Guy Harvey Magazine — Fall 2016 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

THE

ED UCAT I ON I S S U E

A R E S O UR C E G UIDE

F OR TE ACHE RS ,PARENTS & STUDENTS

The Art of Ocean Conservation VOLUME 7, ISSUE 25 FALL 2016 $6.95

SPECIAL REPORT: Florida Everglades A summer of environmental fallout calls anglers to action

9 Boat Alternatives The latest yaks, SUPs & more

PLUS: Going Indiana Jones—research meets adventure | 8 Weird Fish Facts | How to Teach Your Children Well | Preparing Students for a Bright Future 1 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & afﬁliates.

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CONTENTS

FALL 2016

GOING INDIANA JONES

Making the ocean a better place can take a lot of research and hard work, but any time you're around the water, adventure is never far

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL Parents have the greatest opportunity to instill a love of water in

away. We asked three PhDs to share a personal tale from the sea.

their kids. The good news is, nature lends a big helping hand.

BY DR. STEVE GITTINGS, DR. JOHN GRAVES

BY MARLOWE MOORE

& DR. GUY HARVEY

YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE What does it take to launch a career in marine science or a related

WEIRD FISH FACTS How much do you know about the sea and the many critters that

field? Education and employment opportunities abound and there’s

call it home? Read our list of fish facts and find the one that isn’t true.

more than one way to get on track.

BY GHM STAFF

BY MELISSA BRODEUR

4 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

PHOTO PORTFOLIO

DEPARTMENTS

Full Speed Ahead

Michael Bertozzi

After three decades of blending art and conservation, Guy

Michael Bertozzi knows how to cook over smoke, and he

is as busy as ever—2016's success promises more great

does it with a unique Latin flare.

things to come.

BY GHM STAFF

BY GUY HARVEY, PhD

News, Notes & Gear

Of course we can save the 'Glades—we can change the

Find some of the coolest gear to hit the market, and catch

future by not repeating the past.

up on the latest fishing and conservation news.

BY FRED GARTH

BY GHM STAFF

Where, How & When to Fish This issue, we lay out the essentials of cobia fishing and how to keep your bait shrimp fresh and lively.

Hooked on Restoration

Mac Stone Our featured photographer has spent a career capturing stunning images of wetlands and gives us some of his best stuff from the Everglades.

On the Cover: Peacock Bass by Guy Harvey

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CONTENTS

FALL 2016

BOAT ALTERNATIVES

DOCK BUZZ

Now or Neverglades

FEATURE

Pushing Progress

Florida’s charter captains are not staying silent.

Everglades restoration requires both political will and legal

BY CAPT. DANIEL ANDREWS

action. Here’s what is being done at the local, state and

BACKLASH

BY SUE COCKING

federal levels.

Bob Graham GHM sits down with Senator Bob Graham. After decades of fighting for the Everglades, no one knows the issues better.

FEATURE

Good, Bad & Ugly

BY GHM STAFF

South Florida was rocked by algae blooms this summer,

FEATURE

BY FRANK SARGEANT

but fortunately there is still good fishing to be found.

Now or Neverglades Water diverted from Lake Okeechobee is drying up the ‘Glades and polluting Florida’s coasts. We must fix it now! BY STEVE DAVIS, PhD

GEAR

Boat Alternatives More anglers are taking to the water in something other than a conventional boat, and the results are downright

FEATURE

fishy. We offer a look at the latest in alternative craft.

River of Grass

BY DARYL CARSON

The Everglades are an ecological wonder. The closer you get, the more impressive the ‘Glades become. BY MICHAEL CONNER

Located in the historic coastal city of St. Augustine, Florida, Flagler College offers a truly immersive education, with high-impact learning experiences in small classes and the great outdoors. Learn about our Coastal Environmental Science program, undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities.

Office of Admissions 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 904 - 829 - 6481 · www.flagler.edu

GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE OFFICES: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Fred Garth, Editor-in-Chief NEW YORK, NEW YORK Merrill Squires, Partner

“Nothing renews your spirit like a sunset over the water.”

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Scott Smith, Partner

CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER Lost Key Publishing Managing Editor Daryl Carson Art Director Carly Stone Marketing Director John Guidroz Circulation Director Penny Jones Director of Sales & Marketing JJ Waters Marketing Consultant Justin Gaudin Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Accounting Karen Belser Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Contributing Editors Dr. Guy Harvey, Danny Thornton Contributors David Accursio, Capt. Daniel Andrews, Melissa Brodeur, Alex Chandler, Sue Cocking, Michael Conner, Michelle Conner, Steve Davis, PhD, Steve Gittings, PhD, John Graves, PhD, Marlowe Moore, Frank Sargeant, Mac Stone Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey, Chad Henderson, Bill Shedd, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Harvey Taulien, David Wilkinson

Y HARV

WE’RE GREEN:

Finding an environmentally-friendly printer is important to us. That’s why this

magazine is printed at Publishers Press in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Publishers Press recycles more than 50 million pounds of paper products each year, which saves 10 million gallons of oil, 35,000 trees and 14 million gallons of water. Publishers Press also recycles more than 300,000 pounds of aluminum printing plates annually and no hazardous wastes are ever sent to a landfill, but are recycled and reused. Additionally, they recycle

217 tons of plastic each year and have set aside 550 of the 700 acres they own to be used for conservation and recreation.

Explore the shore on the award-winning white sands of St. Pete Beach. Master the art of paddleboarding, go fishing or on a diving adventure. At the end of the day, find topical cocktails, live music and campfire s’mores beside the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a resort experience like no other. Get more for your beach getaway with our value packages!

GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 25, Fall 2016. GHM is published four times per year (quarterly) for $24.95 per year by Lost Key Publishing, LLC, 7166 Sharp Reef Road, Pensacola, Florida 32507. Application to mail

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address changes to: Guy Harvey Magazine, PO Box 13274, Pensacola, FL 32591-3274. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without express written permission from Lost Key Publishing. Occasionally, we may make all or part of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and/or services that may interest you. The false fact is number six, Inky Situation!

Buy Your Florida Fishing License!

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Take the Pledge at IDoFish.com Help preserve the fishing capital of the world! License fees support Florida fishing and wildlife conservation programs and help secure additional federal funds for sportfishing restoration projects. Get yours at designated retailers, tax offices and online at License.MyFWC.com.

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CONTRIBUTOR’S PROFILE MAC STONE Mac Stone is incredibly passionate about soggy places. A self-titled conservation photographer from Gainesville, Florida, he grew up exploring the springs, swamps and hammocks of his home state. A handful of his images are on display in this issue’s Portfolio section (page 60) and they help us tell the tale of the current state of the Everglades. One image in particular required more than the usual dose of planning and patience. Lake Okeechobee is home to what may be the largest concentration of snail kites. These raptors live on just one food source, the apple snail. About the size of a golf ball, these snails spend limited time out of the water, so kites are constantly in the air, scanning for a much needed but hard to find meal. The idea was to capture an image of a snail kite swooping in on its prey, but being in the right place at the right time would not be easy. Stone teamed up with a state wildlife biologist and the two built a small, submersible platform out of PVC. It was like a table just under the surface that kept the snails at the top of the water column and visible to any passing birds. Stone set up a camera nearby with a remote trigger, camouflaging the whole thing. Then the waiting began. “It was miserable, and I got really discouraged,”

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says Stone. “Four days passed and I had nothing to show for it. I started to think the image was impossible.” Stone decided to give it another day and dutifully hauled his gear out and set up one more time. But this time his planning paid off. Soon after setting things up, a kite appeared over the cattails. It saw the snails and made a beeline for the platform. The bird swooped in, deftly picked up a snail and then retreated back into the air, all in one motion. “In that moment, all those months of planning, waiting, all the sunburns, mosquito bites, they were all worth it,” says Stone. Why go to such agonizing lengths? Stone says his real aim is not just capturing amazing images, but through those images, he wants to get people thinking about the relationship between mankind and the natural world. His signature book,

Novice to Expert, Pond to Open Water, Roll it, Slide it, Dolly it, Fish, Hunt, Cruise, Relax

Everglades: America’s

The Ultraskiff is a patented design of small, portable watercraft. Explore the possibilities of this one-of-a-kind platform that offers unbelievable stability, convenience, comfort and transportability.

stunning view of a truly

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to Stone’s TED talk and

727-444-0021

Wetland, took five years to complete and offers a

unique and irreplaceable national treasure. To listen

see more of his work, visit: www.macstonephoto.com.

GUY TALK

FULL SPEED AHEAD This year, I celebrated my 30th anniversary as a full-time artist. It has been

edition of Guy Harvey Magazine is our annual

an incredible three decades capped off by an amazing 2016. For example, I

education issue. As part of our continuing

never dreamed that I would see my art stretched along the 1,200-foot hull of a

education efforts, this issue is sent to every

Norwegian Cruise Lines ship with fish as big as yachts and in eye-popping colors.

school in the state of Florida. We hope to

I certainly didn’t expect SeaWorld to end its orca breeding program and partner

expand that program to other states in the

with the Humane Society to completely reinvent themselves. That was followed

future. And, from a marine conservation

by a partnership with Guy Harvey, Inc., to sell GH product in SeaWorld’s stores.

perspective, we’ve devoted several articles to

Plus, I had the privilege of painting a mural of a mako shark next to their heart-

the extremely pressing Everglades disaster.

stopping roller coaster, the Mako. Working with NCL and SW are just two of the

Please do whatever you can to support the

many events that accentuated an epic year for the Guy Harvey organization.

Now or Neverglades program. There are a

And, as usual, I’ve gotten to travel quite a bit promoting marine conservation,

lot of politics involved but, ultimately, the

while also fishing, diving, tagging sharks and billfish, and making a few films.

Everglades needs to be restored for myriad

I even attended a GH Ocean Foundation fundraiser in New Orleans that had a

reasons, not the least of which is that the

GUY HARVEY, PhD

Roaring ‘20s theme. Fortunately, I still fit into my tuxedo, even after all of that

Everglades provides a nursery for many of our

is an internationally-acclaimed

fabulous food.

favorite game fish. Not only that, but it acts as

artist, fisherman, scientist, and

a massive filter as water flows south towards

world traveler, who devotes

Over the years, we’ve gained a lot of popularity from our ubiquitous T-shirts

This year has also been one of re-evaluating our message and our business.

Florida Bay. But you can read all of those

much of his time and money

that many of you have worn proudly. Because, as you know, a percentage of our

details in this issue.

toward ocean conservation.

revenues have always been earmarked for marine conservation and education,

Thanks again for supporting the GH

and that’s a commitment we will continue to keep. Of course, these days,

organization, and I look forward to another 30

fishermen want more than just cotton shirts, so we have worked diligently to

years of promoting sustainability and conservation.

develop a complete line of performance shirts that I believe are the best on the market. And, the most stylish, if I may say so myself! Speaking of education and marine conservation, you’ll notice that this

Fair winds and tight lines!

NEWS, NOTES & GEAR GHM READER PHOTO

Photo: Josh Collins

To Love a Turtle BY ALEX CHANDLER

Attention Readers! Send us your best photo for a chance to be published in the BITE. Limit one submission per issue. penny@guyharveymagazine.com

Can you point to a single event that shaped your life? Casey Sokolovic can. it was a third grade field trip in 2005 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Since that trip,

LAST has 25 student volunteers who are scuba certified and participate in coral restoration, clean-ups,

she has spent every year since trying to do what she can to save sea

lionfish removal and fish identification surveys.

turtles and other marine wildlife through her organization, Help Them LAST – Love A Sea Turtle. The organization started with simple bake sales to help raise money and awareness for local sea turtles, but today, it hosts numerous events throughout the year and has been the driving force behind major public campaigns to further marine research and conservation. Included are a Trail Run and an Upstream/ Downstream Connection initiative. The Trail Race is an annual 5K that takes place on a trail loop not currently open to the public. The winners in both male and female categories win basic scuba certification as well as many other prizes. The Upstream/Downstream Connection Initiative encompasses summer camps, River Guardians Water Monitoring programs and a Stow It-Don’t Throw It monofilament recycling project. These programs are designed to get young people of all ages—middle school, high school and college— thinking about environmental issues and how they can be involved in making a difference.

This summer, LAST provided outdoor STEM-focused summer camp experiences for 2,000 under-served youth.

