Latest news with #COAST
The National
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
New Attenborough film shows what can be achieved by empowered locals
Reviewers are unanimous. It's magnificent. The hard-to-please Rotten Tomatoes gives it a very rare 100% rating. 'The celebrated broadcaster's lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery … and he points to inspirational stories from round the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.' The Guardian gives it five stars. 'Released on his 99th birthday and presented in the context of his remarkable career, Sir David's authority is matched only by nature's grandeur in this visually stunning film.' READ MORE: Two Irish diplomats among delegation IDF fired near in West Bank Even the conservative Telegraph is keen. 'This cracking documentary shows the otherworldly splendour of our planet's sea life – and the crisis that mortally threatens it.' Clearly, Ocean is a triumph – but what has this sweeping global story got to do with Scotland? Put simply, this ecological blockbuster was conceived years ago in Arran by a couple of divers appalled at the destruction they were witnessing in and around Lamlash Bay. Don MacNeish features in the documentary, partly filmed by his nephew Doug Anderson, an Emmy-winning underwater cameraman with credits on all the Attenborough classics, whose film and diving career began in the seas around Arran. Howard Wood co-founded the community marine charity COAST with Don and negotiated the first no-take zone in British waters with local fishermen, supported by their island community. That joint effort protected an important part of the world's marine ecosystem – our own – an achievement recognised by the film's producers, who invited the men along with their wives Kathleen and Lesley, to the documentary's gala launch at the Royal Festival Hall in London earlier this month. It was long overdue recognition. The idea for Ocean With David Attenborough was essentially hatched in 2003, when the campaign to protect the waters around Arran started gathering momentum. But for most people, the seabed was out of sight, and out of mind. (Image: Supplied) As Wood put it: 'If people can't see what's at stake, the richness that still lingers in hidden coves and the devastation caused by dredging in once-thriving seabed habitats, how can they be expected to care?' So, he started gathering old photos of sea anglers and commercial fishing boats, from the days when herring and whitefish still dominated Clyde fishing, and paired them with current underwater photos. The contrast was stark: vibrant marine life was somehow clinging on to the remote corners of Lamlash Bay, but vast stretches of lifeless seabed had been gouged out by dredgers. These images became the backbone of talks in Arran and beyond. By 2005, after a decade of dialogue, community discussions, government meetings, and detailed proposals, COAST's call for a modest No Take Zone, and a broader Marine Protected Area for low-impact fishing was still being blocked by civil servants and the dredging industry's trade body. So, Anderson returned to Arran in 2006 with his family to help the Lamlash divers tell their story. That summer, they made The Bay, an educational film for schools, and Caught In Time, a documentary on COAST's YouTube channel today. This was just the beginning. (Image: VisitArran) Over the years, in between filming the Blue Planet and other documentaries around the world, Anderson came home to dive around Arran with MacNeish and Wood, documenting the resilience of marine life and the scars left by industrial dredging. Together they imagined something more powerful – a film that would inform and stir emotion, combining breathtaking footage with the voices of Clyde fishermen, marine scientists, sea anglers, and officials to tell the compelling story of marine ecological collapse and community resistance. According to MacNeish: 'It became clear the most powerful weapon used against communities seeking protection for the seabed, was isolation. 'Making people feel small, unheard, and powerless. But what we came to realise and what the film OCEAN powerfully affirms, is that we were never alone. From Mexico to the Philippines, from Scotland to Turkey, coastal communities have been rising up to defend their seas. What began here on Arran is now part of a global movement.' In one of the film's most powerful moments, MacNeish appears on screen, speaking movingly about the sense of loss he felt watching once-thriving seabeds being wiped out. The final spur came in 2021 from environmental lawyer Tom Appleby – invited to draft a global overview of the legal and ecological threats facing our oceans. That paper prompted interest from Silverback Films and the concept for Attenborough's Ocean was born. In 2022, film crews were dispatched across the globe to destinations including Arran, as part of a major international production. Dozens of staff and hundreds of volunteers and advisers contributed time and expertise. While the filming of new bottom trawl footage went smoothly, capturing dredge footage in the UK was difficult. Again, Arran played a part. At the 11th hour, Dr Bryce Stewart – a leading scallop expert and research lead for Arran's Marine Protected Areas – offered access to his research, which proved vital for the scallop dredge filming scenes. Three years later, the film was complete. It weaves together breathtaking marine imagery with uncompromising truths about ecological damage, political inertia, and the transformative power of community-led action. Ocean is not just a documentary about what's at stake; it's a testament to what's possible – when local people lead the charge. It may be that Ocean represents a turning point; it certainly is a rallying cry from the trusted voice of Attenborough, backed by rigorous global scientific research. In the world of marine conservation, some of the most powerful ripples begin in the quietest of coves. More than two decades ago, few would believe that a small island community on the west coast of Scotland could inspire a ground-breaking documentary narrated by the world's most respected naturalist. And yet, that's exactly what has happened. Twenty years ago, COAST was just a handful of people on the Isle of Arran; divers, fishers, families, neighbours coming together because the seabed they knew and loved was being torn apart by dredgers and trawlers. And because no one in power seemed to care. For almost a decade, they were met with silence, indifference, and quiet pressure to stop making a fuss. But they kept diving, kept filming and kept campaigning. And this month, something extraordinary has happened: the story of Arran's Lamlash Bay has become part of a global film. The lesson is simple. Scottish island communities can help shake and shape the world. Imagine what more they could do with more local power and less quango interference. Ocean proves the divers of Lamlash Bay are not alone – and never were. Ocean with David Attenborough is in cinemas now.