Latest news with #ChristineRose
Scoop
20 hours ago
- Science
- Scoop
Rewards Await Whale Watchers
The prospects look good for a rewarding countrywide whale and dolphin count this Matariki weekend (running Friday 20-Sunday 22). Humpback and southern right whales are being reported already, traveling along the South Island's east coast over the last week, heading north on their great migration. That means sightings off the North Island are likely too, for keen whale watchers this weekend. The weekend's events are the sixth annual countrywide whale and dolphin count, which continues to gain momentum. More eyes on the sea and more whale and dolphin sightings make for an exciting event. Event organiser Christine Rose says 'It's easy and fun to take part. The countrywide whale and dolphin count gives people a reason to get out into nature and experience 'peak whale' as the big migrating species like humpbacks and southern right whales come close to shore on their way to their breeding grounds.' 'As well as contributing to the country's only nationwide whale and dolphin count, the event celebrates the annual return of these leviathans, and the year round presence of special ocean dwellers, some of whom, like Māui and Hector's dolphins, are only found here.' The countrywide whale and dolphin count is for everyone. All that's needed is to head to a beach or high point, in warm clothes, and stare out to sea, for a couple of hours. Whales and dolphins can be distinguished by anomalies on the water surface, including sun shining on their backs, their spouts, and often, tail slapping and leaps - special traits of humpback whales in particular. "For people venturing out to look for whales for the first time, we recommend taking a pair of binoculars if you have them - but no worries if not, because often whales and dolphins are easily spotted with the naked eye, says Mrs Rose. Having a family or team of spotters helps cover a wider area. Prepare for excitement, and a fun day out in the fresh air, whether you see them or not. By getting involved, people are taking part in a unique citizen science project that helps raise awareness and celebrates both the mighty and the small lives we share our beautiful ocean planet with. For more details see Whale and Dolphin Spotting New Zealand - Cetacean Spotting NZ, where the excitement is building with lots of humpback sightings reported in recent weeks, and guidelines about how to take part, as well as the sightings reporting form.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
High Hopes For Whales Ahoy, This Long Weekend
Whale lovers are hoping for fine weather and lots of marine activity for this weekend's Countrywide Whale and Dolphin Count. This is New Zealand's sixth annual citizen science cetacean census, held at the same time every year during 'peak whale' when giant humpback and southern right whales are forging along the country's coasts on an epic migration from the Antarctic to the tropics. The Countrywide Whale and Dolphin Count extends across Matariki weekend, from Friday to Sunday 20-22 June. People around the country are taking to high points to survey the sea and record efforts and sightings. Previous events have seen people in over 100 locations, with sightings including orca, humpbacks, rare beaked whales and Hector's dolphins. The pod poll is run through the Facebook group Whale and Dolphin Watch - Cetacean Spotting NZ, which celebrates New Zealand's whale and dolphin diversity, among the richest in the world. The whale and dolphin count contributes both a snapshot of the same time every year and information about the marine mammals close to shore across time. Last year, 19 humpback whale and seven southern right whale reports were submitted over the course of the weekend. Hector's dolphins were sighted in many places on the South Island's east coast, and there were orca, bottlenose, dusky and common dolphins elsewhere. Anyone can take part. Cetacean spotters are encouraged to choose a survey site ideally at a high location to see as far out to sea as possible. Bundle up warm, and a pair of binoculars helps but aren't essential. Organiser Christine Rose, says 'we cannot guarantee that people will see whales and dolphins. But whales and dolphins can be detected by water disturbance or splashes, blows or spouts, bodies or fins at the surface, the sudden emergence of dark fins sticking out of the water. Sometimes a whale will leap out of the water (breach) or slap its tail.' 'This event is a good reason to get out into the fresh air and be present in nature, with a keen anticipation of the majestic animals we share the earth's oceans with.' People can report sightings to Whale and Dolphin Watch - Cetacean Spotting NZ:
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asian food vendors banned from Fresno farmers market reinstated after backlash
[Source] River Park shopping center in Fresno, California announced Friday that Asian food vendors will be welcomed back to its popular farmers market and food truck events, reversing a controversial decision that banned them earlier this month. The reversal follows mounting public criticism, protests from vendors and widespread calls for accountability from Fresno's Asian community. Ban sparks outrage The controversy began last weekend when several Asian food vendors received a sudden notice from a Fresno Street Eats organizer that they were no longer permitted to participate in River Park events. The reason, they were told, was due to complaints from onsite businesses prompting River Park to eliminate 'all Asian food from our events effective immediately.' River Park later justified the decision by citing its responsibility to 'honor' commitments to its brick-and-mortar tenants and reduce direct competition. But that explanation quickly drew fire. Only one of River Park's tenants — P.F. Chang's — offers a similar cuisine to the food trucks, while other Asian restaurants on-site, such as Spicy J's and J-Pot, publicly denied filing complaints. Trending on NextShark: The ban led to community outrage, with critics calling the move discriminatory. Three Filipino-owned businesses publicly called for an apology, transparency, and an open dialogue. The Filipina-owned community space Maarte stated the decision was 'disrespectful,' while Hapa California Coffee commented directly on River Park's social media: 'Why is it so hard to say you're sorry to the people you actually hurt?? ASIANS!!!' Vendors welcomed back In a joint statement Friday, River Park, Fresno Street Eats and the California Fresh Farmers Market Association walked back the ban and announced a plan to review all vendors through a new selection process. 'This is the next step in a truly collaborative process between our organizations with the aim of showcasing small mobile businesses… which complement River Park's brick-and-mortar tenants,' the statement read. Trending on NextShark: Natalie Sakkakhanaune-Simmavong of Sticky Rice on Wheels, a Lao food truck previously barred, said the news was 'great' but left critical questions unanswered. 'Can we get an idea of what we can and cannot sell?' she asked. 'That will determine if we can go back or not.' Apology falls short While River Park's statement included an apology for 'communication missteps' and acknowledged the community's frustrations, many found the language insufficient. Christine Rose, founder of Maarte, said the apology lacked sincerity and cultural awareness. 'There was no acknowledgement of the willingness to learn more about the cultures we represent,' she said. 'Until it feels right and sincere, my energy will be spent on developing ways to support my community.' Trending on NextShark: Brandy Alcoseba, co-owner of the Filipino food truck El Jabalito, also questioned the sincerity behind the reversal. 'There were still not the words 'We're sorry to the Asian community,'' she said. 'To say it in that way, it's so discriminatory. We should be beyond that already.' Some vendors — including those who were not directly affected — have chosen not to return to River Park in protest of how the situation was handled. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
