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Vertex unveils tolling tech designed to ease Tel Aviv road congestion

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL, Aug. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Vertex Company, a V2X company (NYSE: VVX), announces a brand–new technology for the proposed Tel Aviv congestion pricing zone. The Optical Detection Intelligent Network, ODIN, is an advanced, compact tolling system that can be deployed to city locations where street–spanning gantries or toll booths are not possible.

ODIN integrates the functionality of multiple different devices from traditional all–electronic tolling systems into a single sensor, making it small enough to fit on a typical city light post. The primary sensor is an ultra–high–resolution camera for image–based tolling, eliminating the need for vehicle transponders.

"The Vertex Company brings engineering excellence and innovative technology integration to tolling projects," said Aileen Amirault, Vice President & General Manger at The Vertex Company. "We provide reliable, high–tech tolling that processes millions of tolling transactions a day at more than 400 locations worldwide."

Congestion zones, also known as cordon pricing, is a form of tolling that charges drivers who drive into and/or within a specific area. It is generally used to manage traffic in dense, congested areas, like city centers.

ODIN was developed and tested on roadways in Canada and the United States and is now approved for congestion zone pricing projects around the world.

"Today's announcement adds a new, attractive option for the Tel Aviv congestion pricing project," said Colleen Murphy–Vincent, Director of Transportation, Technology & Tolling Solutions at The Vertex Company. "Our system provides tolling revenue for our customers without disrupting traffic. ODIN allows vehicles to move at the speed of traffic as we accurately detect, track, classify and image vehicles in all weather and light conditions."

The Vertex Company has more than 25 years of all–electronic tolling experience, serving customers across 10 time zones as they collect more than $2 billion in annual customer transactions. Vertex Systems Israel, an LLC of The Vertex Company, has been a provider for the Cross–Israel Highway, known as Highway 6, since 2001.

ABOUT THE VERTEX COMPANY, A V2X COMPANY
The Vertex Company provides vertically integrated turnkey lifecycle support from concept definition, to engineering and manufacturing, through end–of–life support of complex systems. Our offerings include all levels of aviation maintenance, worldwide contractor logistics support, systems engineering and integration, specialized onsite mission execution, high consequence training programs and integrated supply–chain solutions.

In July 2022, Vertex and Vectrus merged to form V2X, a leading provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. The global team of approximately 14,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation, to operations, to sustainment.

For more information on The Vertex Company, visit www.vtxco.com.


Norway makes fishing vessel data accessible to the world

Lisbon, Portugal, June 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Norway has become the first country in Europe to partner with Global Fishing Watch""an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency""and will share its vessel tracking data for the Norwegian fishing fleet on the organization's public map.

The announcement was made at the second United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal where countries from around the world are gathering to mobilize action and innovative solutions to some of the ocean's most pressing threats.

Under the memorandum of understanding, which was signed between Global Fishing Watch and Norway's Directorate of Fisheries, Norway has agreed to share the vessel monitoring system data for vessels 15 meters or more in length on the Global Fishing Watch map.

"Wild living marine resources are a common good and belong to everyone," said Frank Bakke–Jensen, director general of the Directorate of Fisheries in Norway. "When a commercial fishing fleet is licensed to utilize this common good, we are obliged and committed to share fisheries data documenting the environmental footprint of commercial fishing activity. We hope that others will follow this approach and share more fisheries data."

"We believe that improved transparency of fishing data is necessary to reduce the risk of illegal fisheries and set the groundwork for improved compliance," said Thord Monsen, head of monitoring, control and surveillance at the Directorate of Fisheries.

The incorporated data will span a total of approximately 600 vessels""all vessels 15 meters in length or more predominantly operating in Norwegian waters and the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Norway is currently expanding its VMS requirement to include all commercial fishing vessels, as well as increasing the frequency that vessels need to report their position""a requirement which will be implemented over the coming years in a phased approach.

"We're seeing more and more countries embrace fisheries transparency, demonstrating their understanding of just how essential public data is to the effective management of fishing activity," said Tony Long, chief executive officer of Global Fishing Watch. "Norway has taken a leading global role in the sustainable ocean economy and is using its experience and expertise to promote better ocean governance. By bringing its fishing fleet into our map, Norway is paving the way for other countries, including developed nations, to follow suit."

