Ocean floor video to track trawlers’ footprint
Watch the video: Benthic Trawl Experiment 2014 “The footage is very clear; it’s the best and most systematic video we have of life in the trawl lanes,” says Attwood. Hake live in deep water during the day, mostly at depths of 350 to 600 metres, and because of their inaccessibility they aren’t often observed in their wild habitat. But they migrate vertically, coming up to feed at night. Most trawling is therefore done during the day when the fish are near the seabed. “Mass food production has an environmental impact, and it’s great that we have the fishing industry’s co-operation on this experiment,” says Attwood. “They understand that we need to limit harvest to replenishable numbers, and that it’s important to work with the ecosystem.” Source: University of Cape Town 30 June 2014 A pioneering experiment being conducted in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles off the west coast of South Africa will tell marine researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) how long the seabed and its ecosystem takes to recover after hake trawling operations. The Benthic Trawl Experiment is a joint research project between UCT, the South African Deep Sea Trawl Industry Association, the South African Environmental Observation Network (Saeon), and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It’s the first in a series of experimental surveys of the impact of bottom trawling on the benthic communities – organisms that live in or on the seafloor – of the outer shelf of South Africa’s west coast, says Associate Professor Colin Attwood, the chief scientist on the project. These will be conducted annually, though Attwood says it will take longer than the allotted four years for previously trawled lanes to bounce back.Recovery among sea-floor species Saeon’s Lara Atkinson, who is managing the project, says: “We have been planning for a long time to get this experiment under way, and we’re very excited about this opportunity to be able to monitor for any changes in the benthic communities in the areas where trawling has stopped.” The researchers have established a 6-by-15 nautical mile block within one of the fisheries’ commercial blocks, and divided this into five lanes, two of which will remain open to trawling. The remaining three will be closed over the project’s lifespan. Data recovered during repeated surveys over this time will give researchers a clearer idea of recovery among seafloor species – and of the ocean floor itself, which becomes churned up by metal trawl “doors” (some weighing up to 10 tons) angled to hold open the net mouth as it is pulled along. A towed camera and a Van Veen grab (instrumentation used to collect sediment) will be used to sample benthic epi-fauna and in-fauna respectively.Marine life not previously seen on the seabed Two-and-a-half hours of video footage of the seabed, shot during the first of the experimental surveys on board the research vessel Ellen Khuzwayo in February, show marine life previously not seen on the seabed: jacopever, spiny eels, starfish, anemones and other crustaceans – and hake.
Share Facebook Twitter Google + LinkedIn Pinterest By Peggy Hall, Asst. Professor, Agricultural & Resource Law, Ohio State UniversityRecent actions by the Ohio legislature and Governor Kasich will affect the management of agricultural nutrients in Ohio. The Ohio General Assembly has passed “Clean Lake 2020” legislation that will provide funding for reducing phosphorous in Lake Erie. Governor Kasich signed the Clean Lake 2020 bill on July 10, in tandem with issuing Executive Order 2018—09K, “Taking Steps to Protect Lake Erie.” The two actions aim to address the impact of agricultural nutrients on water quality in Lake Erie.The Clean Lake 2020 legislation provides funding for the following:$20 million in FY 2019 for a Soil and Water Phosphorus Program in the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). In utilizing the funds, ODA must consult with the Lake Erie Commission and the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission to establish programs that help reduce total phosphorus and dissolved reactive phosphorus in the Western Lake Erie Basin and must give priority to sub-watersheds that are highest in total phosphorus and dissolved reactive phosphorus nutrient loading. And create specific programs that include the purchase of equipment for (1) subsurface placement of nutrients into soil; (2) nutrient placement based on geographic information system data; and (3) manure transformation and manure conversion technologies, soil testing, tributary monitoring, water management and edge-of-field drainage management, and an agricultural phosphorus reduction revolving loan program. The ODA also must not use more than 40% of the funds on a single program or activity.$3.5 million for county soil and water conservation districts in the Western Lake Erie Basin for staffing costs and for soil testing and nutrient management plan assistance to farmers, including manure transformation and manure conversion technologies, enhanced filter strips, water management, and other conservation support.$2.65 million for OSU’s Sea Grant—Stone Laboratory on Lake Erie to construct new research lab space and purchase in-lake monitoring equipment including real-time buoys and water treatment plant monitoring sondes (sensors).A $2 million obligation increase for the Ohio Public Facilities Commission allocated to the costs of capital facilities for state-supported and state-assisted institutions of higher education.Governor Kasich’s Executive Order contains two parts:It directs the ODA to “consider whether it is appropriate to seek the consent of the Ohio Soil and Water Commission to designate the following Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watersheds or portions of watersheds in the Maumee River Basin as watersheds in distress due to increased nutrient levels resulting from phosphorous attached to soil sediment: Platter Creek Watershed, Little Flat Rock Creek Watershed, Little Auglaize River Watershed, Eagle Creek Watershed, Auglaize River, Blanchard River, St. Mary’s, Ottawa River.”If the Soil and Water Commission consents to a designation of a watershed in distress, ODA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio EPA “should recommend a rule package that establishes the following . . . nutrient management requirements for all nutrient sources; development of associated management plans for agricultural land and operations within the designated watershed boundaries; requirements for the storage, handling, land application, and control of residual farm products, manure, and erosion of sediment and substances attached thereto within the designated watershed boundaries.”The legislation containing Clean Lake 2020 provisions—S.B. 299– is available here. Governor Kasich’s Executive Order is here, and a fact sheet issued with the Executive Order is here.
