Photo credit: Geoff Moore

The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has installed new coral reef information signs at 39 Maui beaches. The signs feature large colorful photos of sea turtles, corals and marine life, and the headline, Protect Mauis Coral Reefs.

Twenty-nine of the signs are replacements for coral reef information signs created and installed about ten years ago by Project S.E.A.-Link. These signs had since become faded and weather-worn. An additional ten signs were installed at new locations, including Hookipa, Launiupoko and Polo Beach.

The signs instruct beachgoers to avoid walking or standing on coral because coral is alive and easily damaged by such actions. Other advice includes choosing sunscreen thats free of reef-harming oxybenzone and octinoxate, and protecting sea turtles and other wildlife by giving them their space.

Our goal was to use colorful eye-catching photography to attract people to the signs and then to provide friendly and compelling information about the basics of protecting the reefs while they snorkel, swim, dive, paddle or surf, said Mike Fogarty, Acting Director of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. Were very pleased with the result and the positive reaction from the public.

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council was able to create and produce these signs with support provided by Hawaii Tourism plus assistance from Maui Visitors Bureau. The signs were designed by Geoff Moore, owner of Silver Moon Art and Design in Pia. Photographs for the sign were donated by Drew Sulock, a local nature/adventure photographer and owner of Drew Sulock Creations.

Thorne Abbott of Coastal Planners, LLC donated time to help Maui Nui Marine Resource Council with permitting requirements. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation also provided assistance in planning the installation of the signs at County parks.

The signs were installed by two local companies: Maui Rebuilders LLC and Maui Neon & Signs.

Im really proud to have been an ongoing part of this public awareness campaign, and to have the opportunity to update the graphics and messaging to be fresh and relevant, said Geoff Moore, who had designed both the original signs and the newly installed signs. Its important to me to inform Mauis ocean users about protecting our coral reefs. I believe this will give the animals there the best opportunity to survive amongst so many environmental challenges.

The coral reef information signs include a link to a snorkeling information page at http://www.mauireefs.org/snorkel which was created by Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and includes free downloadable fish cards, instructional videos and other information about snorkeling on Maui.

The coral reef signs help to reinforce messages that visitors will see on the window displays that Maui Nui Marine Resource Council installed at the Kahului Airport, says Fogarty. Were now planning public service announcements and social media advertising to provide additional reinforcement of these important reef conservation points.

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New Coral Reef Information Signs Installed at 39 Maui Beaches - Maui Now

FRAMINGHAM Today is the last day the City of Framinghams beaches are open. The City will close all its beaches at 5 p.m. August 9.

But a Framingham mom has started a petition to keep the beaches open through Labor Day, September 7.

Typically, the City of Framingham beaches are open from the third week in June through the third week of August.

This year, the beaches were only open from July 1 through August 9.

Typical the Citys beaches are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. but this year, the beaches were open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

We are asking for the beaches of the City of Framingham, MA to remain open until Labor Day. Now more than ever we need access to local recreation. Beaches are one of the few places we can go to remain local while on a tight budget to stay cool during this very hot summer, and while maintaining strict social distancing. An extra two weeks of beach time is all the difference, especially since school has a delayed opening and will be remote, wrote Kat Suwalski, a Framingham resident.

Budget funding appears adequate, given that thenew fiscal year has just started July 1, stated the petition. We implore you to consider the effect this pandemic has had on local families unable to take advantage of all the normal recreational activities available under normal circumstances.

The 11-member City Council voted unanimously in June a resolution to have the Citys beaches be free this year. The Spicer administration agreed and for the first time in more than a decade, the Citys beaches were free to residents.

The City staffs three beaches with lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Lake Waushakum, learned Pond Beach, and Saxonville beach.

***

Editors Note: In full transparency, the editor of SOURCE has signed the petition. The editor has been a resident of Framingham since 2000.

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Petition Created to Keep Framingham Beaches Open Beyond August 9 - framinghamsource.com

Pensacola Beach saw its first sea turtle hatch of the season Sunday night. Approximately 129 loggerhead hatchlings emerged on the county-patrolled portion of Pensacola Beach and made their way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sea turtles nest May through October along the Gulf Coast and nests incubate for around 60 days. Once the sun sets, hatchlings emerge all at once and make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. They will spend their first few days in a swimming frenzy to escape the many predators found in nearshore waters. Safer in the open ocean, they will use floating mats of algae to hide and feed until they are big enough to return to nearshore areas.

