Latest news with #marinewildlife
New York Times
10 hours ago
- New York Times
Woman Was ‘Most Likely' Bitten by Shark at Jones Beach, Officials Say
A 20-year-old woman was most likely bitten by a shark on Wednesday at Jones Beach on Long Island in New York in what an official said was the first such attack of the season at a beach at a New York State park. The woman, who was not publicly identified, was waist deep in the water around 4:15 p.m. at the Central Mall beachfront of Jones Beach State Park when she reported being bitten by 'unknown marine wildlife,' the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said in a statement on Friday. The woman sustained minor cuts to her left foot and leg, the statement said. Lifeguards and emergency workers responded, and the woman was transported to a hospital. Her injuries were not life-threatening, according to the statement. She did not see what caused her injuries, but biologists from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation concluded that the bite 'most likely' involved a juvenile sand tiger shark. The bite was the first of the season at a New York State park beach and 'hopefully the last,' George Gorman, a regional director for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, wrote in an email on Friday. Swimming at Jones Beach was suspended for the rest of the day on Wednesday as the authorities used drones to search for dangerous marine life. Before reopening the beach on Thursday morning, park police and staff used drones to search for large schools of fish and other marine life. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
21 hours ago
- Science
- Forbes
Plastic Bag Bans And Fees Can Reduce Shoreline Litter, Study Finds
EGYPT, RED SEA - DECEMBER 2007: Overview of plastic pollution during a dive on December 6, 2007, off ... More Egypt, Red Sea. In 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans if nothing is done, its the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). Plastics pollution has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year. (Photo by) Plastic bag bans and fees could help reduce the number ending up littering shorelines by at least a quarter, according to a new analysis. The study by researchers at the University of Delaware and Columbia University found that plastic bag policies led to a 25% to 47% decrease in plastic bags as a share of total items collected in shoreline cleanups, compared to areas without policies. It also found a 30 to 37% reduction in presence of entangled animals in areas with plastic bag policies. It used data collected by volunteers with Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup annual event, which sees volunteers remove trash from beaches and waterways around the world. The U.S. currently has now no federal plastic bag policy, but there are various policies at the town, county and state level, which include bans, partial bans and charges. The study says some types of policies seemed to be more effective than others in reducing plastic litter. For instance, it said fees appear to reduce litter even more than bans, though more study is needed to understand why. Another finding was that the bag bans and fees were most effective in places where the plastic bag litter problem was more severe to begin with. Report co-author Anna Papp said roughly one-third of Americans are living in an area with some sort of plastic bag policy in place in a statement. Papp added the findings do show that plastic bag policies are broadly effective in limiting litter along shorelines. 'Ours is the first large-scale study to use hundreds of policies and tens of thousands of cleanups to look at their effects,' she said. 'But it is important to keep in mind that this is a relative decrease in affected areas compared to areas without policies.' A previous analysis by Ocean Conservancy showed a 29% reduction in plastic grocery bags found on beaches following an increase in statewide plastic bag bans. It also claimed Americans use 100 billion plastic grocery bags each year and on average, plastic grocery bags are used for only 12 minutes before being thrown away. Ocean Conservancy's manager for ocean plastics research, Dr. Erin Murphy said plastic bags are particularly dangerous for the environment in an interview. Dr. Murphy said sea animals can either become entangled with them or ingest them. She added the ingestion of plastic bags has been linked to death in many species, including marine mammals and sea turtles. 'Plastic bags can look to some sea creatures like prey such as jellyfish, and so they may be consumed preferentially in the environment,' she told me. Dr. Murphy said there have also been previous studies, which highlight how high levels of plastic litter can impact tourism in coastal resorts. She added the study provides good evidence about why 'more comprehensive plastic bag bans or well-developed plastic bag fees' need to be introduced. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's lead of strategy and thought leadership for the plastics initiative, Sander Defruyt said the new research provides clear evidence that plastic bag bans and fees are effective tools in reducing plastic pollution in an email. Defruyt added plastic bags represent just a fraction of all plastics used globally and tackling the plastic pollution crisis requires a much broader systems change. 'We must change how we design, use, and reuse plastics. We cannot simply recycle or reduce our way out of the plastic pollution crisis,' he said. 'Our current wasteful linear plastics economy is broken," added Defruyt. "In this system, fossil resources are extracted from the ground, made into packaging or products, and most often discarded after a very short, single use to end up in landfills, incinerators, or worse, into the environment. 'To fundamentally transform today's linear economy into a circular economy will require a combination of ambitious industry action and policy measures, working in tandem to provide the systems change required," said Defruyt.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Why Belize is the ultimate holiday for unforgettable outdoor adventures
