The Ocean Cleanup: Progress and Setbacks

A few years ago, young entrepreneur Boyan Slat told the world he wanted to clean the plastic from the ocean. Although his idea was met with some skepticism, his Ocean Cleanup project has been progressing. Unfortunately, it’s hit a few snags in recent months. Despite these setbacks, however, Slat remains optimistic about the project’s potential.

 System test and setbacks

In October 2018, after an extensive test phase, the company deployed the first cleanup system in the Pacific Ocean.

 

The project, unfortunately, almost immediately hit a snag. Reports came in that although the system was collecting the plastic, it was not retaining it all. The team reported that they were working on a solution for this problem. The device has always aimed to keep the plastic waste within it before being collected.

A second setback occurred when a section of the system detached while it was deployed, and the trial was cut short. Being far away from shore in a difficult environment, it seems that it was impossible to carry repairs out at sea and therefore the entire device has been brought back to shore to work on a solution. Slat has announced that they will redeploy the system as soon as they have carried out necessary repairs and as weather conditions allow. Slat said that although it was a disappointment, the team was not discouraged by this issue.

Genesis of the Ocean Cleanup Array

The idea seemed simple: create a 1,900-foot-long (600 m) floating system that would sit on the surface of the ocean and collect plastic inside the skirt attached below. But with an innovative project like this one, testing and adjusting of the system is bound to take time and effort.

The Ocean Cleanup organization seems confident that after some modifications and adjustments, 2019 is the year when they can redeploy the system in the Pacific Ocean to start cleaning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. They estimate that within five years they could clean up to 50 percent of the plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean.

You can follow the updates of the Ocean Cleanup and support their project on their website.

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Collective Anxiety: Our Similarities Are Stronger Than Our Differences

Is the constant news stream and current political climate making people more anxious? It is up to all of us to turn collective anxiety into something more productive and meaningful. What about collective rebellion?

from The New Social Worker Online — the professional social work careers magazine http://bit.ly/2U1Nfp0

Collective Anxiety Calls for Collective Rebellion

Is the constant news stream and current political climate making people more anxious? It is up to all of us to turn collective anxiety into something more productive and meaningful. What about collective rebellion?

from The New Social Worker Online — the professional social work careers magazine http://bit.ly/2FQpj41

Sweet Tips for Valentine's Day Merchandising

Inspiration images via Pinterest

Valentine's Day has become a retail giant. The day of love is a beauty businesses dream, the perfect time for selling Valentine's Day services as well as promoting products and services as gifts. With some love and creativity you can create a salon experience that guests won’t find elsewhere.

Valentine Mirror Messages
When done properly, your salon logo can appear on client selfies, almost like an automatic watermark! It's no secret that guests love to photograph themselves after a salon visit - when they are feeling beautiful. Affix Valentine's Day messages like XOXO, SMOOCH, LOVEor graphics like HEARTS, LIPS, CUPIDS with your salon logo and hashtag to each station mirror - or a frequently visited mirror - this encourages clients to take a photograph and post it (fingers crossed)!

Valentine's Day Themed Selfie Station
Add a Valentine's Day themed Selfie Station in your salon to play up the holiday. What is a Selfie Station you ask? It is a cool staged place or space in your salon specifically designated for clients to take selfies of their fabulous new do’s and doll ups. 

A Valentine's Day selfie station can be as simple as a red heart on a white backdrop – just make sure you include your logo and hashtag. Or, get creative! Create the shape of a heart from pink or red objects, hang strands of heart shaped garland from an umbrella, adorn your wall with heart shaped paper plates, or cut out lips. Add in fun selfie sticks with lips, hearts or xoxo. The ideas are endless...

Branded Merchandising Look
Determine a Valentines "look" for your beauty business and express it by choosing decorations and retail products that tell a story in your special branded way. Theme everything to the "story" – color choices, merchandising support elements, point of purchase signs, seasonal merchandise offerings –  should all further visually support the theme. Mix retail with merchandising support elements - these are the little details such as candy boxes, cards, vintage books, or trinkets that make your displays specials. 