The River Guardians program is primarily focused on middle school students collecting and testing water from river systems near their schools, analyzing the data and sharing results. The summer camps have been a great way to get kids outdoors as they track the local fresh water to the coast. In 2015, over 1,600 students and more than 2,000 people overall were able to participate in water science, kayaking, trail biking and nutrition programs—all for free. According to LAST, student volunteers, known as the Turtle Team, “were SCUBA certified, participated in conservation workshop sessions, toured a coral nursery, planted coral, participated in fish identification surveys, donated items and toured The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, and became better stewards of the ocean.” Another initiative LAST is involved in is Stow It-Don’t Throw It. This program takes empty tennis ball containers and re-purposes them into personal-sized monofilament recycling bins. The group has assembled and distributed nearly 7,000 of these around the state with hopes that they will get folks more actively involved in recycling discarded fishing line. ECU Guy Harvey Campus Representative Molly Beasley has been very adamant about helping this organization reach its goals by donating products and time to their events. “We will usually meet once or twice a semester to catch up on any events that they have coming up, and I’m more than willing to see what I can do to make sure they get everything they need to be successful. Seeing them grow and accomplish so much has been such an honor and I can’t wait to see what more of an impact they create.”

For more information, please visit www.loveaseaturtle.com.

SeaQualizer Release Tool It doesn’t do any good to release a reef fish only to have it die from the effects of barotrauma. The solution is to help the fish get back to depth and that’s where the SeaQualizer shines. This pressure activated release tool allows anglers to select the release depth and then lower the fish using a regular rod and reel. The standard model comes with 50, 100 and 150-foot settings. (The company recommends releasing fish at a minimum of one-third the depth where the fish was caught.) Once the device is set, secure the jaws of the SeaQualizer around the lower jaw of the fish and send it down. At the proper death, the jaws open and the fish swims free. For easy use, most anglers rig a dedicated release rod with the SeaQualizer and 2 lbs. of weight. Shallow and deep water versions are also available. MSRP $50 seaqualizer.com

Titan Knife Technologies 9” Curved Blade

Hobie Polarized Sunglasses The world first learned about Hobie Alter, the man, when he invented the iconic catamaran sailboat that was unique in so many ways. No one had ever seen anything like it. That led to him designing windsurfers, paddleboards and then

With a solid titanium blade, this knife is incredibly durable and its 9-inch length

Hobie’s fishing kayaks, which have turned many a hard-core boater into yak

is ideal for processing larger fish. But the real secret is a blade design that takes

anglers. But, did you ever think Hobie would also make a high-quality pair of

a cue from nature. Beaver teeth (yes, wood-chewing beavers) stay amazingly

sunglasses? If not, think again. They’ve developed a complete line of polarized

sharp. The reason is the front of their teeth have a hard enamel while the back is

shades that, quite understandably, are targeted at serious water lovers—fishers,

somewhat softer. It causes the teeth to wear in such a way that they stay sharp,

surfers, skiers and the whole lot of us.

even after long use. The Titan blade mimics this, using a hard carbide edge on one side and leaving the relatively softer blade material on the other. The result is an edge that stays sharp even with hard use. A convex blade shape further improves performance by adding material behind the edge to give additional strength. Matched with an ergonomic, non-slip handle, the result is a knife that is comfortable and effective for hours of fish cleaning. MSRP $109 titanknifetech.com

We fisherman all have our fave shades and, honestly, Hobie usually doesn’t come to mind. However, since we love the Hobie yaks so much, the staff at GHM

decided to give their sunglasses a test run. We recently snagged a few pairs of their Hydro Collection and did some hard-hitting market research (fishing and boating). At first glance, these shades have style. After all, who cares about quality if you look like a goofball? Not to worry. This eyewear embodies the Hobie California cool tradition. Because, we all know that cool was invented in Southern Cal. Functionally, a super sweet aspect of these sunglasses is the integrated retainer system. The end of each earpiece is fitted with a pre-formed square hole for attaching the quick release clips. A sliding cable adjusts to bring the glasses in snug for those white-knuckled, 60 mph boat rides to the fishing spot. Or the cable can be lengthened to hang the glasses around your neck. So, they look hip and they fit nicely. So far so good. But what’s the view like? That’s the real question. Well, these shades passed that test with flying, polarized colors. As one of our RayBan diehards said, “These are the best sunglasses I’ve ever worn.” So, I guess she’s a convert. A key reason for the clarity of vision is what Hobie calls their HydroClean Plus lens coating that uses a series of hydrophobic and antireflective coatings that shed water, eliminate grime and are easy to clean. Also noteworthy is something called Hydro Infinity. It means their coatings wrap 360 degrees around the lens, even covering the edges of the lens so water, sweat, sunscreen and even your sloshed adult beverages are sealed out. Yep, it make sense that a company that built its business on watersports is now helping us see what the heck we’re catching, sailing on and falling into. For those of us who are pushing the outdoor envelope. they offer lightweight polycarbonate lenses that can take a pounding, as well as glass lenses for the clearest, most stunning vision. Lenses also come in five colors depending on your taste and usage. These days, when some of the most popular angling shades cost as much as a car payment, it makes sense to experiment with less expensive options. And, while we do love those popular brands, it’s hard to go wrong with a super high-quality pair of shades that won’t break the bank. Count me in on that action, dude. MSRP $99 hobiepolarized.com

When science collides with the ocean, all kinds of things can happen. Many of them are great for the environment, some are personally life-changing and a few will get your adrenaline pumping. To inspire the next generation of marine science whiz kids, we’ve collected a few tales from the sea. Each experience is a real event related by someone who has dedicated their life to making the ocean a better place.

Growing up on the coast of Southern California, I spent a lot of time on or in the water—fishing, body surfing and diving. Not wanting to leave the coast (and my favorite pastimes), I headed off to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), as an undergraduate. Like many of my classmates, I majored in biology and had aspirations of going on to medical school. So, during the spring of my junior year, I applied to several of the University of California medical schools. At the same time, I was also looking for a summer job. Inasmuch as my ‘62 Volkswagen Beetle had just died, I was 20 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

restricted to potential employers that were within bicycling distance of downtown La Jolla. I got lucky. I had inquired about summer employment in a few labs at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, but there weren’t any positions available. Then, it just so happened that a fisheries biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) lab in La Jolla called one of those labs to see if they knew of an undergraduate who would be willing to work on a project. The study involved the analysis of underwater photographs taken by a free-vehicle “drop” camera. The camera was deployed off a moving research vessel over “acoustic targets” (fish schools) that were detected by sonar. The camera would slowly descend through the water column, taking a total of 36 photos, before releasing its ballast

and floating up to the surface. My task was to determine what information we

anchovies were so tightly packed throughout the water column that the sonar

could get from the photos—hopefully the species composition of the school, and

return suggested it was land! As anchovies are a forage species for all kinds of

maybe the density (spacing) of fish within the school.

birds, mammals, and fishes, the amount of wildlife in that area was unbelievable.

I spent my first few weeks of the summer digitizing photographs and calibrating the camera in the UCSD swimming pool. Then I got an opportunity to go on a week-long cruise on a NMFS research vessel off Southern California to

Diving birds were everywhere, as were several species of dolphins, the occasional whale and schools of large, white seabass. When we first stopped in the area, I deployed the drop camera on a tether.

drop the camera on fish schools. Things worked out pretty well on the cruise. I was

As I was doing so, an off-duty crew member dropped down a diamond jig and

able to make several successful camera drops on fish schools during the week,

instantly hooked up to a white seabass. Then another crew member did. I quickly

although the camera “forgot” to return to the surface on our second to last day.

retrieved my drop camera and grabbed a fishing rod. Dropping down a live jack

From the photographs I got, I was able to not only identify the schools from the

mackerel, I was hooked up before my bait hit the bottom. My first white seabass

pictures (most were northern anchovy or jack mackerel), but also to estimate the

was 51 pounds! As I looked around at all that was happening, I remembered

density of fish in the school. Having demonstrated the potential of the system, a

thinking that I was actually getting paid to do this. Why would I do anything else?

few more camera systems were built and I was invited to participate on another NMFS research cruise at the end of the summer, this time for three weeks in the

John Graves never made it to medical school but went on to get his Ph.D. at Scripps

waters near the Channel Islands.

Institution of Oceanography and began a lifelong career in fisheries research and

That second cruise was incredible. We spent a lot of time underway, doing

management. He is currently chancellor professor of marine science and chair of

acoustic transects and camera drops, but on several occasions we anchored up

the Department of Fisheries Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science,

near one of the islands for the evening. During that down time, I was able to use

College of William & Mary, and for the past 21 years he has served as the chair of the

a smaller vessel to go diving in the kelp beds for abalone or to fish for kelp bass

U.S. Advisory Committee to the International Commission for the Conservation of

and California halibut. On the third week of the cruise, we ran into a massive

Atlantic Tunas. Below: Early in his career, Dr. John Graves—smiling here over a nice

concentration of anchovy schools near Pirate’s Cove on Santa Cruz Island. The

catch of mahi—decided to trade a stethoscope for a camera and a fishing pole.

Dr. Harvey helps release a mako shark after it has been fitted with a satellite tag. Notice the attachment bolts in the shark’s dorsal fin. Photo: George Schellenger.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 21

Not all research is in the lab. For Dr. Steve Gittings, scuba diving has been a regular part of his scientific career and he’s found it can sometimes require a bit of nerve.

Early in my career, I got into a situation that made me feel the same fear I imagine a tangled whale might experience. It was 1983 and I was in Cameron, Louisiana, installing experiments around a brine discharge pipe that was part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Project. Diving in only 15 feet of water should be a walk in the park, right? But add mud until you have zero visibility and no light, a pipe spewing thousands of gallons of brine through a fire hose, a snagged shrimp net, a mess of monofilament, a mesh goody bag, and an untested young diver, and mix them together (literally, as I did), and 15 feet of water might as well be a mile. Somehow I got myself above the discharge pipe, began tumbling like I was in a dryer, and became hopelessly tangled and disoriented. This isn’t part of your dive training, but it is where you learn to dive. It’s also where you get an idea of how you’ll handle real pressure. Bad thoughts creep in. “Did I start with a full tank? Will my buddy have any idea what’s going on? He

start cutting everything you didn’t bring in your dive bag. It’s all by feel. “Do NOT drop that knife!” The mud below would swallow it faster than quicksand. Slowly but surely you cut, trying to ascend every few cuts to see if you are free. “Stay away from the discharge.” You drop back down and cut some more. You promise yourself, or a higher authority, that if you get out of this, you won’t push your luck here again. Something works, and you suddenly find yourself floating the last couple feet to sunlight. A crisis becomes just a story. In diving, the distance between safety and disaster can be just a few feet. It’s even less if composure turns to panic. On that day, I learned a little about where my threshold is and it gave me confidence that I had a bit of the right stuff. I was able to repel panic by focusing on productive thoughts. It was an important experience. In many ways it launched me into a career full of what I call “life experiences.” They’ve included witnessing some of nature’s greatest spectacles, like mass coral spawning and huge fish spawning aggregations, living several times in an underwater habitat, and diving in five different submarines—all alone in one of them. Over the years, I’ve had a few more opportunities to panic. I didn’t. I don’t

might even be having the same problem. Either way, he’ll have no idea about

look forward to them, or enjoy them, but I believe it helps that I’ve been tested

my predicament until it’s too late. I’m breathing too hard. Is that my octopus free

before and passed.

flowing? How much air do I have now? It can’t be much.” You sense the threshold of panic. Will you cross it? To your surprise, your mind suddenly opens to a more useful thought. “If I can

Dr. Steve Gittings is chief scientist for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program. He works with the program’s scientists to better understand sanctuary ecosystems,

just drop below this gushing brine, I can find a calm spot on the bottom and deal

track changing conditions and reduce human impacts. From 1992–1998, he was

with this.” With a few awkward moves that, thankfully, no one will ever see, you

manager of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. He received a B.S.

make it happen. On the bottom, your roving hands confirm that there is only one

in biology at Westminster College, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in oceanography at

choice. Find that knife on your leg, grab it tighter than you ever have before, and

Texas A&M University.

Are you on a first-name basis with a tiger shark? Emma is a regular subject of shark research conducted by Dr. Harvey and others in the Bahamas. Below: Guy captured this image of a free-swimming marlin on one of his many expeditions. He says opportunities to view his subjects in this way helps him create such detailed and lifelike art. Photo: Guy Harvey.

Sitting on the covering board in my dive gear, camera in hand, I was watching the teasers intently. The bubbling left teaser was suddenly engulfed by a black mass, dorsal up and bill out over the lure. Blue marlin!

