Talking Trash: Cleaning Up Our Oceans

Jacques Cousteau is greatly admired as an explorer, ecologist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author, and oceanographic researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water.

Now, his great legacy is continued through the work of his son, Jean-Michel Cousteau, who has partnered with Project Kaisei to clean up our oceans and raise awareness about the severe increase in plastic pollution.

What’s really in our oceans? TRASH

Well, we already knew that. What you might not be aware of is that even in our enlightened day and age of awareness…the global oceanic garbage disposal problem is growing leaps and bounds before our eyes.

The pictures say it all. Garbage in the ocean is affecting our world food supply and the future of modern aquaculture today. 

“We traveled thousands of miles on both vessels and we tested surface samples across that whole distance. Every single sample we came up with plastic, every single one.”

clipped from www.moremarin.com Project Kaisei team talks trash Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Cousteau was joined by Project Kaisei founders, scientists, environmentalists and ocean lovers who spent a month in the middle of the ocean at a place called the North Pacific Gyre where tons of plastic trash has collected, and is floating in the sea. “We traveled thousands of miles on both vessels and we tested surface samples across that whole distance.  Every single sample we came up with plastic, every single one.” An example of what they found was spread out in front of the audience; ghost fishing nets, chunks of plastic lawn furniture, crates, large containers, a helmet. This is the stuff they found in every sample of water taken. we found a myriad of types of garbage.  In some of the areas that weren’t so congested, maybe we’d see 25 pieces but in other areas we would see three to four hundred pieces of marine debris plastic does not biodegrade

Project Kaisei Explores Plastic Vortex in the Pacific Ocean

Because the floating garbage pile is constantly in flux, nobody really knows how big it is, but some estimates suggest its mass is double the size of Texas.

clipped from www.moremarin.com Project Kaisei has launched. The group of scientists, environmentalists and ocean lovers left the SF Bay yesterday on an expedition to study a gigantic floating ‘plastic vortex’ of trash that floats in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  The group–led by Marinite Mary Crowley–is trying to figure out what type of trash is there, how it got there and ways to remove and recycle it. The gigantic trash heap has been growing for years–the result of our consumption of non-recyclable materials–and contributes to death of marine life and pollution of the oceans. Because the floating garbage pile is constantly in flux, nobody really knows how big it is, but some estimates suggest its mass is double the size of Texas. You can follow the action on the Project Kaisei website where they’ve set up a special Google Earth link to track the project’s progress. (photo of boat courtesy of Ocean Voyages Institute; photo of trash courtesy of Whole Travel Blog)

World Aquaculture News: Swordfish Banned in the Marketplace

Consumers Urged to Switch to Ethical Alternatives

Sunset of the Swordfish Harpooner, originally uploaded by StarrGazr.

The “Waitrose Supermarket” chain (UK) has announced has announced a ban on swordfish after being unable to find a sustainable source of the controversial species.

According to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) we are being warned that world stocks of Swordfish are too low to ensure future supply. In addition, the Waitrose market is concerned that the hooks commonly used to fish for swordfish pose a deadly threat to sea turtles, which are already at risk in many parts of the world.

For a fish to be termed “sustainable” in Waitrose it must meet the following criteria:

* Be a species that is not regarded as threatened or endangered
* Be caught from a well managed fishery with scientifically based quota’s
* Be caught using responsible fishing methods
* Be fully traceable from catch to consumer

We share the same ideals: Fish, shrimp and seafood should come from sustainable and well-managed fisheries or from responsibly farmed aquaculture operations.

HOW TO EAT ETHICALLY: Until an ethical source of swordfish is found, it is recommended to replace the fish with “mahi-mahi”, a fully sustainable white fish that breeds and matures quickly, enabling stocks to replenish more easily.

Without a doubt the aquaculture industry is going to be effected by many different complex trends over the coming years, all operating together, sometimes in very unexpected ways and producing changes in the industry that may be very rapid indeed.   The ability of the aquaculture industry to foresee and react to these trends and changes is of vital importance to the future development and success of the sector.

Island Bounty understands the mega trends already in place, and is positioned to become the industry leader.

Aquaculture Feed Needs to be Consistent: We Are What We Eat

The information contained in this report is very important to modern aquaculture and the Island Bounty SA objective:

Research Project: TROPICAL AQUACULTURE: DEVELOP FEEDS FOR OPTIMUM NUTRITION OF CULTURED SHRIMP AND FINFISH

Location: Tropical Aquaculture Research| 2005 Annual Report
End Date: Jan 25, 2010

Better Feed Means Better Food

Aquaculture feed needs to be consistent with what we are trying to sell the the people; the end consumer. It is a fact:  “we are what we eat.”

Shrimp and other products made in aquaculture raceways will become what we mold them to be. If the live product is fed too much corn meal we see a higher level of Omega 6 fatty acids.

Lower the corn meal in the feed and implement higher quality meal consistent with Omega 3 fatty acid and we see higher levels of the “good cholesterol.”

Feeding with fish meal saturated with the right antioxidants promotes not only good health and growth in shrimp , but a healthier product to the end consumer. This has been proven through research.

