Lakes experienced a rise in sea level

Posted: 11th March 2011 by admin in News
Tags: , , ,
1

By Claudine Zap

What happens to lakes in an area hit by forest fires and floods? Some will glow in the dark.

For a cluster of lakes in Australia’s eastern Victoria, the combination of the fire and then the rain washed ash and nitrogen-rich soil into the water. The Gippsland Lakes experienced a rise in sea level. That caused the lakes to mix with sea water, which also raised the salinity.

This recipe led to the introduction of a species of algae called Noctiluca scintillans, commonly known as “sea sparkle.” The bioluminescent brew gave the water a nocturnal glow.

Bioluminescence — when a living organism lights up at night — is a natural phenomenon. Australian photographer Phil Hart caught the eerie light of the lakes and shared his snaps.

The shutterbug runs Night Sky Photography workshops in Australia, where he teaches the art of capturing images like these.

Share on digg

The New Illustrated Guide to Fish Diseases by Dr Gerald Bassleer

Posted: 23rd February 2011 by admin in Book
Tags: , ,
0

The Practical Guide to Fish Diseases
in ornamental tropical, pond fish (and shrimp)
by Gerald Bassleer (Publ. April 2011)
Size 25x15cmx1.3cm
Weight 334gm
Retail price € 19.90
Publisher Bassleer Biofish

This new book contains the best parts and selected photographs from the previous, large book of Gerald Bassleer ‘The New Illustrated Guide to Fish Diseases’. In addition several new photographs, new diseases and new information make this book up-to-date: i.e. New White Spot Disease, Syndrome: Loss of Scales, a chapter on Shrimp Diseases and the use of herbal medicine: Catappa leaves.

The photographs are selected from a selection of over 12,000 photographs, all taken through the eyes of a fish doctor, the most representative ones have been bundled, resulting in this highly practice oriented book. The illustration of the sick fish speak for themselves and guide the reader through the difficult and rather complex subject matter of fish diseases. However, not all but only the major fish diseases have been described. For example: detailed information is presented on the very common Columnaris Disease, KHV, False Neon Disease, False Fungal Infection, Hole-in-the-Head Disease, Discus and Angel fish Disease, Diseases of Shrimp and many others.

Scientific and difficult text has been avoided as this book “The Practical Guide to Fish Diseases’ is meant for everyone who is involved in the care of ornamental fish.

The first chapter of the book informs about Caused of Fish Diseases: we must ask ourselves question why the fish are becoming sick= looking for the reasons! Through our experience we have learned that most disease come from stress and that more than 50% of the problems comes from bad water quality!

The second chapter gives you a summary of the most important signs(symptoms) of diseased fish with very clear colour photographs.

The third chapter presents detailed information on the most important viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections with descriptions, clinical presentations and recommended actions and/or treatments.

The last part gives a detailed overview of all possible medications, with pure ingredients and practical applications.

The author:
Dr. Bassleer (°1954, Ichthyopathologist) is specialised in ornamental fish diseases and collected an enormous amount of material and know-how during his work (trade & training) in the fish industry.
In 1982, his first book “Colorguide to Freshwater Fish diseases’ was published and more than 50,000 copies (3 editions in 4 languages) have been sold. In 1991 he has published his book “The Diseases in Marine Aquarium Fish”. In 1996 he published his “The Illustrated Guide to Fish Diseases in ornamental tropical and pond fish”. This large book which contains 1000 colour photographs (and Analytic Computer Program) has been sold all over the world in 6 languages (including Chinese and Russian). Since 1995, Gerald Bassleer is director of Bassleer Biofish (Belgium) and since 2006 OFI-President.