Seasonal Merchandise
Don’t limit your Valentine's Day to retail your salon normally stocks. Load up your retail space with fun Valentine's-Day-themed merchandise such as headbands, clips, sunglasses, makeup, nail lacquer, jewelry, and cute valentines day cards (perfect accompaniment to a salon gift card). These items will add to the salon experience and give your guests extra gifting options.

Point of Sale Signs
Tell your story clearly with themed point of sale signs or shelf talkers mixed into retail displays. Point of sale signs clearly state prices, products, packages, or specials you wish to highlight which both informs and encourages purchase. 

Fresh Flowers
We love to use fresh flowers mixed into displays - for such a little cost, fresh small bouquets in varying mini vases filled with pink or red roses or peonies add zest to any retail display. 

Branded Valentine Window Displays
Red and pink is the traditional symbol for love and Valentine's Day. A huge heart on the window, strings of hearts in varying colors, hanging vintage postcards...? Pick a theme, be bold. 

Social Media Love Quotes
On February 1st begin posting branded love quotes to your social media channels, it’s a fun way to make a lasting impression.

Make your guests love struck when they visit your beauty business the month of February.

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from Beauty Business Blog http://bit.ly/2sHaqcs

Vanuatu Dive Trailblazer Allan Power Passes Away

Allan Power, a legend of the diving industry in the South Pacific, passed away recently in his long-time home of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. Power put Vanuatu on the dive map as first a salvager, then as a long-time dive guide on the world-famous WWII wreck the SS President Coolidge.

Commonly known as Mr. President, (a reference to the Coolidge), Power led thousands of dives on the wreck by himself as the only dive guide for decades. He began to employ local dive guides as his business became more successful.

No one dove the Coolidge more than Power — a staggering 25,000 times — and indeed, no one led more divers through, over 20,000.

Power was born in Sydney, Australia and after a few different careers in his younger days, he was drawn to the Barrier Reef and underwater photography. His book “The Great Barrier Reef,” published in 1977, became a classic.

Shortly after moving to Vanuatu for a salvage operation, he established Allan Power Dive Tours. The thousands of divers who met him over the years may recall Power’s incredible memory and detailed knowledge of fish species. He was famous for taking divers back to his home for coffee and buns after a dive, where he would entertain the group with various stories about the Coolidge.

Interviewing Allan Power

I heard a few of his tales earlier this year in his leafy garden after a morning dive. I asked him how he came to be in Santo.

“One day, back in 1969, a couple of friends offered me an opportunity,” he said.

“They had a salvage vessel and were heading up to the New Hebrides to take the propellers off a ship called the Coolidge. And they asked me if I wanted to join them, and I said, yeah, why not. So, I came, just to have a look. Forty-eight years, and I’m still looking. Haven’t decided yet whether I like it.”

And when did the Coolidge become a dive site?

“Around 1970. The salvage work continued though. They put you down with a twinset of tanks on, and you’d have a spare twinset sitting beside you on the pier, and if you hadn’t finished the job, well then you brought down another twinset. Stayed until you finished the job. I did over 600 dives completing one job, removing oil from the tanks. It was great. Oh, I got used to peace, and unlimited time underneath the water.”

Was there much marine life around the wreck then?

“Yeah. It was turtle heaven back in the old days,” he said. “You used to see five or six sharks on each dive. You know? The little gray reef sharks, swimming around. We used to go down underneath, onto the deck, and they’d be there.

And of course, there was Boris. Allan’s connection with Boris is well known.

“Boris was a big, big grouper who hung around for about 20 years. He was about 8-foot long. Boris was special. But I never ever got a photo of him. That would have been a beautiful photo. You know? He’s my friend, I hope.”

