Australia Seizes and Burns Two Illegal Fishing Vessels

Courtesy ABF

Published Feb 26, 2025 6:15 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

Taking a page from the tactics of former Indonesian fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti, the Australian Border Force has seized and burned two illegal foreign fishing vessels off the coast of the Northern Territory. It is the latest in a series of interdictions intended to cut off illegal migration and shut down illegal Indonesian fishing vessels in this far-flung region, where there are few settlements and limited government presence. 

Aboriginal rangers spotted the foreign fishing vessels near Maningrida, a remote village with no connection to the national road network, and reported the presence to the ABF. On Sunday, ABF vessels located and intercepted the two Indonesian boats near Maningrida and Port Essington. They detained the fishermen, confiscated the catch of 1,200 kilos of sea cucumber, and seized the fishing equipment. The vessels were destroyed at sea, as allowed under Australian law. 

“ABF is dedicated to responding to every report of illegal foreign fishing in the Northern Territory," Commander Griffin said. “We are grateful to the Djelk Rangers for their diligent reporting of this sighting. The unique and detailed knowledge that Indigenous ranger groups and Traditional Owners and custodians possess . . . is invaluable in supporting our efforts to protect our borders."

In December, the agency launched a new operation to intercept foreign fishing vessels that operate on the long and empty stretch of roadless coastline. The new push has been bearing fruit: in the first month of operations, 12 vessels were interdicted, resulting in the seizure of six tonnes of illicit catch. 

Illegal fishing has been a problem for local Aboriginal groups for a long time, but the pace has recently increased, along with new evidence of human smuggling. In October, a group of up to 30 unauthorized migrants from four boats were reported in the Northern Territories - igniting a minor political furor in Australia, where maritime migration is rigorously discouraged. 

 

Divers Find "Lost" Dutch Submarine From WWII Off Australia

Imagery courtesy Wrecksploration

Published Feb 25, 2025 8:30 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

The wreck of a Dutch submarine that rescued survivors after an Australian minesweeper was sunk by Japanese warships during World War II has been discovered at a famous ship graveyard off the coast of the Australian city of Fremantle. About eight decades after it went missing, the wreck of HNLMS K XI has been identified and is said to be lying in 40 meters of water off Rottnest Island, outside of the well-known Rottnest ship graveyard.

The wreck was discovered by a technical diving group called Wrecksploration on January 1. The Western Australian Museum (WAM) worked in conjunction with the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) to identify the boat using the group's 3D model of the site. K XI is said to be one of the most significant vessels to have been discarded in or near the graveyard, which is the final resting place for about 50 shipwrecks.

K XI was built in Fijenoord, Rotterdam between 1922 and 1924 for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) and was deployed to patrol waters in the colonial Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). Commissioned in 1925, the submarine was the first of three boats in the K XI class and one of 25 boats built for the submarine division of the RNN. At least 15 boats were deployed in the Netherlands East Indies.

On March 9, 1942, K XI's crew rescued 13 survivors from the 151 crew of the Royal Australian Navy’s minesweeping and convoy escort sloop HMAS Yarra (II) that had been sunk by Japanese warships. The 13 men had survived in rough waters for five days floating on life rafts and clinging to life through occasional spoonfuls of water and a few biscuits.

For more than three decades, WA Museum has been investigating the Rottnest graveyard, where it believed K XI was resting. When divers discovered the wreck outside of the main dumping site, RCE agreed to finance the photogrammetry work, which was developed into a 3D model and submitted to the WA Museum for identification.

“Over the decades, the use of archival sources, local knowledge, and remote sensing surveys has allowed the Museum to identify a number of significant sites in the graveyard. In this project, we compared archival records with the 3D model created by Wrecksploration to confirm that the wreck was the K XI,” said Corioli Souter, Head of Maritime Heritage at the WA Museum.

During WWII, Fremantle Harbor was the largest submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere and was the second-most important Allied submarine base in the Pacific Theatre after Pearl Harbor, with U.S, British and Dutch submarines operating from Fremantle. A total of 11 Dutch submarines operated out of Fremantle during the time period.

Archeologists say that the discovery of the wreck of K XI provides an insight into the behaviors and practices of ship dumping off Fremantle in the immediate post-WWII period. Apart from K XI, six miniature Welman two-man submarines, eight submersible canoes, four aircraft, and other military equipment are believed to have been dumped at the graveyard.