Sea turtle hatchlings face many threats long before they reach the water. Bright lights from homes, flashlights and cars can lead hatchlings away from the Gulf and into danger. Nearly 60% of hatchlings will be disorientated before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Forgotten furniture, toys, sandcastles, and holes can trap hatchlings, causing injury, starvation, and dehydration. Food and other waste left on the beach attracts gulls, crows, stray dogs, and coyotes who also prey on hatchling turtles.

Escambia County recommends the following to protect sea turtles:

If you see a nest hatching or encounter hatchlings turtles on the beach, stay a respectful distance away and call Escambia County Marine Resources at 850- 426-1257.

Written by William Reynolds Filed Under TOP STORIES

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First Sea Turtles Of The Year Hatch On Pensacola Beach - NorthEscambia.com

HONOLULU (KHON2) Beaches and parks across Oahu closed for the second time on Saturday.

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Under Mayor Kirk Caldwells new order, no one is allowed to walk, stand, or lay out on the beach. People can fish below the high-water mark and people can go into the ocean for activities like surfing, swimming, and diving.

The closure is to prevent people from gathering in large groups, which was seen at many beaches across Oahu last weekend.

Even though beaches, parks, and all parking lots were closed, hundreds of people still drove up to places like North Shore on Saturday.

I think its ridiculous theres so many cars parked up and down Kamehameha Highway, as you can see its packed. It looks like any other summer day or when we were opened to tourists, said North Shore resident Tristan Bates.

Theres people all over the rocks, theres people just leisurely hanging out and it seems like theres people from everywhere, he continued.

Honolulu police officers were out in full force across the island issuing citations and making sure people were not walking on the sand.

One North Shore resident said she went to Ke Iki beach to jump in, but because the waves were a little big, she said she walked further down the beach to find a safe zone to enter the water.

And two HPD officers on ATVs surrounded me and informed me, Youre not to walk on the beach, so when I explained to them I was looking for a safe place to jump in, and they said Well do it, jump in now and leave, explained Kristina Marquez.

The new restrictions are a disappointment for many people.

Its really disappointing that the beaches are closed, said Honolulu resident Courtney Khan. Especially at the end of summer and when school has just been delayed.

North Shore businesses hope the new closure wont have affect business.

Now that they have closed the beaches well see if it makes a difference because a lot of people go to the beach and they stop here on the way or on the way back, but we today we are pretty busy, explained Cholos owner Nancy Selemi.

HPD said they handed out 220 citations on Saturday to people either at beaches, parks, or who were in large gatherings. HPD said those who received a citation will have to appear in court.

HPDs hotline will be activated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9.

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HPD issues hundreds of citations on first day of beach closure - KHON2

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PUERTO PEASCO, MexicoThe sun shines brightly as it rises over the Sea of Cortez.

The intense summer heat draws beads of sweat on Magdalena Reyes Villalba's forehead.

It's still early in the morning. There are hardly any tourists yet along the Malecn, the pier at the heart of Puerto Peasco.

But Reyes Villalba is hard at work, hanging colorful garments over the sidewalk outside her booth, where she has been selling clothes, jewelry and other trinkets for more than 15 years.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this year especially tough. The city locked down to curb the spread of the virus during what is normally the busiest timeof the year. The projected economic losses are staggering.

Tourism officials in Puerto Peasco said visitors to the beach-side community brought in nearly $100 million to the local economy last year. But because of the new coronavirus, this year's estimates barely top $35 million.

"In my case, (the booth) is my only source of income," Reyes Villalba said."We have a family, so it was really difficult. But it still is difficult because we haven't seen the number of tourists that we had hoped."

Puerto Peasco, more commonly known as Rocky Point in Arizona, is trying to orchestrate a delicate balancebetween managing the impacts of the global pandemic and drawing visitors to its cash-strapped businesses.

Nearly 85 percent of the businessesare dependent on tourists, the overwhelming majority from Arizona.

On Aug. 1, the local government reopened the expansive beaches lining the city's coastline as part of the latest phase in its reopening strategy. The move came nearly six weeks after the city began welcoming visitors again.

"I think this is a good time to come visit us because Peasco remains a destination that has abided by safety protocols, that has abided by prevention efforts, and has maintained confirmed cases low," Mayor Kiko Munro said.

Since June 17, more than 33,000 people have visited Rocky Point, he added. That's a small fraction of the number the city normally drawsduring the summer.

All visitors, and the businesses that cater to them, must follow strict guidelines, even at the newly reopened beaches, or risk a hefty price. The rules include wearing masks at all times, doing regular temperature checksand sanitizing frequently.

Beach-goers will encounter additional restrictions. The city has designated access points to beaches, where they can ensure that visitors are complying with their guidelines. The city limited the hours the beaches are open. Police and federal officers enforce social distancing.

