Latest news with #BillionOysterProject
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Hampton launches its fourth community-built oyster reef--first ever in Three Mile Harbor--this June
EAST HAMPTON, N.Y., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new community-built oyster reef is coming to Three Mile Harbor this June, thanks to a collaboration between the East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery, South Fork Sea Farmers, local students, and restaurants. Installed just off Swans Marina, the reef is the fourth in a growing network of non-harvestable reefs designed to restore water quality and marine life across the East End. This effort builds on the success of three thriving reefs already established in Accabonac Harbor. Behind the scenes, hatchery staff worked throughout the winter to raise young oysters—called spat—that will soon attach to cured shells and begin filtering the harbor. Each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, removing excess nutrients and supporting marine biodiversity. "This project is what community science is all about—students learning hands-on, creating habitat, and seeing firsthand how shellfish improve water quality," said Barley Dunne, Hatchery Director. "It's an investment in the bay, and in our next generation of stewards." Local students from East Hampton High School are helping construct the reef using reclaimed shells donated by Il Buco, Bostwick's, Rowdy Hall, Almond, Lunch, Shark Bar, and the Billion Oyster Project. "Each reef we build is a living system," said Robert Tymann, Education Chair at South Fork Sea Farmers. "These students are building something that will last—and clean the harbor in the process." The project is also supported by Mickey's Carting, which donated trucking services to deliver over 35,000 pounds of cured shell. Dozens of local volunteers have helped collect, clean, and cure the shells for use in the reef. "When local businesses step up like this, it shows how much people care about the future of our waters," said Jeff Ragovin, President of South Fork Sea Farmers. "This reef belongs to the whole community." The new reef will serve as critical infrastructure for clean water and habitat restoration—bringing people together around a shared commitment to the bay. For more information visit View original content: SOURCE South Fork Sea Farmers
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Ben Bridge And Oris Partner To Create A Limited-Edition Dive Watch
Oris Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition' in 43.5mm 36.5mm stainless steel Ben Bridge Jeweler and Oris have partnered to produce the Oris Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition' timepiece. The collaboration merges refined design with dive-ready performance and symbolizes a shared commitment to sustainable practices, the two companies said in a joint statement. 'It brings together two heritage brands with a shared vision for the future of sustainable luxury,' the two companies said in the statement. Signature details of the watch include a radiant purple mother-of-pearl dial, 300 meters of water resistance, and the Oris Red Rotor all-mechanical movement. The purple dial is Ben Bridge's signature color. The Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition' is offered in two sizes both in stainless steel: a 43.5mm version limited to just 125 pieces and a smaller 36.5mm version limited to 40 pieces. The watch is available worldwide. The caseback of the Oris Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition' with engraved Ben Bridge logo and ... More individual limited-edition number Oris, the watch brand its manufacturing facility in Hölstein, Switzerland, says it is the world's first climate and carbon-neutral certified watch brand. The mother-of-pearl dial reflects Oris' alliances with sustainability-minded partners like the Billion Oyster Project and the Coral Restoration Foundation. Ben Bridge also touts its record when it comes to sustainability. Each year, the retail chain, which operates more than 30 stores in nine western states contributes more than $600,000 to non-profit ventures in and around the communities where it does business, the company said. In addition, the company said it is in total support of Ukraine in the Russian invasion of that country and has refused to source diamonds from Russia. It is a member of the Kimberly Process, a certification system to control the export and import of rough diamonds, designed to ensure they are not being used to support conflict. It also works to have a transparent and ethical supply chain, requiring all its suppliers to sign a 'Supplier Code of Conduct' to help ensure the materials and products comply with laws and industry regulations regarding sustainability and conflict and other important international issues such as human trafficking and slavery. The transparent sapphire crystal caseback symbolizes this commitment, the two companies said. The Oris Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition' The caseback also has an engraved Ben Bridge logo and individual limited-edition numbering on the caseback. Buyers can select their preferred number (subject to availability), adding a personal connection to the watch. 'With our shared belief in ethical sourcing, we can't wait to share these unique designs, combining the energy of Oris and the spirit of Ben Bridge,' Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, said in a statement. Both watches are powered by the Oris 773 automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve. They are engineered as a modern diver watch, with both models are water-resistant up to 300 meters while retaining a sports-chic appearance. The unisex timepieces are both priced at $2,500. 'Our two companies share similar values, and it is always most rewarding to partner with a company who has the highest sense of ethics. We are excited to bring this uniquely designed Limited Edition Aquis collaboration to market.' V.J. Geronimo, Oris' CEO – The Americas, said in the same statement. The Oris Aquis Date 'Ben Bridge Limited Edition officially debuted Thursday at a launch event held at the Ben Bridge University Village Timeworks store in Seattle, Washington.