I slapped on my mask and launched into the water, getting below the boat’s foamy wake to face the oncoming fish. Coming right at me, the big marlin was chasing the teaser and passed a few feet over my head. What a shot! This close encounter represents the culmination of a lot of planning, time and effort that ends in the desired result: capturing the image of a free-swimming marlin. The large oceanic fishes, sharks, billfish and tuna cannot be kept in captivity. You have to visit their realm to see them. They are fast, elusive and inhabit the remote depths of the ocean. Consequently, they are also difficult to study. As an artist, I am hoping to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, not on the end of a fishing line. I have only fleeting glimpses of these fish as they come and go. Some big sharks however, like tigers, makos and oceanic white tips, can be chummed in using scent to initiate the encounter and then prolong the interaction. Chumming for big sharks is an effective way of not only getting them close for photography, but also for catching the animal for deployment of electronic tags. In Bermuda, we chummed tiger sharks, dived with them and then caught them to deploy SPOT

A videographer gets amazing shark footage at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. It has given Dr. Harvey and others a unique opportunity to study these animals up close. Photo: George Schellenger.

tags prior to release. In Mexico, we chummed makos in for the same reason, only

back into the cycle, which is repeated many times for the day. At around 1,200 lbs.,

we use cages, as the makos are lightning fast, and when amped up, they bite

she is formidable. She carries the scars (in varying states of repair) of many mating

everything around them, including the cage.

skirmishes with male counterparts.

One the best shots to get is the departure of the fish having been tagged.

Emma gives divers so many options for great photos with an impressive tiger

The marlins and sailfish are revived by towing them next to the boat at a slow

shark in the wild and in complete safety. She has become the silent mascot for

speed, holding their bill and dorsal fin upright. This forward motion drives water

sharks in the Bahamas and even has her own Facebook page! She is the star of

over their gills. Billfish, tuna and large sharks are ram breathers. That means they

not one but two documentaries produced by George Schellenger. There are other

cannot pump water over their gills—they must swim forward to breathe.

large pelagic animals that are easy to dive with if you know where to go. Whale

Once the billfish is revived, I position myself under the boat to get the shot of the fish swimming away. Its colors light up, the tail is swinging and it heads down into cooler water as I swim beside it, and I hold the shot until it disappears into the blue. We use the same process for tigers,

sharks congregate off the coast of the

Emma gives divers so many options for great photos with an impressive tiger shark, in the wild and in complete safety.

makos and oceanic white tip sharks.

Yucatan in June to August each year, and access is through snorkeling. Giant manta rays are also present. Mantas are also seen in the course of diving in various locations worldwide such as in the Galapagos and off remote western Pacific islands. Expeditions to catch, tag, track, film

However, some makos are not so ready to leave the scene and often swim back at

and photograph reef ecosystems and large pelagic species are multi-disciplinary.

us to check out what is going on, providing more great footage.

For me, the most exciting and enjoyable part is being inspired by new encounters.

The ultimate close encounter is always at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. Diving

I am always learning more about the ocean and its amazing inhabitants.

with renowned photographer and shark conservationist Jim Abernethy has always been a huge learning experience. He specializes in getting his clients in

Dr. Guy Harvey paints such accurate representations of his subjects—billfish, sharks,

front of bull sharks, hammerheads and tigers. From June to November each year,

dolphins, turtles, etc.—because he’s an avid diver and underwater photographer,

his favorite shark, Emma, a 14-ft. tiger shark, shows up in the chum line. We had

not to mention a Hall of Fame fisherman. Diving has allowed Guy to get up close

the pleasure of spending a day with Emma in June.

and personal to marine life in its natural environment, both to further his art and to

Emma has been known to Jim for 13 consecutive years as an adult shark, which means she is now probably 25 to 30 years old. She is different from all the other tigers because she swims up the runway and then makes tight turns to get

conduct tagging studies and other research. Dr. Harvey studied at Aberdeen University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies.

For the past five years, I’ve been fortunate to document Guy’s expeditions to

I’m always eager to see a new piece of artwork from Guy. A flood of questions

explore the underwater world—from tiger sharks to shortfin mako sharks and

goes through my mind as I take it in: How did he paint the background? How

from blue, white and black marlin to the curious Nassau grouper. My memories

does the light filter through the surface of the water? What kind of action is he

are indelible and the work is always rewarding. But the question I’m asked most is,

detailing? What will happen next? If you study a Guy Harvey painting, you’ll see

“What’s it like to work with Guy?” The best way to really describe Guy Harvey—at

life in motion captured by every brush stroke. Detail, detail, detail. Each painting

least as an artist and researcher—is to go over five things I’ve learned by watching

is the result of a lifetime of craftsmanship and a lifetime studying science and

him work.

witnessing these creatures first-hand. It goes way beyond the 10,000-hour rule. As you look at Guy’s artwork, you have to ask yourself, “Do I allow enough time to be detailed in what I do? Or am I too distracted? How can I stay focused on

When we’re on the water and the lines are out, Guy is focused on what will

the detail?”

happen next. He’s making adjustments to the bait or teasers, constantly looking for any signs of life just beneath the surface. His daughter Jessica and I watched him in Panama as he sat on the transom hour after hour, day after day, patiently

Guy is hard on himself and his work. He wants to be everywhere at once, he

waiting for the flash of blue. When a blue marlin shows up, it all pays off in an

wants to shake hands with every fan and learn their names, and he wants every

instant. Guy is smiling, incredibly excited—and we see a glimpse of Guy as the

painting to be perfect. Not to mention, he wants to spend as much time as he can

young man who read Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea dozens and dozens

on the water for a chance meeting with a marlin. This is the passion you see every

of times. Guy’s patient persistence pays off for science as well. He’s spent more

minute when you’re with Guy and in every painting he paints. During our yearly

than two decades working with Dr. Mahmood Shivji and other scientists, and

oceanic whitetip shark expeditions to Grand Cayman for the Kirk Slam Fishing

part of that that time has been spent tagging and tracking tiger sharks to better

Tournament and the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, Guy is

understand how to protect these creatures. That work helped the government

passionately asking anglers for their help in finding the once common oceanic. By

of the Bahamas turn their waters into a shark sanctuary. Now he is exercising the

the time each tournament starts, Guy has spread his passion to the anglers and

same patience as GHRI tracks oceanic whitetip sharks.

the spectators. They become eager to help our cause. Guy’s passion is changing research by encouraging more people to become citizen scientists.

The variables in the field are always in flux. Guy is not. Guy’s consistency is the foundation for every expedition. He takes nothing for granted and works hard every day. He knows that each second we spend on expedition is a priceless opportunity. Every encounter with a large pelagic animal is as important to Guy as the previous encounter.

What really drives Guy? I think it is his faith that if you do the work, everything will move in the right direction. If you lead the way and lay the foundation, then others will follow. It’s what makes an icon like Guy, iconic.

George C. Schellenger is a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer. He’s worked for the X PRIZE Foundation, AOL Time Warner, Microsoft and NBC. You can see his work with Guy on iTunes. George and Guy are currently working on new programs for November’s Shark Talk in the Cayman Islands. Left: George Schellenger (foreground) shoots a selfie with Guy and his crew. Schellenger has partnered with Guy on numerous film projects, including those focused on shark and grouper conservation. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 25

Your Bright

FUTURE

For students eyeing an ocean-themed career, the possibilities are endless and the preparation can start now. BY MELISSA BRODEUR – PROGRAM MANAGER, NATIONAL OCEAN SCIENCES BOWL

Have you ever dreamed of diving deep beneath the ocean’s surface in a submersible to discover new species of marine life? Or would you like to study how to keep a critically endangered species of sea turtle from going extinct? Maybe create a new technology that easily removes plastic material from the oceans? If you’re a water lover, you know that our regional coasts, Great Lakes, and

our oceans. We also need communication and policy experts to help transfer knowledge and highlight the importance of ocean issues. In other words, we need a new generation of marine science experts. Whether you’re reading this as a high school or college student, the parent of a budding scientist or even just looking for a career change, there is a world of opportunity in marine science and its many related fields.

CHARTING A COURSE

open oceans have an enormous impact on our environment, health, safety,

By studying the ocean, you can do more than just find a job—you can help

security and well-being. The ocean also stimulates our economy through tourism,

make a difference for our blue planet. Armed with a solid knowledge of ocean

recreation, trade and fishing; it drives weather patterns and climate, influencing

science, you will be well equipped to tackle important, timely topics such as

extreme events; and it can provide clean, renewable energy.

changes in global climate and weather, ecosystem health, sustainability and

Amazingly, much of the vast ocean is still undiscovered. We have more detailed maps of the moon, Mars, and Venus than we do of our own seafloor, and

resource conservation. Ocean science is, by nature, multi-disciplinary. This means you can study

there’s a myriad of ocean-related problems that need solving. The bottom line is

the ocean whether you want to focus on physics, chemistry, biology, geology,

this: We need researchers and explorers to help us discover and learn more about

technology or mathematics.

For example, you can use math to look at the statistics of changing fish

Enthusiasm is vital!

What drives you? The excitement of new

populations, or chemistry and biology to research how pollutants are impacting

discoveries? A desire to change your community or to solve complex problems?

whales and sharks. And if you aren’t interested in being a scientist, there are plenty

Communicating the beauty of the ocean through words or art? Knowing your

of applied and support-type jobs that utilize ocean science, like harbormasters,

strengths and what drives you can steer you toward choosing research, education,

scuba tour guides, ship captains, science journalists, technicians aboard research

communication, conservation or policy—all of which are ways to shape future

vessels and environmental lawyers. The options are endless.

decisions, practices and public opinions that affect the ocean.

If you’re in—or entering—high school, the National Ocean Sciences Bowl® (NOSB®), a program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, has some ideas

Do your homework!

on how you can prepare for the next level of your education, especially if your

science departments, schools or institutes with programs for undergraduate

ultimate goal is a career in the ocean sciences.

students. What education level (technical, undergraduate or graduate degree)

The NOSB’s mission is to enrich science education and learning through

There are many universities that have marine

and coursework (zoology, statistics, communications, policy or economics)

a nationwide competition that increases high school students’ knowledge of

are required for your ideal job? Research which universities and colleges offer

the oceans and Great Lakes and possible career paths while promoting ocean

the programs and courses needed for you to succeed (see some highlighted

stewardship. Since ocean science is not a course generally offered at the high

undergraduate programs on the next page). Often, you’ll need to take basic

school level, the NOSB is one of the only ways many students can gain exposure

science, math and computer courses before specializing in ocean science. But

to ocean science and related careers. Over the past 19 years, the NOSB has

note that not all ocean science careers require a Ph.D. Today’s ocean workforce

exposed 28,000 high school students nationwide to ocean science and related

specifically needs people who can operate and maintain specialized equipment.

environmental science education and careers. Many students have gone on to

So consider asking if opportunities for scuba and boat handling certifications

meaningful careers. Examples include an expedition specialist for the National

are available. Oh, and do your regular homework, too—doing well in school is

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration

important, no matter what you want to do in the future.

and Research at sea expeditions; an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service; a science communication specialist for a West Coast university; and a

Ask questions!

congressional fellow for a science and technology fellowship program

them how they got to where they are now. You’ll find there is no one correct path.

Talk to individuals working in the career you want, asking

in Washington, D.C. There are so many opportunities to immerse yourself in ocean study, and increasingly more ways to secure a career related to the ocean. Here are a few tips on how you can get started on your ocean education and career paths right now:

first steps Follow your interest! What is it about the ocean you love? Are you drawn to the creatures, big and small, that live in the marine environment? Or are you interested in fossils of organisms that no longer exist? Do you like spending time on boats or using the latest technology? Or are you intrigued by what life was like in maritime regions hundreds of years ago? Once you know what fascinates you most about the ocean, you can explore whether you want to be, for example, a marine biologist, paleoclimatologist,

Left: Get out on the water and learn a new skill, such as kayaking, which allows you to explore estuarine habitats close-up.

ocean engineer, maritime historian or archeologist.

Above: Participate in local conservation projects, such as planting marsh grasses as part of a living shoreline restoration

But remain flexible—your interests may change as you

effort to protect land from erosion and provide habitat for other plants and animals.

learn more about the ocean.

Median Annual Salaries

Washington, DC

Geoscientist

Marine Biologist

Mathematician

Microbiologist

Economist

Technical Writer

Hydrologist

Chemist

Civil Engineer

$104,200

$98,790

$130,270

$106,120

$114,630

$76,080

$92,990

$117,220

$90,940

San Diego, CA

$75,870

$67,100

$95,120

$63,170

$100,470

$77,860

$92,090

$87,540

$86,270

Seattle, WA

$83,920

$73,360

$92,070

$65,230

$84,270

$83,750

$86,020

$72,370

$84,380

Milwaukee, WI

$84,600

$51,220

$70,260

$72,430

$76,150

$55,070

$66,390

$65,150

$74,400

Houston, TX

$144,540

$57,020

$80,000

$55,890

$88,200

$57,870

$67,160

$86,530

$103,480

Boston, MA

$102,040

$54,670

$115,450

$73,060

$89,960

$82,560

$86,110

$85,250

$84,440

Industry/Professional Services

$82,320

$64,990

$108,070

$70,080

$114,390

$68,310

$83,370

$74,620

$84,280

Colleges & Universities

$79,530

$55,420

$75,760

$56,320

$69,430

$53,980

$71,160

$63,280

$68,850

$96,170

$77,590

$106,020

$100,280

$109,360

$75,560

$82,430

$104,730

$86,950

$45,374

$43,638

$56,492

$46,924

$48,028

$43,638

$45,374

$47,323

$51,844

$56,647

$45,171

$70,886

$45,171

$57,505

$45,171

$56,647

$50,514

$58,178

$63,465

$60,630

$110,000

$60,243

$88,229

$60,243

$62,267

$66,385

$61,721

Federal Government Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctorate

(1-4 years) (1-4 years)

(1-4 years)

What to expect as a salary, given geography (where you are working), sector (industry, government, non-profit, etc.), and level of experience and degree obtained. Examples are median data that serve as a starting point for salary expectations.