"We'll have to see if this experiment will work. We'll have to see if more people don't get sick," saidGerman Palacio. "I do hope that it works."

He owns The Point, a restaurantat the Malecn overlooking the stretch of resorts along the popular Sandy Beach.

Oswaldo Luna, left, and Ramn Vaca, employees at The Point, prepare to open the restaurant for the day. The owner estimates business has decreased by as much as 80% because of the COVID-19 pandemic.(Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)

A lot is at stake for local businesses. After shutting down for three of the busiest months, owners are eager to make some money, and they understand the reopened beaches could draw even more people to the city, and to their shops.

"We've already lost the entire year. There no way to make up for that," Palacio said."Right now, we're just staying open so that our employees can make some money, and us too. But it won't be a short-term recovery."

COVID-19 remains a big concern. While the state of Sonora reports relatively few confirmed cases and deaths inPuerto Peasco, local doctors said the numbers are much higher.

Nonetheless, there appears to be a consensus among businesses and government officials to reopen as safely as possible, in hopes of luring more visitors, the economic lifeline to the city.

The local government in Puerto Peasco set up "sanitation tunnels" outside key points throughout the city, such as the state-run General Hospital, to fight COVID-19.(Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)

One of the tools city officials rolled out early on is a "sanitationfilter," a checkpoint to the north of the city that all visitors must drive through.

The checkpointaims to keep out visitors infected with COVID-19.

It's manned by Mexican National Guard troops, local police and tourism officials.

Since June, they've processed more than 13,000 vehicles carrying U.S. and Mexican visitors, according to the city.

When a driver approaches, one of the tourism officials asks them where they are staying, and logs that information. All visitors are required to have an existing reservation.

Every fifth car is chosen to undergo a rapid antibody test. Local paramedics will prick their finger, draw a drop of blood and wait just minutes for the results. Those who test negative can proceed. Anyone who tests positive is turned away.

"The police and National Guard work together to make sure that the person takes off," said Rafael Mendivil, Puerto Peasco's tourism director.

Since the beaches reopenedAug. 1, officials administered more than 150 tests. At least six of them were positive, including several Arizona visitors. They turned back the six vehicles.

Even some visitors are notconvinced about the city's strategy. George McBride, a Cave Creek resident, owns a condo in Puerto Peasco and is a Mexican permanent resident. He visits often and said the procedures are annoying, but that he understood why they are in place.

"The face mask makes a difference," he said, as he was waiting for the results of his test, which came back negative."If they're going to catch someone with the disease, one in five cars ... I'm not sure how effective that will be. This disease is going to spread."

Other visitors welcomed the additional screenings and safety guidelines in Puerto Peasco.Chad Jordan drove fromGilbert with his family to spend a few days at the beach.

They waited in the car at the checkpoint as a Red Cross paramedic administered the antibody test. As he waited for the results, which also came back negative, he explained that they aretaking their own precautions, such as staying at a houseinstead of a hotel, in order to avoid large crowds.

"We've got three little kids and plane ticketsand everything else is always a longprocess to plan, so withouthaving a lot of uncertainty to be able to make the drive and come to the beach is important to us, and we are definitelylooking forwardto it," he said.

As Puerto Peasco prepared to reopen beaches, tourism and elected officials worked with Mexican federal officials and local committees to drawup new rules for beachgoers.

Therules are an extension of the guidelines the city has had in place since it began to ease itslockdown in June.

"The world is changing and will be changed from now on. And tourism has alsochanged. Tourismwon't be the same," said Hector Vsquez del Mercado, the president of the Puerto Peasco Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Under theplan, access tothe city's beaches is restricted. They established designated public access points and closed off all others.

For example, La Cholla and Hermosa beaches each have a single access point.Police set up controls to limit the number of people, to randomly administer tests and take temperatures. Everyone is then funneled through a "sanitationtunnel," spraying disinfectant, to get to the beach.

At Sandy Beach, each of the resorts is responsible for limiting the number of its guests in concession areas.

Recreational activities are allowed only from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with two additional hours designated for exercise in the morning.

Masks can be taken off at the beach, but social distancing guidelines are enforced.

Beach vendors must allow following certain rules. Tents or umbrellas must be spaced out about nine feet away from each other, and they must provide trash bags or bins to discard food or any other items beachgoers touch.

The city and tourism officials posted the full guidelines, including maps with access points, to their website.

"For all the peoplethat cometo Peasco, the security that we can offer them is proportional to how well they follow these rules," Vasquez del Mercadosaid. "Why? Becauseit's notjusta city effort, it's an effort by tourist and the city."

