Hornblower Group’s Post

Every time they set sail, fishermen are faced with an unwelcome catch: marine debris. These materials, ranging from plastic waste to discarded nets, pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. A recent NOAA feature highlights the critical role that fishermen are playing in tackling this issue, transforming from bystanders to proactive stewards of the sea. https://lnkd.in/eEMb7qpj The article sheds light on various initiatives where fishermen are directly involved in removing debris and implementing practices that prevent further pollution. This shift is not just about cleaning up; it’s about changing the way we think about and interact with our oceans. As part of the broader community that relies on the ocean for resources, recreation, and inspiration, all of us need to learn from these efforts. By supporting policies that encourage responsible disposal and recycling of fishing gear, and by participating in or initiating clean-up projects, we can all contribute to healthier, cleaner oceans. How can your industry take inspiration from fishermen to help reduce marine debris? Let’s discuss. #MarineConservation #SustainableFishing #OceanHealth #FishermenStewards #MarineDebrisAwareness

This weekend, we hosted an inspiring Reverse Tashlich Beach Cleanup at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara! With 25 dedicated volunteers, we worked together from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM to remove trash and help protect our precious coastline. Reverse Tashlich is a new Jewish tradition. Water symbolizes life and renewal and rebirth. Reverse Tashlich takes that principle a step further by encouraging us to remove our physical impact from the ocean, aligning with our collective responsibility to care for the environment. The ocean is vital to life on Earth—it provides 50% of the oxygen we breathe, sustains marine ecosystems, and regulates our climate. It’s crucial that we, as stewards of this planet, protect it for future generations. We invite you to follow our journey and support our mission to build a global community of ocean advocates. Together, we can foster ocean health, protect marine life, and create lasting change. 🌍💙 Join us at Marine Conservation Network to stay updated on future initiatives, learn how you can get involved, and help us make oceans of difference! 🔗 Follow us: @MarineConservationNetwork 🔗 Website: marineconservationnet.org #ReverseTashlich #BeachCleanup #MarineConservation #Sustainability #TogetherWeMakeOceansOfDifference #GlobalOceanCommunity #OceanAdvocacy #EnvironmentalResponsibility #LeadbetterBeach #SantaBarbara #JewishValues #ConservationLeadership

Ever thought about the impact of beach cleanups? 🧹 These vital activities play a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of our coastal ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and humans. During our program, we do weekly beach clean-ups that involve removing litter and debris from the shorelines, tackling pollution from plastics, fishing gear, and other waste. These efforts prevent harmful materials from entering the ocean, where they can endanger marine life and degrade water quality. By participating in beach cleanups, you’re not just picking up trash—you’re contributing to a larger movement to protect and restore our coastal environments. Each cleanup helps preserve habitats, supports local wildlife, and ensures beaches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Join us in making a difference every Thursday at 4.30 in front of Blue Marlin Gili Air. Together, we can keep our beaches clean and our oceans thriving🌊💙 #beachclean #litter #coralcatch #recycle #plastic #cleanup #scholarship #womanpower #generationrestoration

EHN brings us this important information.Florida expands balloon ban to protect marine life. A new Florida law prohibits the intentional release of balloons, aiming to curb the devastating impact on sea turtles and other marine animals. The Associated Press. In short: The law prohibits intentional balloon releases, previously limited to 10 or more balloons within 24 hours. The new regulation includes fines for releasing a single balloon, with children under 7 exempt. Balloons are a significant threat to marine life, as animals often mistake them for food, leading to fatal blockages. Key quote: “Balloons rank among the deadliest ocean plastic for key wildlife and are the deadliest form of plastic debris for seabirds.” — Hunter Miller, Florida representative of environmental group Oceana. Why this matters: When festivities end and balloons drift away, they often find their way into oceans and waterways, creating a silent but deadly hazard for marine life. This issue extends beyond the individual animals to the broader ecosystem, as these hazards harm the delicate balance of marine life, affecting species up and down the food chain. In addition, the degradation of marine environments impacts human communities reliant on these ecosystems for food and economic activities, from fishing to tourism. https://lnkd.in/e3ud_FZw

