Latest news with #TomHorton
ITV News
02-08-2025
- Science
- ITV News
Return of the giants: Why bluefin tuna are back in Cornish waters
Atlantic bluefin tuna are making a remarkable comeback in our seas - a spectacular annual event that marine biologists witness each summer, yet remains largely unknown to the public. These magnificent ocean predators, some weighing over 600lb, have returned to Cornish waters for their annual summer feeding season, creating one of the country's most spectacular marine wildlife events. Once commercially extinct in these waters due to overfishing, their reappearance signals improving ocean health and successful conservation efforts. Despite their dramatic return, scientists still don't fully understand what's driving these powerful fish back to our waters. Dr Tom Horton from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall is leading research to unlock this mystery. He explained: "Bluefin tuna come here to feed each year on smaller fish, but the reality is that we don't really know exactly what they're eating. "This knowledge gap matters because if their prey populations decline, the bluefin may well migrate elsewhere." Understanding the tuna's diet could be crucial to ensuring their continued recovery. Commercial bluefin tuna fishermen working off Devon and Cornwall are partnering with researchers to analyse stomach contents from caught fish. These predators play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Marine biologist for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Matt Slater, explained that tuna feed primarily on sardines, and with abundant sardine populations in our waters, the tuna's feeding habits are unlikely to conflict with commercial fishing interests. Chris Gill, one of the commercial fishermen involved, sees the partnership as essential for the species' future. He said: "It's great to be able to work with the team to make the most out of every bluefin tuna we catch. "We're all invested in the comeback of bluefin tuna, and making sure there's enough food to keep them coming here is clearly important." The tuna's return has generated excitement among conservationists who see it as evidence that marine protection efforts can work. Dan Barrios-O'Neill from Cornwall Wildlife Trust describes their comeback as "a real sign of hope in a rapidly changing world". However, questions remain about the sustainability of this recovery. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and prey distributions, while fishing pressure on small fish that tuna depend on continues globally. The research extends beyond simple curiosity about tuna diets. Scientists want to understand how these predators fit into the broader marine ecosystem and what their return means for other species. Emily Theobald from the Marine Management Organisation emphasised the practical importance of this research, saying: "More science means more understanding, which means better ability for fisheries managers to manage effectively and sustainably." The project is seeking crowdfunding support to complete this season's research. The research team plans to share their findings with policymakers and managers, potentially influencing how the UK protects both predators and their prey. As Jonny Hughes from Blue Marine Foundation notes, incorporating predator needs into fisheries management represents an important evolution in ocean these magnificent fish continue their summer visits to British waters, scientists are racing to unlock the secrets of their return.
BBC News
26-07-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Project to identify what Atlantic bluefin tuna eat
Marine conservationists are trying to find out exactly what fish Atlantic bluefin tuna eat as the species make its now annual return to the South West, after decades of project team will work with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and fishermen to examine the content of the stomachs of tuna caught off Devon and lead Dr Tom Horton said "although we have some idea what they may be eating, we don't really know"."This is important, as if the populations of prey dwindle for one reason or another, the bluefin may well begin to migrate elsewhere," he added. Chris Gill, one of the commercial bluefin tuna fishermen involved in the project, said: "We're all invested in the comeback of bluefin tuna and being able to make sure there is enough food that keeps them coming here is clearly a good idea."After decades of absence, bluefin tuna have returned to the South West coast in recent years.A pilot commercial bluefin tuna fishery for 2025 opened on 1 July, with the MMO issuing 15 licences with a quota of 45 addition the organisation issued about 140 recreational catch-and-release licences for the fishery which runs from mid-July until until the end of principal marine officer Emily Theobald said: "More science means more understanding, which means a better ability for fisheries managers to manage effectively and sustainably."We would be so excited to see this research undertaken and better our understanding of bluefin tuna, which is a unique and incredibly important hand line fishery to the South West."The project lead from the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation in Penryn is backed by the Devon Environment Foundation and Cornwall Council, and has broad support from local environmental charities.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zopa Bank partners with iVendi