The Mexican Navy and federal harbor master officers will enforce these regulations. Officers and soldiers patrol the beach areas on all-terrain vehicles, especially after closing time.

Anyone caught violating rules can be fined between $100 to $120.

Ivan Mungua Felix, a doctor in Puerto Peasco, recovered from COVID-19 and has been tracking cases throughout the city.(Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)

One of Puerto Peasco's main selling points to draw visitors, and to push for a faster reopening strategy, is the number of reported COVID-19 cases in the city.

As of Thursday night, the Sonora Health Ministry reported 87 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

But those numbers are a drastic undercountof what's happening on the ground, according to Ivn Mungua Felix,a private physicianin Puerto Peasco and a member of the mayor's pandemic response task force.

He created an unofficialmap to track infections in the city. It shows more than 270 infections in the city, more than three times the official numbers. He said there are about 300 more cases he hasn't added to the map. In all, he estimates there are about 500 unofficial cases.

"I'm gathering this information from all logbooks from the busiest labs in the city, and from other fellow doctors," he said. "When I started mapping it out I saw that our number is much more different than what government officials reported."

Mungua Felix started tracking casesafter catching COVID-19 himself. He said public hospitals in the cityare full and don't have tests. They havebeen sending infected patients to biggercities given a lack of funding from the state and federal government.

That's how he believes he caught the virus, from an untested family member of an infected patient sent to Nogales.

Mungua Felix was hospitalized for 27 days, in serious condition. He credited his recovery to his brother, who isalso a doctor, and a medical team that flew in from Mexico City to treat him.

When his condition improved, he resumed his private practice, doing virtual appointments instead. But Mungua Felix also continued tracking cases. His map assigns a color to each neighborhood to assess the risk.

It shows that the areas most visited by tourists, such as the Malecn and resorts, are in green, the safest level, while high transit neighborhoods away from the beaches are in red, indicating the greatest risk.

"Businesses and hotels there are enforcing measures like tests, temperature checks, scanners, all these measures and they've been able to quickly detect and treat cases," he said, citing it as an example that the city's safety measures are working.

The problem, he said, has beenresistance in inland neighborhoods to the safety protocolsand growing fatiguewithmasks and socialdistancing.

Mungua Felix said he tried reporting the cases to state and federal officials to adjust their numbers. They wouldn't accept them because they did not come from within their own labs or hospitals, he said.

"That's why I developed that map, because the (federal) government is not doing things well, and the state government isn't, either, because they depend on what the federal government sends them, and ultimately, they're the ones in charge," he said.

Munro, Puerto Peasco's mayor, acknowledged the official case countis based onwhat the state and federal government reported.

He saidthe city has stepped into help residents. In addition to the call center, they offer free testing and even free medicationto treat the symptoms of those who test positive.

"What is most concerningisn't the confirmed cases, but the mortalityrate, which is at around 10 percent," he said."That is very worrying," especially for residents who have underlying health conditions, he added.

Munro urged residents at higher risk to stay home, and asked everyone, including visitors,to continue following the safety protocols, especially the use of masks.

Several tourists walk through the Malecn in Puerto Peasco on Aug. 6, 2020. The city has reopened its beaches after five months due to COVID-19.(Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)

Many businesses and residents have praised Munro for the steps he has taken to curb the spread of the viruswhile allowing the local economy to open up. There are still some critics, but their concernslargely are muted against the potential economic impact brought by visitors.

"We hope that the infection rates don't go up so Peasco can remain open," saidCasandra Flores Ros, a vendor at Playa Hermosa.

Her family set up tents along the beach, spaced out as required under the new guidelines. But business so far has been slow to pick up.

She and her family were out of work for nearly five months, until the beaches reopened earlier this month.

"We also have a booth to sell artwork, but because of the pandemic, we had to close that down. We literallyhad to live off of our savings," she said.

Palacio, the restaurant owner at the Malecn, said he's been disappointed by the lack of assistance from the federal government. They have been paying taxes,bills, and other business costs,but without any income.

I have to go and work because it's our daily bread

"We applied for help with the state, but we didn't get anything. It seems the federal government doesn't care to help small and midsize business owners," he said.

For now, Palacio is looking ahead. Even thoughthis year's losses are difficult to overcome, he doesn't plan on shutting down his restaurant.

As Reyes Villalba finished hanging clothes at her booth in the Malecn, she talked about her concerns.Until there's a vaccine, she and her family will be continually exposed to the virus.

At the same time, she believes she has little choice in the matter.