When you start asking others about their course of action, you’ll see that they

acidification. Fishing is popular in Idaho, and while the state may not feel the

probably didn’t follow a straight line but instead more of a meandering path,

effects as soon as others, salmon fishing upstate will certainly be impacted by

where each experience helped shape the following one. And, by asking questions

ocean acidification. If you don’t live in a coastal state, consider studying aquatic

and sharing your specific interests, you may just find a mentor who will help

science. The Great Lakes, which contain 90 percent of the total freshwater in the

put you on the path toward achieving your goals. Many NOSB alums note that

U.S., support agriculture, fisheries, shipping, recreation and tourism, and industry.

by speaking to professionals during their time competing at the NOSB regional

Therefore, we also need science experts who can focus on protecting freshwater

competitions, they met future professors, advisors and employers! So don’t be

resources, which face negative impacts due to increased human development,

afraid to speak up!

climate change, pollution and invasive species.

Take initiative! Search for new and exciting opportunities and experiences

Join the NOSB! If you are in high school, consider participating in your local

and commit to as many as possible. Consider summer classes with marine

NOSB regional competition. You will meet ocean science professionals and other

education programs, volunteer positions at local aquaria and museums,

students with similar interests, all while learning about the ocean and gaining

internships with corporations and nonprofits, summer field work or independent

critical thinking, research, and leadership skills that will assist you in future

studies with university programs, and fellowships with state and federal

academic and career aspirations.

governments. Each opportunity can provide you with the necessary skill sets— such as effective communication, independent research, public speaking or

For more ideas, as well as profiles on current ocean science professionals and

computer programming—for success in your education and future employment.

employers in the ocean sciences, check out the NOSB’s career resource booklet for students, An Ocean of Possibilities! Careers Related to the Ocean and Aquatic

Don’t let geography stop you!

Just because you may live in a land-

Sciences, at www.NOSB.org. Other great resources include The Bridge (http://web.

locked state doesn’t mean you can’t study the ocean and one day work in an

vims.edu/bridge/), and Sea Grant Guide to Ocean Opportunities (http://www.

ocean-related field. The NOSB’s 2014 and 2015 National Championship team

marinecareers.net) and www.womenoceanographers.org. As you can see, there

lives in Boise, Idaho. Prior to the students forming an NOSB team, they had never

are so many opportunities for education that with some self-directed research and

been exposed to oceanography. Through hard work and studying, they learned

enthusiasm for new experiences, you can chart your own course toward an

that Idaho, while hundreds of miles from the ocean, would be affected by ocean

ocean-related career!

Programs for High Schoolers Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

— Mote is an

independent marine research institution that focuses on research and education. Their “Discovering the Florida Keys” and “Ecology of the Florida Keys” week-long programs offer high school students the opportunity to explore the marine life of the Florida Keys through boat and kayak excursions, snorkeling trips, tidepool explorations, and visits to the Dry Tortugas National Park or the Dolphin Research Center. Visit mote.org.

Sea Education Association (SEA) — Located at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, SEA Science on the Cape is a summer program that offers high school students the opportunity to study the marine environment from scientific, historical, literary, cultural and nautical perspectives. The program involves coursework, lectures, field trips, and laboratory activities that highlight teamwork and leadership, as well as evening activities and games to build community amongst the students staying in the cottages. Visit sea.edu.

NOAA Science Camp Junior Leadership Program (JLP) — JLP is designed specifically for teens entering 9th–12th grades and aims to provide hands-on learning experiences in leadership, communication skills, team-building and scientific research. Participants work with NOAA scientists and professional science educators over the course of the two-week program. Junior leaders participate in a variety of activities that develop their skills as leaders, teachers, and ocean scientists, and that give them unique exposure to marine-related careers. Visit wsg.washington.edu/students-teachers/k-12-activities/ noaa-science-camp/jr-leaders/.

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) — Located on Appledore Island off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine, SML offers high school and undergraduate courses on a remote marine science field station each summer. The high school courses, which include intensive, all-day learning and extensive field work, include Marine Environmental Science and Introduction to the Biology of Sharks, Skates and Rays. The courses can help you earn your first college credits. Visit www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org.

SCUBAnauts International™(SNI) — If you live in Florida, or plan to go to college there, and have an interest in scuba, check out SNI. SNI involves young men and women, ages 12–18, in the marine sciences through underwater marine research and conservation projects that build character, promote active citizenship and develop effective leadership skills. Their Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge provides participants a week-long expedition during coral

Students help to transport a deceased dolphin to a lab when a necropsy (autopsy on

transplants to interact with veterans recovering from war-related ailments.

an animal) will be performed.

Visit www.scubanautsintl.org. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 29

Marine studies are about field work as well as research inside the lab.

University Undergraduate Programs Savannah State University (SSU) — SSU offers a B.S. and

ecosystems. UCSC is situated within five miles of Monterey Bay and is close to

M.S. in marine science, incorporating field, shipboard and laboratory experience;

a number of nature reserves and state, federal, and private marine research

student-centered community outreach; and service learning. SSU takes advantage

institutions and resource management agencies. Visit www.ucsc.edu.

of their location on a salt marsh and offers direct ocean access and marine lab facilities that provide hands-on instruction. As the oldest public, historically black

Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) — With

college and university in Georgia, and the oldest institution of higher learning in

a distinct identity in marine themes, TAMUG is intimately connected to the land

Savannah, SSU serves the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student

grant mission of Texas A&M University and, as such, its academic programs and

population. Visit www.savannahstate.edu.

research initiatives are linked to finding basic and applied solutions in maritime affairs, science and technology, and ocean studies. The Texas Maritime Academy

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee — The School of

offers a four-year education, with licensing option, to those interested in the Coast

Freshwater Sciences offers undergraduate students an Applied Urban Aquaculture

Guard, Navy or other military branch. Visit http://www.tamug.edu.

Certificate, hands-on summer field courses and research opportunities with leading freshwater scientists. Students can interact with in-house partners,

FLAGLER COLLEGE

including U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.

Flagler takes advantage of the school’s location in St. Augustine, Florida,

Department of Agriculture. Program highlights include handling perch and Lake

combining its coastal location with expert marine scientists who teach and

Neeskay. Visit www.uwm.edu.

mentor undergraduate students in a wide array of projects from sea turtles and

— The coastal environmental science major at

dolphins to oyster reefs and fish communities. Students can participate in marine

University of Delaware (UD)

— UD has very strong

research as soon as they step foot on campus. Many have co-authored peer-

undergraduate programs in marine biosciences, marine policy, and oceanography

reviewed publications, presented their work at scientific conferences, completed

and physical ocean science and engineering as part of its School of Marine

international internships, and secured positions in graduate school and scientific

Science and Policy. A Marine Operations team supports sea-going research

consulting careers. Visit www.flagler.edu.

activities with the research vessel Hugh R. Sharp and a small boat fleet based at the harbor facility in Lewes. A summer internship program allows B.S. students to

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA — The University of West Florida

work on semi-independent projects of their design. Visit www.udel.edu.

is one of only a few institutions in the United States which offers a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. It combines core biology classes with electives that

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) — One

address both the theoretical and practical aspects of aquatic/marine biology.

of UCSC’s most popular undergraduate majors is marine biology, due to the large

Graduates may pursue an advanced degree in a number of related fields, includ-

number of lab and field courses that provide students with opportunities to study

ing marine biology, fisheries management, aquaculture, pollution biology and

and conduct directed or independent research in a diversity of marine

marine toxicology. Visit www.uwf.edu.

30 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

BY MARLOWE MOORE

As parents, we have a real opportunity to raise ocean-loving kids

32 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

umans are hardwired to water. We spend our pre-conception lives as totally wet potential in our moms and dads, waiting for the big wave. It comes, and we form inside the first mother ocean, floating for nine months in amniotic fluid. We don’t understand air until the day we’re born. When that day arrives, we are the wettest we will ever be at a whopping 75 percent water. And that’s excellent news for parents and guardians everywhere who want to raise ocean-loving kids. It’s easy to fight for marine life when you know you started out as one. It’s also encouraging to know that this basic biological connection to water can also be reinforced by some intentional parenting. According to a growing amount of right-brain research, if a parent shares a love of something with a child in a nurturing and fun way, the child “writes” that love in his or her brain’s neural pathways. You literally can shape your kid’s brain to be ocean-minded. Many parents start with swim lessons, though according to author and certified swim instructor Cathy Salustri, it’s important to start at the right time. “Because there’s a physiological memory of being in the womb that young babies have, one of ‘breathing’ amniotic fluid, wait until your child is six months or older when that memory fades,” she says. “The biggest thing you can do for her is teach her to be comfortable

Left: Hannah Lucas runs the boat while the family gets in some fishing. Allowing kids to participate

in the water. As a child’s motor skills develop, so will her swimming

wherever they are capable is a great way to build skills and boost their enjoyment on the water.

skills—if she’s comfortable in the water.”

Above, clockwise from left: Infant swim lessons are an excellent way to introduce your kids to the

Michael Howard, in his essay for the hip parenting blog Fatherly (“A

water at a young age. Photo: Stephana Gaudin. For John Metzger, it was never too early to help his

Guy Raising 3 Kids at Sea Explains How to Get Them Comfortable on a

daughter take the “long view” about marine habitats. Adia Garth shows off a nice speckled trout

Boat”), offers five basic principles to help your children get comfy with

caught behind the family’s home.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 33

a sea-worthy life: teach them to love the water, make safety cool, teach them the “real” rules, watch your language and teach your kids as you would a dog— which means lots of positive reinforcement. Howard’s advice centers around letting kids move at their own pace and

Hannah on elite sportfishing boats,” Lucas says. “Now she knows why certain fish

having fun, so parents aren’t responsible for getting their kids over fear. Buy your

go back in the water and not in the fish box. She is also not impressed at all with

children cool-looking PFDs and replace fear-based phrases such as, “Hold on

our 18-foot Seacraft.

for dear life in this deadly storm,” with verbiage that empowers, such as, “Steer through this extreme wind.”

“I’m excited to give her these opportunities. We take her places so she can see with her own eyes what’s at stake. She has legitimate concerns about the health of

Any water activity requires impressing your children with the reality that breaking certain rules can result in loss of life. Those are “real rules”. The idea,

our local river.” Hannah is nine. “She’s been out there, so she knows what to love. Such is also the case for John Metzger, an English instructor in Wilmington,

again, is not about scaring kids into

North Carolina. An avid outdoorsman,

safety but about educating them to

Metzger makes the most of life on “Living by the ocean and having the water in his small coastal town. access to rivers, streams and tidal When his daughter Haley came along, he took an incremental approach to marshes, it’s easy to introduce the teaching her about the wonders of the sea. ones you love to this environment.” “Living by the ocean and having

manage risks. Finally, keep offering tons of encouragement and your efforts will pay off. Crystal Mills Lucas, who taught high school biology and marine science in Martin County, Florida, knew before she had her daughter that

access to rivers, streams and tidal

Hannah’s life experiences would revolve around travel and the outdoors. Lucas

marshes, it’s easy to introduce the ones you love to this environment,” he says. “I

and her husband, Jason, scaled back, saved money, and by the time Hannah was

recall Haley’s first real encounter when she was two years old. I took her to Shell

four months old, the family was on their way to Mexico. By the time Hannah was

Island. We dug for fiddler crabs, and I brought a cast net to show her the wide

seven, she had caught marlin and sailfish, seen deforestation in Central America,

variety of fish and other creatures living in the backwater. She loved it.

snorkeled in the Dry Tortugas and eco-toured the Bahamas. “Jason owns a marine carpentry company, so we have these extraordinary trade opportunities to take

34 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

“Haley can now identify almost every species of fish and crab. Soon after the trip to Shell Island, she caught her first pinfish on a small rod, and just this

Far left: The Shealy family (Jack, Maria and son Turner) love time in the backwater. Left center: GHM staffer Justin Gaudin shares a view of the bay with his little girl. Left: Sailor Waters displaying her prized catch. Photo: Sydney Waters. Above: Adia Garth holds up dinner at the Old Bahama Bay Club on Grand Bahama and the Metzger’s daughter shows off a choice catch while fishing with the family.

summer she helped fill a cooler with black drum. But the key was starting small

When Turner gets older, Jack plans to up the ante, taking him offshore fishing

and moving from small equipment like dip nets, seine nets, and cast nets to more

and on extended trips, though he cautions that it’s easy to overdo it with little

hook-and-line fishing. She understands what fish eat and how to catch them.”

ones. “You have to work with what they can do,” he says.

