#Indo-Pacific

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Let's Hear it for the Humphead Wrasse

The humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, is also known as the Māori wrasse, Napoleon wrasse, or the blue- tooth grouper. They can usually be found around coral reefs and steep rocky cliffs in the Indo-Pacific, particularly on the east coast of Africa, the west coast of India, and the tropical waters of southeast Asia and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Māori wrasse gets its name from the distinctive markings that adults carry. Males are blue-green or purple, while females are more often red or orange. Both have unique patterns of lines and dots covering their heads, and stripes running down the rest of their body; early researchers compared the patterns on their heads to the tattoos traditionally used by the Māori people. In addition to its striking coloration, C. undulatus is also known for being the largest member of the wrasse family. Males can reach up to 2 m (6.5 ft) long and weigh up to 180 kg (396 lbs), while females tend to be smaller. Males also have a large 'hump' on their foreheads, hence the name humphead wrasse.

Another feature of note in C. undulatus is the set of large teeth fused into a parrot-like beak. They use this beak to predate upon hard-shelled animals like mollusks, urchins, sea stars, and crustaceans. On occasion, they also feed on smaller fish and moray eels. Due to their size, adults have very few natural predators aside from sharks, but larvae and small juveniles are more often opportunistically hunted by other fish.

Like many coral reef fish, the humphead wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite. This means that most individuals begin life as a female, and become male later in life-- known as 'super males', they are larger than males who did not transition. Individuals first become sexually mature at 5-7 years old, and females begin transitioning to male at 9-12 years old. Spawning occurs a few times a year, and during this period over a hundred adults can congregate in an area. The female releases about 20 eggs into the water column, where they are fertilized by her chosen partner. Three to four weeks later, the eggs hatch and the larvae migrate to the nearby reef.

Conservation status: C. undulatus is considered Endangered by the IUCN. Populations have declined due to overfishing and by-catch mortalities, loss of their food sources, habitat destruction, and capture of juveniles for the aquarium trade.

If you send me proof that you’ve made a donation to UNRWA or another organization benefiting Palestinians– including esim donations– I’ll make art of any animal of your choosing.

Photos

Andrew J. Green

Lluís Masuet

George Ryschkewitsch

#humphead wrasse #Labriformes #Labridae #wrasses #ray-finned fish #bony fish #fish #marine fauna #marine fish #coral reefs #coral reef fish #indian ocean #Pacific Ocean #indo-pacific #animal facts #biology #zoology #ecology

[the-nomadicone]

Lancer // United States Air Force

#United States Air Force #U.S. Air Force #USAF #B-1 #B-1 Lancer #Lancer #bomber #Rockwell #Rockwell International #heavy bomber #Boeing #refueling #506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron #B-1B Lancer #B-1B #34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron #Pacific Ocean #Indo-Pacific #military #armed forces #milblr #aircraft #Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

[thecreatureawaits]

The Creature Awaits #156:

Each week I plan to feature an amazing creature, admiring God's fantastic artistry.  Hopefully it’ll brighten someone’s day to see something new and interesting if they haven’t seen it before. : )

(More fantastic photography from professional photographer/videographer Klaus Stiefel (CC BY-NC 2.0))

The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait

Scientific Name: Laticauda colubrina

Region: Throughout the Indo-Pacific

Size:  Males are about 2'10" (~86.4cm) long, while females approach double their length at about 4'8" (~142.2cm) long

Interesting Notes:  The deadly neurotoxic venom of this beautiful sea snake can cause muscle damage, hypertension, seizures, kidney failure and cyanosis...and a plethora of other potential symptoms, though the actual bite may not hurt or swell at first.... So, if you are bitten by one, please seek help immediately whether you feel different at first or not!

However, they will not usually bite unless provoked, so this is definitely one of those creatures best admired from afar.

#creatureawaits #Yellow-lipped Sea Krait #banded sea snake #beautiful sea snakes #venomous sea snakes #venom #neurotoxic #Laticauda colubrina #Indo-Pacific #snek #hide

[pressnewsagencyllc]

Visits to all ASEAN member nations show the region matters to India - Academia - The Jakarta Post

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reemphasized the importance of India’s ASEAN partnership with a visit to Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia in March. He met the Thai foreign minister in February in India for the 10th Joint Communion and visited Indonesia for the ASEAN and East Asia Ministerial Summit in July last year, where he met foreign ministers of Indonesia, Laos and…

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#ASEAN #China #foreign minister #India #indo-pacific #US #visit

[thegeopolitica]

During the discussion on the defence budget, Singapore’s defence minister Ng Eng Hen, announced that his country would purchase eight F-35A. In 2020, Singapore had already signed an agreement to acquire twelve F-35B, an advanced version of the fighter jet that has the ability to take off and land vertically, for the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

With the procurement of both F-35 variants, the government has entered the privileged group of countries that own these single-engine, all-weather, stealth multirole combat aircraft. Singapore became the fourth nation in the Indo-Pacific region to get F-35 variants, which is critical for its geopolitical significance.