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kuleana Coral is accepting applications to their 'COAST' program
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kapono Kaluhiokalani joined Brittni Friedlander on Wake Up 2Day with the details on their COAST program. Giving Day at UH Manoa COAST stands for Coral Occupational Applications and Scientific Techniques and is an 8-week accelerated and intensive course to get SCUBA certifications and coral restoration training. Participants will receive certifications up to Rescue diver, hands-on restoration training, knowledge and training to make them competitive in the field. 10 easy meals to make in your air fryer: Hawaiʻi eats Graduating students get a $2,000 stipend and all gear is included – no payment needed by any restoration is relatively new here in Hawaii, and goal is to bring more local people into coral restoration, because they know their reef, issues, solutions best. DOGE cuts hit Native Hawaiian programs However, many face barriers to gaining these skills, because SCUBA certifications are costly, and opportunities are limited. House Reps., Native Hawaiians prepare for battle over midwifery All are welcome to apply, but they are focusing applicants on individuals with pilina to West Oahu and prioritizing Native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders which are currently underrepresented in the field. All the information and details can be found at Coral Restoration Training Programs — Kuleana Coral Restoration. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Course dates are June 10th to July 31st, three days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ko Olina Office and applications are open until April 15th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opthea Announces COAST Phase 3 Trial Topline Results
COAST Phase 3 trial failed to meet primary endpoint of mean change in BCVA from baseline to week 52 Opthea considering impact of negative trial results under its Development Funding Agreement and on the Company as a going concern MELBOURNE, Australia and PRINCETON, N.J., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opthea Limited (ASX/NASDAQ: OPT, 'Opthea', the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to treat highly prevalent and progressive retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), today announced results from its global Phase 3 clinical trial COAST (Combination OPT-302 with Aflibercept Study) in patients with wet AMD. COAST Topline Results The global COAST Phase 3 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of intravitreally administered 2 mg sozinibercept every four or eight weeks in combination with 2 mg aflibercept, as per label, every eight weeks after a loading phase for the treatment of wet AMD. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to week 52. In wet AMD patients with minimally classic and occult lesions, participants receiving sozinibercept combination therapy with a dosing regimen of every four weeks (n=296) or every eight weeks (n=297) achieved a mean change in BCVA of 13.2 or 13.2 letters from baseline to week 52, respectively, versus 13.8 letters with aflibercept monotherapy (n=299, p-values of 0.59 and 0.62 respectively). In the overall population, participants receiving sozinibercept combination therapy with a dosing regimen of every four weeks (n=333) or every eight weeks (n=330) achieved a mean change in BCVA of 13.5 and 12.8 letters from baseline to week 52, respectively, versus 13.7 letters with aflibercept monotherapy (n=330, p-values of 0.86 and 0.42 respectively). There was no numerical difference observed in the key secondary endpoints. Sozinibercept combination therapy was well tolerated. Following the receipt of these results, Opthea has undertaken a thorough review of the data to ensure both its accuracy and integrity. No anomalies were identified through this process that would cause the Board to adopt an alternative view on the data outlined above. Impact of COAST Topline Results on Opthea Under the Development Funding Agreement and on Opthea as a Going Concern Following the negative results in the COAST trial, Opthea has been assessing its rights and obligations under its Development Funding Agreement ("DFA") with, among others, the investors under the DFA (the "DFA Investors"). In light of these updates, it is possible that under the DFA, Opthea could become required to pay amounts to the DFA Investors that would have a material adverse impact on the solvency of the company. As previously disclosed, certain instances and events may result upon the termination of the DFA, and upon such termination, Opthea will be obligated to pay the DFA Investors up to four multiples of the amounts paid to the Company under the DFA. Termination can be triggered by a range of events, including, among other things, inability of Opthea to fund development costs, failure by Opthea to continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop sozinibercept, Opthea's insolvency, or disagreement with the DFA Investors. Each termination trigger has a corresponding potential repayment amount of US$0, US$229.5 million, US$255.0 million, US$467.5 million or US$680.0 million. Opthea's Management and Board of Directors have been in active discussions