Kids can absorb information with lightning speed and often shock adults

For parents with older children, the options for aquatic activities expand

with their ability to identify marine life. “I swear to you,” says Jack Shealy, a fourth

considerably. Family snorkeling and scuba diving trips open the door for

generation Florida Gladesman, “my son Turner, who turned four this year, can be

spearfishing or underwater photography and even filmmaking. And there are

in the dark and tell you what kind of fish it was by the way it hit the minnow.”

plenty of destinations that offer opportunities for family vacations centered

Jack runs Everglades Adventure Tours and the Trail Lakes Campground in Ochopee, where he teaches Turner the ways of traditional pole-boating. “Turner

around the water. The point is simply to keep the family immersed—literally and metaphorically—in as many ways as possible.

was in nature before he could talk. We spend a lot of time on the water. Once you

As we age, we dry up, and so do our kids. We’ll all be about half water by

establish that, everything else comes second nature. I want them to be protectors

the time the Great Wave comes to take us home. In the meantime, we can enjoy

of the Everglades. This is our culture; it’s our livelihood. I’m not trying to raise

knowing we are, as science writer Loren Eiseley noted, “…a way that water has of

activists or whatever, but they should know they can question things politically

going about, beyond the reach of rivers.” Or perhaps more pointedly, people are a

because this is our place. One day it will be their livelihood, too.”

way the ocean learned to travel. Best to do it together.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 35

Weird Fish Facts

amazing things about life in the water

(One fact is fiction! Can you guess which one it is? Find the answer on page 10.)

Doctor Octopus Oregon State researchers developed a seaweed called dulse. Intended as a super food for abalone, it tastes like bacon when cooked.

Seaweed Snacks Watered Down

Koi can live a long time. Hanako, a Japanese koi fish born in 1751, did not die until 1977. It was 226 years old.

Bluefin tuna average 500 to 800 lbs, but the world record is 1,496 lbs., the same as a mature Holestein cow.

6 Inky Situation

7 Pearls of Wisdom Sailfish are considered to be among the fastest fish, having been recorded at up to 68 mph over short distances.

If a jellyfish is left on land and in the sun it will almost completely evaporate since it is 95% water.

Being Koi Too Much Tuna

In ancient Polynesian cultures, Lionfish spines were dried and used as needles to apply tattoos.

Since 1986, the UK has required anesthesia to be used during surgical procedures on octopus because of the animal’s intelligence.

8 Fast Fish

Oysters make pearls as a way to ease the irritation of debris that gets stuck in their bodies. That debris is often not sand, but a nasty parasite.

The World’s Finest ___________________.

Owning the World’s Finest Shallow Water Skiff opens you up to experience the world’s finest everything else. Hell’s Bay proudly supports the efforts of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to preserve the world’s finest fisheries.

T H E

W O R L D ’ S

F I N E S T

SHALLOW

H e l l s B a y B o a t w o r k s . c o m

WATER

SKIFFS

GHMOF.COM

Visit the GHMOF site and find articles just like these for an even wider range of fishing topics.

HOW TO PREVENT LIVE BAIT SHRIMP FROM DYING From GHMOF’s “Ask a Captain” If you’ve fished for any length of time, you’ve no

a few buckets of the same water they use for storing the shrimp to maintain a

doubt had this problem—halfway through your

consistent temperature and condition. The proper procedure would be to fill your

day, your bait shrimp start dying. So what can

bucket and tank with some of the bait-shop water, then slowly add water from the

you do about it?

area where you are fishing, if possible.

There are many reasons why this happens,

ASK A CAPTAIN CAPT. DAVID RIEUMONT

You could continue to add this outside water over a period of a few hours until

the most common being the bait shop itself not

all the water in the bait well is the same temperature, salinity, etc. as that where

taking adequate measures to ensure the shrimp

you’re fishing. This will provide the shrimp time to acclimate to the new water

will survive for its customers. This can be as simple

without shocking them.

as the type of tanks they use, incorrect water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, the quality

Also, when fishing with shrimp, you should have a mesh-type liner around your baitwell or bucket to prevent the shrimp from gathering on the bottom

and condition of the water, handling of the shrimp, and how long the shrimp have

in one spot and suffocating. The shrimp will actually cling to the mesh and stay

been in the tank.

suspended in the water column, thus staying alive much longer.

There are also precautions you can take, such as how you transfer the shrimp

If you have a boat baitwell and the GPH pump is pushing a lot of water fast,

from the tank to your bucket or live baitwell. Shrimp can often experience shock

this may also damage and/or kill your shrimp. Shrimp can survive just fine with

when transferred to a different body of water, so ask the bait shop to give you

aeration from a small aeration pump.

GHMOF.COM

10 COBIA TIPS AND TRICKS Cobia were called “Crab-Eaters” in days gone by, and remain a favorite among many anglers due to the strength of their fight and the tastiness of their meat. The following are 10 simple tips to help you find and catch cobia.

1. Fish Where the Fish Are

7. Mark Any Structures Where You Spot Cobia

The best place to fish for cobia in the spring and summer is the beach. The fish are

Marking or noting spots where you see cobia makes sense if you want to return

moving down from the north along the beaches, showing up all along Florida and

to it at a later time or date. Even if you never see another cobia feeding near the

Gulf Coast waters. Pay attention to water temperatures: when they approach 70

structure, fish it anyway. This time, try a Fishfinder rig on the bottom with a live

degrees, start fishing with Fishfinder rigs. In the winter, you’ll find cobia inshore,

baitfish, or just try a cut baitfish on a jig. The fish you see near the surface will be

often hanging out around markers, near big bridges and even buoys suspended

there at other times near the bottom, usually well out of site. If a structure holds

where the tidal flow is visible on the surface of the water.

them once, it will definitely hold them at other times of the year.

2. Whenever Possible, Use Natural Baits

8. Look at Moving and Temporary Structures

The three best baits for cobia are crabs (live crabs are better, but quartered pieces

What seems like junk or something alive to you (like a leopard ray or manatee)

work perfectly on the beach), pinfish (live ones), and cut baits—cut mullet, halves

can actually hold cobia, as they view anything as structure. They’re attracted to

of threadfin, chunks of ladyfish and pretty much anything else. Fish a free-lined

floating debris, seaweed rips, channel markers, buoys, offshore platforms, sea

baitfish, a cut bait on the bottom, and a crab or eel on the top. Cobia are called

turtles, manatees, large rays and more.

crab-eaters for a reason—crabs compose 70% of their natural diets.

3. Properly-Rigged Plastic Eels are the Best Artificial Baits

9. Keep an Eye Out for Followers While Working a Fish to the Boat Cobia are seldom found alone. There’s usually a big female and one or more

Ranging from small (nearly the size of the traditional worms used for largemouth

smaller males together. Remember, the lady is always going to eat first. The males

bass), to 8- and 10-inch monsters, a well-rigged eel swims naturally and looks like

are often smaller, with their lateral line brighter than the bigger females.

candy to lunker cobia. Don’t hit them in the head, but cast so the bait swims in front of and past the fish.

10. Watch the Shadows and Sides of Your Boat Cobia are curious. They might, and often do, show no fear of a boat or noise. So if

4. Keep Your Eyes Open for Cobia

you see a cobia about to swim away from your bait offering, slap the water with

Throughout the cold months, cobia are often visible hanging out around the big

your rod and make some splashing noise as a last resort. More often than not,

markers. Sight-casting to them is a reality, and you can do it in the summer when

they will turn around and take your bait.

you see them showing up on the grassy flats near open Gulf or ocean waters. For more on cobia, including tackle, baits, seasonal information, and even maps of

5. Anchor When You Can’t See the Markers

where you can catch them, visit GHMOF.COM. Each species, be it cobia or kingfish,

Anchoring around any structure and cutting up bait fish like menhaden and

largemouth bass or crappie, starts with a general 101 article, with complete

threadfins is an effective tactic for attracting the tasty predator.

articles like this one for each fish you might want to catch.

6. Use the Right Tackle Cobia can be big, and are always a powerful fish. Start with 50-lb. fluorocarbon leader at least six feet long. If you don’t get strikes, size your leaders down to 40 lbs. If big fish eating baits on 50-lb. leader keep breaking you off, be ready to go up to 60-lb. fluorocarbon leader.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine

Working to achieve long-term science-based solutions to restore and protect our estuaries, our drinking water, and America’s Everglades.

Three Estuaries, One Solution.

If we make consistent effort, based on proper education we can change the world. donate today

-Dalai Lama

www.CaptainsForCleanWater.org Photos By Jason Stemple - www.jasonstemple.com Captains for Clean Water is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A copy of the official registration and financial information for Captains For Clean Water, inc., a florida-based nonprofit corporation (ch47588), may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-help-fla (435-7352) within the state or visiting their website www.800helpfla.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

RIVER OF GRASS • NOW OR NEVERGLADES • SENATOR BOB GRAHAM • GOOD, BAD & UGLY

BY CAPT. DANIEL ANDREWS

NOW OR NEVERGLADES We know the problem and the solution, but we must also have the passion to act. I never thought I would start a nonprofit. I was perfectly content as a fishing

and widespread loss of seagrass—which was then followed by a decade of

guide—or at least I thought I was. Less than a year ago, when Captains for Clean

algae blooms as a result of the seagrass die-off. In 2000, Congress passed the

Water was founded, I had no idea where it would go or how fast it could grow.

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). It wasn’t perfect, but it was

What I did know is that something was taken from me. It was something very dear

an important start to fixing these problems. Today, only one out of 68 CERP

to me, something that shaped me into the man I am today. The estuaries of South

projects has been completed. Sadly, the lone, completed project provides very

Florida have suffered tremendously due to deliberate water mismanagement in

little, if any, benefit to the estuaries. Even as critical elements of CERP have

the Greater Everglades. I couldn’t stand to see this go on any longer, and I saw an

stagnated, we have learned that CERP alone will not solve the problem—it is

opportunity to make a difference. Every day I am humbled by the opportunities

necessary, but not sufficient. It will take more to save our estuaries, but our

that are presented to us and thankful for the incredible support we have gathered

policymakers continue to ignore science-based solutions.

in such a short time.

As a result of the diking, draining and rerouting of water in the Greater

I’ve seen vast expanses of seagrass meadows wither away to barren mud flats

Everglades, we have severely altered flows throughout the entire system—a

in Florida Bay. I’ve seen the labyrinth of oyster bars that once spanned the mouth

system that functioned flawlessly for tens of thousands of years prior to our

of the Caloosahatchee River die as a result of high volume discharges from Lake

intermeddling. Today, the Everglades and Florida Bay receive less than 20

Okeechobee. I fished the St. Lucie River as a kid, only to return and find an estuary

percent of the water they once did. This excess water is diverted by way of

covered in green slime. I’m only 25 years old, a blink of an eye for Mother Nature,

man-made canals to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers. Everyone involved

but what I’ve witnessed in my lifetime is nothing short of heartbreaking.

knows the problem: any time freshwater flows are substantially altered to an

We caused this destruction, and we have the power to stop it. The problem was identified before I was even born. In 1987, Florida Bay experienced a massive

estuary, the habitat suffers. Seagrass and oysters die, and we experience algae blooms and fish kills.

What disturbs me the most is the difference between what science is telling us and what our policymakers are doing—or not doing. We need our policymakers to match our passion and perseverance to solve this fixable problem. Everglades restoration is the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world. Big projects come with big obstacles. We need policymakers who figure out ways to overcome hurdles, not ones who search for excuses to maintain the status quo. In the words of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who was, perhaps, the greatest friend of the Everglades, “All we need, really, is a change from a near frigid to a tropical attitude of mind.” The solution to this problem is fundamentally simple. We need increased storage, treatment and conveyance of water from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. We need to prioritize projects that will give us the most relief in all of the affected estuaries. Most importantly, we need to speed things up. Our estuaries can’t wait. It’s Now or Neverglades.

Daniel Andrews is a lifelong angler, Florida native and charter captain based in Fort Myers. You can connect with him and support the cause at www.captainsforcleanwater.org.

Left: Captain Daniel Andrews releases a massive tarpon. Above: Andrews founded the non-profit Captains for Clean Water to help push for Everglades restoration.

SATELLITE FISHING MAPS www.ripcharts.com

The RipCharts mobile app allows you to download satellite imagery to your device and navigate offshore.