Since October 2019 Norway has shared its VMS tracking information on the Fisheries Directorate website in support of transparency and as part of an effort to make government data public whenever possible. The partnership with Global Fishing Watch will help make its vessel tracking data more accessible to a wider range of stakeholders""a substantial benefit in the sphere of international fisheries management.

With a coastline of more than 83,000 kilometers, including islands and fjords, the fishing sector is a key element to Norway's economic, social and cultural identity. Norway is the second largest exporter of fish and fish products by value in the world and is home to some of the most productive marine areas in the world. An influential voice when it comes to fisheries issues and a leader on blue economy issues, Norway's decision to partner with Global Fishing Watch and amplify its vessel tracking data demonstrates how fisheries transparency can be adopted in countries where fishing represents such a significant part of the economy.

"Data can be a powerful tool in protecting the environment, as we have seen in our work on climate change. The more data we have about the ocean, the better we can protect it and the people that rely on it. Norway's commitment to making fishing vessel data accessible to the world – via Global Fishing Watch – is a great step forward for ocean transparency,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and "UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions. "Their commitment to data–sharing is a model other countries can follow, and it will help demonstrate the effectiveness – environmentally and economically – of sustainable fishing."

Norway joins a growing number of progressive countries from around the world that are dedicated to advancing, and benefiting from, fisheries transparency, which include: Benin, Brazil, Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all. globalfishingwatch.org

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8581877)

THE UNITED NATIONS TO HOST ANNUAL WORLD OCEANS DAY EVENT (8 JUNE) WITH THE 2022 THEME REVITALIZATION: COLLECTIVE ACTION FOR THE OCEAN

New York, New York, June 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Wednesday 8 June, the United Nations will host its annual World Oceans Day celebration with the 2022 theme Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. Produced by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs with the contribution of non–profit organization Oceanic Global, and made possible by La Mer, United Nations World Oceans Day 2022 (UNWOD) will feature keynote speeches, panels, presentations, and performances kicked off by the Secretary–General and the President of the General Assembly. The day's programming will also include leading voices such as sustainability advocate Amber Valletta, International Monetary Fund economist Ralph Chami, World Champion sailor Lisa Blair, deep sea explorer Sheena Talma, and Michelin–star chef Shinobu Namae to name a few. While United Nations World Oceans Day has been fully virtual since 2020, this year's celebration will once again bring together UN delegates and thought leaders from around the world for an in–person gathering at UN Headquarters in New York. The event will also be open to the public by live stream from 10am –13:30pm (EDT) on the United Nations World Oceans Day website (www.unworldoceansday.org) with the content reshared on the social channels @unworldoceansday.

The ocean connects, sustains, and supports all life on earth, but its health is at a tipping point. And, as the past few years of the pandemic have shown us, we need to work together when addressing issues that impact us all. The UNWOD 2022 theme of "Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean" encourages collaboration towards a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty, but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life. The day's programming will call attention to the communities, ideas, and solutions that are working to revitalize the ocean and our blue planet as a whole. It will convene thought–leaders, celebrities, institutional partners, community voices, entrepreneurs, and cross–industry experts to shine a new and hopeful light on humanity's relationship to the ocean, bring fresh energy and ideas to how we're addressing key issues, and inspire as well as ignite collective action towards positive change.

UNWOD 2022 will open with remarks by the United Nations Secretary–General, followed by messages from the President of the General Assembly. Keynote remarks will be provided by sustainability advocate Amber Valletta, President and Co–Chair of Mission Blue, Sylvia Earle, Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Joo Gomes Cravinho, the International Monetary Fund's Ralph Chami and Senior Vice President of La Mer, Lesley Crowther. Additional sessions throughout the day include a series of "Spotlight Solutions" featuring Relais & Chteaux Chef Shinobu Namae, leading landscape architect Kate Orff, and World Champion sailor Lisa Blair, a panel on the "Revitalized Ocean Economy" featuring the Economist's Martin Koehring and Director of Ocean Sustainability at Salesforce, Whitney Johnston, video messages from actress Nathalie Kelley, aquanot Fabien Cousteau, and a performance by youth environmental action organizer and poet Jade Lozada. The day's programming will be closed with a musical performance by singer–songwriter Margaret Glaspy and guitarist Julian Lage. The winners of the Ninth Annual United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition will also be announced by its 2022 Curator, Ellen Cuylaerts.