"I have to go and work because it's our daily bread," she said. "The fear is there, the fear that I will be infected. But we have to be here."

Have any news tips or story ideas about the U.S.-Mexico border? Reach the reporter at rafael.carranza@arizonarepublic.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RafaelCarranza.

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Puerto Peasco bets on heavy restrictions in bid to reactivate tourist economy - AZCentral

Thousands of Palestinians have been illegally entering Israel to go to the beaches for the past week, with authorities making no effort to stop them, according to Hebrew-language reports.

Some believe it is a form of nose-thumbing by Israel after the Palestinian Authority stopped all its coordination with the Jewish state in late May including coordinating permits for Palestinians to enter Israel in protest of Israels yet-unfulfilled plan to annex parts of the West Bank.

The Haaretz daily reported Monday that the new method of entering Israel through holes in the border fence began last week, at the end of the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

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After initial attempts to cross into Israel were met with no response by the military, word spread quickly across the West Bank. Palestinians have short vacations for families, complete with transportation services to the several crossing points and from there to various Israeli cities using Arab Israeli drivers, the report said.

My kids have never seen the ocean, Siham, a mother of five, told Haaretz. For them, its like they arrived at the most important attraction in the world. Touching the salty water and playing in the sand is the best, cheapest attraction I can offer my children.

Most of the Palestinian families have been going to Jaffa, the report said, although others have gone to Herzliya, Haifa, Netanya, and other cities.

Typically, the families come with backpacks, food, and inflatable water toys. They pay between 20 and 35 shekels ($6-$10) for transportation, Channel 13 reported on Saturday.

Illustrative: Palestinians illegally cross the border fence into Israel on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Hebron, August 6, 2019. (Wisam Hashlamoun/Flash90/File)

Despite the potential security risk and the danger of coronavirus infection, Israeli authorities fully aware of the phenomenon have not taken action against it.

The soldiers just dont care. They couldve stopped it in an instant, one Palestinian man told Haaretz.

Aref Shaaban from Jenin, who has organized transportation to Jaffa and Herzliya, said that, in many cases, the troops even helped the Palestinians cross into Israel.

The soldiers saw they were families with beach balls and food bags, not grenades, he said.

Another Palestinian visitor told Haaretz that military jeeps turned on their headlights in the evening to help direct the families back to the hole in the fence on their way back.

Many were quoted saying that at no point did they feel threatened not at the crossing point, nor in the Israeli cities.

The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment.

A resident of the Nablus area who helped organize the transportation said the move was not coordinated with the Palestinian Authority (PA) or with Israel, and that it was seen as undermining the PA.

The Palestinian government is imposing [coronavirus] lockdowns and Israel probably wanted to accept thousands of Palestinians and show the PA that it doesnt control anything, he told Haaretz.

An unnamed PA official was quoted by the newspaper as saying Israel wants to prove to us that with or without coordination, they let the civilian population in.

Additionally, instead of Palestinians vacationing in the West Bank and paying money there, they preferred for the money to be in Israel, even if its not big sums.

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Thousands of Palestinians enter Israel, head to beaches; soldiers turn blind eye - The Times of Israel

The Associated Press

August 11, 2020 | 8:31 AM

BOSTON (AP) Cape Cod towns are imposing tougher restrictions to limit beach crowds and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Cape Cod Times reports a number of towns are taking steps to limit capacity at beach parking lots or restrict certain beaches to residents only.

In Mashpee, the local Board of Selectmen voted Monday to continue a temporary, residents-only restriction until Gov. Charlie Baker lifts his state of emergency order.

Sandwich and Barnstable have also taken steps to restrict beach access to residents only, and Yarmouth officials on Tuesday are considering doing the same.

Falmouth, meanwhile, has expanded parking lot capacity for town residents only at a number of its popular beaches, and the parking lot at the federally-managed Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro has been restricted to bicyclists and pedestrians only as of Saturday.

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More Cape towns imposing tougher restrictions to limit beach crowds - Boston.com

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) An algae bloom at several spots at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is resulting discolored and foul-smelling water.

According to an algal bloom surveillance map from the Virginia Department of Health, there are currently four spots at the Oceanfront where the algae bloom was reported.

According to a spokesperson with VDHs Waterborne Hazards Program, the bloom is an alga that commonly blooms at this time of year in Virginia known as Margalefidinium polykrikoidies.

Margalefidinium polykrikoidies is not harmful to humans, but may cause fish kills due to the low oxygen which may result from bacterial decomposition, the spokesperson says.