Enjoy this interview with Tabitha McCoy, a presenter for the MFLN Family Development October 2015 Virtual Learning Event Session 4 | What’s on the Web? Family Violence Resource Toolkit. Find out more about VLE 4 at our event page.Like what you heard here? Join us on October 29, 2015 from 11:00am to 12:30pm for VLE Session 4.For more information on MFLN Family Development’s October 2015 Virtual Learning Event check out our VLE website, here.
Firebrand Janata Dal (United) leader Ajay Alok has resigned from the post of party spokesperson stating that he does not wish to cause “embarrassment” to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who also heads the party. Although Mr. Alok, one of the most visible faces of his party, didn’t elaborate on what might have “embarrassed” his political mentor, there have been murmurs of Mr. Kumar being upset over his party spokesperson going overboard in his criticism of the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal and the illegal immigration problem in that State. He shared his resignation letter, addressed to the party’s State unit chief Bashishtha Narayan Singh, on his Twitter handle late on Thursday night.
Rains caused havoc during the fourth ODI between India and England a Lord’s and in the end the match ended in a tie with the Duckworth Lewis method coming into play. Score | PhotosBut the result gave the series away to England, who now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five match series with one match being washed away. Chasing 281, England batsman Ravi Bopara fell four runs short of a century helping England 270, when the match was stopped on account of rains and the D/L method applied.Put to bat, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina added 169 runs for the fifth wicket as India scored a fine 280/5.India have not won a single match on the tour so far. They lost the Test series 0-4.India got off to a decent start scoring at more than seven runs an over with Parthiv Patel and Ajinkya Rahane batting with confidence, But their stand came to an end in the 14th over when a Stuart Broad ball trapped Rahane leg-before on 38 and India lost their first wicket on 65.The other opener Parthiv Patel too fell to a Broad delivery when visitors were on 70. Parthiv wanted to pull a short ball off broad, but failed to get the desired elevation and was caught at mid-wicket by Ravi Bopara. He scored 27.Post those two dismissal, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli went on to forge a partnership thwarting England attack. But their stand didn’t last long as offie Graeme Swann claimed Kohli with a soft dismissal in the 26th over and two balls later he accounted to Dravid with a caught and bowled Swann written against his initials. India lost their fourth wicket on 110.advertisementSoon Dhoni and Raina got going against the England attack reconstructing the innings.Gradually the two batsmen got set in the middle and went on rampage. Much to the delight of the Indian fans boundaries and over-the-fence shots came at ease. From 110/4, the two took the total to 279 – adding 169 runs for the fifth wicket. Dhoni too got going with his helicopter shot and this time round, it went way past the boundary.Their partnership finally came to an end on the fourth ball of the last over when Raina was caught in the deep by Ben Stokes when he hoisted a ball off Steven Finn. Dhoni fell for 84 after belting seven fours and two sixes in his 75-balls innings.Dhoni remained unbeaten on 78. His 71-ball innings was decorated with six fours and three sixes and India ended their innings on an impressive 280/5.Chasing 281 for victory, England openers Alastair Cook and Craig Kieswetter got off to a rather shaky start and soon lost a wicket. The last ball of the fourth over saw Kieswetter take the aerial route off RP Singh, but the ball instead of going past the boundary fell in the safe hands of Ravindra Jadeja at mid-wicket. He fell for 12 and England lost their first wicket on 21.On the first ball of his next over, RP struck again to send the other opener and captain Cook back into the pavilion with Virat Kohli performing the final honours with a clean catch. England lost their second wicket on 27.Then it was the turn of Praveen Kumar to display his wares at the Lord’s wicket and he did that by coming around the wicket and was effectively rewarded. The ball took the inside edge of Jonathan Trott and crashed into his stumps on 23. England were 61/3 at the stage.But England had little reason to worry considering their deep batting line-up. Soon Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara got on with a partnership, thwarting the India attack.Their partnership only came to an end when the spinners got going. On the fist ball of the 33rd over, Ravindra Jadeja struck to remove Bell on 54 to break their 98-run stand and soon offie R Ashwin got rid of new man Stokes to put India back on track as England lost their fifth wicket on 173.Ravi Bopara, who was still in the middle, then went of to forge a partnership with Tim Bresnan, and the duo propped up the scoring rate.RP, who was in form today, struck to remove Bresnan on 27, with a ball that zipped past the batsman and crashed into his stumps. England lost their sixth wicket on 220.The match had it’s share of drama when post the 44th over the players had to rush indoors due to a steady drizzle – India were ahead by 2 runs (D/L method) at the stage, but the showers soon stopped and the