The annual United Nations World Oceans Day event marks the kick–off "World Ocean Week" during which subsequent events hosted by members of the Friends of UN World Oceans Day platform and other ocean enthusiasts from around the world will continue the conversation surrounding the official theme of UN World Oceans Day 2022 – Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean.

www.unworldoceansday.org

@unworldoceansday

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8567989)

Global Fishing Watch welcomes partnership with Benin to combat illegal fishing

London, United Kingdom, May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LONDON, May 19, 2022 – A new partnership agreement between Benin and Global Fishing Watch aims to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities within the waters of the West African State.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Global Fishing Watch will provide technical support, including fisheries analysis, capacity building and training on its vessel monitoring tools. To track its fishing fleet, Benin is establishing a vessel monitoring system, or VMS, and has formally agreed to share its data via the Global Fishing Watch map""the first African nation to commit to making its fishing fleet publicly visible.

Benin recently hosted in the large port city of Cotonou the first workshop under the new partnership, bringing together participants from Global Fishing Watch and various government agencies to develop actions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advance collaboration through open and shared data.

"We are committed to eradicating illegal fishing from our waters and taking all action necessary to secure sustainable fisheries," said the Honorable Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Benin. "Through our partnership with Global Fishing Watch, we can strengthen our ability to monitor fishing activity, enforce the law and demonstrate our commitment to transparency in support of a blue economy. We encourage other African States to join us in this initiative to rid our waters of illicit activity."

Captain (Navy) Fernand Maxime Ahoyo, Maritime Prefect of Benin added, "Global Fishing Watch's tools will reinforce Benin's actions to protect its maritime area." Captain Ahoyo also acknowledged support from the non–profit organization, EcoBenin in facilitating engagement between the government of Benin and Global Fishing Watch.

"Greater transparency in fishing activity is an effective and cost–efficient means of driving more compliant behavior at sea. It allows law–abiding fishers to be rewarded, while those with missing information can be investigated and enforcement action more targeted," said Dame Mboup, Global Fishing Watch's program manager for West and Central Africa. "Violations by unauthorized vessels are prevalent off West Africa's coast; Benin is demonstrating leadership in using cutting–edge technology and open data to combat illegal fishing."

Persistent IUU fishing represents a considerable challenge for Benin and other coastal States in the Gulf of Guinea""a vast and diverse region spanning approximately 3,500 miles (5,633 kilometers) of coastline from Senegal to Angola. IUU fishing accounts for nearly 40 percent of all the fish caught in West Africa and threatens the ability of the region's developing countries to maximize the use of their ocean resources.

In addition to the partnership with Benin, Global Fishing Watch has signed letters of intent with Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal to strengthen collaboration on governance tools, capacity transfer and analysis. The Regional Fisheries Commission for the Gulf of Guinea and the Sub–regional Fisheries Commission have also expressed their interest in joining Global Fishing Watch's vision for greater fisheries transparency, recognizing that regional cooperation and information sharing is needed to combat IUU fishing.

"West African countries rely on fish as a vital source of protein, income and employment for nearly 7 million people. But this region has seen its fish stocks decline drastically," added Dame Mboup. "Regional collaboration is critical to eliminate IUU fishing and restore fish populations. Global Fishing Watch is excited to support a growing number of West African States working together to share fishing data and harness technology to safeguard their marine resources and promote economic security."

Countries in the Gulf of Guinea recently stepped up the fight against IUU fishing and related crimes. Benin, Cte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo, through the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)""an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional cooperation in fisheries management""launched the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Center to monitor fishing and related activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

In support of regional efforts to combat IUU fishing, Global Fishing Watch and the international nonprofit, TM–Tracking launched a pilot project with Cte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and the FCWC to provide authorities with satellite tracking data, analysis and training needed to assess a fishing vessel's recent operations and compliance risk. The collaboration will harness a new tool called vessel viewer, which was developed by the two organizations and provides vital information on a vessel's identity, fishing activity, port visits and transshipments to help assess the need for inspection and port access.

With support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies, Moore Foundation, OAK Foundation and Oceans 5, Global Fishing Watch is committed to working with States to publicly share their vessel monitoring data and make its analytical tools and innovative technologies available to help enhance maritime surveillance.