Availability:
This book is available in 7 languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.
Inquiries form distributors are welcome: send request to Gerald@bassleer.com

Dr. Gerald Bassleer
born in 1954 in Sint Niklaas, Belgium, has been active for over 33 years in the international ornamental fish trade. As a biologist, he specialised in fish diseases (ichthyopathology) while studying at various universities: Antwerp, Belgium; Maracay, Venezuela; Athens, Georgia, USA; Stirling, Scotland and Höhenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. From 1977 to 1995 Dr. Bassleer worked for major wholesalers in Belgium, the United States, the Netherlands and Germany. In 1995 he set up his own import/export business in ornamental fish, together with his wife, Angélique Gillhaus: BASSLEER BIOFISH in Westmeerbeek/Belgium. In his 33 years of daily experience and research of diseased ornamental fishes, combined with his many travels, lectures and publications, Dr. Gerald Bassleer has gathered an enormous stock of material and know-how.

In 1982 he published his first book ‘Colorguide of Freshwater Fish Diseases’, of which more than 50,000 copies have been sold (three editions in four languages). He has also written the book ‘Diseases in Marine Aquarium Fish’ (two editions in four languages). He is a consultant to various breeders and export firms as well as a regular contributor to trade and fishkeeping magazines. Dr. Gerald Bassleer has developed a high-quality fish food to make fish stronger, naturally coloured and healthier: Dr. Bassleer’s Biofish Food.

For further information visit the website www.bassleer.com

Share on digg

AQUARAMA 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Posted: 31st January 2011 by admin in Exhibition
Tags: , ,
0

aquarama

PRESS RELEASE (JANUARY 2011)
For Immediate Release

AQUARAMA KICKS OFF 2011 WITH HUGE OPTIMISM

The Aquarama 2011 train marches on relentlessly, with new exhibitors and official supporters joining the already-impressive list of participants lined up for this unique biennial event in the international ornamental aquatic calendar.

Confirming its total confidence in Aquarama, the Taiwan Ornamental Fish Association (TOFA), for example, has reserved a 252 sqm booth for this year, a huge increase in the floor space it took up in 2009. Visitors to Aquarama 2011 will therefore enjoy an even wider range of Taiwanese products and services than at previous editions.

The Thai government’s Department of Fisheries has also confirmed its participation, following its successful experiences at previous Aquarama. Alongside this always popular and attractive display highlighting Thailand’s diverse aquatic offerings, are new exhibitors from China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia and France – the latest to join the continuously expanding catalogue of exhibitors.

Aquarama also has a new media partner: Asian Aquaculture Network (AAN) which has undertaken to promote the event. AAN was established in 2009 with the primary aim of promoting sustainable development and practices in Asian aquaculture. The promotion will happen, both via the AAN website (www.asianaquaculturenetwork.com), as well as the organisation’s trade publication, The Practical, which has become an official Aquarama supporting publication, as are: Pet Market, Pets International, AquaPets, AquaZoo News, Fish Magazine, PET Worldwide, Pet Industry News and FISH Magazine.

Turning to the Aquarama high-status Trade Seminar Programme, the list of top international speakers is now virtually complete, with participants (so far) coming from Singapore, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, UK, USA, Australia, India, Thailand and Mexico. The main seminar theme, Managing Change – Maintaining Focus, is divided into three sessions: International Perspectives, Maintaining Quality and – Trends and Trade. Entrance to this gathering of international experts, which will be held during the first two days of the show, is absolutely free.

The Public Seminar Programme (entry to which is absolutely free) is also close to being finalised and is equally impressive, with the following topics already decided: discus, seahorses, aquatic plants, dragon fish, cichlids, crystal bee shrimps, aquarium maintenance and nano aquaria. These seminars – to be addressed by an international panel of speakers – will be held during the last two days of the event when the show will open its doors to the general public.

And…speaking of nano aquaria, Aquarama 2011 sees the launch of a brand new competition featuring these currently ‘hot’ mini-systems. In this initial phase, the Nano Tank Competition will be restricted to freshwater set-ups which will be judged, not just on appearance, but also on the appropriateness of the décor, plants and tank inhabitants. It is worth mentioning that this new competition is an addition to the already-existing competitions and not a replacement for any of these. Therefore, the Marine Tank Competition, Planted Tank Competition and International Fish Competition – with their usual, attractive cash prizes, trophies and kudos – will still be there and, if current indications are anything to go by, will be, at least, every bit as spectacular and worthy of being staged at Aquarama as all their predecessors.