ALTIMETRY

CHLOROPHYLL

TRUE COLOR

SALINITY

plus Currents, SST Forecasts, Subsurface SST, and Bathymetry

INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR BOB GRAHAM As Florida’s governor from 1979–1987 and a senator from 1987–2005, Graham’s public service record is extensive. He’s been an outspoken advocate for the Everglades and knows the inside track to solutions. Graham sat down with GHM to discuss fishing, conservation and how to save the Everglades. BY GHM STAFF

CA: I’ve read that you once worked as a fisherman? SBG: During the period that I was in public office as governor and in the U.S. Senate, I took a total of 408 jobs. I did just about every job that Floridians do, and many man of them were on the water as a commercial fisherman. fisherma [Editor’s note: This was part of a project to work one day in a wide range of jobs and connect with constituent constituents. It is documented in a book, Workdays: Finding Florida on o the Job, Banyan Books, 1978.] That gave me a particular insight i into the importance of maintaining the quality of both bo our fresh and saltwater resources for a whole variety of rreasons, including the fact that thousands of Floridians depen depend upon the fish and other products of these waters for their livelihood, and thousands more depend upon them as part of the incentive for people to come to Florida as tourists. tour

CA: You grew up in some prime fishing areas of the state. What’s your favorite fishing honey hole in Florida? SBG: I can’t really say I have a favorite fishing hole. When W I was a boy, I lived across the road from the Miami River. Riv I used to fish right where I stood for the bus to come to t take me to school. I guess that was my favorite distraction. distraction

44 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

CA: We all know the dire situation in Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. In a newspaper article last year you blamed the South Florida Water Management District for failing us. Why do you think they’ve acted so irresponsibly?

the growth has placed on the Everglades. What we used to define as the Everglades was almost twice as what we define them as today and we can’t afford significant further reductions…if that system is going to provide us all the functions that we depend upon, particularly constant nourishing of our aquifers with the fresh water that some eight million people, soon to be 10 million people depend upon.

SBG: I’ve ve been a great admirer of the South Florida Water Management ement District, and my father was one of those

But I’ve been very concerned in recent years that it seems to have

CA: What can fishermen do to be part of the solution?

lost its way. Instead of looking over the horizon at the future

SBG: The Everglades will be constantly challenged by the growth

and what at we need to do to protect and enhance the quality of

of population and the economy of South Florida. There will be

Florida, it has been cutting back. This is maybe most visible in

conflicts that require a political solution to manage that fast

the reductions uctions of its scientific staff. It used to be thought of as

growth. What the Everglades are going to need are friends, people

the premier mier agency on the ecology of South Florida, particularly

who understand its importance and who, when the political

the Everglades. rglades. I’m afraid it’s lost that reputation, as so many of

clashes occur, will be willing to stand up for the steps that are

its high quality scientists have gone on to other pursuits. I hope

necessary to protect the Everglades.

instrumental mental in its original establishment back in the late 1940s.

that thiss is just a temporary interlude and we’ll get back to the days when hen the South Florida Water Management District had and

Below: Senator Bob Graham has spent more than 30 years fighting for Everglades

deserved ed to have such high public esteem for the quality of its

restoration. Photo: Courtesty of Senator Bob Graham.

science and its management.

CA: Are you optimistic about the future of the Everglades? SBG: I’m m optimistic. We’ve been working at the restoration of the Everglades des now since the 1980s, and I think we’ve made progress. We don’t ’t want to relax and assume that we no longer have to have the same me sense of urgency. However, the federal government has been supportive, upportive, including both Republicans and Democrats, and recently, ently, the people of Florida passed an amendment that will provide vide billions of dollars that can be available for things like Everglades rglades restoration. Together, I believe we now have the resources es and momentum to get to the conclusion of Everglades restoration tion in a reasonable period of time.

CA: How long do you think it will take for the Everglades to recover? SBG: Never! ever! The Everglades are, by their nature, constantly under change hange and constantly under challenge. The challenge that they ey have faced in the last 100 years has primarily been the challenges ges that are the result of growth and the intrusion that

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 45

s BY STEVE DAVIS, PhD

South Florida has an environmental plumbing problem. There is too much water going east and west and not nearly enough going south. As a result, the Everglades are in dire straits, and after a summer of environmental fallout, many voices are calling for action. This special report explains the central issue and how it must be fixed. The Everglades ecosystem in Florida once extended from Shingle Creek, just south of Orlando, all the way to the Florida Keys—a distance of more than 200 miles (see map on page 48). The ecosystem was characterized by a continuous flow of clean freshwater down the Kissimmee River Basin, through Lake Okeechobee, and across the vast Southern Everglades before emptying into Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Keys. The Everglades also recharged the drinking water aquifer that one in three Floridians, plus the agriculture and tourism industries, still rely on for a daily supply of clean freshwater. Today, the Southern Everglades, or the River of Grass, is disconnected from

now dumped to the west into the Caloosahatchee River, and the east into the St. Lucie River. To make matters worse, the water in Lake Okeechobee is polluted with excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus—key components of fertilizer. To further understand the problem, we must recognize that the Everglades ecosystem is half its original size, but South Florida still receives the same amount of annual rainfall, ranging between four and five feet annually. This practice of dumping water that was once destined for the River of Grass is a necessary outcome of our broken water management system that dates back nearly 70 years, when flood protection for agriculture and a much smaller but growing population was the primary objective. At that time, there was no Federal Clean Water Act and little regard for the needs of the environment. Also, there was plenty of water to meet municipal and agricultural demands. But disconnection of the Everglades from Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee Basin (see map), and the lake is encircled by

has put the present water supply for nearly eight million at risk and has made it

the aging, 35-foot high Herbert Hoover Dike that is at risk of failing whenever

more vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. It has also decimated our Everglades and

lake levels get too high. The lake water that would historically spill to the south is

coastal water bodies in South Florida.

46 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Algae blooms wreaked havoc on South Florida waterways this summer, as seen in this aerial shot of the Sanibel/Ft. Myers Beach area. Photo: Capt. Daniel Andrews. Insets, top to bottom: A dense, toxic blue-green algal bloom chokes up a St. Lucie River boat basin. A dead shad on the shore of Lake Okeechobee. Photos: Mike Conner. Prolific seagrass die off in Florida Bay. Photo: Courtesy of The Everglades Foundation.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 47

Above: The Everglades once had unimpeded water flow. Rainwater surged down the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee, spilling over its southern rim, continuing on to the southern Everglades and Florida Bay. Graphic: The Everglades Foundation. Photos: Mike Conner. Right: Symptoms of hyper-salinity and seagrass die-off in Florida Bay during the summer of 2015 include harmful water quality issues affecting fish and plant life. Graphic: The Everglades Foundation.

vi on

cono i

While we were modifying the environment for flood protection over the past

meadows from excess polluted freshwater. In Florida Bay, we have witnessed

70 years, tourism across South Florida exploded. South Florida’s population has

massive algae blooms, seagrass die-off, and sponge mortality that have affected

also swelled with an increasing number of “snowbirds” choosing to relocate from

the ecological health of the Florida Keys due to a lack of freshwater. Across the

the north to warmer, more scenic South Florida. Florida is now the third most

entire River of Grass, the lack of flow has contributed to a widespread loss of

populous state in the nation, with a population surpassing 20

habitat and a multi-decade decline in prey fish—a key

million. Much of the tourism boom and population growth

food base for most of the animals (e.g., wading birds

has been a direct result of the quality of our beaches and

and alligators) we associate with the Everglades. It is no

productivity of lakes, rivers, bays, and estuaries, attracting

surprise that we currently have more than 70 federally

people from all over the world to enjoy our waters whether

threatened or endangered species of plants and animals

boating, fishing, diving, or merely sunbathing.

in the remaining Everglades.

The attractiveness of South Florida’s natural environments

Only recently have our elected officials realized the

may be in decline. The continued practice of dumping Lake

important ecosystem services that our Everglades and

Okeechobee water to the east and west has compromised

coastal water bodies provide, as well as the link between

the health of the Everglades and our coastal waters. In the

the quality of our environments, ecosystem services and

Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries, there has been a dramatic decline in the

our economy. In an attempt to rectify the needs of the environment while still

quality and quantity of coastal fish habitat such as oyster reef and seagrass

maintaining essential water supply and flood protection for South Floridians,

48 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Plan (CERP) in 2000. The

salinity levels in Florida Bay to escalate to record high levels. [Ocean water is

CERP contained dozens of project components, but at its core, it would provide

typically 35 parts per thousand (ppt). There were areas of Florida Bay in 2015 with

for massive amounts of lost storage capacity across the Greater Everglades that

salinity levels exceeding 70 ppt.] This hyper-salinity triggered a massive seagrass

would allow water managers to reduce the harmful dumping of water to the east

die-off that was first observed as a “yellow fog.” By October, large, denuded areas

and west and reroute that flow back to the south—ultimately to Florida Bay and

of seagrass meadow were described in addition to localized fish kills, mangrove

the Florida Keys.

dieback and spotty algae blooms. Currently, the estimated area of seagrass die-off

stu

i s

in Florida Bay is about 50,000 acres, approaching 10% of the total bay area. Based on observations following a similar seagrass die-off event in the late 1980s, this

At the southernmost tip of Florida, Florida Bay is bound by the Florida Keys to

event may still fuel algae blooms that can persist for years, having a multi-decade

the south and the Everglades to the north. The bay is at the epicenter of one of

impact on recreational fishing in the Keys.

the largest contiguous seagrass beds in the world and is surrounded by one of

Just a few months later, in December 2015, record high rainfall across South

the largest mangrove forests in North America. Collectively, these essential fish

Florida led to rapidly rising water levels in Lake Okeechobee, threatening another

habitats contribute to the phenomenal productivity of Florida Bay and The Keys,

breach of the Herbert Hoover Dike and triggering regulatory discharge of

making this region a fishing destination for tourists from across the globe and

water to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers. To date, more than 400 billion

the top fishing spot in the U.S., and contributing nearly $1 billion annually to the

gallons of polluted lake water have been dumped to the Caloosahatchee and

economy of the Florida Keys. Owing to this same habitat, Florida Bay is also a

St. Lucie, killing seagrass and oyster habitat and, more recently, leading to toxic

hotspot of biological diversity, supporting imperiled species such as manatees,

algae blooms and posting of public health advisories over the quality of water.

crocodiles, and sea turtles, and representing the most important wintering

Making matters worse, these releases may persist throughout the entire 2016

shorebird habitat in North America. The estuaries created by the Caloosahatchee

calendar year.

and St. Lucie Rivers—on the west and east coasts of Florida—have similar

The toxic, blue-green algae that bloomed in the Stuart, Florida, area of the St.

ecological, recreational, and economic importance to communities such as Fort

Lucie this past summer can be traced back to Lake Okeechobee and is a reflection

Myers, Sanibel-Captiva and Stuart.

of the water management problems plaguing the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

In the summer of 2015, a lack of freshwater inflow from the Everglades caused

A similar bloom may still develop in the Caloosahatchee, as the culprit species of

Dense, blue-green cyanobacteria algae in its toxic phase on the St. Lucie River led to signs being posted to warn boaters and anglers. Photo: Courtesy of The Everglades Foundation.

blue-green algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) has been repeatedly observed in local

(CERP). While there are many CERP projects yet to be constructed, there are a

abundance throughout the estuary.

few key projects that will bring immediate relief to the Caloosahatchee, the St.

Seagrass recovery in places like Florida Bay is not guaranteed, but we assume

Lucie, the Southern Everglades and Florida Bay. No surprise, these are projects

it will happen over the next decade or more, drawing heavily on the natural

that reconnect Lake Okeechobee back to the Southern Everglades, reducing the

resilience of this ecosystem. We expect similar recovery in the Caloosahatchee

harmful discharges to the east and west while flowing that much-needed water

and St. Lucie. However, some experts believe that our fisheries still have not

to the south.

recovered from previous disturbances in these coastal ecosystems. Many people

The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is a package of CERP projects

are rightfully concerned that the repeated impacts from our broken water

bundled together to provide immediate, region-wide benefits to the Everglades.

management system are eroding the ability of our ecosystems to naturally bounce

CEPP is presently awaiting Congressional authorization. Beyond that, the

back, leading to a gradual downward spiral in their health and productivity.

Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project will allow for much larger

on solution

volumes of water to flow south each year. As we do this, we will need to ensure

As with all estuaries, Florida Bay and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries

Areas at the southern end of the EAA, sufficient conveyance capacity through

depend on a mix of freshwater inflows and ocean water to maintain healthy

bridging of Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41) and canal backfill, and sufficient flood

habitat for fish and shellfish. In Florida Bay, inflows come directly from the

protection through the construction of seepage barriers and detention areas.

freshwater marshes of Everglades National Park. Because the southern end of

sufficient treatment of that water through construction of Stormwater Treatment

For reasons related to our environment, our economy, and our livelihood,

the Everglades is no longer connected to Lake Okeechobee, Everglades National

we need to take immediate action to restore the flow of freshwater back to the

Park is entirely dependent on precipitation to provide Florida Bay with sufficient

Everglades. This means prioritizing the environment over politics and advancing

freshwater. In the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries, we have the opposite

Everglades restoration projects that reconnect Lake Okeechobee back to the

problem. Unnatural discharges of polluted freshwater from Lake Okeechobee

River of Grass. This will provide the biggest benefits in restoring the health and

are destroying estuarine seagrass and oyster habitat in both of these northern

resilience of our natural environments across South Florida.