#indo-pacific #f-35 lightning ii #f-35b #singapore #china #united states

[kesarijournal]

India's Space Ambitions: A Celestial Tango

In a move that’s less about stepping on toes and more about moonwalking in zero gravity, India has declared its space sector a free-for-all cosmic playground. With the announcement of 100% foreign direct investment in satellite component manufacturing, India is not just opening its doors; it’s removing them entirely. The message is loud and clear: “Welcome to the Grand Indian Space Bazaar, Elon…

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#2024 #defense diplomacy #Elon-Musk #foreign direct investment #geopolitical strategy #India #Indo-Pacific #Modi government #space ambitions #SpaceX #strategic autonomy

[thxnews]

Baroness Goldie Bolsters Global Ties in Indo-Pacific

In a significant diplomatic mission, UK Defence Minister Baroness Goldie is set to meet with Philippine Defence Minister Teodoro in Manila on Wednesday. Their discussions will revolve around reinforcing the UK-Philippines relationship and their mutual dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

Commitment to the Indo-Pacific

The high-profile meeting underscores the UK's unwavering commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to fostering their bilateral ties, the Ministers have put maritime security and adherence to maritime law at the forefront of their dialogue.   Maritime Security in Focus Both Ministers have underscored the importance of maritime security, aligning it with the principles of a rules-based international order. This is consistent with the UK's recent Integrated Review Refresh, which further highlights the nation's dedication to upholding maritime law in the region.  

Naval Diplomacy

As part of the visit, the UK Defence Minister will pay a visit to HMS Spey, a cutting-edge naval vessel, currently stationed in Legazpi. Baroness Goldie will also attend the closing ceremonies of the naval exercise, "SAMA SAMA," which emphasizes international defense cooperation and maintaining the rules-based international order. HMS Spey, recognized as the greenest ship in the Royal Navy, is taking part in the joint PH-US maritime exercise, partnering with Japan, Australia, and Canada, demonstrating the shared commitment to freedom of navigation.   Green Diplomacy HMS Spey's presence in the Indo-Pacific is part of a five-year mission, accompanied by its sister ship, HMS Tamar. These ships are working alongside partners in the region, addressing security challenges, and supporting nations in dealing with the impacts of climate change.  

Honoring the Fallen

In a solemn gesture of remembrance, Baroness Goldie will lay a wreath at the Commonwealth War Grave in the American Cemetery in Manila. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) actively preserves cemeteries worldwide, ensuring due respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Shared Commitment

Expressing her commitment to the UK-Philippines relationship, Baroness Goldie stated, "The UK remains committed to our relationship with the Philippines, and I am pleased both to be visiting for the first time and to be the first UK defense Minister to visit in many years." She further emphasized her eagerness to participate in Exercise SAMA SAMA and explore opportunities for deepening defense cooperation in line with their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

Strengthening Bonds

During her visit, Baroness Goldie will discuss the UK's ongoing commitment to the Indo-Pacific, regional peace, and security. The UK Government remains steadfast in its pledge to enhance its partnership with the Philippines, further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.   Sources: THX News & British Embassy Manila. Read the full article

#BaronessGoldie #CommonwealthWarGrave #HMSSpey #Indo-Pacific #Maritimesecurity #philippines #Regionalpeaceandsecurity #Rules-basedinternationalorder #UKDefenceMinister #UK-Philippinesrelationship

[news-ld]

Canada's promised Indo-Pacific trade representative to be based in Jakarta: Mary Ng

Canada will open an export improvement workplace in Jakarta and has named an Indo-Pacific trade representative to assist Canadian companies enter new markets in the area, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced Tuesday whereas in Indonesia."It is actually vital for Canadian firms and exporters to develop in this area as a result of after they do, which means good jobs again at house," Worldwide Trade Minister Mary Ng instructed reporters in Jakarta.That's the place the brand new trade representative, Paul Thoppil, will be based, Ng stated.Trudeau arrived in Indonesia earlier Tuesday with a dedication to continue to grow Canada's relationship with the southeast Asian nation.Certainly one of his first occasions was an official go to with President Joko Widodo at his palace.The 2 leaders spent their assembly discussing their rising ties, which Canada views as essential to growing its diplomatic and trade presence in the Indo-Pacific area. A trade representative was promised in the Indo-Pacific technique the Liberal authorities launched final November.Trudeau, whose eldest son, Xavier, 15, joined him on the journey, introduced there'll be 5 coming trade missions to the Indo-Pacific area, together with visits to Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.He additionally put cash on the desk: $10 million over 5 years to assist forestall future organic threats like one other pandemic, and $13 million towards sexual and reproductive well being initiatives in Indonesia.

A warming relationship

Canada can be lending Indonesia over $100 million to construct inexperienced infrastructure for clear water and solar energy."The nice and cozy welcome and constructive conversations we're having right here in Indonesia are a testomony to Canada's sturdy friendships and rising relationship with the Indo-Pacific area," Trudeau stated in a press release on Tuesday."Collectively, we're creating good jobs, defending peace and safety and forging a greater future for individuals on either side of the Pacific."However the relationship with Indonesia wasn't all the time heat — nations in the area usually considered Canada's presence as too episodic."Canada is investing extraordinary sources, individuals, time, cash to construct our presence in the area," Ian McKay, Canada's particular envoy for the Indo-Pacific, stated Tuesday in Jakarta."That's precisely what leaders like President Widodo need, and that's represented by the nice and cozy relationship he is developed with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau," stated McKay, who can be Canada's ambassador to Japan.

Canada's Indo-Pacific technique

The leaders relationship was highlighted throughout Trudeau's official go to to the Merdeka Palace.He introduced Widodo with a Staff Canada Basketball jersey bearing his nickname, Jokowi, and the quantity seven — Widodo is the seventh president of Indonesia.Days earlier, Staff Canada performed in Jakarta, the place the boys's basketball group superior to the Olympics after beating Spain.Trudeau thanked Widodo for the heat the group obtained, saying it is a great instance of the 2 nations' deepened relationship."It is a regular factor to do to get hold of higher and greater markets," McKay stated, noting the Indo-Pacific technique is Canada's greatest international coverage shift in many years.Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest financial system and a G20 member with important potential for financial progress.In 2022, Indonesia was Canada's Nineteenth-largest buying and selling accomplice worldwide and third-largest amongst southeast Asian nations, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $6.24 billion.On Wednesday, Trudeau will ship remarks on the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations because the 10-nation bloc prepares to make Canada its newest strategic accomplice, symbolizing the trade progress Canada has made with ASEAN.Merchandise trade with the nations in the bloc grew by almost 29 per cent final yr, with agribusiness being one of many largest financial sectors.Trudeau can be anticipated to maintain talks on the summit with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Read the full article

#based #canada’s #indo-pacific #jakarta: #mary #promised #representative #trade #world

[chicagotimesonline]

Philippine Air Force and USAF to train together during Pacific Airlift Rally

By Jack Beringer, The Chicago Times August 09, 2023 PHILIPPINES – The United States Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM) announced Tuesday that it will train alongside the Philippine Air Force during the Pacific Airlift Rally, a biennial, multinational, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise at Clark Air Base this August. Between August 14-18, the joint training exercise will focus on…

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#347TH AIRLIFT WING #CLARK AIR BASE #INDO-PACIFIC #PACIFIC AIRLIFT RALLY #PACOM

[faultfalha]

War with China would be an 'onslaught' like the US hasn't faced in decades. It would be a conflict of unprecedented scale, fought on a new front with new tactics. The United States has not faced a foe like China in generations, and the consequences could be dire. The Chinese are a formidable opponent, and they are not afraid to use brutal tactics. They would not hesitate to use chemical weapons or even nuclear weapons against the United States. The United States would be wise to avoid war with China, it would be a costly and devastating conflict.