The wreck of K XI is protected by Australia’s laws as an important heritage site, meaning that divers can visit but cannot damage, disturb, or remove any part.

 

Bulgarian Bulker Saves 34 Fishermen From Burning Boat in the Indian Ocean

Courtesy Eleen Marine

Published Feb 27, 2025 8:01 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

A Bulgarian bulker has rescued 34 fishermen from a burning vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to the shipowner. 

Eleen Armonia, a 2008-built bulker owned by Eleen Marine, was under way from Singapore to the Cape of Good Hope when the crew spotted smoke from a burning vessel at a position about 500 nautical miles to the south of Sri Lanka. The small vessel had no AIS identification, and did not have a strong radar return. 

The captain of Eleen Armonia diverted to assist. In a long series of evolutions, the crew of the bulker rescued all 34 Indonesian nationals aboard the fishing vessel, identified as the Hasil Abadi 28. The fire was extinguished, though the vessel is likely a total loss; no injuries were reported. 

Eleen Marine contacted the owner of the fishing vessel and learned that the firm had several other vessels in its fleet operating nearby. The crew were provided with food and medical care, then transferred to one of these sister ships, and the Armonia proceeded on her way. 

"This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond among seafarers worldwide," Eleen Marine said in a statement. 

 

Stranded MSC Baltic III Cannot be Safely Refloated Reports Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian Coast Guard reports the vessel has settled to the bottom and cannot be safely refloated (CCG)

Published Feb 27, 2025 6:55 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

Twelve days after the containership MSC Baltic III (33,767 dwt) lost power and was driven ashore in Canada during a winter storm, the Canadian Coast Guard reports the vessel cannot be safely refloated. Weather continues to hamper the efforts of the Coast Guard and a private salvage team with the latest update reporting they are focusing on the fuel and other possible contaminants aboard.

The vessel was abandoned on February 15 after it was driven onto the rocky shoreline of western Newfoundland. The Canadian Coast Guard organized a helicopter rescue for the crew.

Since the 679-foot (203-meter) vessel went ashore, winter storms have continued to impact the area. The Coast Guard says teams are frequently unable to get aboard the ship and the weather is hampering some of the water operations. They are monitoring the ship from shore and the air.

At the beginning of the week, they reported that divers have confirmed that there were significant breaches or holes in the hull below the waterline. The vessel has settled firmly to the seabed and so far, they have not found significant breaks about the waterline. However, pictures have shown some deformations in the hull and the possibility of a crack.

 

A crack appears to be forming to the right in the photo and deformations had previously been seen midship (Canadian Coast Guard February 24 photo)

 

“Given the vessel’s current condition, it cannot be safely refloated,” the Coast Guard writes in its updated issued late on February 27. “The initial focus will be on the removal of the fuel and cargo.”

Based on the urgency of the situation, the Coast Guard says it is looking at alternatives including repairing an old road and all-terrain vehicle trail that could be used to reach the remote location. They told The Telegram newspaper that the road would need upgrades to handle heavy equipment and tractor trailers. The Coast Guard is also looking at building an access point from shore to the bow of the vessel the newspaper reports.

The surveys have confirmed that there are approximately 1.7 million liters of heavy fuel oil and marine gas on board. While no pollution has been observed, there are concerns over a potential breach. One of the steps being explored is pumping the fuel to shore because it may not be possible to get a salvage vessel alongside.

MSC initially advised the Coast Guard that the vessel had approximately 470 containers aboard, over half of which were empty. The others are carrying items such as food, lumber, and paper supplies. In the latest updates, the Coast Guard said however eight containers with polymer beads (nurdles) have been marked as a priority for removal.  

The Coast Guard says that there are materials aboard considered dangerous goods in shipping terms, such as the nurdles as well as flour and whiskey. Nothing aboard however is hazardous under normal conditions.

The biggest issue is the race against time to reduce the risks as the winter storms are likely to persist in the region and further batter the vessel.

 

Strike Against Tug Operator for UK's Royal Navy to Expand in March

Secro Marine provides tugs and other services to the UK's Royal Navy (Royal Navy)

Published Feb 27, 2025 4:40 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

Two of the UK’s labor unions are striking against tug operator Serco Marine which provides vital services to the Royal Navy at five bases across England and Scotland. The job actions and strikes began earlier this month and now a second union, Unite, reports that its members have also voted to start a series of actions in early March.