For the past two weeks, officials have been recovering reports of the bloom. Of the four reported algae bloom spots at the Oceanfront, the highest concentration of Margalefidinium polykrikoidies was recorded at the 1st Street jetty with 6,990 cells/ml.

Another VDH official tells 10 On Your Side this is the same type non-toxic algae reported at Norfolk beaches at East Ocean View Beach and the area of the Chesapeake Bay by Bay Point Drive.

Marget Smigo, who is VDHs waterborne hazards coordinator, says while the algae are not harmful to people, they still advise the public that When in doubt, stay out of water that is discolored, has an odor or dead animals present.

Chris Moore, who is a senior scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, says the algae bloom can negatively impact the local economy.

The unfortunate thing about these algae is it can impact our local economy, our local shellfish farmers, our folks out fishing and things like that because they do negatively affect fish and oyster populations, he said.

Moore believes the numerous 90-degree days, warmer water temperatures and changes in water salinity have made way for the recent algae blooms. Nutrients from fertilizer and water runoffs can increase blooms, which Moore says hes seen more of over the last 10 years.

Theyre kind of sitting there waiting for the right water temperatures and the right salinity. Then these algae bloom. When we think of a bloom with plants, thats a good thing, he said. In the case of algae, its a bad thing. The algae pop up, as youve seen, become very visible at times.

While these blooms are the result of Mother Nature, Moore says we can do things to decrease the frequency of them to improve water quality in Virginia.

Reducing the amount of fertilizer we put on our lawns, reducing the amount of waste from our wastewater treatment plants and factories, things like that. Continuing to fund the best agricultural management practices that help reduce the amount of pollution that runs off farm fields and things like that, he said.

While groups like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will work to improve water quality to prevent the smell in the future, those working down at Oceanfront say the blooms are a good lesson for them.

Tom Gill, with the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, says they started getting complaints about the smell Thursday.

It was worth investigating. It was worth keeping our people safe. If theres something wrong with the water, our people need to know as much as anyone else, he said. We followed up. The city is on top of it. The state seems to be on top of it. It was one negative in the world of positives down here at the beach and Oceanfront.

Gill says theyve dealt with blooms before, but not the extent of what they witnessed on Thursday and Friday.

He credits his team with doing a great job of not just handling the bloom issue but also addressing COVID-19 concerns. He says theyre at the Oceanfront to help in any way.

If you come down to the beach and have a question and are not sure about whats going on, go ask the lifeguard and ask them about it. If theres no lifeguard, you probably shouldnt be on that beach, he said.

Officials encourage residents to report a bloom or suspected health effects from a bloom by contacting the Virginia HAB Hotline at 1-888-238-6154.

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Algae bloom at Virginia Beach Oceanfront resulting in foul smell and discolored water - WAVY.com

While many local beaches are overcrowded, Spectacle Island remains an underutilized gem during the coronavirus pandemic. Just a 30-minute trip on a Boston Harbor Cruises boat from Long Wharf, the uncrowded beach with Boston skyline views awaits. Although the visitor center and concession stand remain closed during the pandemic, changing rooms, restrooms, and outdoor showers are still available. Visitors must bring their own food and water or buy them on the ferry, and carry out all trash.

Thirty-four islands comprise the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, but only Spectacle Island is accessible by BHC ferry during the pandemic. After remaining closed for the first part of the season, the island opened on July 1. The islands proximity to Boston meant it was always in use, but it didnt become a park until 2006. Dirt excavated during the Big Dig was used to cover parts of the island, which had served as a garbage dump for decades.

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Spectacle Island is open, boasting unobstructed views and quiet beaches - The Boston Globe

Some beaches on Cape Cod temporarily closed to swimmers Thursday following great white shark sightings, officials said.

The town of Truro confirmed a sighting at Head of the Meadow Beach at 11:50 a.m. in a brief statement posted to its website.

The sharks direction of travel is unknown, the statement said. Due to this sighting, Head of the Meadow Beach and Coast Guard Beach, Truro, will continue to be closed to swimming until 12:50 pm. After one hour, without any other sightings, the beach will reopen to swimming.

The Truro Recreation Department confirmed via Facebook around 1 p.m. that the beaches had reopened for swimmers.

Be Shark Smart People!the department said in the Facebook posting.

The nonprofit Atlantic White Shark Conservancy told the Globe Thursday that a research boat was on the water off the Cape, and that the pilot is spotting sharks. One shark tagged so far.

The @MA_Sharks Twitter feed, which is manned by John Chisholm, a shark researcher who works with the states Division of Marine Fisheries to identify great whites and other sharks, said additional Cape beaches also closed due to the sighting.