Estuaries. In between, we have a massive River of Grass that fluctuates wildly between too much water and not enough water. As luck would have it, the solution to all these environmental problems is the same and is laid out in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

To learn more, visit the Everglades Foundation, a science-based, not-for-profit focused entirely on the restoration and protection of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. www.evergladesfoundation.org.

nin

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The hard work of restoring and preserving the Everglades requires more than just action in the present. It also requires future generations to carry the torch, and the Everglades Foundation has taken on the mission of inspiring students to do just that. One of their primary tools is The Everglades Literacy Curriculum Program, a first-of-its-kind Everglades education curriculum for K-12 students. The program provides engaging, hands-on and age-specific lesson plans all focused on providing Teachers across Florida are now using an Everglades-focused

students with the opportunity to better understand the Everglades. To date, more than 1,500 teachers

science curriculum that both educates and inspires students to

and approximately 60,000 students from 11 counties have completed the coursework, and the

action. Photos: The Everglades Foundation.

program is garnering plenty of fans. “The Everglades Literacy Training Program was one of the most comprehensive, motivational and fun professional development experiences that I have ever attended,” says Florida teacher Erin Mitchell.

o th

“It is well-organized and aligned with Florida’s standards, making it almost effortless to implement in the classroom.” The program was developed in partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, and also in collaboration with school districts, curriculum

Restoration is expensive, costing billions of dollars

development specialists and selected schools. The result has been a program that is both effective and

to complete. However, the numbers say restoration

inspiring, as it combines training with in-the-field experiences. One participant even credits the course

is worth the public’s investment. Economic studies

with turning her into a science teacher.

have shown that Everglades Restoration generates

“When we were told that we would be going on a canoe trip, that was when panic set in,” says

a $4 return to the economy for every $1 invested, in

reading teacher Janine Fernendez. “I don’t do outdoors. I liked indoor science, if I liked science at all.

areas of real estate value, water supply, hunting and

What happened during the canoe trip and for weeks after my training, is something that my friends

fishing, etc. Everglades restoration also supports the

and family couldn’t comprehend. I found that I loved science! I loved it because the Everglades

creation of jobs across a number of sectors including

opened my heart and my mind to a world that I would have never entered.”

recreational and commercial fishing, tourism, science and engineering, and development. More than

“I am still a reading teacher,” says Fernendez. “Only now I teach science as a stand-alone subject. I am a science teacher.”

anything, an investment in Everglades Restoration ensures a supply of clean, fresh water that is essential

Teachers can sign up for an Everglades Literacy Teacher Training or find more information by visiting

to the ecological and economic future of South Florida.

www.evergladesfoundation.com/education.

Photo: Mike Conner

River Of

grass

BY MICHAEL CONNER

In ways both subtle and majestic, the Everglades are an ecological powerhouse. Florida’s Everglades, the much heralded River of Grass, was once looked upon as a worthless swamp. It stood in the way of prosperity and opportunity in Florida, a wasteland destined to be drained, ditched, and diverted for agriculture and habitation by the earliest of settlers. The swamp proved formidable, a morass of epic proportions. But in time and through mechanical means, man won out, and today’s Everglades—the remnant Everglades, to be accurate—is a watershed barely half its original size of nearly three million acres. Yet for all that, it is still an absolute ecological wonderland. This vast wetland is a true river. Its barely perceptible current, termed sheet flow, travels north to south from the Everglades headwaters south of Orlando all the way to Florida Bay at the front doorstep of Everglades National Park, itself declared a “Wetland of International Importance” and a “World Heritage Site.” The elevation change is slight from north to south, with a continental tilt of only two to three inches per mile, but just enough to allow the water to move through a mosaic of flora. South of Lake Okeechobee, the liquid heart of the ‘Glades, the landscape changes from sawgrass to hammocks with hardwoods, to cypress and finally mangroves at the estuarine edge of Florida Bay.

“polished” during its slow, southerly, 300-mile journey from the headwaters at Shingle Creek (south of today’s Disney World) to the mangrove fringe of Florida Bay where, as it did over the southern bank of Lake Okeechobee, it flowed naturally into Florida Bay by way of creeks in the eastern quadrant of the Bay, and the through Shark River farther to the west. The fresh water mixed with salt to create a perfect estuarine balance, which in turn supports nursery habitat for marine life. This dynamic is still in play today, though the quantity has been decreased due to increasing usage by both agriculture and suburbs. The quality has also suffered immensely through the years, thanks to both farm and suburban runoff. And that spells trouble for the Everglades. The entire ecosystem is historically a low-nutrient (low phosphorus, in particular) environment. Man’s encroachment in Central and South Florida since the 1930s has altered that balance to such a degree that “biological pollution” in the form of harmful algal blooms, and

Water is Life

invasive plants, fish and reptiles, are fast changing the Everglades. One would correctly assume that Florida’s growing population, development, and the pollution that results, has direct bearing on the health

For the Everglades, all things start and end with water. Water is the very

and very existence of the Everglades. But it works both ways. The survival of the

foundation of the food web. In the wet season, June to November, the water

Everglades depends on man, and man’s existence in South Florida depends on a

flows perhaps a quarter mile per day and is the lifeblood, directly and indirectly,

healthy Everglades. The Everglades is the backbone of the region’s sustainability.

for 300 species of fish, 350 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and 40 species

The Everglades is the main source of drinking water for over eight million

of mammals.

South Floridians. Everglades water flow charges the coastal aquifer, somewhat

Prior to decades of detrimental manipulation by man, Florida’s prodigious annual rainfall meant water was nearly always available in the right quantities, and at the right time of year in the River of Grass. Most importantly, the water was

preventing saltwater intrusion. This is especially vital in the face of predicted sea level rise and saltwater encroachment into coastal wells.

Playground and & Paradise Despite the threats to the ecosystem, the interior Everglades is resilient and much of the flora and fauna that graces it remains, and it is surprisingly accessible. But be warned that the Everglades do not offer vistas that stop you in your tracks. Visitors to Everglades National Park are rarely awestruck in the way they are when visiting Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite. President Harry Truman, who dedicated Everglades National Park in 1947, said, “Here are no lofty peaks, seeking the sky, no mighty glaciers or rushing streams wearing away the uplifted land.” But give it time and the Everglades may grow on you. You have to get your feet wet, and peel the place back like layers of an onion to truly discover what makes the place tick. There are seasonal changes, some slight, some more dramatic. Winter may be more bearable in terms of temperature, humidity and “bugginess,” but summer brings out the best of the Everglades. Flowering plants and trees, copious life on the salty mud flats…it all comes alive in late spring and lasts until December. Every day begins with stunning sunrises and ends with tumultuous afternoon thunderstorms and fiery sunsets that are a show in themselves. Each region of the Everglades’ land and waterscape gradually transitions

56 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Above left: A great egret forages on a Florida Bay shoreline. Bottom left: Juvenile tarpon on fly. Above: Sunrise over Florida Bay, east of Flamingo. Photos: Mike Conner.

into the next. The northern Lake Okeechobee watershed is largely pastoral, with

watershed, thanks to bass fishing marinas and public boat ramps, is largely

seemingly endless stretches of cattle grazing lands, prairie grasses, cabbage

a verdant marsh along its southern to northwestern shorelines. The marsh is

palm heads and saw palmetto thickets. It is the land of long-gone cattle drives

alive with wild ducks, and typical Everglades wading birds. Water plants such as

to the coasts where ship transit took place. This is the Kissimmee River basin, the

sawgrass, pepper grass, water hyacinth, water lilies of every description and arrow

floodplain of the now nearly restored Kissimmee River. The River was infamously

grass create a carpet of cover for predatory fish and the ubiquitous alligators,

channelized by the Army Corps of Engineers to drain the basin to expand

and a nursery for forage fish. The lake, sadly, no longer spills over its southern

grazing lands and allow for development south of Orlando. That had disastrous

rim during wet season, rather, it is constrained by the Herbert Hoover Dike, and

results, with increased water flow and sediment and nutrient loading into Lake

southern flow on to the Everglades is a trickle of its former self, all in the name

Okeechobee. Now the river restoration—returning the river flow to its original,

of “flood control,” which is really just keeping agricultural lands perfectly dry or

snaking oxbows—promises cleaner water for the Lake, which decreases the

irrigated, depending on the season. The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is

chance of polluting the southern Everglades and coastal estuaries.

mostly planted in sugarcane, and the quilt work of fields is quite out of place—

Numerous small streams, many of which are Lake Okeechobee tributaries, flow south through pasture lands, and a small boater, canoeist or kayaker can

another roadblock of the River of Grass, if not the most egregious. South of the EAA, the landscape changes from monotonous farm fields to

expect to not only catch a plethora of fish, such as largemouth bass and sundry

marsh again, both in manmade Stormwater Treatment Areas, small “Everglades-

panfishes, but to see numerous water birds and game birds. In one day, sightings

like” ecosystems, and in the large Water Conservation Areas (WCA), again, created

of alligators, otters, water snakes, turkeys, great herons, great egrets, white ibis,

by man. These wetlands are diked and their water levels manipulated by pumps,

wood storks, roseate spoonbills, kingfishers and more are common. The banks are

but wildlife flourishes despite periods of stress from either monsoon-like tropical

graced with bald cypress, red bay, red maple and old growth oaks draped with

rains or wintertime drought. Herds of deer, wild hogs, turkeys, wild ducks, turtles,

Spanish moss.

smaller mammals, rodents and wading birds are indigenous to the hardwood

The big lake itself, perhaps the most accessible water body in the Everglades

tree islands and larger hammocks dotting the prairies of the WCAs. The airboat is

hiking through this region is as easy as pulling over on the shoulder of Tamiami Trail and heading north or south of the roadway. As you proceed south, on Everglades National Park lands (which extend from Everglades City on the Gulf of Mexico, “round the bend” at Cape Sable east to nearly the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys), the landscape changes from pine lands to dwarf cypress to black and white mangroves and finally to red mangrove in a matter of just 10 miles. This part of the Everglades is the most dramatic in that regard. And easy access is provided and maintained for wildlife viewing. A sunrise or sunset here is cause for celebration, a favorite of professional and amateur photographers worldwide. Finally, the land runs out at the shoreline of Florida Bay. Public access is at the Flamingo outpost, famed for sportfishing and wildlife viewing via boat. The Bay is an estuary of shallow mud flats with sea grasses carpeting the bottom. The habitat is vital for hundreds of marine species, game fish and wading birds, and Top: Brackish creeks, like this one south of the Big Cypress, are critical habitat.

essential for the recreational and commercial fishing economies of South Florida.

Bottom: A bromeliad in Everglades National Park. Photos: Michelle Conner.

It’s vital for the eco-tourism economy in general. Florida Bay vistas are unique, and on calm days, the dozens of mangrove islands on the Bay appear to float on air. The Everglades end at the southern water boundary of Everglades National Park, within eyesight of the Florida Keys chain.

the tipping point Despite the uniqueness of, and the worldwide affinity for, America’s Everglades, fears are that this wilderness is fast reaching its tipping point. A growing number of ecologists, ardent Everglades activists and even ordinary citizens who love the place, fear that man’s encroachment of the ‘Glades has irreversibly ruined this wetland. At the heart of the problem is the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), which is largely planted in sugarcane. Two billionaire families own the lion’s share of the vehicle of choice here in wet season, with “swamp buggies” of all kinds in

this over 700,000-acre tract of what was once the Everglades. It is where the

drier times. Access is from roadside ramps, and levees that line the canals dug

water used to flow south from Lake Okeechobee, unimpeded, south to Florida

years ago to hold water, fish and wildlife, and provide for recreational fishing

Bay. The growers are renowned for their political influence through campaign

during drought.

contributions on both sides of the political aisle, and in turn, the politicians have

In the southernmost ‘Glades, from roughly US 41 south (the Tamiami Trail,

failed to rule in favor of restoration. From Florida’s governor and his appointed

which connects Miami on the east coast and Naples on the Gulf ), the transition

board of the South Florida Water Management District to local legislators in

flora- and fauna-wise is slight, but once within Everglades National Park (ENP)

counties that are in the Everglades watershed, there exists a resistance to see the

boundary, even the less discerning eye picks up the changes. South of the latitude

restoration through. And increasing numbers of Floridians can see that restoring

of Homestead, Florida, the ENP landscape transitions quickly from prairies and

the River of Grass requires changing Florida’s political culture. Failing to do so

tree islands to hardwood hammocks containing mahogany, gumbo limbo, red

will send the Everglades over the edge. We will have lost an international treasure.

bay and others. On the western fringe of this region, the Big Cypress Preserve may

As Marjory Stoneman Douglas, celebrated author of The Everglades: River

be the most breathtaking sector of the Everglades, for its forest of bald cypress

of Grass, said famously in part, “There are no other Everglades in the world. They

festooned with colorful bromeliads, orchid varieties numbering in the hundreds,

are, they always have been, one of the unique regions of the earth, remote, never

and creatures ranging from whitetail deer to turkeys and wild hogs. In dry season,

wholly known.”