Irish Daily Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Jenna Bush Hager admits she's 'exhausted' after Easter weekend with her kids
Talk show host Jenna Bush Hager admitted she felt 'exhausted' as she returned to Today with Jenna & Friends following a busy Easter weekend with her relatives. Jenna, 43, reunited with her husband Henry Hager's side of the family, who came to visit the couple and their three children; Mila, 12, Poppy, nine, and Hal, five, at their lavish six-bedroom home in Connecticut , for the annual holiday - which included an Easter egg hunt. During Monday's episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, the former first daughter - who recently admitted she tried to set Hoda Kotb up with an A-list star - told her guest cohost Justin Sylvester: "We had fun! We had a lot of fun," before adding that she felt "exhausted". Read More Related Articles Today Show fans thank NBC as Jenna Bush Hager announces 'incredible' Hoda Kotb replacement Read More Related Articles Yellowstone fans stunned as they realise Beth Dutton star was in classic film "I don't know if other moms feel this way after a weekend of family in my house, but yeah we had a lot of fun," Jenna divulged. Jenna Bush Hager pictured with her husband Henry Hager and his family over Easter weekend (Image: @jennabhager/Instagram) Justin, 38, asked Jenna whether or not she "forces" her daughters to wear girly dresses for the Easter holiday, to which she replied: "No! I can't force anything … you think I can force anything in my house?" before claiming "they force me to do every single thing." Jenna then revealed that it was her good friend Murray Fisher, the environmentalist behind the Billion Oyster Project, who dressed up as the Easter bunny, and admitted that two of her three children followed him around chanting: "Take off the head! Take off the head!" "I was like, 'What is happening?!' He came back and was like, 'Those kids are ruthless, man'," she said, before adding: "The point is, no, I have zero control of anything in my house!" Jenna, seen here with Henry and their three kids, felt 'exhausted' after the Easter weekend (Image: @jennabhager/Instagram) Before discussing her Easter festivities, Jenna began Monday's show by reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age 88, weeks after spending a month in the hospital for bilateral pneumonia. He was the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pontiff, who succeeded Pope Benedict XVI. "He was a Pope for the people, he led with humility," Justin started, as Jenna recalled: "There's this image that I'll never forget of him washing the feet of women. "He is as close to, I think, what Jesus would do … he was just a humble, beautiful man," she continued, adding: "The fact that he passed away on Easter Monday too."
