Hours: Monday, 12:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, 12:30-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, 12:30-6 p.m. Morning hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact: 1003 Westgate Road, Washington, 309-444-9432 Online: Admission: Regular hours: $8/ages 16-64; $6/youth ages 3-15; $5/seniors ages 65 and older; free/ages 2 and younger. Morning hours: $5/Adults 16-64; $4/youth 3-15; $3/ages 2-under and 65+. More: More than a dozen restaurants have opened in the Peoria area so far in 2025 What to know: Open year-round and operates daily. Two indoor heated pools, including a zero-depth entry leisure pool and an 8-lane, 25-yard competition pool. Swim lessons, group fitness classes, aquatic volleyball personal training, lifeguard training and more all on the menu here. Hours: Non-members are welcome for open swim 4-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-6:45 p.m. Friday, and noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The pool is open for members from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington, 309 444-8222. Online: Admission: Members free. Non-members $9 adults 13-61; $7 children 3-7; free 2-under. Seniors $7. What to know: Opened May 24. Closes Aug. 10. Features zero depth play/entry area, two water slides, sand beach play area with water equipment and extended deck/patio with lounge chairs, full concession stand and lockers. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. seven days a week Contact: Mineral Springs Park, 193 Red Bud Memorial Drive, Pekin, 309-226-4060 Online: Admission: $8.50/ages 4 and older; free/children ages 3 and younger. Family Night Rate (starting June 3): Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., family of 4/$20, plus $5 per add-on. Individual season pass/$85. Family of 4 season pass/$275, plus $80 for each additional family member. What to know: Located at Idlewood Park, the pool opened May 24 and will close Aug. 10. Closed at 4 p.m. for swim meets on June 3, 10 and 17, and July 8 and 15. Features zero depth wading pool with aquatic playground, two water slides, lap pool and diving well. Hours: Open 1-6 p.m., seven days a week. Tot time Monday-Saturday 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Contact: 450 E. Idlewood, Morton, 309-369-2463 Online: Admission: $12/ages 2-64; free/children 1 and younger and ages 65 and older. Season passes are available for $60 for park district residents and $120 for non-residents. What to know: Opening week of June 9, pending repair completions. Features zero depth kiddie pool with a mushroom waterfall, lap pool, diving well, water basketball, lap swim, tot time, two playgrounds and events throughout the summer. Hours: 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. Visit pool website for updates on closing times for swim meets. Contact: 116 N. Douglas St., Metamora, 309-367-4993 Online: Admission: $7/ages 3 and older; $5/ages 3 and older after 5 p.m. $5/lap swim (ages 16 and older); free/ages 2 and younger. Tot time: ages 0-5 for $5. What to know: Opened May 24. Closes Aug. 10. Features zero depth splash wading pool, lap pool, slide and water basketball. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1-6 p.m. Friday, Saturday 11:30 a.m-5 p.m. Sunday 2-6 p.m. The pool will close at 4:30 p.m. when hosting a home swim meet. Contact: 101 N. James St., Tremont, 309-925-5730 Online: Admission: $8 ages 3-older. $10 for non-residents. $5 seniors ages 65-older. Ages 2-under admitted free. More: Visiting Peoria Zoo? Here's everything to know about hours, tickets and more What to know: Opens May 26 and will operate through late August. Zero-entry splash pool. Features two diving boards, small aquatic playing area for children and concessions. Hours: 1-5 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contact: 607 Victory St., Roanoke, 309-923-7533. Online: Admission: $7. Ages 2 and under are free. Season passes: $100 for in-town singles and $200 for in-town families of up to six people, with $25 for additional members. $150 for out-of-town singles and $300 for out-of-town families, with $25 for additional members. What to know: Full-size pool with two diving boards and hours set aside for adults. Opens May 30 and operates through start of school in August. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 521 S. Sycamore St., El Paso; 309-527-4252. Online: Admission: $4 for individuals; $10 for families. What to know: Opened May 24. Closes Aug. 10. Features two water slides, water play features, zero-depth entry, diving board, a playground and full concession stand. Hours: Noon-5 p.m., seven days a week Contact: Canton Park District, 250 South Avenue D, Canton, 309-647-1345 Online: Admission: $6 for ages 3-64, $5 for seniors age 65 and older; free for 2 and younger. $2 for non-swimming guardians. Season passes: $120 youth and adult, $155 single parent (one adult and one youth), $240 family of four with $65 for additional members. What to know: Renovated in 2021 and located on the riverfront. Open June 1 through start of school in August. Hours: Noon-7 p.m. seven days a week. Contact: 600 Front Street, Henry; 309-364-3339. Online: Admission: $2.50/ages 14 and older, $2/ages 13 and under. More: Flowers, fruit and fresh veggies: These 9 Peoria-area farmers markets are open in 2025 This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 15 public swimming pools open for summer 2025 around Peoria, Illinois
