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The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America has released a disturbing study detailing the threat of plastic pollution in the ocean, and its impact on seabirds. Plastic trash is found in 90 percent of seabirds. The rate is growing steadily as global production of plastics increases.
According to the Academy, the “Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing.”
The areas of impact facing the greatest threats are the southern boundary of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
Plastic found inside birds includes bottle caps, plastic shopping bags, and tiny pieces the size of rice that have been broken down by the sun and waves.
After reading the study’s abstract, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters commented on the health impact facing the seabirds. “Living along the coast of South Florida, I have seen the small plastic pieces of plastic that wash up into our mangroves and our shoreline,” says Sheeder. “The wildlife rescue groups that we support tell us sharp-edged plastic pieces can kills birds by punching holes in their internal organs. Some seabirds eat so much plastic, there is little room in their stomachs for food. Lack of food affects their body weight and jeopardizes their health.”
Sheeder echoes the concerns of scientists and environmentalists: “At current levels, virtually every seabird will be consuming plastic by 2050. If we don’t address this issue, we are looking at a major contributing factor to the possible extinction of many seabird species. We can’t let that happen.”
Sheeder feels her yachting industry can do more in terms of effective waste management to reduce the threat. “Almost all of the yachts we represent for private yacht charter vacations have the onboard capability to generate fresh drinking water. Now, when our clients request plastic bottled water to be placed onboard prior to their charter, we encourage them to forgo plastic and drink the yacht’s purified water.”
In lieu of plastic water bottles, Sheeder even offers her clients complimentary reusable beverage containers.
Sheeder is confident the tide can be turned. “The report by the National Academy of Sciences paints a grim future. Consequently, it also points out that effective waste management can reduce the threat. Protecting our future means preserving the marine environment and promoting responsibility onboard our yachts, in the seas, and along our shores.”
Sheeder further comments, “Everyone can do something. Even just one thing every day. It’s not hard to take that extra moment to help another. Many prefer to stick their heads in the sand rather than being role models and making a difference.”
She encourages others to be the change and leave all areas better than you found them. Additionally, pick up trash. Properly dispose of your own trash. Moreover, give back to the environment, to animals, and to others. Subsequently, practice random acts of kindness (RAK’s) to people, animals, your community, and the environment. Finally, show your #Gratitude for the beauty of the wildlife and joy that they give you by protecting them. Use reusable totebags (versus plastic shopping bags) and be a 1-800 Yacht Charters Eco Hero!
Calling all eco heroes! Comment on this post and include your email address. Expect contact from us. We immediately send your own customized totebag. Be an #eco-hero with us!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged eco-friendly, Giftivism and Generosity, yacht charter, Gratitude, Charity, Destinations, Conservation Efforts, Jana Sheeder, Make A Difference, 1800yachtcharters, wildlife, protect the environment, protect marine life, random acts of kindness, beach cleanups, Be the Change, president of 1-800 Yacht ChartersPosted on
Add another name to the growing list of private yacht charter vessels and their owners and crews helping out. Specifically, stepping up to the plate to further the cause of protecting our oceans.
Earlier this summer, Lurssen yacht LADY KATHRYN V deployed an oceanographic instrument drifter in the Azores on behalf of The International SeaKeepers Society. The data collected by the drifter will be used for various marine preservation studies.
The 61 meter superyacht was in between summer charters and the crew took the opportunity to assist to place the very first Seakeepers data-gathering floater in the Azores.
SeaKeepers works with institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to take and record ongoing oceanographic measurements. The collection of this data is used to analyze and study oil spills, marine debris accumulation, and hurricane prediction models. The cumulative effect of this data leads to a better understanding of the marine environment.
Other charter vessels that are participating in the program include the 45 meter McMullen & Wing yacht BIG FISH, currently in the South Pacific, and the 54 meter Sensation Yachts yacht NOBEL HOUSE, based this summer in Cabo, Mexico.
Built in 2011, the 200 ft Lurssen LADY KATHRYN V yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. She is available this winter in the Bahamas and the Caribbean at a weekly rate of $450,000. For further information, call 305-720-7245
Say NO to disposable plastic, and we’ll send you a gift! Plastic represents one of the greatest threats to the health of our oceans.
Leave us a comment below saying that you agree not to use disposable plastic shopping bags, and we’ll send you a large “Eco-Hero” tote bag to carry with you! Every little bit helps – thank you for doing your part to protect our oceans!
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged motoryacht charter, Conservation Efforts, protect the environment, protect marine life, The International Seakeepers Society, eco-hero, Nobel House, Big Fish, Lady Kathryn VPosted on
Wow. Can it be? The BP Deepwater Horizons oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was five years ago.
Many of us make a living from the sea. Therefore, the memories of millions of gallons of crude oil spewing into the Gulf is still fresh in our minds. We are private yacht charter consultants. Subsequently, we look for every opportunity to promote sustainability. Additionally, we focus on environmental awareness for our clients.
That’s why we were thrilled to read a recent report from a team of researchers at Australia’s Deakin University. These scientists claim to have found an effective solution to clean up a major oil spill at sea.
Subsequently, they developed a special porous material that can soak up to 33 times its own weight in oil and organic solvents.
About two years ago, the researchers developed a boron nitride powder which they named, “White graphite.” The powder exhibited strong oil-absorption properties. From there, they developed a sponge containing the boron nitride powder. They broke the powder down into thin nanosheets, consisting of tiny flakes measuring only several nanometers in thickness. The flakes have tiny, microscopic holes that serve to increase the sponge’s surface area per gram to the size of five and a half tennis courts.
“The pores in the nanosheets provide the surface area to absorb oils and organic solvents up to 33 times its own weight.”
So cites Dr. Weiwei Lei, lead researcher for the University’s team.
In addition, the sponge material is said to be flame-resistant.
The Deakin researchers are now looking for industry partners to begin trialing the technology, with the hopes it can be adapted to form ultra-light aerogels and membranes to clean up large-scale ocean oil spills. With any luck at all, the idea of a Florida yacht charter vacation being postponed or cancelled due to a nearby oil spill might become a problem of the past.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters is thrilled about this. She says,
“This is good news for charterers, and great news for our coastal wildlife and marine environment!”
What actions do you take in your daily life to improve and protect your hometown’s natural resources?
In conclusion, share your actions and ideas with us below. We will happily send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged eco-friendly, Gadgets, protect the environment, protect marine life, marine life, eco-hero, oil spill, protect the ocean, protect wildlife, inventions, Exxon Valdiz, florida yacht charter, eco-tote, free gift, synthetic sponge, how to protect the earthPosted on