In November 2011 the International SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame inducted Power as a member. This prestigious award recognized his contribution to the diving industry with specific mention of his work and achievements, above all, on the SS President Coolidge. Allan was still diving into his eighties and actively involved in running of the business when he passed away.

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Best Scuba Diving in Pulau Weh

Tiny Pulau Weh (Weh Island) sits just off the northwestern tip of Sumatra, across the bay from Banda Aceh, which suffered great damage in the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of 2004. Although this small island does still bear some scars from the disaster, there is still much to offer travelers. Stop first at  Kilometer Zero, the furthest west point of Indonesia and where this country begins. And the scuba diving in Pulau Weh means it really is a true paradise for divers. Despite its size, there are over 30 dive centers, which means you’ll have no trouble finding the right one for you.

There’s plenty to do topside as well, with waterfalls, volcanoes, idyllic beaches and coastlines to explore, along with picturesque, small villages and nature reserves.

If you’re looking for a lesser-known diving destination for your next vacation, Pulau Weh could be just the right fit.

How to get there

Until a few years ago, getting to Pulau Weh was not easy. It was quite isolated with little to no connection to the mainland. Nowadays, however, it’s easy to catch a flight to Banda Aceh from some of the surrounding countries and cities including Kuala Lumpur (Air Asia), Jakarta (Lion Air) and Penang (Firefly). Once you arrive in Banda Aceh, you can take a ferry to Pulau Weh. Ferries connect twice a day, so keep this in mind when booking a flight to Banda Aceh.

Once you get to Pulau Weh, Iboih Beach is a great place to stay. There are a number of restaurants with lots of western and local choices. Don’t forget to bring cash — there are no ATMs on Iboih Beach. Some of the dive centers accept cards, but call or email in advance and check directly with them. 

 

How is the diving in Pulau Weh?

There is a whole range of diving on Pulau Weh to suit all levels of diver. Technical divers can try the Sophie Rickmers This deep dive dive requires decompression and deep training. Advanced divers, who enjoy fast-moving currents should check out Shark Plateau. If you’re looking for something a slower-paced and want to get up-close-and-personal with the marine life, then there is plenty for you to see as well. The waters surrounding Pulau Weh are teeming with marine life, large and small.

When is the best time for diving in Pulau Weh?

If you’re looking for maximum visibility and a huge quantity of marine life, the best time to dive in Pulau Weh is during the dry season from April through October. Dive sites are brimming with life during this time. If you travel to Pulau Weh during the wet season, remember that the waters can be extremely choppy, with some dive centers stopping their trips around this time as it can get quite dangerous.

Here are our top picks for the best dive sites in Pulau Weh.

The Canyon

This spectacular dive site is one of the top three in Pulau Weh. It is located at the northeastern point of the island and is the closest to Kilometer Zero. Here you’ll find large, sandy patches of underwater landscape and a deep wall, covered in gorgonians that drop to around 197 feet (60 m) below. At the start of the wall, you’ll find a cave/small overhang. As you travel the east, you’ll reach two large rock formations at 33 to 98 feet depth (10 to 30 m), separated by two canyon channels. Floating through the channels is a lovely experience and provides much-needed relief from the currents and a chance to slowly observe marine life.

The Canyon prominently features dogtooth tuna, trevally, jackfish, unicornfish and barracuda. It is quite common to see a number of sharks as well. When looking at the wall, keep an eye out for porcelain crab, starry puffers, scorpionfish and titan triggerfish. This dive site is best for advanced divers due to the strong currents.

Underwater Volcano

Divers usually visit the Underwater Volcano site alongside another site called the Sabang Wreck. Located on the eastern side of the island, the waters here are unusually warm due to the high thermal activity and rising bubbles. Marine life that enjoys the warm water, such as soft-shell crabs, is common at this site. This dive site can be on Underwater Volcano is a great site for all levels of diver.