The Guardian
27-03-2025
- General
- The Guardian
‘A symbol of hope': environmentalists choose their favourite invertebrates
Invertebrates are hugely important for ecosystems and the general health of our planet and there is a dizzying array of beautiful examples, from fluffy bees to glow-in-the-dark woodlice. But which do you prefer? We asked the great and good on the UK conservation scene to name their favourite invertebrate: Steve Reed, UK environment secretary Red admirals are such a beautiful sight on a sunny day in the garden. Sadly we are seeing far fewer butterflies and insects, which is why this government is committed to banning bee-killing pesticides. Caroline Lucas, former Green leader and MP My vote goes to the common green grasshopper, because I like the vividness of its green body but mostly because the familiar 'churring' sound they make as they rub their legs against their wings is a sure sign that summer is on its way. The word 'stridulation' is a cool one, too – the name of the grasshopper's song. Nadia Shaikh, co-director of the Right to Roam campaign I nominate the green tiger beetle, Cicindela campestris. First, they are so strikingly beautiful: the body of the beetle is iridescent forest green with cream smudges. They also have long shiny legs, which are a sort of aubergine bronze colour. What is perhaps even more worthy of nomination is how they hunt: you'll find green tiger beetles on bare sandy soil looking for other insects, which they will catch in their very large jaws. It's spectacular to watch them running at great speeds along the ground after they've spotted something to eat. They are relatively easy to spot and endlessly exciting to watch dart around on their long legs. Sadiq Khan, mayor of London The relationship between Londoners and oysters goes beyond the card for catching the tube. Oysters once kept the working class of London fed, with Victorians eating hundreds of millions a year. They also have an inspiring future, as I saw when I visited New York and the Billion Oyster Project, which is using their natural filter feeding to clean the harbour – an idea with exciting potential for London's waterways. Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts The humble bumblebee wins out for me for several reasons, not least because they are beautiful and fluffy insects whose appearance effortlessly symbolises the hope of spring and vibrancy of summer. But they're not just here to look nice. They play a vital role as ambassadors for the important ecosystem services that nature provides and humanity replies upon – in this case, pollination. For many children, especially in urban areas, bumblebees are one of the first connections they make to nature and the beginnings of an awareness of the importance of nature for our survival. And I love that everyone can experience them, whether in towns, cities, the coast or the countryside. Whenever I see one, to me they also symbolise the huge threats to nature we're facing. The loss of habitat and overuse of pesticides continues to be incredibly damaging to bees. Now that the government has promised to ban one group of these toxic pesticides – neonicotinoids – I'm looking forward to seeing bumblebees this year as a symbol of a hope after a hard-fought and recently won campaign, but also a reminder of how much more we have to do. Mary Creagh, UK environment minister The ladybird is a the best sort of superbug – chomping through the aphids on my fruit trees and inspiring generations of children through poetry. My only grumble is that they love having their babies in my bathroom, which can lead to some close encounters in spring! Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England The small tortoiseshell. Their orange, black and white wings, fringed with blue dots, bring a bright splash of exotic colour to spring and summer. They are sadly no longer common, with numbers now at an all-time low. Guy Shrubsole, author and nature campaigner I think I'd have to go with the blue ground beetle, an icon of Britain's temperate rainforests and devourer of slugs. I've only seen this species once, on a moonless night around midnight, in a damp and dripping Atlantic oakwood on the banks of the River Dart. They're surprisingly large, iridescent indigo-blue and scuttle up and down tree trunks in search of their prey. Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB In the cloud forests of Saint Helena, a UK Overseas Territory in the middle of the South Atlantic, the spiky yellow woodlouse has a party trick: when the UV lights show, they literally glow, the only woodlouse of record to have this reaction. But they're not the only incredible creature on Saint Helena: the island is also home to 250 other unusual species which live nowhere else on Earth. The RSPB has been involved in conservation on this magical island since 2018, working with the island community and partners on a plan to save and restore the vital cloud forest. Prof Dave Goulson, expert in invertebrates I have to go for the hairy-footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes. Seeing these lovely fluffy bees zipping about the garden is one of the highlights of springtime. The jet-black females are most interested in drinking nectar from lungwort and grape hyacinth, while the rusty-brown males have eyes only for the girls, chasing off rival males and defending patches of flowers that females might visit. Courtship involves the male grabbing clumsily at the female either mid-air or while she feeds on a flower. He then tries to make up for his gauche behaviour by gently brushing her face seductively with his hairy feet. These are solitary bees, only on the wing for a few weeks in April and May. Between 24 March and 2 April, we will be profiling a shortlist of 10 of the invertebrates chosen by readers and selected by our wildlife writers from more than 2,500 nominations. The voting for our 2025 invertebrate of the year will run from midday on Wednesday 2 April until midday on Friday 4 April, with the winner to be announced on Monday 7. Read the other wonderful nominations here.