Digital bank Zopa is looking to streamline its motor finance offering and broaden its market reach through a newly announced integration with iVendi's connected retailing platform. According to a press release from iVendi, the collaboration will enhance quoting and application processes for motor dealers currently working with Zopa Bank, while opening access to a broader network of potential introducers. Tom Horton, head of sales at Zopa Bank, said the move will help the lender connect with 'not just our existing dealer customer base but potentially many more motor retailers,' describing the development as a 'positive for our business.' He pointed to common frustrations among dealers—such as slow credit decisions and complex onboarding—as drivers behind the bank's decision to adopt iVendi's technology. 'It's clear that dealers feel some finance providers just aren't delivering in these respects,' Horton added. 'The adoption of the new platform means we can create further enhancements. It makes applications and submissions easier, as well as helping us to deliver decisioning within seconds.' As part of the integration, Zopa plans to implement iVendi's Finance Navigator tool, enabling online finance pre-approval. Horton called it 'a genuine step forward,' noting it will 'speed up the process for everyone involved' and provide consumers with 'the comfort of a guaranteed go-ahead.' Zopa, which launched in 2005 as a peer-to-peer lender and became a fully licensed bank in 2020, has since lent more than £13 billion to UK consumers. Its motor finance products include hire purchase and personal contract purchase options. James Walker, VP of banking alliances at iVendi, welcomed the partnership, saying: 'They are very much a digital-first finance provider who, we are sure, will be able to maximise the benefits of our technology.' iVendi, founded in 2009, specialises in digital retail tools for the motor industry, supporting both online and in-showroom vehicle sales. "Zopa Bank partners with iVendi" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Business Wire
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Walmart Releases 2025 Annual Report and Proxy Statement
BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) issued its 2025 Annual Report and filed its Proxy Statement today in preparation for the company's Annual Shareholders' Meeting 2025 Annual Report Highlights In his annual letter to shareholders and associates, Walmart President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug McMillon, expressed his appreciation for Walmart associates who drove the year's strong performance, and highlighted the company's impressive growth with a 5.1 percent increase in revenues and an 8.6 percent rise in operating income. McMillon emphasized Walmart is a people-led, tech-powered company, investing in associate wages, healthcare and education. More than half of all Walmart U.S. store managers earned bonuses of $100,000 or more; more than 1.1 million people have retirement savings in their 401k plan, and 81 percent of those who participate in the Associate Stock Purchase Plan are hourly associates. He also noted Walmart's adaptability in navigating challenges and the flexibility to change but stay true to its values and purpose. 'I wouldn't trade hands with anyone because of our people, our purpose and culture, our unique assets and our ability to change. When the winds blow, flexibility is important and we've got that in our people, our assortment, the ways we serve customers and our emerging business model. [...] We're proving we can change and innovate, and we know how to execute. Walmart is an 'and' company. We're people and technology. We're stores and eCommerce. We're innovation and execution.' 2025 Walmart Proxy Statement Highlights A message from Chairman of the Board, Greg Penner, emphasizing the strength of the Walmart business, the dedication of the company's 2.1 million associates and its clear path forward. 'Our business is growing […] Last year, revenues grew 5.1 percent to $681 billion, including 20.8 percent eCommerce growth, globally. In February, the company announced a 13 percent increase in its annual dividend to $0.94 per share, marking the 52 nd consecutive year of dividend increases. [...]The retail landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and Walmart is well-positioned. We will continue to adapt quickly while staying true to our purpose: to save people money and live better.' - Greg Penner, Chairman, Walmart Board of Directors After serving six years as Walmart's Lead Independent Director, Tom Horton intends to step down from this role while remaining a highly engaged board member and continuing to serve on the Audit, Nominating and Governance, and Strategic Planning and Finance committees. If elected, Randall Stephenson will become the new Lead Independent Director effective June 5, 2025. 'Randall has been a tremendous asset to the board since his appointment in 2021 […] I am confident Randall will be an outstanding Lead Independent Director serving the interests of Walmart associates, customers and shareholders during this exciting time.' - Tom Horton, Lead Independent Director, Walmart Board of Directors This year's proxy materials seek shareholders' votes on 12 director nominees, three other company proposals, and seven shareholder proposals. 'The board remains focused on effective oversight of the company's strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. Our directors bring a variety of backgrounds, global perspectives, and deep industry experience, ensuring robust discussions and thoughtful decision-making.' - Tom Horton, Lead Independent Director, Walmart Board of Directors 2025 Annual Shareholders' Meeting and Proposal Voting The company's 2025 Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only. Shareholders of record as of April 11, 2025, can attend the meeting online. The live audio webcast of the meeting will begin on June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. CDT. Shareholders who held shares as of the close of business on the record date of April 11, 2025, will be able to vote their shares before the meeting in the following ways: Shareholders may also vote while logged in and participating in the 2025 Annual Shareholders' Meeting at About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at
