U.S. and Cuba Ocean Alliance

Viva El Océano!

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

After more than 50 years of political discord, the United States and Cuba have agreed to join forces to protect the ocean and sea life within their shared coastal waters.

Just before the holidays U.S. and Cuban officials met in Havana and signed an Environmental Accord to work together to safeguard the precious marine ecosystems that exist within the 90 miles separating the two nations.

Among the sea life covered in the accord are 6,000 marine species including sea turtles, Caribbean reef fish, manta rays and whale sharks.

Plus the world's third largest barrier reef, salt domes rising from the ocean floor and mangrove forest and seagrass meadow habitats.

 

Kathryn Sullivan, Chief of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), emphasized that the agreement would have a lasting impact, saying, "We all share the same ocean and face the same challenges of understanding, managing and conserving critical marine resources for future generations."

 

National ParkService Director Jonathan B. Jarvis added, "This is a great way to preserve our shared natural heritage of the wider Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions. After all, fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, birds and other marine life exist in ecosystems that rarely fall within maps drawn by man.” 

 

SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel learned that scientists from marine sanctuaries in Florida and Texas will be working with their counterparts at Cuba's Guanahacabibes National Park and the Banco de San Antonio to conduct research and develop sustainable practices.

As part of the agreement, NOAA stated that the U.S. and Cuba will share technical and scientific data and promote education and outreach initiatives.

 

This new Caribbean alliance fits perfectly into NOAA's far-reaching mission, "To understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun."

Focusing on the ocean has brought two nations closer...and brought the world closer – for nature and mankind.

Peace on Earth

Paz en la tierra

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

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Energy Czar On Board!

Who's Your Energy Czar?

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

During the cold winter months when we're all spending more time indoors every home needs its own Energy Czar.

 

At SurfWriter Girl Patti Kishel's house the Energy Czar is her husband Greg.

He's the one who monitors energy usage. Putting his Air Force technical training to good use, Greg keeps the house comfy and cozy without wasting precious energy resources. 

The latest SoCal Edison bill is proof that Greg's methods are working. The Kishel house used less energy than its neighbors and was one of the lowest energy users in the OC. 

One of the things Greg does each winter is make sure the seals around the windows and doors are tight. He also checks the ventilation ducts for leaks and tapes any loose fittings. "Don't use duct tape. Aluminum tape is the best," says Greg. "It holds well and doesn't slip. It isn't cheap, but it works."

Saving energy isn't so much about doing big things. It's about remembering to do everyday little things:  

  

Turn the lights off in empty rooms.

 

Check thermostat temperature settings.

Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Leave the oven door slightly open after cooking so the heat can warm the kitchen.

Close refrigerator and freezer doors as quickly as possible.

Do larger loads of laundry, rather than multiple small loads.

Do laundry during the cold part of the day so the heat keeps the house warm.

Open and close draperies to let the sun in as it moves from room-to-room.

 

Saving energy isn't just good for your electric bill, it's good for the planet.

With a little effort we ALL can be Energy Czars!

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.