The strikes are unusual because Unite and the other union, Prospect, are not disputing their contracts or striking for higher wages. Both unions, however, are demanding that Serco consult with them as part of ongoing negotiations with the Royal Navy for a new service contract for Serco. The company is currently in talks with the UK’s Ministry of Defence about the renewal of its 10-year contract. 

Serco took over as the service provider for the Royal Navy at its bases at Devonport, Portsmouth, Faslane, Great Harbour Greenock, and Kyle of Lochalsh after the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service was privatized in 2008. Serco provides towage activities, bunkering and watering, tank cleaning, passenger services, trial work, munitions, and nuclear safety activities for the Royal Navy.

Both unions report that in the past their members were consulted during the contract negotiations. Unite highlights that it represents approximately 300 tugboat and marine services crews, which is about half of Serco Marine’s workforce. Many of the individuals transferred to Serco during the privatization with Unite reporting these people have between 20 and 45 years of experience.

Unite contends the new contract is valued at £1.2 billion, but it believes the Royal Navy is seeking to reduce the contract by £250 million, which Unite says is putting 100 jobs at risk. The unions believe their members can provide critical insights into the operations. Unite, however, alleges the cuts could include reducing the number of tugs handling nuclear submarines from six to four, which it says would be a violation of nuclear safety legislation.

Promise, which mainly provides services at Faslane, Portsmouth, and Devonport, began the strikes with a 24-hour stoppage on February 3. Since then, it has been taking actions short of a strike, which include adherence to work rules and a ban on overtime.

Unite plans to join the strike with tug masters, boatmasters, and bargemasters stopping work for 24 hours on March 6. The following day, March 7, technical managers, workshop managers, senior engineers, junior engineers, tank cleaners, and technicians will strike for 24 hours. Then on March 10, all shore grades, office, workshop and shore staff, mates, able seaman, fuel supervisors, barge operatives, and pilot boat crews will stop work for 24 hours. Unite is also banning overtime and will adhere to work rules starting on March 6. Unite also said further actions would be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Seco told UK media that it has regular engagement with both of the unions and that it was disappointed by the decision to strike. They emphasized that this is currently no change in the services provided under the Royal Navy contract.

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence told the media that it is an internal dispute between an employer and its unions. They contend that Royal Navy operations would not be impacted.

 

ILA Members Ratify 6-Year Contract with Accommodations for Technology

ILA rank-and-file ratify new 6-year labor contract for U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports (ILA)

Published Feb 26, 2025 12:43 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

The membership of the International Longshoremen’s’ Association officially ratified the new 6-year contract on Tuesday, February 25, bringing to close one of the most contentious contract negotiations in decades. The ILA is calling the new contract the “gold standard” for dockworker unions globally while saying with the ratification there would be “labor peace” and that the ILA would be working in partnership with USMX to help all ILA ports grow and flourish.

“It was a tough contract to negotiate,” said ILA President Harold Daggett who served as the union’s chief negotiator. Among the terms the union is highlighting is a 62 percent wage increase, accelerated wage raises for new ILA workers, container royalty funds for the ILA, and improved benefits including healthcare for members. Daggett in a message to members said the new contract was worth about $35 billion, nearly twice the previous agreement.

The terms are retroactive to October 1, 2024, when the prior contract expired. Wage increases had been deferred after terms were reached in October until the full contract was completed. The new contract covers approximately 35 ports from Maine to Florida and along the Gulf Coast. It runs till September 30, 2030.

Daggett is publicly declaring a key win saying it is the greatest contract in ILA history. He reports it provides “full protections against automation,” without providing details on the contract terms. The ILA had firmly declared it would not accept automation or semi-automation for any port operations.

In December 2024, then President-elect Donald Trump met with the union leaders. He also issued a strong statement against port automation. 

The Associated Press and Bloomberg, however, are reporting that a compromise was found allowing operators to implement technology as long as it does not impact jobs. Mathew Leech, CEO of Ports America, told Bloomberg that automation was separated from other efficiency-enhancing technology. AP reports there is “more leeway to introduce modernizing technology.”

The previous contract required technology proposals to be submitted to a committee that included union representatives for review. Ports such as the Port of New York New Jersey highlighted there was no automation in use at its terminals, a point that operators said was both a handicap and hindering growth and efficiency.