"Achieving sustainable and equitable management of fisheries is critical," said Melissa Wright, Vibrant Oceans Initiative Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies. "Fisheries support the health and well–being of coastal communities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies is excited for the opportunity to expand the number of organizations that make fishing information available and accessible to governments, civil society and the public. This is an important step in the fight against illegal fishing "" a problem that requires all hands on deck."

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Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8544136)

Global Fishing Watch welcomes partnership with Benin to combat illegal fishing

London, United Kingdom, May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LONDON, May 19, 2022 – A new partnership agreement between Benin and Global Fishing Watch aims to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities within the waters of the West African State.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Global Fishing Watch will provide technical support, including fisheries analysis, capacity building and training on its vessel monitoring tools. To track its fishing fleet, Benin is establishing a vessel monitoring system, or VMS, and has formally agreed to share its data via the Global Fishing Watch map""the first African nation to commit to making its fishing fleet publicly visible.

Benin recently hosted in the large port city of Cotonou the first workshop under the new partnership, bringing together participants from Global Fishing Watch and various government agencies to develop actions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advance collaboration through open and shared data.

"We are committed to eradicating illegal fishing from our waters and taking all action necessary to secure sustainable fisheries," said the Honorable Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Benin. "Through our partnership with Global Fishing Watch, we can strengthen our ability to monitor fishing activity, enforce the law and demonstrate our commitment to transparency in support of a blue economy. We encourage other African States to join us in this initiative to rid our waters of illicit activity."

Captain (Navy) Fernand Maxime Ahoyo, Maritime Prefect of Benin added, "Global Fishing Watch's tools will reinforce Benin's actions to protect its maritime area." Captain Ahoyo also acknowledged support from the non–profit organization, EcoBenin in facilitating engagement between the government of Benin and Global Fishing Watch.

"Greater transparency in fishing activity is an effective and cost–efficient means of driving more compliant behavior at sea. It allows law–abiding fishers to be rewarded, while those with missing information can be investigated and enforcement action more targeted," said Dame Mboup, Global Fishing Watch's program manager for West and Central Africa. "Violations by unauthorized vessels are prevalent off West Africa's coast; Benin is demonstrating leadership in using cutting–edge technology and open data to combat illegal fishing."

Persistent IUU fishing represents a considerable challenge for Benin and other coastal States in the Gulf of Guinea""a vast and diverse region spanning approximately 3,500 miles (5,633 kilometers) of coastline from Senegal to Angola. IUU fishing accounts for nearly 40 percent of all the fish caught in West Africa and threatens the ability of the region's developing countries to maximize the use of their ocean resources.

In addition to the partnership with Benin, Global Fishing Watch has signed letters of intent with Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal to strengthen collaboration on governance tools, capacity transfer and analysis. The Regional Fisheries Commission for the Gulf of Guinea and the Sub–regional Fisheries Commission have also expressed their interest in joining Global Fishing Watch's vision for greater fisheries transparency, recognizing that regional cooperation and information sharing is needed to combat IUU fishing.

"West African countries rely on fish as a vital source of protein, income and employment for nearly 7 million people. But this region has seen its fish stocks decline drastically," added Dame Mboup. "Regional collaboration is critical to eliminate IUU fishing and restore fish populations. Global Fishing Watch is excited to support a growing number of West African States working together to share fishing data and harness technology to safeguard their marine resources and promote economic security."

Countries in the Gulf of Guinea recently stepped up the fight against IUU fishing and related crimes. Benin, Cte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo, through the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)""an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional cooperation in fisheries management""launched the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Center to monitor fishing and related activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

In support of regional efforts to combat IUU fishing, Global Fishing Watch and the international nonprofit, TM–Tracking launched a pilot project with Cte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and the FCWC to provide authorities with satellite tracking data, analysis and training needed to assess a fishing vessel's recent operations and compliance risk. The collaboration will harness a new tool called vessel viewer, which was developed by the two organizations and provides vital information on a vessel's identity, fishing activity, port visits and transshipments to help assess the need for inspection and port access.

With support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies, Moore Foundation, OAK Foundation and Oceans 5, Global Fishing Watch is committed to working with States to publicly share their vessel monitoring data and make its analytical tools and innovative technologies available to help enhance maritime surveillance.

"Achieving sustainable and equitable management of fisheries is critical," said Melissa Wright, Vibrant Oceans Initiative Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies. "Fisheries support the health and well–being of coastal communities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies is excited for the opportunity to expand the number of organizations that make fishing information available and accessible to governments, civil society and the public. This is an important step in the fight against illegal fishing "" a problem that requires all hands on deck."

###

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8544855)

The Republic of the Marshall Islands will become first Pacific island nation to publish fishing activity to Global Fishing Watch map

KOROR, THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU, April 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KOROR, THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU – The Republic of the Marshall Islands has committed to sharing its vessel monitoring data on Global Fishing Watch's public map, bolstering ocean governance and promoting compliance throughout some of the world's richest fishing grounds. This momentous decision was announced on April 14, 2022 at the seventh Our Oceans Conference by the Honorable John M. Silk, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The declaration marks the first Pacific island nation to make its fishing activity visible to the world.

The partnership agreement was signed between the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) and Global Fishing Watch, symbolizing the two organizations' dedication to advancing transparency of fishing activities in the Pacific Islands region, home to the world's most productive tuna fisheries.

All vessels flying the Marshall Islands' flag and foreign vessels fishing in its fishery waters will appear on Global Fishing Watch's map through the integration of the government's vessel monitoring system (VMS) data. These vessels primarily target tropical tuna species of the Western and Central Pacific ocean, which hold environmental, economic and cultural significance across the region's island nations""around half of the world's tuna catch comes from these waters.

"There is real value in open data when it comes to monitoring the ocean," said Glen Joseph, Director of the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority. "By making its fishing activity visible on the Global Fishing Watch map, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is helping demonstrate compliance. We hope the data–led insights complement already existing monitoring, control and surveillance tools to validate what is being reported by flag States and strengthen the way fisheries are managed."

"Global Fishing Watch is honored to be partnering with the Marshall Islands to build greater transparency of fishing activity in the Pacific," said Tony Long, chief executive officer of Global Fishing Watch. "This progressive decision will help facilitate accountability and good behavior in the region and support a more sustainable future by strengthening fisheries monitoring."

"Our partnership with Global Fishing Watch is an important element of our regional commitment to combat IUU fishing,” said the Honorable John Silk, Minister for Natural Resources and Commerce, Republic of the Marshall Islands. “In 2018, Marshall Islands' President Hilda Heine set out a bold vision of an IUU–free Pacific by 2023. Other Micronesian presidents signed onto that challenge the following year. To achieve this ambitious goal, we must harness innovative technologies to protect our marine resources and the livelihoods of Pacific people.”

Global Fishing Watch uses publicly broadcast automatic identification system data to track close to 70,000 commercial fishing vessels operating globally. Adding VMS data, which is required by many governments, provides an even clearer view of global fishing activity. The data can assist fishers abiding by the rules through faster, more efficient port entry and provide opportunities to implement regulatory and market incentives to reward them.

A country of coral islands and atolls spread out over 750,000 square miles (1.94 million square kilometers) of ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines, the Marshall Islands relies heavily on revenue from the tuna industry""well over one–third of the government's domestic revenue comes from the tuna sector.

As a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and one of eight Parties to the Nauru Agreement, this independent small island developing State recognizes the importance of collaboration to secure sustainable fisheries. Enhanced monitoring and regional solidarity across FFA's 17 Members has led to a decrease in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the Pacific, according to a recent quantification study which, in part, used Global Fishing Watch data to examine vessel activity throughout the region's waters.

MIMRA's fisheries MCS systems are state–of–the–art, and are backed by the resources of the FFA's Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre. Their monitoring systems build on an innovative management approach used by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement that caps regional fishing activity to support conservation and economic goals. With Global Fishing Watch now available to support and complement existing efforts, the Marshall Islands is taking the next step toward embracing fisheries transparency.

"Transparency can help vessel operators publicly demonstrate compliance and show their commitment to implementing relevant conservation measures," added Tony Long. "We believe the Marshall Islands' pioneering leadership will encourage other Pacific nations, as well as industry stakeholders, to embrace transparency in support of enhanced ocean governance."

The Marshall Islands joins a growing group of countries that are already publicly sharing their VMS data through Global Fishing Watch, including Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. Transparency of its fishing activity demonstrates the Marshall Islands' steadfast commitment towards compliance and will help amplify management and coordination efforts undertaken by the FFA. Global Fishing Watch's international program to advance ocean governance through greater transparency is made possible with the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

globalfishingwatch.org

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8530401)

Open Society Condemns Travesty of Justice in Kavala Verdict

New York, April 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations are appalled by today's Turkish court decision to sentence Osman Kavala""the business leader and philanthropist""to life in prison, even though no credible evidence was ever presented to substantiate the baseless charges against him.

"Today a Turkish judge ruled against Osman Kavala even though there is not a shred of legitimate evidence against him," said Mark Malloch–Brown, the president of the Open Society Foundations. "This bogus trial has utterly failed to meet the most basic standards for fairness and procedural justice."

The court in Istanbul also sentenced seven other defendants to 18 years in prison each. The cases against these defendants were also without any merit.

Osman Kavala was first arrested and detained in October 2017. The government has held him, without conviction prior to today, for more than four years.

During that time, Turkish prosecutors have bent over backwards to try to keep Kavala in prison, even having him re–arrested in February 2020, after a previous trial ended with him being briefly released.

"This is not about justice," added Malloch–Brown. "It is about trying to intimidate and silence anyone who might speak up in defense of human rights in Turkey, including all independent civil society groups."

In December 2019, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Kavala's detention was unjustified, and that the case against him was designed to silence him and to dissuade other human rights defenders from speaking out.

Turkey has so far defied the ECHR ruling.

Kavala is an established businessman and philanthropist, known for his support of human rights, the arts, and culture in Turkey. He also served as a board member with Open Society's foundation in Turkey. (Open Society Turkey shut its doors in 2018 due to harassment from the Turkish government.)

Kavala is expected to appeal the court ruling.

"It is long past time to end this legal farce," added Malloch–Brown. "Osman Kavala should be released and his name cleared immediately."


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8528319)

Sweegen Expands Signature Stevia Footprint in Mexico

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., March 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sweegen's entire Signature Bestevia portfolio of nature–based sweeteners and sweetener systems is now accessible to brands in Mexico after the country's food safety authority adopted the Codex Alimentarius (Codex) specifications for steviol glycosides produced by different technologies. This includes Sweegen's bioconversion method for producing clean and non–GMO stevia sweeteners, such as Rebaudiosides B, D, E, I, M, and N. Codex is the international food safety organization under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Mexico's Codex adoption is a step in the right direction for tackling obesity and diabetes in adults and children stemming from high sugar in products," said Luca Giannone, senior vice president of global sales. "Streamlining the regulatory process for introducing new generation zero–calorie stevia sweeteners contributes to the improvement of overall health and wellness for consumers."

Giannone further said, "We are eager to share with brands in Mexico our expertise and high–quality ingredients for creating great–tasting, better–for–you product innovations." He said, "Our robust portfolio of Signature sweeteners and sweetener systems featuring our proprietary Bestevia products is unparalleled; it demonstrates our commitment to investing in new technologies for offering the very best natural sweeteners to brands for tackling the challenges of sugar reduction and replacement in the formulation of food and beverages."

Adopting the rigorous Codex framework for stevia technologies provided a streamlined approach for reviewing and approving Sweegen's clean and sustainable bioconversion process. This approval by Mexico will provide greater access to less common and better–tasting steviol glycosides at scale and a more sustainable supply of zero–calorie ingredients with a taste closest to sugar.

Before the adoption, Sweegen's Rebaudiosides M and D were approved in Mexico through the standard regulatory process. The new regulatory development opens doors for Sweegen to introduce unique Signature sweetener systems to brands, in addition to its Rebs D and M, further expanding product developers' sugar reduction toolkits.

"With more sugar reduction tools for brands to explore, they can rapidly develop great–tasting and healthy food and beverages, sparking and inspiring new innovations and product launches," said Giannone.

Sweegen's LATAM Innovation Studio is located in Mexico City and serves the entire region. It is one of many global creative centers home to product developers exploring sweet taste solutions, local consumer insights, and collaborating on new or reformulated products with Sweegen's expert food and applications team.

"The Codex framework sets a good regulatory example on welcoming better ingredients for supporting health and wellness," said Hadi Omrani, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs. "As more countries follow suit, Sweegen's global stevia footprint will rapidly expand into more countries, providing brands better options in sugar reduction solutions where they are under government pressure, like Mexico, to produce healthy food and beverages."

Obesity, diabetes, and associated diseases are prevalent in Mexico and are leading public health concerns. Adult obesity increased by 42.2% from 2000 to 2018. Childhood obesity is linked to high sugar consumption and saturated fats. In 2016, Mexico declared an epidemiological alert as a result of high rates of diabetes and obesity after a WHO report published in 2015 raised awareness on serious health issues and supported Mexico's sugar tax on all nonalcoholic beverages with added sugar in 2014. UNICEF reports that Mexico is the largest consumer of ultra–processed products, including sugary drinks, in Latin American countries.

Mexico's beverage sugar tax resulted in fewer people buying sodas, with an overall decline of just 7.6%. "Behavioral conditioning through a beverage tax only goes so far," said Giannone. "Introducing better ingredients into the food and beverage space can breathe new life into product offerings and stimulate new trends, such as plant–based products or functional beverages."

In 2020, food and beverage producers in Mexico felt more pressure by a government mandate to present new front–of–package labels warning consumers of excess calories, sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans–fats, as well as caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

With the Codex adoption, brands have new opportunities to connect with consumers by delivering a full sugar–like taste in food and beverages without the calories. This would be a significant advancement from several years ago when the first generation of stevia was introduced.

Unlike first–generation stevia sweeteners like Rebaudioside A, new generation rebaudiosides made by bioconversion produce clean new generation sweetener molecules like Rebaudiosides B, D, E, I, M, and N, which are originally found in small quantities in the stevia leaf. They impart a clean sugar–like taste with a better sensory profile and are highly sought–after by food and beverage manufacturers in countries with regulatory approvals.

"Brands in Mexico can look to Sweegen as a resource of expertise and as a committed partner for creating zero to low–calorie new product innovations that will delight consumers while supporting the country's journey on health and wellness goals," said Steven Chen, Sweegen's chief executive officer. "We commend the food and safety authorities in Mexico for demonstrating leadership by taking action on adopting the Codex specification."

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About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce the sugar and artificial sweeteners in our global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero–sugar products that consumers love. With the best next–generation stevia sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market–leading solutions that customers want and consumers prefer. Be well. Choose well.

For more information, please contact info@sweegen.com and visit Sweegen's website, www.sweegen.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward–Looking Statements

This press release contains forward–looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of Sweegen, Inc.

Relevant risks and uncertainties include those referenced in the historic filings of Sweegen, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward–looking statements, and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward–looking statements due to new information or future events or developments.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8503409)

Sweegen Praises New Framework on Stevia Technology By International Food Safety Authority

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Jan. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sweegen's health and wellness commitment through global sugar reduction solutions became stronger after Codex Alimentarius (Codex), the international food standard safety authority, recently adopted the specifications for all four stevia technologies, including Sweegen's bioconversion.

"The new Codex framework is timely as the benefits of steviol glycosides, the sweet component in the stevia leaf, fit into the broader health and wellness narrative, which is something consumers want to see more of, and global food and beverage manufacturers want greater access to," said Luca Giannone, senior vice president of sales.

The significance of the adoption is that there is now a more streamlined approach to regional adoption of new production technologies. This will provide greater access to less common and better–tasting steviol glycosides at scale and a more sustainable supply of the sugar–like tasting ingredients.

Sweegen's support for adopting the "Framework for Stevia Technology" started four years ago as a member of the alliance group, the International Stevia Council (ISC). Adopting the framework was a stevia industry effort and collaboration internationally where Sweegen represented bioconversion technology.

"With this framework, most countries in the world will gradually adopt this standard, and our global stevia footprint can expand more rapidly into countries where we are seeking approval for offering our pure, clean, and great–tasting Signature Bestevia ingredients produced by bioconversion," said Giannone.

Modern technology advancements, such as bioconversion, produce clean new generation sweetener molecules such as Rebaudiosides M, D, and E, originally found in small quantities in the stevia leaf. Unlike first–generation ingredients like Rebaudioside A, these rebaudiosides impart a clean sugar–like taste with a better sensory profile and are highly sought–after by food and beverage manufacturers in countries where they have regulatory approvals.