There are several other, completely new, competitive elements lined up, too. The Fish Photography Competition will be dedicated to photographs taken onsite during Aquarama. The Fish Drawing Competition for children will, likewise, need to feature any one, or group, of fish exhibited during the event, while, in the Fish Counting Competition participants will have to estimate how many fish there are in a tank specifically set up with numerous small, fast-swimming, shoaling fish to test participants’ powers of concentration, estimation and patience!

Full details of all these features, plus everything else relating to Aquarama 2011 (Suntec Singapore, 26-29 May, 2011) can be found on the event’s website (www.aquarama.com.sg) or by contacting: Mr. Wein Ng, Project Manager (Wein.Ng@ubm.com).

UBM ASIA TRADE FAIRS PTE LTD
No. 3 Pickering Street, #02-48
China Square Central
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6592 0889
Fax: +65 6438 6090

Note: Aquarama 2011 will be held on 26 – 29 May 2011 at Suntec Singapore

Share on digg

ZOOMARK 2011 International – Italy 12 to 15 May

Posted: 13th January 2011 by admin in News
Tags:
0

Celebrating its fourteenth anniversary, Zoomark International is the top trade show in the pet supplies industry in the odd years. Tremendous meeting platform, it is an irreplaceable chance to grow, interact, confront products, news and proposals, to transfer know-how, upgrade professionally and broaden one’s knowledge.

The exhibitors are manufacturers and distributors of pet food, care and comfort products, service suppliers, trade associations and publishers.

The BolognaFiere exhibition centre extends over 375,000 square metres of covered and outdoors areas. Its total services area is 36,000 square metres.

Its 18 halls are completely wired, air-conditioned and equipped with IT systems.

Flexibility and mobility indoors are ensured by a network of moving walkways and by a parking system with 14,500 covered parking spaces that can be reserved in advance.

Zoomark International 2011 stretches over an exhibit surface of more than 44 thousand square metres and four halls (16, 19, 21 and 22) and it offers modern and functional facilities and services.

The two entrances (Piazza Costituzione and North) provide a good and even visitors flow and an easy management of the queues at the reception.

Date, time
Zoomark International takes place in the following days and times:

Thursday, May 12 – Saturday, May 14: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 15: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Venue
Halls: 16, 19, 21, 22
Entrances: West Costituzione and North

Info
exhibitors
exhibitor@zoomark.it
phone 031301059

visitors
visitor@zoomark.it
phone 031301059

Share on digg

Zoo Russia Professional Exhibition 2011

Posted: 29th December 2010 by admin in Exhibition
Tags: , ,
0

Zoo Russia Professional is an exclusive breed of aquaria, terraria, pet products, food technology and veterinary supplier industries event focusing on partner relationship development and business expansion through a unique integration of exhibition, strategic product display, business conference, networking sessions and extensive marketing campaign. Zoo Russia is a place for business, marketing and branding, a venue for exciting opportunities and an exhibition platform packed with an educational program for all participants. Zoo Russia Professional is a unique three days event assigned for professionals, who attend to source new and concept designed products for their retail pet stores, veterinary clinics and online catalogues. The expo will bring together trade visitors, industry officials and top investors from around the globe to participate in this networking platform set in a prime destination for deal-making.

Zoo Russia Professional is the only event in Russia, which introduces new foreign manufacturers of the pet and aquatic products to the local wholesalers.

WHEN AND WHERE:
February 18-20, 2011
Pavilion 1, Hall 1, Crocus Expo
Moscow, Russia

ZOO RUSSIA’S CORE FOCUS:
Deal making, marketing and branding
Networking opportunities for industry professionals
Promoting business opportunities in one of the fastest growing emerging regions in the World
Make this the time you invest in your company and build professional connections that will support your business!

