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Australian Government Sets Strict Rules for Super Trawler - Wounded Sea Turtle Flown to Florida for Rescue
- World’s First Underwater Marathon Helps Disabled US Vets
Australian Government Sets Strict Rules for Super Trawler
The super trawler Margiris has been approved by Environment Minister Tony Burke to run a 2-week trial period wherein the strict regulations set forth by the Australian government will be monitored and reported on by both the trawling company and a government representative. The strict regulations require that an outside observer be on board at all times, and that their trawling activity be recorded by an underwater camera to ensure no threatened, endangered, or migratory marine species are harmed by their activities, including cetaceans, sea turtles, and sea birds. The Margiris will not be allowed to fish in sea lion hunting grounds, and if 3 or more seals die in the net, the trawler will be required to stop fishing and travel a distance of 50 nautical miles away from the site before it can resume fishing. The same rule applies for just a single dolphin. If the trawler does not adhere to the regulations, Burke stated that he will use his authority to change the accreditation of the trawler’s fishery in order to prosecute the company for violation of federal laws.
Wounded Sea Turtle Flown to Florida for Rescue
A badly wounded hawksbill sea turtle that was found washed up in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac on the beaches of St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, is safe in the hands of medical workers at the Turtle Hospital, located in the Florida Keys. The endangered female turtle was laden with eggs, and suffering from deep gashes in her shoulders, wounds that doctors speculated may have come from a fisherman’s gaffe repeatedly puncturing her flesh to release it from fishing tackle. She was shuttled to the mainland US free of charge by American Airlines, where hospital staff were waiting with an ambulance to take her in. The turtle is reported to be in stable condition, and veterinarians will be taking x-rays to determine if any fishing gear was ingested and further wounds need to be treated.
World’s First Underwater Marathon Helps Disabled US Vets
With the help of local company HydroWorx, the Eagle Fund, a non-profit dedicated to the rehabilitation of wounded US soldiers, is putting on the first-ever underwater marathon in Hershey, Pennsylvania to help raise money for the type of therapy and training that is routinely offered to star athletes. The marathon will take place entirely in a specially designed pool with underwater treadmills furnished by HydroWorx, equipped with moving floors, resistance jets, and computer and camera systems to simulate a traditional marathon environment. Special forces, kids, and ordinary citizens will all be participating in the event, which commences on Sunday, September 9, from 7am to 7pm at the Troegs Brewery in Hershey, PA.
Cool!