The beach closings he cited were Nauset in Orleans, Newcomb Hollow, and Lecount Hollow (also known as Maguire Landing) in Wellfleet, as well as Head of the Meadow and Coast Guard.

Please follow be #SharkSmart and follow shark safety guidelines, Chisholm tweeted.

In Wellfleet, Suzanne Grout Thomas, the towns director of community services, confirmed via e-mail around 4:25 p.m. that the towns local beaches were open.

They were never closed, just the water closed to swimming and yes, they are all open, she wrote.

Thomas said in a follow-up message that the beaches had reopened for swimming.

Thursdays Cape sightings came after Julie Dimperio Holowach, a 63-year-old seasonal resident of Harpswell, Maine, was killed late last month by a great white while swimming off of Bailey Island in what officials said was that states first fatal shark attack on record.

Steve Annear of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.

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Several Cape Cod beaches temporarily closed following great white shark sightings - The Boston Globe

Rock climbing, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast looks thrillingly different when viewed from a rock face on the Isle of Portland. Connected to the mainland via Chesil Beach, this limestone peninsula is laced with climbing routes, from beginner-friendly to challenging. The old railway cuttings on the east coast feature climbs for all levels, while Blacknor cliff on the west has easier routes for those new to the activity. Participants learn key skills, including how to belay safely, from Rob Kennard, who has decades of teaching experience and good knowledge of the local geology. Half-day taster session from 22pp (for a group of seven or eight; 27pp for four; 75 for one), portland-climbing.co.uk

Wild-food chef Chris Bax and plant expert Rose Bax uncover the edible treasures of Robin Hoods Bay on the fringes of the North York Moors. At low tide, the couple take visitors out to explore rock pools and discover varieties of sea vegetables and shellfish then teach them how to prepare these goodies before everyone sits down to an alfresco lunch made using local and foraged ingredients: expect dulse seaweed quiche, hogweed salad and sea buckthorn cheesecake. The calories can be walked off with a stroll around the bays leafy pathways, where there are more edible plants. Maximum 14 people, lunch provided, 10am-4pm, 95pp, tastethewild.co.uk

A coasteering adventure near the Giants Causeway sees visitors leap, scramble and swim along this stunning coast. Wearing helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids, participants explore the limestone caves, basalt columns and turquoise water. Glimpse castles at the edge of cliffs (Dunluce, Dunseverick, Kenbane are all in the area) and face their fears with a cliff jump (optional). As well as testing your limits, it offers a close-up look at this geologically diverse coastline. Three hours, equipment provided, 40pp, causewaycoasteering.com

On Scotlands west coast, Oban is home to superb diving opportunities, thanks to the nearby Gulf Stream and unpolluted waters of the Firth of Lorne. There are options to suit all levels, from scenic dives around shallow wrecks, to drift-dives with tidal flows and deep drop offs. An experienced Padi instructor guides beginners in the shallow waters of Gallanach Bay. Under the water, walls are covered in anemones and conger eels dart past. Otters and seals can also be seen. Try-a-dive, two hours, 89pp, puffin.org.uk

Consistent, intermediate-friendly waves break along the wide, sandy beach at Polzeath while beginners can practise getting to their feet on their board in the white water. The best way to learn quickly is in a small group. George Stoy specialises in private coaching and his school has been designated a centre of excellence by Surfing England. As well as adults, children as young as four can take lessons. Two-hour lesson for one person from 100, georgessurfschool.com

A kayak is one of the best ways to explore south Devons remote coves and caves, spotting seals along the way. Setting off from the harbour at Dartmouth, paddlers glide past the castles that guard the estuary entrance and past cliffs and into the open sea. From here theres a choice: north towards Brixham or south towards Torcross, either way stopping to explore caverns, fish for mackerel, and swim. Half-day guided trips 49 adults, 35 children, seakayakdevon.co.uk

Just off the coast of Selsey, eight miles south of Chichester, lie two designated marine conservation zones with an abundance of sea life. A new marine life walk, led by an SSI marine ecology instructor, gives an insight into what lies beneath the surface. The 90-minute stroll around Selsey Bill, the lifeboat station and east and west beaches, includes wading in the shallows and learning where to discover the marine life on our shores. 5.30pm-7pm, next available dates 19 and 21 August, 15pp (book in advance as numbers are limited), mulberrydivers.co.uk