The Island Bounty approach is to take the best feed program that exists in the aquaculture  industry (we have it already), then increase certain nutriments and test the animals at harvest.

Traditionally, many aquaculture farmers feed their stock what they can buy locally and at a good price. The farmers are only really concerned with increased weight and not quality of the nutriments you will receive while eating their product.

It is our firm conviction that we can achieve both in a happy medium. Good fast growth and a quality, healthy, consumable product.  A product which contains better levels of nutriments than industry standards.

This will take continued research and quantifiable testing measures. We do believe, after comparing studies, the data can be obtained to assist us in our nutritional marketing, maintaining good health in our product, and passing on the benefits of healthy, clean, aquaculture practices on to our consumers, while aiding the world food crisis.

Aquaculture Research Details:

Start Date: Jan 26, 2005
End Date: Jan 25, 2010

Objective:
Problem to be Addressed: A critical need and unique opportunity to address the feasibility of locally produced feeds for the aquaculture industry.

Develop a cooperative effort towards the goal of establishing long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Objective 1: Define the nutrient requirements of aquaculture species in the state, especially the Pacific threadfin, longfin amberjack, and Pacific white shrimp. Objective 2: Identify and test regionally available plant and animal by-products for their nutritional composition and bioavailability in aquaculture feeds, and produce nutritionally complete diets for evaluation. Objective 3: Test the effectiveness of the produced feeds on commercial scale through collaborations with University and commercial partners.

Research Project: Tropical Aquaculture: Develop Feeds for Optimum Nutrition of Cultured Shrimp and Finfish Project Number: 5320-31000-007-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Sylvia Earle: How to Protect the Oceans

Legendary ocean researcher Sylvia Earle (TED Prize winner!) shares astonishing images of the ocean, and shocking stats about its rapid decline, as she makes her TED Prize wish: that we will join her in protecting the vital blue heart of the planet by any and all means possible.

Sylvia Earle discusses our need for developing deep probing submarines for ocean exploration. She also discusses how excess carbon dioxide is speeding up global warming and how hundreds of millions of tons of plastic and debris ends up in the oceans, undermining our planet’s chemistry.

If “business as usual” continues, our planet is in deep trouble. All is not lost…IF we act now.

Green Jobs Will Fuel World Economy – The Future of Aquaculture

This week, people of all classes, colors and faiths stood together and watched in awe as millions participated in Democracy to elect the next President of the United States.

• How is this important to modern aquaculture today?
  
• What will this mean for the Blue Revolution?
  
• What will the impact of a new US President mean for “Going Green”?
  

Millions of “Green Jobs” Will Boost the World Economy

Green Economy Growth Change is Vital

Island Bounty is dedicated to watching world trends closely. President Elect Obama stated his top priority is “…a building a low-carbon, clean-energy economy” once he gets to the White House.  He has pledged to create 5 million green jobs!

It’s exciting to know that another World Leader is behind the vital mission to infuse the global economy, to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and pledges to encourage the Going Green momentum.

Island Bounty has always stood by these ideals. We passionately support this commitment. It’s long past time for a sincere Green Revolution.

Is a Green Revolution really possible OR is that just an unrealistic dream?

The truth is, “going green” and making good on that promise will not be a easy. According CNN, there is “Big Business” opposition forecasting negativity for the word wide effort to save and protect the Planet. Another argument is “…tackling the climate crisis will result in a net loss of work opportunities for America.”

Great Hopes for Clean Energy, Sustainable Seafood, Modern Aquaculture, and “Going Green”

Clean Energy offers real solutions for Going Green

There are many other reports that give us great hope that going green is not just a dream, but is a viable reality.

“A new report released today shows that the U.S. can create two million jobs by investing in a rapid green economic recovery program, which will strengthen the economy, increase energy independence, and fight global warming.”
- Political Economy Research Institute

At Island Bounty, SA - we will continue to put forth sound proposals to spur “green economy” growth. We will continue to support economic progress and ecological integrity, not just in the US, but worldwide!

• We pledge to continue to connect the people that need and want to work in the field of progressive, modern aquaculture.
• We pledge to never give up on the future of environmental sustainability, the production of  “green,” clean, disease-free seafood to feed the world in a great time of need.

The Future of Aquaculture: Examples of Ethical Issues

Fish Farming and Related Issues

Island Bounty, SA

Without a doubt the aquaculture industry is going to be effected by many different complex trends over the coming years, all operating together, sometimes in very unexpected ways and producing changes in the industry that may be very rapid indeed.

The ability of the aquaculture industry to foresee and react to these trends and changes is of vital importance to the future development and success of the sector.

Island Bounty understands the mega trends already in place, and is positioned to become the industry leader.

Overfished Beyond Repair: Urban Aquaculture Solution to the World Food Crisis

Professor Martin Schreibman says, “Our oceans have been overfished beyond repair. If we’re going to keep eating fish and chips, tuna tartare, and all those omega-3 fatty acids, we have to rely on aquaculture..” to supplement our World Food Supply. 

ABOUT THE VIDEO: Schreibman is working to bring those fish farms into the city. Urban Aquaculture!