game resumed in minutes.advertisementAn over later the rains resumed, but unfortunately for India on this occasion England were ahead by 2 runs according to the D/L method.The match resumed again after a few minutes and Bopara and Graeme Swanna went on charge right away.The penultimate over saw some more rains and some important wicket come India’s way. First Swann ended up throwing his wicket off a run out on 31 and then on the very next ball, Munaf Patel got rid of Ravi Bopara, who fell four runs short of his ton.Bopara went for a pull off Munaf but Jadeja cut him near the ropes to culminate his 111-ball innings that was studded with six four.Post that wicket the players again headed towards the pavilion and the wicket was promptly covered by the ground-staff – at the juncture both teams were at level (D/L method).Finally the match was called off with the two teams sharing the honours.
Sport Relief is back and for the first time ever is asking the entire nation to take on a huge collective challenge – beating a billion steps a day, every day, from 17th-23rd March.A host of famous faces including Zoe Ball, Greg James and Alex Jones will lead the charge and take on their own epic challenges to raise money and inspire the public to make their steps count as part of Team Sport Relief.Running, dancing, dog walking or Zumba-ing all count towards the step total as the nation comes together to raise money and help vulnerable people, across the UK and the world, to live happier, healthier and safer lives.To help the nation keep track of their hard earned steps and ensure they count towards the national total, the brand new Sport Relief App will be available to download for free. Packed with innovative challenges, exclusive celebrity content and a national step tracker to keep count towards the billion, it will also include countless ways to get active and raise money for Sport Relief.Liz Warner, CEO of Comic Relief, said:“Sport Relief gets us all donning our trainers and taking on all types of sporty challenges or running a mile at school to help raise funds.“In 2018 we have more British celebrities than ever pushing themselves to the limit to help us raise money for Sport Relief, which gives fifty percent of funds to the UK and the other fifty percent to the most desperate communities in the world.“This is the first time we have asked the nation to take up a collective challenge and we can’t wait to see how many steps we can all do – let’s hit a billion steps and get more donations and sponsors coming in to help others.”Whether taking part for fun or fitness, the public can show their support for Sport Relief by getting kitted out in the limited edition merchandise, available from 15th February, from official partner Sainsbury’s and at sportrelief.com.Coming up this Sport Relief:Kicking things off with a bang, BBC Radio 1’s Greg James will take on another incredible challenge. Can Greg beat his last Sport Relief achievement of five triathlons in five days? Watch this space for more details of an unprecedented challenge that will push the DJ to his limits.He said: “My last challenge was unbelievably difficult but I think we’re about to top it. At the end of the fifth triathlon I said “never again” but after seeing the huge amount of good it did in raising over a million quid for truly deserving projects and people, I have been inspired to push myself harder. This challenge is even more ridiculous.”Next up, broadcast queen Zoe Ball will be taking on a very special BT sponsored Sport Relief challenge – a cycling feat with a difference, while raising awareness of mental health issues.Zoe said: “I feel honoured to be taking on such an epic challenge for Sport Relief and it means so much to me to raise awareness of mental health issues – a topic close to my heart. This will be an awesome adventure, with miles to cover, hills to climb and a lot of chafing!”Zoe will then hand the baton to The One Show’s Alex Jones who has teamed up with four inspiring mums for ‘The Mother of all Challenges’, with a focus on maternal health. Taking place across six days, it promises to push them to their limits with the support of Sport Relief legend Professor Greg Whyte.Alex said: “Over the years I’ve done a number of things for Sport Relief, some more dangerous than others, but I think this one’s got a really different feel to it. It’s a gang of us, a group of mothers and we’re doing it as a team. I’m really looking forward to meeting the mothers, and being part of another Sport Relief – it’s going to be a good one, it always is!”On Friday 23rd March, TV fans can also look forward to the night of TV action, live from Salford on BBC One. The night will include incredible boxing bouts, as celebrities take to the ring and go toe-to-toe after months of hard-hitting training. Spencer Matthews, Wayne Bridge, Vanessa White and Hannah Spearritt are getting ready to rumble, with plenty more names and exciting telly treats to be announced.Everyone has to start somewhere right? Airing in March, BBC Two’s ‘Famously Unfit… for Sport Relief’ will see Les Dennis, Susannah Constantine, Tameka Empson and Miles Jupp put through their paces in a series of gruelling tasks to regain their fitness and kick-start a new healthy lifestyle, before taking on a muddy and exhausting obstacle course in freezing temperatures.For more information on how to get involved with this year’s Sport Relief campaign, download the Sport Relief App or go to sportrelief.com.
