Fishery raising flounder for first time on Alabama coast
Alabama’s conservation agency says it’s raising flounder for the first time to supplement a decline in the natural population of the flat fish in coastal waters. Workers with the Marine Resources Division are tending to thousands of larval flounder at a state hatchery in Gulf Shores, according to a news release from the agency. They hope to get between 1,000 and 5,000 fish from the hatchery in the first year with a goal of releasing about 60,000 fish annually in a few years. Those fish would help add to a population of southern flounder that’s been falling since 2008. Scientists aren’t sure what is causing the decline. – AP
DSV Global Transport plans new direct cargo flights from China to Huntsville
A global transportation company has announced plans to deliver cargo to the US by opening a direct line of flight between Shanghai, China and Huntsville. Beginning Tuesday, DSV Global Transport and Logistics will operate a Boeing 747-8 freighter airplane three times per week, between Huntsville and Shanghai. According to DSV, multiple airlines have either suspended or reduced the number of flights to and from China due to the risk of spreading of the coronavirus. As a consequence, there is an estimated 5,000 tons less capacity available per day. – WBRC
Mirth Company makes sure floats are ready to roll
The Mardi Gras traditions of Mobile include a talented group of University of South Alabama artists who build, shape and paint the fanciful floats that roll through downtown parades. The story begins with Steve Mussell, class of 1981, who’s been building parade floats for more than 40 years. He grew up in Mobile, which has the oldest Carnival tradition in America. He enjoys the artistry of papier-mâché construction that blends glue, paper and cardboard. “In Louisiana, they use canvas, which is more durable,” he says. “What we do is more fragile, but our stuff is more sculptural.” – AL NewsCenter
Hibbett looking forward in 75th year under new CEO
Mike Longo, Hibbett Sports’ new CEO, comes from an impressive pedigree. He holds a degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy and an MBA from Harvard University. He’s also a graduate, he said, of AutoZone University. And some of the lessons he learned at that chain have stayed with him through previous executive stints, as well as in his current position leading the Birmingham-based sports fashion retailer. – AL.com
Blue Origin factory rockets to be tested at Marshall
The engine for Blue Origin’s lunar lander, which has been in development for several years, will be tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center among a crop of engines coming from the company’s brand-new engine factory in Huntsville. The engine manufacturing facility opened in Huntsville on Feb. 17. In addition to the BE-7 engines that will be used in Blue Origin’s lunar lander, the factory will produce BE-4 and BE-3U engines, all of which will go on to be tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, also in Huntsville.
Luckie hires chief growth officer
Birmingham marketing firm Luckie has named Joe Snowden as its chief growth officer, focused on business development, marketing, and growth strategies. The move is part of a general expansion of Luckie’s management team over the last two years within its creative, marketing technology, business intelligence and analytics, content, and planning departments. – AL.com
