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Island Moon Section B
August 26, 2011 Phone (361) 949-7700 ● Email editor@islandmoon.com
Photo by Miles Merwin
Next Publication Date: 8/26/2011
Year 15, Issue 395
vvv And other sea turtle news from the National Seashore By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Division of Sea Turtle Science
and Recovery National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore e-mail: Donna_Shaver@nps.gov
Record numbers of nests from three sea turtle species have been found on North Padre Island during the last two years. The 126 Kemp’s ridley and six green turtle nests found this year, and the nine loggerhead nests found last year, are more than have been discovered for each of these species in a year since consistent record keeping of sea turtle nests found in Texas began in the early 1980s. However, some nests have likely gone undetected over the years since turtle patrols were limited in the state during the 1980s and 1990s, and during most years programs have been unable to extend patrols through the entire green and loggerhead nesting seasons. Linda finds another nest Turtle patrollers Linda Reed and Andy Simmons locat-
Last Kemp’s ridley hatchling release The last Kemp’s ridley hatchling release on the Texas coast for the 2011 was held at the National Seashore on August 19. About 450 people attended and watched 67 hatchlings scurry down the beach and enter the surf. Thirty public releases of hatchlings were held at the National Seashore this year. This is more than during any other year since we began holding public releases in the 1970s. More than 5,000 people attended this year, including local residents as well as visitors from out-of-town. Hatchling releases will resume in late-May or early-June 2012. The start date will depend upon when the first nests of the year are found. When Kemp’s ridley nests are discovered starting in April, their projected release dates will be posted on the Padre Island National Seashore website www.nps.gov/pais. Thank you to volunteers
ed the record-setting green turtle nest at the southern end of the National Seashore on August 19. The previous annual record was five green turtle nests found in Texas during 1998, 2008, and 2010. Linda has found several Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, and green turtle nests during her years of patrolling. The six green turtle nests found this year were all located at Padre Island National Seashore. Nesting could extend through midSeptember, so more green turtle nests could be found this year. Green and loggerhead turtles are listed as threatened species, and the Kemp’s ridley as endangered. Individuals from these three species tend to nest every two or three years, which could help explain the lack of loggerhead nests this year. The loggerhead turtles that set the record here last year likely remained in the foraging grounds and skipped nesting this year. Hopefully they will return to our shores during 2012.
This year, 123 volunteers helped with the sea turtle efforts in the local area. We thank these very dedicated individuals for their tremendous assistance with a variety of tasks. Collectively, they contributed thousands of hours of work. Volunteer Jenny Krouse alone contributed more than 1,000 hours. Sharolyn Linton, Barbara Threatt, Dennis Baker, and Glenice Baker round out the list of the five largest contributors of volunteer hours this year. We held our annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on August 18. Dozens of the volunteers and their family members attended. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to thank them for their hard work during this event. Volunteers help us year-round, although most of their assistance is during the nesting and hatching seasons. We will hold a training session in a few months to prepare them to aid with cold stunning of juvenile green turtles, should it occur this winter. And, in February and March 2012 we will hold training for patrols to find, document, and protect nesting and stranded turtles found on the Gulf beaches. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with our project, please contact Cynthia Rubio, the Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Volunteer Coordinator, by telephone at 361-949-8173, ext. 228 or by e-mail at pais_seaturtlevolunteer@nps.gov.
GulfBreeze Cystic Fibrosis Surf Camp By Mike Murphy In August, the Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF) road tour returned for a second Surf Experience Day for persons with genetic disorders. Local pro surfer and owner of Texas Surf Camps (TSC), Morgan Faulkner, along with ten pro surfers on the MOF road tour made this event in Port Aransas a great success for the patients and families who were there.
have Cystic Fibrosis respond very well to the salt water environment. The saline in the air and water breaks down the congestion that is in their lungs. This congestion requires frequent saline treatments in hospitals and daily medication. It has been determined that surfing can contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling life while having fun.
Mauli Ola…..breath of life
Professional surfers help each camper catch a wave, learn to stand-up on the board and ride the wave to the beach. Although some of the campers have initial reservations, most are comfortable after their first ride. Morgan Faulkner’s TSC provided surfboards and shade tents for the MOF Surf Experience Camps held at Port Aransas and Galveston.
In 2000, Ambry Genetics developed a breakthrough technology for full gene testing related to the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. This technology is now used in national and global research by academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and most of the major children’s and university hospitals. In 2007, Ambry Genetics created the non-profit MOF and since then Bobby Serna, Surf Experience Director, has coordinated over 50 events across the country and in Hawaii for over 800 Cystic Fibrosis patients.
The MOF was organized to promote education, awareness and increase research for genetic disorders. Funds are raised to support programs for kids and adults with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities through social Campers (orange shirts), families and pro surfers events such as music concerts, sports events and Surf Experience Day events. Cystic Fibrosis…..patients and families The Surf Experience Day focuses on the connection between surfing and Cystic Fibrosis to provide an enjoy- Talking with the children diagnosed with Cystic Fibroable option to help children with genetic disorders have sis was informative; their lives are full of constant chala healthier way of life through natural treatments. Nu- lenges to maintain the necessary treatments. Pulmonary merous professional surfers participate in each of the and digestive treatments include inhalation therapy, nuSurf Experience Day events as well as making hospital tritional enzyme and antibiotic treatments. Multiple daivisits during their extensive road tours. ly treatments at home are normal and extended stays in hospitals are also common. Therapy…..mental and physical This was the first time any of the kids have tried surfing. MOF Surf Experience Days were created to get kids Jeremy Wingate, age 12, who did very well also enjoys who have Cystic Fibrosis into the ocean water to exfootball and river rafting. His parents Derek and Niki perience what a natural saline therapy can do for their lungs. The exercise and fun is fantastic and kids who GulfBreeze Continued on Page B2
Fatal Crash in Port Aransas
Art Center for the Islands
Art Center for the Islands will hold its First Friday Reception on September 2nd from 5:30-7:30 pm. Works include: Isle of Man (Art on Exhibit by the Following Artists) Louis Garcia, Gary Hansen, Adam Johnson, David Roach, Exhibit up through September 30th August Sponsors– Urban Engineering & Woody’s Sports Center. Come enjoy Refreshments and Live Music, Great Art & Artists! Open to the Public at 323 N. Alister Port Aransas. For questions call 361-749-7334
The investigation continues into a fatal accident on Highway 361 in Port Aransas on Friday, August 19th. According to Port Aransas Police Chief Scott Burroughs a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport SUV driven by 33-year-old Ruben Renteria was traveling North on highway 361 when Renteria’s vehicle drifted off of the right shoulder and struck a concrete culvert. The vehicle flipped end over end coming to rest on its roof. Ten people were inside of the vehicle including 8 children. Police say none of the children were wearing seat belts. Two children (pictured above) aged 9 and 2 died as a result of the crash another remains hospitalized. Renteria voluntarily submitted to a blood draw. Police say that the investigation continues and that no further comment will be made on the evidence or potential charges until the investigation is complete. The family and friends in the vehicle were from San Antonio headed to Port Aransas for the weekend. The accident closed Highway 361 in both directions for nearly four hours.