Most people know that the longest coral reef in the world is off the north east coast of Australia, but do you know where the second-longest can be found? The Belize Barrier Reef runs 190 miles through the Caribbean Sea, parallel to the beautiful coast of this little Central American country. Mention Belize to any scuba diver and they will instantly think of the Great Blue Hole. This gigantic, perfectly round sinkhole has a diameter of 1,000ft and plunges down 400ft to a mysterious cave. Exploring the Great Blue Hole is a bucket-list experience for divers but much of its abundant marine life can be viewed by snorkelling novices too. Rich in marine life such as docile nurse sharks, green turtles and eagle rays as well as myriad colourful fish, the reef has a wealth of excellent snorkelling spots. You could even spot a manatee, the huge but gentle aquatic mammal that can weigh half a ton. Popping up through the reef are the Belize Cayes, a series of delightful islands that invite a relaxing stay beside a white-sand beach while providing easy access to those marine marvels. Above sea level, much of Belize is smothered with dense jungle. This tangled foliage conceals an incredible display of wildlife, including one of the largest concentrations of jaguars in the world. These magnificent big cats are very elusive but you could spot one on a guided hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you don't spot a jaguar, there's plenty else to see such as toucans, howler monkeys, jaguarundi wild cats and at least 300 bird species. Rainforest hikes often lead to an exquisite waterfall and pool in which to take a refreshing dip. Popular choices are Big Rock Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – the waterfall 'massage' is revered – and the more remote Davis Falls in southeastern Belize, which drops about 500ft. Also lurking in the jungle are several impressive cave systems, and enterprising local people have developed ways to help visitors explore them in an eco-friendly manner. You can climb into an inner tube to drift along the Caves Branch River as it winds in and out of eerie subterranean chambers. At Barton Creek Cave, you penetrate a mile inside a mountain on a canoe, wearing a headlamp while a guide explains how this underground world was sacred to the ancient Maya civilisation. Indeed, one fabulous asset of Belize is the ease in which visitors can combine nature-based activities with a journey back in time to the country's numerous inspiring archaeological Maya sites such as Caracol. You can gaze in awe at a 1,500-year-old pyramid in the morning then trek to a waterfall in the afternoon – or try horseriding or ziplining if you prefer. On a holiday in Belize, you'll never run out of adventures. You could board a shaded pontoon for a river cruise, visiting several waterfalls, with birds and monkeys flitting amid the tropical trees, trek through the steep peaks and gorges of Mountain Pine Ridge or look for parrots and iguanas as you kayak along the Macal River. Back on the coast, join a boat trip to fish for bonefish and tarpon, or cherish the phenomenon of bioluminescence near the village of Hopkins. Get the best out of a trip to this idyllic hotspot by taking advantage of the lower travel costs, including airlines and in-country hotels offering discounted rates for rooms and add-ons, which include meals and on-site activities. Visit during Green Season, which runs from June to November and you can truly recharge by enjoying uninterrupted access to the island's abundance of stunning natural wonders. Whenever you choose to go, it's best to let the experts decide. Journey Latin America is the UK's leading specialist in travel to Latin America. Founded in 1980, this specialist tour operator has been creating award-winning, tailor-made holidays and leading small, escorted group tours to every corner of the region for more than 40 years. With a longstanding team of travel experts – all of whom have lived, worked or travelled extensively throughout the area – Journey Latin America's staff pride themselves on being the most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to travel in Latin America. Belizeans are very proud of their country and its blend of cultures and the steps they take to protect them have won international recognition. Belize is part of the Maya Forest Corridor that tries to ensure endangered jaguars can travel freely through Central America. Many visitors make a beeline for the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, where dedicated staff look after howler monkeys. Community tourism is encouraged too, with the Belize Tourism Board helping visitors to engage with the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna culture through activities such as language lessons, music and dance. Enriching and expressive, Belize offers a satisfying, multi-facetted Caribbean holiday amid pristine nature. A 12-day Signature Belize Tour with Journey Latin America costs from £3,550 per person. This includes transfers, domestic flights, excursions and good-quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Kayakers and paddleboarders 'unknowingly' disturbing sea life