Bloomberg reports the operators also won concessions on issues related to a lack of labor reliability and absenteeism. Daggett in his message to members said that no-shows had to stop and said reliability was critical in their efforts to oppose automation.

The board of the ILA and the members of USMX which represents the terminal operators and shipping companies had previously approved the new contract. The ILA reports there will be a formal signing ceremony on March 11 for the new 6-year agreement.

 

Why don’t pandas eat more meat? Molecules found in bamboo may be behind their plant-based diet

Researchers found miRNA – tiny bamboo molecules – could enter giant pandas’ bloodstream and facilitate the adaptation to a bamboo-based diet

Frontiers

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Giant pandas have digestive systems that are typical for carnivores. Yet, bamboo is their main source of food. They have evolved several features, for example pseudo thumbs to grasp bamboo and flat teeth that are well suited for crushing it, that make it possible for them to live off plants.

All living organisms have DNA, which stores the genetic information in a cell, and RNA, which carries and transfers this information. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that play an important role in gene expression, the process of turning the information encoded in a gene into a function. MiRNA from plants can be absorbed through food.

Now, researchers in China have explored if plant-derived miRNA can enter giant pandas’ systems and regulate gene expression and thereby aid adaptation to a bamboo-based diet.  

“We showed that plant-derived miRNAs are present in the blood of giant pandas,” said Dr Feng Li, a researcher at China West Normal University and senior author of the study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Our study proved that bamboo used as food for giant pandas does affect the change of giant pandas’ feeding habits.”

A matter of taste

The researchers took blood samples from seven giant pandas, including three adult females, three adult males, and one juvenile female. In those samples, they found 57 miRNAs that were likely derived from bamboo.

“MiRNA in bamboo can enter giant pandas’ bodies through diet, be absorbed by the intestine, enter the blood circulation, and then regulate when the giant panda’s RNA transfers information, thus playing a role in regulating the gene expression of giant pandas,” Li explained.

These plant-derived miRNAs can regulate different physiological processes, including growth and development, biological rhythms, behavior, and immune responses.

“MiRNA in bamboo is also involved in the regulation of smell, taste, and dopamine pathways of giant pandas, all of which are related to their feeding habits,” Li said. The researchers believe that as pandas eat more bamboo as they grow, certain miRNAs accumulate, modulate gene expression, and aid in the adaptation to the taste of bamboo. These miRNAs might also influence giant pandas’ sense of smell and enable them to pick out the freshest and most nutritious pieces of bamboo plants. Accordingly, miRNAs from bamboo may facilitate the adaption of giant pandas from a carnivorous to a plant-based diet.

From plant to animals

The researchers also found that pandas with different ages and sexes had different miRNA compositions in their blood. “Only miRNAs that can specifically play a role in regulating gene expression can remain in the body, and those that do not play a role will be expelled,” said Li. For example, some miRNAs regulate reproductive processes and can thus only be found in the blood of pandas of a certain sex or age.

The fact that miRNA could transmit signals from plants to animals, may open doors for studying the treatment and prevention of animal diseases. “Plant miRNAs may also participate in regulating the animal immune system, enhancing animals’ disease resistance,” Li pointed out.

Similarly, studying plant miRNA-induced changes could also help to assess and improve the safety of plant-based foods for animals and humans, the researchers said. However, to draw definitive conclusions about the potential of miRNA in general and the effects it might have on giant pandas, more research is needed.

“The giant panda is a very precious national treasure in our country, and blood samples are not easy to get,” Li concluded. “If possible, we hope to collect blood samples of young pandas who have not yet eaten bamboo for research, and perhaps get more surprising results.”

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Journal

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

DOI

10.3389/fvets.2025.1509698 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

Cross-Kingdom Regulation of Gene Expression in Giant Pandas via Plant-Derived miRNA

Article Publication Date

28-Feb-2025

 

E. coli strain in Egyptian dairy products also found in Japan school outbreak

Popular milk and dairy products in Egypt show over 25% prevalence of E. coli

Osaka Metropolitan University

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Researchers found one of the E. coli strains isolated in cheese in Egypt in 2018 had the same properties as the E. coli in the milk that caused food poisoning in more than 1,800 schoolchildren in Toyama Prefecture in Japan in 2021.