"The adopted framework is good news for brands that want greater access to Sweegen's pure and clean tasting stevia ingredients, Rebs D, E, M, and more," said Giannone. "By leveraging proprietary bioconversion technology, we start with the stevia leaf, and with the support of enzymes, produce a final product that is a single purified steviol glycoside (not a mixture) that naturally occurs in the stevia leaf."

Under the new framework, all of Sweegen's rebaudiosides are approved by Codex. Last year, Sweegen earned regulatory approval for its Signature Bestevia Reb M in Europe, which enables greater flexibility in satisfying regional preferences for sweetness and great taste.

"We welcome the adoption of the Codex framework and the opportunity to support our customers globally with new sugar reduction innovations," said Steven Chen, Sweegen's chief executive officer. "Sweegen is proud to be part of this collaborative effort to bring much–needed innovation to the food and beverage industry."

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About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce the sugar and artificial sweeteners in our global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero–sugar products that consumers love. With the best next–generation stevia sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market–leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Be well. Choose well.

For more information, please contact info@sweegen.com and visit Sweegen's website, www.sweegen.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward–Looking Statements

This press release contains forward–looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of Sweegen, Inc.

Relevant risks and uncertainties include those referenced in the historic filings of Sweegen, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward–looking statements, and therefore should be carefully considered. Sweegen, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward–looking statements due to new information or future events or developments.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8430031)

Why SNOMED CT? New platform presents a refreshed case for investing in the comprehensive clinical terminology

London, United Kingdom, Dec. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SNOMED International released today its refreshed SNOMED CT Case for Investment report. Available on a new interactive platform, the Case for Investment presents evidence that SNOMED CT adds measurable value to a broad range of primary and secondary health processes leveraging SNOMED CT encoded data to enable improved patient outcomes. Through the narrative, the report provides accessible and understandable answers to questions such as, "what is SNOMED CT?", "what makes SNOMED CT unique?', "how and where is it in use globally?" and "why invest in SNOMED CT?"

SNOMED CT, the most comprehensive and multilingual clinical healthcare terminology in the world, possesses unique characteristics that differentiate it from other classifications and terminologies. Among these characteristics are SNOMED CT's position as a core reference terminology, its clinically comprehensive 350,000+ concepts supported by a machine–readable semantic network, broad use and mandate in select countries.

Showcasing real world use and outcomes of SNOMED CT is the best way to demonstrate its value, understanding that SNOMED CT must be embedded in a clinical information system, health data & analytics platform or an interoperability solution for it to function. Through the Case for Investment, 10 examples of SNOMED CT use across data entry and integration, clinical information sharing, point of care analytics, population and management analytics and research domains have been featured. Ranging across different countries such as Australia, Canada, China, United Kingdom, United States, continued collection of additional SNOMED CT case studies remains an ongoing priority.

SNOMED International CEO, Don Sweete, commented on the development and outcomes of the Case for Investment. "There has been a tremendous evolution in SNOMED CT over the past 10 years and this report demonstrates the value that it offers healthcare systems and stakeholders worldwide" said Sweete. "With a complement of 41 Members that represent health systems globally, continuously refreshed knowledge and analysis on the nature, utility and value of standards like SNOMED CT can't be overstated. Health system decision–makers need to be equipped with clear knowledge of how their investments in SNOMED CT translate into positive outcomes for the health of their nation's citizens."

In terms of conclusions, the report presents SNOMED CT as a scalable and "fit for purpose" clinical terminology, adhering to international criteria, data quality and suitability requirements. A part of the bigger picture, SNOMED CT is one of many contributing factors to improving patient outcomes, and studies show that the use of SNOMED CT–embedded systems can provide significant qualitative and quantitative patient outcome benefits.

Looking forward, SNOMED CT must also contemplate how it enables the future needs of medicine and research. A healthcare industry that is ever evolving, the future opportunities for SNOMED CT will be driven by new healthcare data sources and new healthcare technologies such as national cohorts, big data and AI, clinical genomics, phenomics and environment, etc.

Experience the breadth of the SNOMED CT Case for Investment through the organization's interactive value platform at value.snomed.org.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8412878)