April 3, 2000Andy is preparing for the Farmers Market which is held every two weeks in theCafe. Photo by: DoctressNeutopia
The BBC is to reduce the video offering on its Red Button service on Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media from five streams to one as part of a series of changes to the Red Button service.Tom Williams, development editor for red button and dual screen in BBC Vision, said the consolidation of the video service, which will take place on October 15, was necessary because the cost of using linear broadcast technology to deliver multiple streams. The Freeview version of the service delivers only a single video stream.Williams said the change “in no way signals the demise of BBC Red Button”. He said the service would continue to support a wide range of TV and radio output including events such as Wimbledon and the Glastonbury Festival. However, the reduction in the number of video streams will mean that the BBC will no longer be able to offer multiscreen coverage of big events via broadcast platforms. The multiscreen services will continue to be available online, meaning that viewers with access to connected TV services will be able to view them on TV. Williams said the BBC was “developing new ways of bringing enhanced coverage of major events to your televisions in the future”.The BBC will move forward with plans to develop its ‘Connected Red Button’ service, outlined earlier this year by BBC on-demand general manager Daniel Danker, combining elements of the Red Button service with elements of BBC Online. New functions will include live restart of programmes. The first version of the service is set to launch later this year.
McMafiaThe BBC reported a record 328 million programme requests on iPlayer in January, marking “the best month on record” for the catch-up service.The BBC said the number of shows accessed on the iPlayer in January was up 10% compared to the same month in 2017, with an average of 10.6 million daily requests for TV content in January this year.BBC crime drama McMafia was the most popular show of the month, with episode one of the series streamed 3.4 million times. Three other episodes from this series were among the top-10 most requested shows in January.The other top 10 most-requested shows of the month were episodes of the dramas Silent Witness and Hard Sun, as well as three episodes of long-running soap opera Eastenders.“2018 has got off to a flying start, thanks in no small part to a range of gripping BBC dramas. McMafia, Hard Sun and Silent Witness dominate our most popular programmes on iPlayer for January, as does the always strong-performing EastEnders,” said Dan McGolpin, controller of programming and daytime for the BBC.“It was also impressive to see the wildlife series Big Cats make this month’s top five performing series with an average of over 1 million requests per episode. It’s been a great start to the year, and we’re aiming to build on that success in the coming months.”Last month the BBC said that 2017 was the “best year ever” for the iPlayer. Company stats revealed that viewers streamed 272 million programmes per month on average in 2017, with total requests growing to 3.3 billion – an 11% increase on the previous year.
TV ad measurement company iSpot.tv is seeking to bolster the adoption of its TV advertising analytics technology with an additional US$30 million of investment capital.Sean MullerThe new money brings investment in iSpot.tv to US$57.8 million since the company started to offer real-time TV advertising analytics at scale in 2012.iSpot, which delivers actionable analytics to a wide range of US brands, says it has grown its annual subscription base to more than 200 blue-chip brands, and increased revenues 100% or more year-over-year for five years running.It says this rapid market adoption is down to iSpot’s ability to measure TV advertising with digital precision and help brands definitively attribute TV ad exposures to business outcomes.“We have entered a new era of TV advertising measurement that looks a lot more like digital, except on a medium not hampered by digital’s fraud challenges,” said iSpot founder and CEO Sean Muller.“The most important thing isn’t exactly how a TV ad gets on a screen or what programme or service it runs against. What matters is which factors are driving actions from customers. We’re helping brands take ownership of these insights to make greater impact on their business.”iSpot says it has built the consistent and actionable measurement required to support a shift from GRPs (Gross Rating Points) and rough estimates of age and gender to an audience and business outcome-based approach.Companies endorsing its approach include T-Mobile. “We trust iSpot and have partnered with them to push the envelope on how our TV advertising investment is deployed and how its effectiveness is measured,” said T-Mobile EVP marketing Nick Drake.