Researchers have warned kayakers and paddleboarders may be unknowingly disturbing whales, dolphins and seals in Scottish waters. Heriot-Watt University, with support from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, has documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine study included more than 400 hours of land-based observations across five marine regions, including protected areas. Researchers said disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Moray Firth, Clyde, Forth and Tay. The study suggested disturbances from fast-moving craft such as speedboats also occurred in every area. Dr Emily Hague, of Heriot-Watt University, said: "The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals."Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species."We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife."She added: "With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home." What is the advice? NatureScot's Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code advises people to:Keep a distance of at least 100m (328ft) from marine mammalsAvoid sudden changes in direction, speed or noise - especially in engine-powered boatsAvoid surrounding animalsLimit encounters to 15 minutes and move on if animals show any signs of disturbanceAvoid using fast moving craft for wildlife watching due to their speed, noise and collision riskGive seals on land a wide berth
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tourists oblivious to disturbing scene 500m off sunny Aussie beach
In waters off one of Australia's most popular beaches, something confronting was unfolding. Sunbathers, cafe patrons, and tourists in hotels that overlook the ocean would not have been able to see that 500 metres out, there was a dolphin in desperate need of help. It likely would have died without anyone knowing if a drone operator hadn't noticed something shining on the water and become curious. Their footage, supplied to Yahoo News, shows the dolphin trapped inside a two-metre-long net the state government had set and left to catch sharks off Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. The net is one of 27 laid along Queensland's coast as part of a program designed to reassure tourists the beaches are being protected. Because the Shark Control Program (SCP) is controversial, the drone pilot who captured the vision has asked to remain anonymous, so we'll refer to them as 'Alex'. 'I was filming some surfers. Then I took the drone further out, and that's when I found the dolphin,' they said. 'At first, it made me feel anxious. As I got closer, I felt sick. My body felt really heavy.' Alex is speaking out of concern that the system isn't equipped to free beloved Aussie species like dolphins when they're drowning in the nets. Currently, shark nets are only checked for wildlife every 48 hours, although the new state government plans to update the rules to make it daily. When Alex called the SCP hotline to report their find on April 20, they were told it wasn't possible to send out contractors to investigate until the following day. It's likely the dolphin was already dead by that time. Earlier on that autumn day, the weather had been a warm 27 degrees, and there was a light breeze ruffling the sand. But by the late afternoon, when the call about the dolphin came through, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says it had concerns about sending its contractors out as conditions had become unfavourable. 'Contractors were unable to respond immediately due to workplace health and safety concerns over fading light, weather conditions and large swells,' it told Yahoo News. It said a boat was sent out at 'first light' the following day, but "unfortunately" they confirmed the animal was dead. A separate clip provided by an anonymous source shows the dolphin dead in the water before the contractors arrived. A swimmer is understood to have taken the footage close to the animal, despite there being a 20-metre exclusion zone around shark nets under the Queensland Fisheries Act. The 2025 dolphin entanglement is the first recorded at Caloundra since 2018, when a single animal was released alive. But analysis of the SCP shows dolphins are regularly killed by the program, with nine of the 12 caught in 2023 succumbing to nets or drumlines. That same year, two dugongs and five endangered turtles were also found dead in SCP devices. In May, Yahoo reported on a massive manta ray becoming entangled in nets off Noosa beach. Andre Borrell is the founder of Envoy Foundation and a critic of Queensland's use of shark nets. He argues the state government's need to operate under an exemption in its own Animal Care and Protection Act is a clear sign the SCP is 'cruel'. 'The whole core premise of this program is one of cruelty, and the only reason it can operate is because they've written themselves a loophole,' he said. 'Every death that happens is horrific, there's no good way that an animal dies in shark control equipment or at the hands of shark control contractors. We need to view everything about this program through that lens.' Confronting picture showcases state of Aussie wildlife on world stage Rare animal hiding in outback photo helps solve decades-long mystery 50-night search in Aussie forest uncovers worrying find Critics of shark nets say they are not effective in preventing attacks because they are just 186 metres long and 6 metres deep, so sharks can simply swim around them. While it's acknowledged there are fewer incidents at beaches with nets, critics say the lower numbers are reflective of them being set in areas already patrolled by lifeguards who are able to actively warn swimmers about sharks. NSW also has a shark netting program, and dolphins have been found dead in them on multiple occasions. But coastal councils around the state have indicated they no longer want them set off their beaches, and there will be pressure for the Minns Government to remove them when they are next reviewed. In Queensland, the Crisafulli government appears to be taking the opposite approach. In May it announced it would be expanding the SCP, with an $88 million investment aimed at supporting the state's $33 billion tourism industry. This will include an investment in technology and innovation, but also a possible expansion of netting to six new beaches. The minister for primary industries Tony Perrett said the program would be 'striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment'. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
