Pacific Ocean outlook
by Noonsite 26 Jan 18:27 PST
Pacific Ocean outlook © Noonsite
Panama Posse yachts are recording unmarked nets and unlit long lines spotted along the central America Pacific coastline, with over 30 locations encountered so far. These obstacles catch sea turtles and other endangered species as well as being a navigation hazard for yachts. Visit their website to see the map.
In the Cook Islands, The Te Mana O Te Vaka Project should be completed in a few weeks. This historic project highlights the value of preserving indigenous culture and involves the construction of a fleet of traditional canoes, known in Maori as "Vaka", to use for a number of fishing competitions and to impart teachings about moon phases, seasons, tides, winds, and navigation. Ultimately, they will be gifted to fishers in outer islands where economic opportunities are limited.
While Kiribati, in the central Pacific, finally opened to international visitors in August last year, it should be noted that Christmas Island and Fanning Island (2 of the 33 islands that make up Kiribati and popular stopovers with cruisers) remain closed.
Keith Vial of the Niue Yacht Club reports there has been significant progress since their "Mayday" last November to not only allow the survival of the NYC but also enhance the whole operation on Niue. Innovations, such as designated software for mooring booking systems within 48 hours of ETA, are being introduced, plus all yacht information will now be sent to the various Government departments at the same time, this doing away with the laborious and repetitive form filling on the wharf as per previous years.
The Down Under Rally have a YouTube Channel, Sailing Australia & The SW Pacific, where they share videos and information about cruising in Australia & the SW Pacific islands, including Fiji, New Caledonia & Vanuatu.
Cyclone Hale, the first named tropical cyclone of 2023 in the South Pacific, hit the north island of New Zealand mid-January, bringing heavy rain and flooding. The 2nd formed a few days later tracking across Vanuatu and south of Fiji, not making landfall.
If you are planning to head to NZ, read recent experiences cruisers have had with Biosecurity NZ and hull cleaning requirements.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com