#Economy #Military & Defense #Discourse #Politics #News #Markets #Tech Insider #China #US-China rivalry #Indo-Pacific #Taiwan #War #Semiconductors #Manufacturing #Xi Jinping #Navy #Chelsea Jia Feng #Freelance Illustration #fault #war #onslaught #tactics #devastating

[dserwer1]

Stevenson's army, May 28

– WSJ piece suggests Merkel was too accommodating to Putin. – Henry Kissinger: Fred Kaplan skewers; Jonathan Guyer emphasizes the positives. – Reactions to the debt-limit agreement: Politico explains; Matt Yglesias has a critique sympathetic to Democrats. – Meanwhile, there’s more for Congress to do. – Also, administration announces an IPEF deal. On this Memorial Day weekend, I want to…

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#Congress #Germany #Indo-Pacific #Russia

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Stop a Moment for the Sand Striker

Also known as the bobbit worm, Eunice aphroditois is a marine bristle worm endemic to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, in waters up to 95 m (311 ft) deep. Because they spend most of their time under ground, the sand striker is rarely seen. However, they can be found in both coral reefs and deeper, rocky or sandy ocean floors-- anywhere they can hide and ambush prey.

This species of bristle worm is famous for its hunting methods. Individuals live in burrows deep under ground, with an entrance covered by sand or rocks, and only emerge at night. They keep these burrows stable by secreting a mucus-like substance which coats the sandy walls and keeps them in place. Because their eyes are rudimentary at best, sand strikers use their five antennae to sense passing prey-- usually fish, but also algae or organic debris. When their target is close enough, E. aphroditois ambushes it and drags it back down into the burrow with its large mandibles. This process is extraordinarily fast; bobbit worms have been clocked moving at 6 m (20 ft) per second. The mandibles are also retractible, which helps the bobbit worm swallow its prey.

Though only their heads are usually visible, the sand striker has an impressive body. They can grow to be 1- 3 m (3-10 ft) long, although they’re typically only 25 mm (1 in) wide. Like other bristle worms, their bodies are made up of segments, protected by a hard, irridescent exoskeleton. Most sand strikers are deep purple or black, although individuals in a variety of colors have been documented. In addition to their exoskeleton, bobbit worms also sport sharp, venomous tentacles down the length of their body to deter threats. Adults are typically avoided by other, larger predators, but juveniles can be targeted by fish.

E. aphroditois lacks external reproductive organs, and instead is a broadcast spawner. When they’re ready to mate, female sand strikers produce a pheromone that attracts males and signals them to release their sperm. The females them release their eggs into the water, where they become fertilized and develop into larvae. These larvae swim freely for several months to a year, during which many become food for other animals. The survivors begin to segment and burrow into the sand, where they become sexually mature. In the wild, bobbit worms can live anywhere from 3-5 years, though some biologists believe they may have a longer lifespan of 10-15 years.

Conservation status: E. aphroditois has not been evaluated by the IUCN. However, populations in coral reefs are threatened by habitat decline.

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Photos

Richard Zerpe

Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel

Chutinun Mora

#bobbit worm #sand striker #Eunicida #Eunicidae #marine polychaetes #polychaete worms #bristle worms #worms #segmented worms #annelids #invertebrates #marine fauna #benthic fauna #coral reefs #atlantic ocean #Pacific Ocean #indian ocean #Indo-Pacific

[the-nomadicone]

Lightning II // United States Marine Corps

#United States Marine Corps #U.S. Marine Corps #USMC #F-35 #F-35B #F-35B Lightning II #F-35 Lightning II #USS Tripoli #Indo-Pacific #Training #Military #Armed Forces #Milblr #Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 121 #VMFA-121 #MCAS Iwakuni #LHA-7 #Sgt. Jackson Ricker

[impriindia]

No Adieu for Japan in Indo-Pacific geopolitics

Harsh V. Pant, Premesha Saha The visit by the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, to India, in March 2023, during which he engaged with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on global and bilateral issues, focused on cooperation between the G-7 and the G-20 (Japan and India hold their presidencies, respectively). Besides this, Mr. Kishida also unveiled “Japan’s New Plan for a Free and Open…

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#Geopolitics #Indo-Pacific #japan

[pressnewsagencyllc]

India must heed these four American truths

When it comes to American politics and its impact on India, here are four seemingly contradictory features that are simultaneously true. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial Rajghat on the final day of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi (PTI) {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} One, the Joe Biden administration…

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#American politics #China #India #indo-pacific #Joe Biden administration #Ukraine

[attud-com]

#Americannationalinterests #BharatiyaJanataParty #BJP #economicpower #Hindupath #Indo-Pacific #Israel #Japan #LikudParty #modernization #MohanBhagwat #MuslimBrotherhood #NarendraModi #RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh #religiousminorities #risingChinesepower #risingpower #RSS #tensionswithChina #WallStreetJournal #WalterRussellMead #Westernliberalism #YogiAdityanath