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Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University

No one should have to fear food poisoning every time they eat or drink, but the reality, even in the 21st century, is that risks remain. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led Egypt-Japan research team found E. coli prevalent in over 25% of popular milk and dairy products in Egypt.

Of the 210 samples of raw milk, cheese, and yoghurt, 26.2% were positive for E. coli, with the highest being raw buffalo milk at 68%, and the lowest at 7.5% for rayeb, a type of fermented milk. The preference for raw milk instead of pasteurized milk and varying hygienic conditions at small dairies and markets could explain these results. Yet food poisoning affects every country, even ones viewed as being extremely hygienic like Japan.

The researchers found that one of the E. coli strains they isolated from the samples collected in 2018 in Egypt had the same characteristics as the E. coli that caused food poisoning in Japan’s central Toyama Prefecture in 2021. During that case, contaminated milk affected more than 1,800 children across 25 schools.

“The E. coli discovered in this study has attracted attention as a new pathogenic E. coli that does not fall into any existing category,” explained Graduate School of Veterinary Science Professor Shinji Yamasaki, the corresponding author who is also a leading figure at the Osaka International Research Center for Infectious Diseases. “In the future, as the clarification of the properties of this pathogen progresses further, we hope our research will lead to the establishment of effective treatment and prevention methods.”

The findings were published in the International Dairy Journal.

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About OMU 

Established in Osaka as one of the largest public universities in Japan, Osaka Metropolitan University is committed to shaping the future of society through “Convergence of Knowledge” and the promotion of world-class research. For more research news, visit https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/ and follow us on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.

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Journal

International Dairy Journal

DOI

10.1016/j.idairyj.2024.106145 

Article Title

Prevalence of potentially pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in raw milk and dairy products in Egypt

 

Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans

WORMS HAVE EARS!

Higher Education Press

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image: 

Overview of the sound delivery system for assaying C. elegans auditory responses. A Schematic describing the custom sound delivery system used to examine worm auditory responses. The sound generator (here, computer) is connected to a speaker mounted on a micromanipulator. This enables precise adjustments of the speaker opening towards the target. The speaker output port is fitted with a short length of 1/8” PVC tubing to restrict the speaker opening size, which can be further modified via the attachment of a shortened p2 pipette tip (trimmed to the desired opening size) to the open end of the tubing. The system is designed for use with a stereomicroscope to monitor worm behavior. The inset depicts the recommended distance and angle for positioning the speaker opening towards the worm. B Snapshot image showing the sound delivering system positioned above the stereomicroscope field of view. The micromanipulator base is mounted on a wooden block to facilitate positioning the speaker at the base of the stereomicroscope field of view. C Inset from Panel B, depicting a zoomed-in snapshot image of the speaker tip positioned above the NGM testing plate. The speaker tip is held 1 mm above the NGM surface at a 45° angle

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Credit: Can Wang, Elizabeth A. Ronan, Adam J. Iliff, Rawan Al-Ebidi, Panagiota Kitsopoulos, Karl Grosh, Jianfeng Liu, X.Z. Shawn Xu

This study investigates the auditory sensation in the nematode C. elegans, demonstrating that these worms are capable of sensing and responding to airborne sound. The research outlines methods to characterize three key features of C. elegans auditory sensation:

1. Sound-evoked skin vibration: Airborne sound physically vibrates the worm’s external cuticle, which is quantified using laser Doppler vibrometry. This vibration activates the sound-sensitive mechanosensory neurons FLP/PVD.

2. Neuronal activation: The activation of FLP/PVD neurons is detected through calcium imaging using the genetically encoded indicator GCaMP6f and mCherry. This method allows for monitoring of neuronal activity in response to sound stimuli in both freely moving and immobilized worms.

3. Behavior: C. elegans exhibit phonotaxis behavior, moving away from the source of sound. This behavior is quantified by observing the worms’ avoidance of sound pulses directed at their head or tail.

The study highlights the importance of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) DES-2/DEG-3 in auditory transduction, as worms lacking this receptor show deficits in both behavior and neuronal activation in response to sound. 

This research provides a comprehensive framework for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying auditory sensation and mechanotransduction in C. elegans. By utilizing this model organism, further insights into the evolution and function of hearing in the animal kingdom can be gained.

The work entitled “Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans” was published on Biophysics Reports (published on December, 2024).

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Journal

Biophysics Reports

DOI

10.52601/bpr.2024.240027 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans