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A new pet food company is making it easier for dog owners to make ethical and humane choices when it comes to feeding their four-legged friend.
The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, which gives consumers a way to choose sustainable seafood while limiting our impact on the world’s oceans, has just certified its very first pet food.
It’s an important milestone for the Ocean Wise program, which has added more than 600 restaurants, retailers and suppliers that offer sustainable seafood since launching 10 years ago.
Open Farm will use sustainable Ocean Wise-recommended fish in its “Catch-of-the-Day Whitefish and Green Lentil” recipe. The ocean-caught fish selection will rotate seasonally based on what’s available.
Each bag will be stamped with the local whitefish that’s used, like Pacific Cod, for example.
Image: Open Farm
By sourcing seasonally, the company says it can guarantee the freshest fish while also maintaining its commitment to using sustainable sources.
“We can also give pet parents a high level of comfort in where their pet’s food comes from,” company founder Jacqueline Prehogan tells Vancity Buzz.
At a time where more Canadians are starting to demand more wholesome and ethically sourced food, the sustainable pet food marks a much bigger shift in consumer behaviour – and demands, says Ann-Marie Copping, program manager at Ocean Wise.
“Open Farm pet food has helped to send a message that eating sustainable goes beyond what we order in restaurants or buy at the fish counter. It’s a lifestyle choice. Consumer awareness has noticeably increased in recent years,” she told Vancity Buzz.
It isn’t limited to sustainable fish: Open Farm only uses humanely and sustainably farmed meats and local vegetables, and is the first and only dog food to receive the Humane Farm Animal Care Certified Humane® label. Their standards are extensive, and include how animals are handled, how much space they have and what they’re fed.
“We started this company because we could never understand loving our pets and feeding them factory farm meats that comes from animals that weren’t even treated without even a basic level of respect. We wanted to give people a humane option,” said Prehogan.
“Each purchase improves the lives of farm animals used in food production, rewarding family farmers who are doing things the right way, and incentivizing conventional farmers to adopt humane and sustainable practices,” said Prehogan.
Open Farm pet food products / Instagram
Bowing to huge demand, the company is currently working on wet and dry cat food formulas, and dog treats.
Open Farm’s philosophy is a breath of fresh air in an industry that has a less than pristine reputation. A recent Slate series exposed the darker side of the pet food industry, revealing that things like recalled meat, roadkill, dead zoo animals and even euthanized pets can end up being ground up and processed into pet food.
The food is available in pet specialty store in the Vancouver area as well as in Coquitlam, Kelowna, Port Moody, Langley, Burnaby, Penticton, Abbotsford and Richmond. You can find a complete list and store locator on its website.
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A planned multi-million-dollar offshore aquarium off Granite Island, south of Adelaide, is being fast-tracked with hopes of reviving the tourist region at Victor Harbor.
Developer Oceanic Victor is behind the idea, which would see tourists reach the aquarium by boat from the Granite Island jetty.
“It would involve an in-sea aquarium, being able to swim with different sorts of fish, hand-feed them, interactive touch pools so you can learn about the wonderful marine life we have in South Australia,” company advisor Emma Forster told 891 ABC Adelaide.
The number of little penguins has been in decline at the island over recent years, but the State Government said the latest environment reports were that the numbers had stabilised.
SA Environment Minister Ian Hunter said Granite Island was “certainly a little bit run down” and the Government had been working with the council and others on turning the decline around.
“This proposal has the potential to promote Granite Island and the Fleurieu region and develop an exciting visitor experience that works hand-in-hand with the region’s marine parks,” he said.
Dorothy Longden manages the island’s existing penguin centre and said it was continuing its efforts to rescue and support the area’s little penguins.
She told 891 ABC Adelaide she was worried whether the penguins would be able to compete with feeding demands of introduced species in an offshore aquarium.
What frightens me is what’s going to happen with the fish, birdlife and the dolphins. There’s only so much fish around there.
Dorothy Longden, Penguin Centre
“What frightens me is what’s going to happen with the fish, birdlife and the dolphins,” she said.
“There’s only so much fish around there.”
She also hoped there was no plan to get rid of the current penguin centre as part of a new tourism venture.
“We’re still rescuing penguins at the penguin centre so it’s important it stays,” she said.
Ms Longden said the new plan was not the first offshore tourism venture for Granite Island.
“Ten years ago we did have an oceanarium out there, it was brought from Port Lincoln and it had sharks out there and different fish and it worked, it was quite successful,” she recalled.
“The boat trip out there was quite pleasant and people liked that.”
She said there was sometimes pollution offshore and the previous venture had worked hard to clean its underwater viewing windows at times.
On Granite Island’s current popularity, she said: “Weekends it’s very busy and in the week there’s just nobody around in winter, it’s cold.”
Oceanic Victor said South Australian-sourced pilchards would be used to feed species brought to the proposed aquarium, so there would not be any feeding threat to existing south coast marine life.
The company said it was keen for the venture to be established by next summer.
The Minister said the fast-tracking involved proponents working with the state coordinator-general, where projects valued at more than $3 million were helped through the red tape process so new investment materialised sooner.
“This proposal has already passed through the first stage of the process, involving a preliminary assessment of whether it delivers good outcomes for the community,” Mr Hunter said.
“Now the project’s proponent will need to provide a comprehensive business case to be assessed through the relevant government agencies.
“If the proposal is accepted, the Government will then begin contract negotiations.”
Local state MP Michael Pengilly said he looked forward to any venture that enhanced the south coast region.
“There’s 3 million visitors a year that go to the Fleurieu [Peninsula], they’re looking for things to do, the only horse-drawn tram in the world is at Victor and I think that, rather than drive eight hours to [Port] Lincoln, they can drive an hour down to Victor and take families out there, it’s a fantastic asset for the region,” he said.
The Government said public feedback would be sought soon on the Granite Island plan.
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Laguna Fish Foods and Treats are ideal for all types of pond fish and formulated for the seasonal variances in pond temperatures ensuring fish receive the nutrients they need, helping them to live long and healthy lives. Feeding of a high quality fish food is essential for the health and well-being of all pond fish in any backyard pond ecosystem. Laguna’s range of fish food pellets and floating sticks are specially formulated for maximum growth, development and color enhancement for pond fish – specifically Koi and Goldfish.
You want to ensure that you get the appropriate size pellet for the fish in your pond. Small Pellet food is recommended for fish 1 ½ to 3 inches in length, medium pellets is for fish 2 ½-7 inches in length and the large pellets are suitable for fish 6 inches or longer.
Regardless of the type of pond environment you have, Laguna has the proper food for each and every environment. Choose the formula that fits your pond environment and fish the best.
All Season Laguna Food is made up of floating pellets that never cloud your water. It is suitable for water temperatures 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above, and is formulated for year round feeding.
The Laguna Wheat Germ Spirulina is recommended for the spring and fall months where the water temperature is between 47-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The added wheat germ helps provide easy digestion for your fish. This scientifically-formulated diet includes multi-vitamins and stabilized Vitamin C which helps improve disease resistance and the health and longevity of fish.
Highly nutritional and easy to digest, Laguna Premium Koi and Goldfish Food contains an ideal combination of vitamins and minerals, including stabilized vitamin C, which helps improve disease resistance, allowing fish to enjoy healthy lives. As a result of Laguna’s superior formulation, fish do not require as much food and less waste is produced. The food is packaged in UV-resistant containers to preserve freshness and prevent contamination. The Laguna Premium Collection is available in All Season Sticks, Spirulina and Wheat Germ Sticks, and Color Enhancing Sticks.
Laguna’s All Season Food Sticks are suitable for water temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the Spirulina and Wheat Germ Sticks are recommended for fall and spring months where the water temperature is between 47-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The Color Enhancing Food Sticks are suitable for water temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, are rich in both krill and shrimp and is a natural color enhancing formula.
Besides the standard food to keep your pond fish healthy and happy, Laguna offers both lemon and orange flavored treats that are an extra special treat for your fish. The extruded formula enables the food to be fed to any size fish and it is a great way to hand feed your fish, allowing for close observation. The Laguna Pond Fish Treats are made from the highest quality ingredients and are perfect for all of your pond fish!
All of the Laguna Pond Food is made within the United States and provides the ultimate in nutrition for your pond fish. Fish add color, movement and grace to your water garden. It is important to remember that they are living creatures. Treat them with care and they will repay you with years of enjoyment. By feeding your fish Laguna Pond Food you are helping them enjoy a healthy life.
Besides the standard food to keep your pond fish healthy and happy, Laguna offers both lemon and orange flavored treats that are an extra special treat for your fish. The extruded formula enables the food to be fed to any size fish and it is a great way to hand feed your fish, allowing for close observation. The Laguna Pond Fish Treats are made from the highest quality ingredients and are perfect for all of your pond fish!
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Season of Seal Babies Again on Oregon Coast: Cause for Warnings
Published 04/16/2015
(Seaside, Oregon) – Seal pup season has arrived again on the Oregon coast, as the Seaside Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network responded to the groups’ first harbor seal baby of the year this week.
Tiffany Boothe of Seaside Aquarium passed on these photos of the spring’s initial offering of adorableness. But it also brought cause for a warning from coastal officials.
While cute and cuddly beyond belief, you absolutely have to let these little ones alone.
Boothe said that well-meaning people sometimes think that a baby seal alone on the beach has been abandoned, but this is not the case. The mother is often nearby, watching, but will not approach with people around. If the baby seal is moved, it has no chance of reuniting with its mother.
“Mammal researches have found that most pups reunite with their mothers after appearing to be ‘abandoned’ for many hours,” Boothe said. “Well-meaning people who remove seal pups from beaches are eliminating the possibility of the pup being reunited with their mother. These people are also violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and they may face criminal and or civil penalties.
“The best thing for you to do is to keep well away from this seal pup thereby reducing stress on the pup and/or alarming its mother.”
The aquarium has dealt with some especially dim-witted members of the public in the past when it comes to harbor seal pups. One year, aquarium manager Keith Chandler had to track down a nearly newborn and finally discovered it had been taken to someone’s hotel room, where they had placed it in a bathtub.
Another example of bad behavior happened in 2007. A newborn – only a foot long – had been spotted in three different beaches just south of Cannon Beach. Numerous beach-goers picked it up and tried to put it back in the surf. This could’ve caused the pup serious harm, if these actions had somehow spooked the mother or otherwise caused the seal to get lost from her.
If it a seal pup is on the beach, Boothe said you can be sure it is resting – and probably in need of a lot of rest. She said they are like all babies: they simply need a lot of sleep.
By going near a resting pup or picking it up, you actually could get it killed. This is why when the Seaside Aquarium – or any section of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network along the coast – responds to such calls they set out “do not disturb” signs around, and maybe even rope the area off.
Anyone who observes incidents of seal pup harassment, or animals in distress, should call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.
More photos of this seal from Boothe below.
More baby seal photos from previous years from Boothe:
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Included 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4 and 1-1/2″ fittings. For peak performance, Ultraviolet Clarifier Bulb should be replaced after 8,000 hours (about once every 11 months of operation).
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There’s an unusual photographer working for Auckland’s Sea Land Aquarium. His name is Rambo, and we doubt he personally manages the $2 per shot he earns taking pictures of tourists. That’s because Rambo is an octopus — a very smart one who learned how to press the shutter after three tries. “That’s faster than a dog,” said Mark Vette, his trainer. “Actually it’s faster than a human in some instances.” Rambo uses a Sony TX30 compact camera encased in transparent armor that’s attached right outside his tank, clicking the red shutter extender whenever guests pose against the backdrop in front of his display. Sure, this is partly a Sony media stunt (all proceeds go to Sea Life’s conservation programs, at least), but how often can you say you got your picture taken by an cephalopod? Unfortunately, we’re not familiar with New Zealand’s laws, so we can’t say if Rambo owns the rights to the pictures he takes.
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SCHRAMM PARK STATE RECREATION AREA — The kids from Maxey Elementary School lined the wooden guardrails with a special assignment.
Each of the 86 students held a paper cup with a young rainbow trout swimming nervously inside.
When the time came on Thursday morning, some of the baby fish were transferred gently into the clear, spring-fed waters of former hatchery ponds at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.
Others flew into the air like Scud missiles.
The Lincoln third-graders were at Schramm for Trout in the Classroom release day at the state park and its Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium about 9 miles south of Gretna along the Platte River.
The nationwide environmental education program, sponsored by Trout Unlimited, is for kids in grades K-12, who raise the trout from eggs in classroom aquariums until they get to be about 3 inches long and then release them in local ponds and streams, providing the water is cold enough.
“The program provides an opportunity for students to learn about aquatic resources and habitat within the framework of hatching and raising trout,” said Lindsey Chizinski, a fisheries biologist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission who coordinates the program.
Along the way, students learn how to monitor water quality, how nitrates and ammonia can adversely affect a trout’s natural habitat and about some of the more than 100 fish species in Nebraska and food webs, life cycles and fish anatomy, she said.
Maxey teacher Ann Hagaman said she chose to participate in the trout program because it fits in with the school’s embryonic unit. Students also raise chicks from eggs but trout eggs are better, she said, because students can watch the little fish develop through thin, almost clear membrane.
“Luke loves it,” said Monica Parker, whose son Luke is in the class. “I think it’s awesome. I think it’s very cool.
“My son likes the outdoors and he likes information and focusing on details, so this is right up his alley.”
The Trout in the Classroom is in 24 schools this year, its second in Nebraska, Chizinski said. It’s paid for by Game and Parks, the Nebraska Chapter of Trout Unlimited No. 710 and grants from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Classrooms got 200 to 300 fertilized trout eggs in early February from Ennis National Fish Hatchery in Montana. Before that, they each got a 40-gallon aquarium, a chiller to keep the water at 55 degrees and other supplies and equipment.
On Thursday, a cool drizzle altered the schedule of activities, sending students into the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium after the fish release to learn how to cast a fly rod and tie artificial flies from The Cornhuskers Fly-Fishers club.
They also netted tiny aquatic insects and other invertebrates from a baby pool filled with water scooped from Salt Creek and Wilderness Park and examined the critters with magnifying glasses. And they learned about frogs and turtles and toured the aquarium’s live fish collection.
But the highlight of the day was the trout release, even though some of the kids were sad to see their fish go.
Natalie Preister watched the fish she named Glossy swim away — with fellow fingerlings Lovey, Cloe and Billy Bob.
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The TetraPond Water Garden Pump is a versatile pump that can power waterfalls, filters, and fountain heads. Reliable magnetic technology provides energy efficient pumping to your pond. For best results, consider adding the TetraPond Pump Pre-Filter. This easy-to-maintain pre-filter is specially designed to support the TetraPond Water Garden Pump and helps to reduce pump clogging.
| Pond Size | Tubing Adapters Included | Power Cord | Wattage | |
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