Contact us
For general enquiries
Tel.: +7 495 797 6914 +7 495 797 6914
Fax: +7 495 797 6915
E-mail: info@zoorussia.ru

Share on digg

5th INDIA INTERNATIONAL PET TRADE FAIR

Posted: 29th December 2010 by admin in Exhibition
Tags: , ,
1

The India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) is BACK! Slated to be held from 21-23 January, 2011 at the NSIC Bhawan, New Delhi, the 5th edition of the fair will harbour 150 stalls and span 7,000 sq ft.

SOUTH ASIA’S ONLY PET TRADE FAIR and INDIA’S LARGEST PET EVENT, IIPTF is an exhibition-cum-trade show dedicated to the pet vertical in India and is a quality-driven event, at par with international standards. A part B2B (business-to-business), part B2C (business-to-consumer) event, IIPTF showcases an exhaustive range of pet products and pet-pertinent services from across India and overseas.

Compared to the national Book Fair and the Auto Expo by the Times of India, the chief mission of the fair is to give a boost to the revenue of the pet industry by providing members with a platform to congregate and network, thereby generating revenue for themselves and others. It also extends a podium to B2C exhibitors comprising pet retail shop owners, to sell their merchandise and amplify their customer bases.

A fair like IIPTF is especially ideal for those that wish to network with international clients but lack the funds to participate in foreign fairs, as IIPTF offers the business environment of an international fair right here at home. Foreign exporters are increasingly perceiving India as a more viable business option over China on account of the several bouts of unrest that have been taking place there. Consequently, the wages of workers there have been hiked, forcing product rates, too, to rocket. These events have transformed India into the more tenable choice for foreign investors, both in terms of quality and economy. In years to come, India will become the favoured sourcing hub for the global export industry.

In its 5th landmark release, IIPTF is delighted to bring to pet owners and the industry, acclaimed masters of Dogdom from within the country and from foreign shores, who will share their expertise in training, grooming, breeding, pet health, etc, with those present.

In addition to showcasing products and services of the pet industry, the 5th IIPTF will feature a full-fledged garden & landscaping segment, comprising members, products and services of the garden and landscaping industry. Although, originally conceived as a trade show for the pet vertical, IIPTF has now grown a green arm in order to highlight the undeniable affiliation between pets and nature.

Over the last decade, the pet industry has witnessed remarkable changes in product trends, pet care, domestic policies on pets, as well as, veterinary and pet related cosmetic products and services, and is confidently marching forward, in terms of strength and revenue generation. With Rs 210 crore (US$44.7 mn) in its kitty and a 25 percent annual growth, the Indian pet industry holds tremendous potential for its stakeholders—domestic, as well as, international.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL PET TRADE FAIR
C/o L.B. Associates (Pvt) Ltd
H-108, Sector 63, Noida – 201301
Delhi NCR, UP, India

Tel: 91-120-242-7282
Email: info@lbassociates.com

Share on digg

Tunze Silence pump 8 month review: delivers reliable, quiet performance

Posted: 27th November 2010 by admin in Pump, water pump
1

This review of Tunze’s 1073.020 silence pump is well over eight months in the making. In that time we have used and abused the ole Silence ’20 in every position imaginable: We used in the basement, we used it on a double decker set up, we’ve pushed some medium and large recirculating skimmers but most of all, we have settled on using the quiet one (not that Quiet One) for an aquarium on our desk. So far this pump has been tested on quite a wide range of applications but it always started and restarted without fail, and it has done so without any maintenance or servicing of the impeller assembly. Any pump that can go through our water pump bootcamp and still be worthy of use in the Reef Builders office will be part of the water pumping arsenal FOR LIFE. Don’t let that low pressure water flow curve fool you, the ~$90 Tunze Silence 1073.020 may be rated for 634gph but even with lack of pressure the Silence ’20 still managed to deliver 350-550 gph under most applications. The pump is available from Aquarium Specialty, Premium Aquatics and The Depot, check out our previous posts for more deets on the line. Can anyone chime in on their experiences with the Tunze Hydrofoamer Silence pumps?

more information….

Share on digg

Gobies are the largest group of fishes known in the world

Posted: 27th November 2010 by admin in News
Tags: , , , ,
0

The Gobies are the largest group of fishes known in the world. With more than 1,600 species documented, these creatures have presented a taxonomical nightmare to fish-finders since the great age of Imperialism took natural history to all corners of the globe. They are also represented in their greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific, and like Blennies, are found in all warm seas. Some species may also find their way into freshwater or estuarine habitats.

To the casual observer, the similarities between these two giant families of tiny fishes probably present themselves far more readily than the differences. After all, how many of us who aren’t actively involved in the scientific process are busying ourselves noting the numbers and shapes of dorsal rays in every fish we see – especially when the animals in question may be smaller than our little finger, or indeed in some cases, smaller even than our smallest fingernail. The tiniest Blennies and Gobies may be less than 1cm in length at adult size, and all species in both families rarely exceed a modest 15cm.

Blennies and Gobies unarguably share common ground, being mostly found in the same ocean zones. In the fish world, form follows both function and habitat, so creatures in the same location will develop similar means of dealing with their environment. However, when it comes to setting up house, the Blenny certainly emerges as the more freewheeling, mischievous one. If confronted by a tiny cheeky face, peering out from a hole in a rocky reef, it’s very likely the little guy is a Blenny. Likewise on the coral reef, the Blenny may take up residence in the tubular tunnels or the hollow spaces generously provided by corals and sponges.

References and Photographic source:
1. Essential Guide to Coral Reef Life (2010) – Michael Aw
2. Ocean Geographic 14:4/2010

Share on digg

KPMG Reef Check Team

Posted: 27th November 2010 by admin in News
Tags: , , , ,
0

A video of KPMG, one of Reef Check Malaysia’s corporate sponsor doing their survey on their adopted reef, Soyak Island in Tioman.

REEF CHECK WORLDWIDE

Share on digg

A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Empowering People to Save Our Reefs

Posted: 27th November 2010 by admin in News
Tags: , ,
0

About Reef Check

Reef Check – A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Empowering People to Save Our Reefs and Oceans

Founded in 1996 by marine ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson, the Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries and territories, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.

In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey of coral reef health that provided scientific confirmation that our coral reefs were in crisis due to over-fishing, illegal fishing, and pollution. The results, published in a scientific journal in 1999, shocked many marine biologists who had not realized the extent of human impacts on reefs. In August 2002, Reef Check released its first five-year report, The Global Coral Reef Crisis – Trends and Solutions, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. Based on data collected by thousands of Reef Check volunteer divers in over 80 countries and territories, the report was the first scientific documentation of the dramatic worldwide decline in coral reef health over a five year period. The report concluded that there was virtually no reef in the world that remained untouched by human impacts, such as over fishing, pollution and climate change. Yet the success stories discussed in the report show that, with proper monitoring, management and protection, coral reefs can recover. It is up to us.

Since then, Reef Check’s fast-growing network has expanded throughout all tropical seas, and has played a major role in efforts to preserve and sustain reef ecosystems. Reef Check’s approach is to engage partners, especially businesses in a non-confrontational manner to develop mutually beneficial solutions especially the creation of self-funding Marine Protected Areas. In 2005, Reef Check launched its first temperate reef program in California.

Reef Check has received international environmental awards for its work, and is the United Nations’ official community-based reef monitoring program.

Reef Check carries out its work through three major programs:

1.EcoDiver Program – an education and certification program for kids to adults who want to learn more about the ocean and take part in protecting reef ecosystems.
2.Coral Reef Management Program – a coral reef monitoring and management system that focuses on establishing Marine Protected Areas to conserve coral reefs while encouraging sustainable use of surrounding reefs by local residents.
3.Reef Check California – a volunteer monitoring program for California rocky reefs designed to provide data for managers and to build a conservation constituency among California divers.

To make a donation to the Reef Check Foundation, use our secure form below. Since 98% of Reef Check runs on a volunteer basis, the value of each dollar donated is multiplied by the work of thousands of volunteers around the world.

MAKE A DONATION
REEF CHECK WORLDWIDE

Share on digg

Older Entries
Newer Entries