The wide, sandy bays of Gorleston-on-Sea are great for exploring at a leisurely pace on a paddleboard. Visitors can rent a board and set off on their own, or book a lesson to learn the paddling techniques. The school also runs Ripperz Club, a sea-education club for children every Saturday during the summer. This hour covers sea safety and safe swimming, and gives children the chance to try activities, such as paddleboarding, bodyboarding and surfing. Half-day paddleboard hire 25, full day 35. Two-hour lessons 25pp. Ripperz Club Saturdays 9am-10am or 10am-11am, 5 a child, boardinskool.com

The fascinating history of these chalk cliffs can be traced on a guided coastal walk from Cuckmere Haven to Eastbourne, an area once popular with smugglers. The walk crosses the undulating Seven Sisters, with a guide telling stories that date back to the Domesday Book. The route takes in Birling Gap with its coastguard cottages, and the lighthouses of Belle Tout and Beachy Head. Walkers can see how the diverse natural habitat changes from forest to seashore. The walk includes a locally sourced picnic with wine tasting, taken overlooking the Sussex coast and South Downs national park. Eight miles, starting at 10am, 75pp including food and wine, patadventures.com

On a guided fishing trip in north Pembrokeshire, Padrig Rees takes visitors out to catch their own mackerel supper. Focusing on the Ramsey Sound and Whitesands Bay area, its ideal for angling novices and with a focus on sustainability fish are only caught if they are in season and an appropriate size. Theres a lesson on how to prepare the fish for cooking, too. More experienced anglers can join a three-hour deep-sea fishing trip to the outlying Bishops and Clerks islands, with the chance of catching pollock. Mackerel fishing 1 hours, 20pp, maximum 12 people. Deep-sea fishing, three hours, 30pp, maximum 10, fishing-pembrokeshire.co.uk

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10 of the best beach and coast activities around the UK - The Guardian

In a typical summer, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are popular tourist destinations, and a big reason for that is their miles of beautiful coastline and beaches.

But this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, both states have a number of restrictions in place in order to reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Heres a breakdown of the rules and regulations currently in place in both states:

Rhode Island

When Phase 3 began at the end of June, Gov. Gina Raimondo put new travel restrictions in place, which included a mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone coming into Rhode Island from a state with a positivity rate of 5% or higher. A running list of those states can be found here, which is updated weekly and currently consists of 32 states and Puerto Rico.

Anyone who can show theyve tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours is exempt. Travelers, even if asymptomatic, can sign up for a free test here.

If you get tested after entering Rhode Island, the state asks that you quarantine until you receive your results.

Starting on Sunday, anyone from those states who checks in at a hotel or rental property will need to sign a certificate of compliance stating they have had a negative test result or intend to quarantine.

The following people are also exempt from the restrictions, according to Raimondos office:

As of August 4, Rhode Islanders are no longer exempt from the travel orders in place in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey due to increases in the states positive test rate and cases per 100,000.

Massachusetts

Beginning August 1, anyone entering Massachusetts (visitors and returning residents alike) from a state considered high-risk for COVID-19 has to fill out a travel form and self-quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative test result.

Those found to be in violation of the order could be fined $500 per day.

There are exemptions, which include people traveling from one of six lower-risk states most of New England, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii along with people commuting to work or school, people receiving specialized medical treatment, and military personnel.

However, workers or students who travel out-of-state for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on that exemption, according to Massachusetts officials.

Rhode Island was removed from that list on Tuesday, August 4, due to increases in the states positive test rate and cases per 100,000.

To be considered lower-risk, a states average daily cases must be below six per 100,000 people and the positive test rate has to be below 5%. The Mass. Department of Public Health will continue to update the list based on public health data.

VisitMass.govor text MATraveler to 888-777 for more information.

Rhode Island

The parking lots at state beaches are currently limited to 75% capacity with the exception of Misquamicut and Scarborough, which are capped at 25% due to recurring reports of overcrowding.

Real-time parking information is posted on RIParks.com.

Related: Ocean, Bay & Beach Forecast and other Resources

Beachgoers must maintain at least six feet of distance from other household groups, which should be limited to 15 people.

Visitors should also have a face covering handy and wear it when in the vicinity of others, such as in the restrooms or at the snack bar.

And if you feel sick stay home.

Massachusetts

All state beaches are open to the public but may have reduced parking areas to limit crowds.

Beach blanket groups should be no larger than 10 people and spaced at least 12 feet apart, while visitors are required to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between other beachgoers.

Picnic areas should be closed if adequate social distancing cannot be maintained, and shuttle services to the beach may operate at 50% capacity.

Face coverings are required but should not be worn while swimming.

More here:

Travel/Beach Restrictions: Heres what you need to know for RI, Mass. - WWLP.com