with the DFA Investors, pursuant to and as required under the DFA, to explore possible options for Opthea in respect of its clinical trial program and with a view to identifying whether there is a pathway that represents the best outcome for the company and its shareholders. As such, it is possible that Opthea and the DFA Investors reach a negotiated settlement that is different from the parties' existing rights under the DFA. It should also be noted that the DFA Investors have security over the assets of Opthea in the form of an "all assets" lien. As a result, Opthea is unable to incur further non-equity funding or dispose of its material assets without the prior consent of the DFA Investors. A copy of the DFA is included as Exhibit 4.19 to Opthea's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on August 30, 2024. At this stage, no decision has yet been taken with respect to either trial, including whether to discontinue activities for the COAST trial or accelerate and unmask the ShORe trial. Discussions continue with the DFA Investors to determine the most appropriate course of action. As of February 28, 2025, Opthea has an unaudited cash and cash equivalents balance of US$113.8M. In light of these matters, there remains material uncertainty as to Opthea's ability to continue as a going concern.1 As noted above, discussions with the DFA Investors are ongoing and Opthea cannot be certain as to the outcome of those discussions or when that outcome may become known. Opthea and its Directors are currently relying on the "safe harbour" provisions in section 588GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Opthea has requested that trading in its listed securities continue to be suspended on both ASX and Nasdaq until the earlier of Opthea being in a position to provide an announcement to the market by Opthea providing more clarity on these issues or the commencement of trading on Monday, 31 March 2025. The extension to the voluntary suspension is necessary to prevent trading in Opthea's securities on an uninformed basis, pending further clarity on these issues being available and released to the market. Opthea is not aware of any reason why the voluntary suspension should not be extended or of any other information necessary to inform the market regarding the voluntary suspension. Authorised for release to ASX by The Board of Directors. Inherent Risks of Investment in Biotechnology Companies There are a number of inherent risks associated with the development of pharmaceutical products to a marketable stage. The lengthy clinical trial process is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a drug prior to commercialization and a significant proportion of drugs fail one or both of these criteria. Other risks include uncertainty of patent protection and proprietary rights, whether patent applications and issued patents will offer adequate protection to enable product development, the obtaining of necessary drug regulatory authority approvals and difficulties caused by the rapid advancements in technology. Companies such as Opthea are dependent on the success of their research and development projects and on the ability to attract funding to support these activities. Investment in research and development projects cannot be assessed on the same fundamentals as trading and manufacturing enterprises. Therefore, investment in companies specializing in drug development must be regarded as highly speculative. Opthea strongly recommends that professional investment advice be sought prior to such investments. Forward-Looking Statements This ASX announcement contains certain forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words 'expect', 'believe', 'should', 'could', 'may', 'will', 'plan' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this ASX announcement include statements regarding the possible outcomes for Opthea's clinical trial program, possible outcomes in connection with the DFA, and Opthea's ability to continue as a going concern. Forward-looking statements, opinions and estimates provided in this ASX announcement are based on assumptions and contingencies which are subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, which are based on interpretations of current conditions. Forward-looking statements are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as an indication or guarantee of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Opthea and its directors and management and may involve significant elements of subjective judgment and assumptions as to future events that may or may not be correct. These statements may be affected by a range of variables which could cause actual results or trends to differ materially, including but not limited to future capital requirements, the development, testing, production, marketing and sale of drug treatments, regulatory risk and potential loss of regulatory approvals, determinations whether to continue ongoing clinical studies to demonstrate sozinibercept's safety, tolerability and therapeutic efficacy, clinical research organization and labor costs, intellectual property protections, and other factors that are of a general nature which may affect the future operating and financial performance of the Company including risk factors set forth in Opthea's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on August 30, 2024, and other future filings with the SEC. Actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those statements are based. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant ASX listing rules, Opthea disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this ASX announcement to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward-looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Investor Inquiries PJ Kelleher LifeSci Advisors, LLC Email: pkelleher@ Phone: 617-430-7579 Join our email database to receive program updates:Email: info@ Web: Opthea Limited [1] Investors should refer also to the 'going concern' statements contained in Note 2 to Opthea's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the half year ended 31 December 2024 released on 28 February 2025.