Part of my region is the world renowned Whistler Blackcomb Resort and municipality, I have the pleasure of working with the Whistler Firesmart team when passing through the area. The Whistler FireSmart Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at mitigating wildfire risks in the Whistler area, a region known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities nestled within British Columbia’s forests. This program underscores the importance of community engagement, education, and proactive measures to protect homes, businesses, and natural areas from the threat of wildfires. A standout feature of the Whistler FireSmart Program is its commitment to environmentally responsible practices, notably its almost exclusive use of STIHL battery chainsaws. This choice reflects a broader dedication to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Whistler’s green ethos. STIHL battery chainsaws offer a powerful, yet quieter and emission-free option for vegetation management and fuel reduction efforts, essential components of the FireSmart strategy. By employing these cutting-edge tools, Whistler’s FireSmart Program not only enhances its efficiency in creating defensible spaces and managing fire-prone vegetation but also sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship in community safety initiatives. This innovative approach positions the Whistler FireSmart Program as a leader in both wildfire risk reduction and sustainable practices, showcasing a path forward for other communities to follow. #whistler #whistlerlife #firesmart #bcforestfireservice #stihl #stihlcanada #stihlusa #britishcolumbia #msa300 #stihlchainsaw #lithiumion #outdoorpowerequipment #batterytechnology #vancouver #pemberton #squamish

🌊 Beach Cleanup on Sand Cay 🏝️ Today, we ventured out to the beautiful, remote Sand Cay in Grand Cayman for a beach cleanup. This tiny sandbar may seem untouched by human presence, but it is increasingly affected by ocean-borne debris, especially plastics. Did you know? Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, threatening marine life and fragile ecosystems like Sand Cay. Although it’s remote, this sandbar plays a crucial role as a nesting habitat for seabirds like terns and frigatebirds. By cleaning up this pristine environment, we help protect both the wildlife and the natural beauty that make the Cayman Islands so special. 🌱 At IslandSoul, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet, one small step (or paddle!) at a time. Let's continue to protect the treasures that make our island home unique. #BeachCleanup #Sustainability #ProtectOurOceans #IslandSoulCayman #Conservation #MarineLife #AdventureWithPurpose

We’re celebrating a major win for Florida’s marine wildlife! Starting July 1, Florida will ban the intentional release of balloons. This incredible measure marks a huge victory for our oceans! Balloons contribute significantly to marine debris. By preventing their release, we're taking a crucial step towards protecting our beloved marine animals and preserving our beautiful beaches. Why This Matters: - Marine Life Protection: Balloons are often mistaken for food, with one study of sea turtles finding that out of 41 pieces of rubber ingested, 32 pieces were balloon fragments. - Beach Preservation: Keeping our shores clean and free from plastic pollution. - Wildlife Safety: Helping prevent injuries and fatalities among marine animals. Balloons are the highest-risk plastic debris for seabirds. Celebrate with us by choosing sustainable ways to commemorate life's special moments. Plant a native tree or garden, scatter flower petals, paint decorative stones, or make bubbles! #sustainability #conservation #ocean #marinelife #breakingnews

🌍♻️ "Turn your 'oops' into 'out of sight'! 🌟🗑️ Our eco-friendly clearance service isn't just a cleanup, it's a green-up! Make space and make a difference. #EcoElegance #TrashToTreasure" 📞 Book a Green Clean Today

Do you prioritise giving back? As business owners we have responsibilities to look beyond ourselves. This is for the well-being of our staff. Ensuring positive customer experiences. And to support the environment in which we as people and businesses thrive. 2 years ago we committed to supporting 1% for the Planet, by donating 1% of our company's revenue. This 1% contribution goes to carefully vetted charitable organisations, solving environmental issues in the UK and across the Globe 🌎 We chose to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust because: 🔹 their work has a positive impact on the local community and natural habitats. 🔹 their groundbreaking Seagrass Restoration project and it's potential to sequester carbon. 🔹 their passion for the natural world preservation. 🔹 their systematic and scientifically backed approach We are excited to continue supporting and contributing to the Trust's goals and actions. Leadership comes with responsibility. How do you use yours? #sustainability #givingback #CSR

Did you know that 46% of ocean plastic comes from abandoned fishing gear? Plastic straws are only 0,03%. Ghost Gear's Hidden Threat is a complex challenge that harms marine life and complicates sustainability efforts. Some "dolphin-safe" brands unknowingly support practices that contribute to ocean pollution, greenwashing. About 40% of worldwide fish catch is unintentionally caught and partly thrown back into the sea, either dead or dying - a devastating impact that persists. It's no excuse to eat farmed or non-farmed fish or marine life under these circumstances. Expectations for 2006 are that oceans will within our life time be dead around 2046 if this continues. Let's question assumptions, drive accountability, and support initiatives genuinely contributing to ocean health. Our oceans are a shared responsibility. By addressing these challenges, we ensure a healthier, more sustainable future. #OceanConservation #PlasticPollution #SustainableLiving