Sabang Wreck

The Sabang Wreck is a tugboat lying close to the shoreline. This is the perfect choice for a second dive after visiting Underwater Volcano. You’ll find a huge variety of healthy hard and soft corals attached to the wreck, as well as a picturesque reef located nearby. This dive is perfect for newbies but all divers will enjoy it.

Sophie Rickmers

The Sophie Rickmers is an impressive wreck dive, stretching for approximately 440 feet (134 m) in a sheltered bay away from strong currents. The cargo ship was one of five confiscated by the Dutch in May of 1940, but the German crew scuttled the vessel so as to keep it from Dutch control. This decompression dive requires a lot of experience. Open-water divers can dive this wreck, however they must have a minimum of 100-plus logged dives and be familiar with decompression procedures. The decks are located at 148 feet (45 m) and the bow is at 180 feet (55 m).

Limbo Gapang

This great dive site is located to the east of Underwater Volcano. This shore dive can range anywhere from a shallow dive to a deep dive, depending on the dive operator you choose. You’ll never see the same thing twice at Limbo Gapang, which is teeming with marine life. If you’re planning on doing a diving courses while visiting Pulau Weh, then this is the perfect spot. Easy conditions also make for a fantastic night dive. Tropical fish abound here, so make sure to bring an underwater camera.

Photos and article by guest author Torben Lonne, Editor-in-Chief at DIVEIN.com.

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Five Great Reasons to Dive Mexico This Winter

Mexico is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Highlights include Socorro Island, the Sea of Cortez and Guadalupe. This megafauna hotspot offers the chance to escape winter and see numerous whales, sharks and more. There are dives suitable for all levels of divers in Mexico, with a variety of liveaboards that ask for different numbers of logged dives. Here are our top five reasons to hop on a liveaboard and aboard dive Mexico this winter.

Enjoy perfect dive conditions at Socorro

The uninhabited, isolated Revillagigedo Islands, which include Socorro and Roca Partida, are a unique dive destination with huge numbers of megafauna. This biosphere reserve is only accessible by Socorro liveaboard diving and is at its best during winter due to calm seas. Water temperatures range from a high of 82 F (28 C) to a low of 69 F (21 C) in February. The visibility varies with plankton in the water, but it is generally great and can reach up to 164 feet (50 m).

Dive with the world’s friendliest giant Pacific manta rays

Mantas are frequent visitors on dives at Socorro

Giant manta rays certainly live up to their name, growing to a huge 23 feet (7 m) across. Divers can find them year-round at San Benedicto Island, one of the Revillagigedo Islands.

These curious rays congregate at sites such as the submerged pinnacle and a cleaning station called The Boiler. Known to be very friendly, they seem to enjoy the presence of people and come close to divers. You can also dive with these rays in the Sea of Cortez.

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Surround yourself with the song of migrating humpback whales

Lucky divers may spot migrating humpbacks

There is an ancient whale-migration pathway in the Baja region of Mexico that brings huge aggregations of humpback whales to Mexico each winter. The whales arrive in late January, when you have the chance to see and hear them in Socorro. Humpbacks are present there each year until April.

 

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Whale sharks, sea lions and more whales in the Sea of Cortez

Sea lions are as curious about you as you are about them

You can also find another gentle giant when diving Mexico in the winter: whale sharks. From December to May, the plankton in the water is at its highest, attracting numerous whale sharks to the Sea of Cortez. Home to nearly 3,000 marine species, winter is also the best time to spot gray whales, mobula rays and humpback whales in the Sea of Cortez. And don’t miss a dive with playful sea lions at Los Islotes, doable year-round.

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Pods of bottlenose dolphins at Socorro Island

Who doesn’t love to see dolphins on a dive?

If you’re a fan of dolphins (and who isn’t), January to March is a great time to visit Socorro. There are plenty of bottlenose dolphins here during winter and they’re famed for following the giant mantas and mimicking scuba divers underwater.

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Divers and writers at LiveAboard.com contributed this article.

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from Scuba Diver Life http://bit.ly/2DecHCa