NEVER A SPECTATOR

A fisherman and his dog patrol the mangrove shoreline in Florida Bay. Below the surface of the water, mangroves offer refuge and habitat for myriad fish and invertebrate species.

MAC STONE a photo portfolio

The sun sets on a red mangrove in Florida Bay within Everglades National Park.

Above: A mother alligator protects her hatchling young, tucked beneath a dried cut bank in a cypress dome in Everglades National Park. Left: One of the most specialized raptors in the world, an Everglades snail kite swoops down to feed on its sole source of food, the apple snail. Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

Above: The dry season comes to an end after the first rain fills in the mangrove flats on Taylor River, Everglades National Park. Right: Anglers patrol the flats in search of tailing bonefish in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.

The line between wilderness and civilization in the Everglades is sometimes as stark as a small canal. Parkland, Florida. This photo illustrates the problem elevated roads cause when bridges are not integrated to allow water to flow freely.

Pushing Progress Major restoration projects have been planned and even funded. Now it’s time to get to work. BY SUE COCKING

Everglades Foundation CEO Erik Eikenberg gets a first-hand look at algae blooms caused by fresh water released from Lake Okeechobee this summer. Photo: The Everglades Foundation.

The summer of 2016 will be dubiously remembered as the “summer of slime” in

devised a plan funded by $3 billion from taxpayers to clean polluted water

some South Florida waterways. Toxic algae, discharged from Lake Okeechobee,

from Lake O before it reaches the ‘Glades. Now some 60,000 acres of man-made

has bloomed in the estuaries on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, infuriating

wetlands filter that water, with another 30,000 acres to be added over 10 years.

residents, scaring off tourists, killing fish and marine life, and forcing declarations

Proposal to Buy Sugar Cane Land South of Lake Okeechobee

of emergencies in four counties. Meanwhile, nearly 150 miles to the south in

Incoming Florida Senate President Joe Negron, a Republican from the algae-

Everglades National Park, a lack of freshwater flow from the Big O across the

slimed Treasure Coast, proposes a $2.4 billion state-federal program to buy some

peninsula into the warm, salty Florida Bay killed more than 50,000 acres of

60,000 acres of sugarcane lands south of the Big O to store more fresh water

seagrass—vital habitat for game and food fish and their prey.

before sending it south. Florida would finance its share with $100 million in funds

This troubling polarity—too much fresh water being sent to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries and too little to parched Everglades National Park—has pounded home the urgent necessity for Everglades restoration: sending the

from Amendment 1—a dedicated revenue source for land restoration—over the next 20 years by buying $1.2 billion in bonds next year. Sugar growers aren’t happy about it, but Eikenberg says it’s “a plan very much

right amount of water at the right time and at the right quality south from the

needed if we’re going to save the Everglades. Now we’re going to have to work the

big lake along the path it followed a century ago into the ‘Glades. And while

political and legislative route through May 2017 to make it a reality.”

there’s no immediate end in sight to the troubles, the good news, according to

Unfortunately, the freshwater deluge from Lake Okeechobee into east and

Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the non-profit Everglades Foundation, is that solutions

west coast estuaries is likely to continue for a while, due in part to congressional

involving federal, state and local governments are in place and ready to go.

delays in funding completion of repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike that encircles

“We don’t need any more studies,” Eikenberg said. “The plan is in place.

Lake Okeechobee. With the dike about halfway fixed, the U.S. Army Corps of

We have the money. When there’s a will to do something, you can get it done.”

Engineers says it cannot allow high lake levels to compromise the aging structure

According to Eikenberg, progress is underway on four major fronts:

any further.

Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP)

A Little Progress

Congress is poised this fall to pass legislation that would implement the plan

A few localized projects are also giving the Everglades some much-needed sips,

to remove man-made levees and dams built in the past century in the central

if not quenching its thirst: the South Florida Water Management District has

Everglades—the vast marsh that extends from south of Lake Okeechobee to

removed a portion of a weir in Miami-Dade County to allow about 6.5 billion

Tamiami Trail—that impede the slow, natural sheet flow of water south from

gallons more fresh water per year to flow into Taylor Slough in Everglades National

the lake.

Park. And a spreader canal has been constructed in the southern part of the

More Bridging of Tamiami Trail

county to keep additional water inside the park, instead of leaking into farm fields.

Over the next two and a half years, an additional 2.6 miles of bridges are to

Completion of ongoing restoration projects over the next eight to 10 years,

be constructed along Tamiami Trail—the east-west highway that connects

Eikenberg said, would end the need for declarations of emergency over water

Miami with the Gulf Coast that serves as a barrier to the flow of fresh water into

quality problems.

Everglades National Park. One mile of bridging was completed a few years ago,

“The good news is, the year 2025 will be a moment in restoration of the

but more spans are needed to send fresh water in the right direction toward

Everglades,” he said. “I’m not going to call it the end. You have the most vital

Florida Bay.

projects on line and significant improvement.” At stake in all of this, he said, is

2012 Restoration Strategies

protecting the water supply for South Floridians and “ground zero for that is

To settle a federal lawsuit over phosphorus discharges into the Everglades, Florida

the Everglades.”

The boat basin at Flamingo is sometimes completely choked with dead sea grass, a result of huge algae blooms on Florida Bay that have shut out sunlight for months at a time. Photo: David Accursio.

70 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Good, Bad &

Ugly

South Florida Fishing Report—despite some water woes, there are still fish to be found. BY FRANK SARGEANT

It’s an environmental disaster that has made national news on a regular basis for most of the past year—but the issues that caused the meltdown in the inshore waters of parts of South Florida have been more than a century in the making and, fortunately, they are not impacting all areas.

St. Lucie Inlet on the state’s east coast and the Caloosahatchee and San Carlos Bay on the west coast have had the majority of the bad publicity as a result of too much water of too poor quality flowing in from Lake Okeechobee. But just as disastrous has been the impact of this same flawed waterworks on Florida Bay, to the south of the Everglades, where the problem is not too much fresh water, but far too little. It’s a problem that has been a long time in the making, and it will likely be decades before it can be fully corrected, even if the political will and economic muscle that now seem to be marshaling behind the cleanup continues without a hitch. A corps of dedicated environmentalists has managed to attract national attention to the issues here of late, but long before their voices were heard, local anglers and charter guides had been noting the steady decline in water quality in some areas, with the resultant inevitable decline in the fishing—while others are perhaps suffering more from perception than reality. We spoke to guides in each of the affected areas. Here’s some of what they told us, both good and bad.

Captain Craig Korczynski, who fishes Southeast Florida, says the bad news out of the ‘Glades has been coming into the Jupiter Inlet area for years, but only made national headlines with massive algae blooms and seagrass die-offs around Stuart and the St. Lucie more recently. “It’s fairly localized around St. Lucie Inlet and the Indian River where the grass

beautiful green water, and when they don’t come, the charter fishing business suffers along with everything else—but the fish are still here,” Biery said. “I know they have a lot of water quality issues up-river, but down where it comes into the bay, the pass is so broad and we also get some flow out of Pine Island Sound and down from Matlacha Pass, so it flushes it out on every big tide,

is dying and the green algae makes things such a mess, but really that’s the sort

and that has kept our fishery going really good so far. Particularly on the west side

of thing we had years ago down around Jupiter when all the grass died out here.

of the bay and all the way on up to Charlotte Harbor, we really are not seeing any

We haven’t had grass or many mangroves for a long time—we find fish on docks,

decline at all.”

seawalls, bridges and man-made cover, but it’s not what it could be if we had the natural habitat,” says Korczynski. He said he also fishes for bass in Okeechobee with some frequency, and notes that at least a portion of the polluted water has to be coming from south of the lake. “A lot of areas in Okeechobee itself have excellent water quality, good grass

Captain Charlie Phillips, president of the Florida Guides Association, who fishes the vast estuary from Marco to Shark River, says so far, so good in this area. “We had a bad bout of red tide last spring, but as far as issues directly from the

habitat and a lot of fish,” says Korczynski. “So it’s pretty clear that all the pollution is

Okeechobee water flow, I’m not seeing them here,” says Phillips. “Our fishing has

not coming from on up the Kissimmee River above the lake.”

been really good this summer. It’s a totally different situation when you go around

He said that though fishing on the inside has suffered, there’s still spectacular

the cape and into Florida Bay, though.”

action in the inlets and along the beaches. “The mullet run periods in spring and fall are as good as they ever were—we catch everything: huge snook, tarpon, big mutton snapper, Cuberas. It’s not a

Captain David Accursio, who fishes mostly out of Flamingo, says the problem in

problem to find good fishing, but you can’t find it on the inside anymore.”

this once-spectacular fishery is a massive loss of sea grasses, which is, in turn, a result of reduced freshwater flow from the eastern Everglades. “Seagrass takes a certain level of fresh water to thrive, and in recent years,

Captain Ben Biery, who guides out of Sanibel, says the water problems with the

we just haven’t been getting that coming down out of the park and into our

Caloosahatchee outflow are mainly on the east side of San Carlos Bay, and so far,

area,” says Accursio. “We have had tens of thousands of acres of turtle grass and

are more aesthetic in his area than environmentally destructive.

other sea grasses die—I’m talking square miles. As the grass dies, it floats to the

“When they discharge a lot of water, it can affect the color of most of the bay, turning it a dark brown, and that affects tourism—people come here for that

surface and forms a mat, and this blocks the sun for any grass left on the bottom, so it dies, too. And after a time, the whole thing rots, and then there’s too much

nutrient in the water, and it turns to pea soup. Gamefish just won’t tolerate that

Left: Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge spans Big Carlos Pass near the mouth of the

kind of water.”

Caloosahatchee. Local anglers say brown water from heavy outflows may be ugly, but

Accursio said the vast majority of fish that usually inhabit Florida Bay and the

tidal flushing has kept the fishery here healthy so far. Photo: Frank Sargeant.

highly productive Snake Bight area are gone, he thinks migrating north and west

Above: Clear water and plenty of grass are part of the formula for successful snook

along the coastline to find better habitat.

habitat—this giant fish was caught by Captain Ed Zyak on the Indian River at Jensen

“Reds, snook, trout, tarpon—everything is gone,” says Accursio. “Flamingo may not ever again be what it was in my lifetime.”

Beach before the water quality woes began. Photo: Frank Sargeant. Below: Anglers in the western Everglades say water quality there is as good as ever, and is largely unmarked by the issues that plague the eastern ‘Glades and Florida Bay. Photo: Frank Sargeant.

There’s reason for hope, even in the areas most affected. In the last 15 years, some restoration projects from the Kissimmee River to Biscayne Bay have been implemented to improve hydrology and water quality across the Greater Everglades and the coastal estuaries. Hundreds of thousands of acres of sensitive environmental land has been acquired to advance restoration, and nearly 60,000 acres of man-made marshes have been constructed to reduce phosphorus concentrations in water flowing into the Everglades. Massive reservoirs and pumping stations are in the works to move and store water in the right place at the right time, and a push to acquire more land south of the lake is gaining traction. It’s going to be a slow process, like turning a massive ship, but the course can be changed, restoring water quality in the estuaries to the east and west, as well as bringing back the national treasure of a well-hydrated Everglades and Florida Bay.

Opposite: Discharges from the St. Lucie Dam, which controls one of the eastern outflows of Lake Okeechobee, are recognized as one of the prime reasons for water quality issues in the Indian River Lagoon and the lower St. Lucie River. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Corps of Engineers.

BY DARYL CARSON

GEARHEADS :

If you’re willing to ditch your center console or bass boat and try an alternative approach to getting on the water, it might just help you get on the fish.

In many areas of life, including fishing, it’s becoming normal to not be normal. What do we mean? Normally, inshore anglers fish out of an inshore boat—something flat with a shallow draft and a big outboard in back. For bass addicts, a normal rig might be anything between a jon boat with a peppy little outboard to a slicked-up tunnel hull with 300 horses. But lately, serious anglers are taking to the water in all kinds of alternative craft. Kayaks? Of course, but also round boats. And stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). And hybrid vessels that are both. If you’ve yet to venture into the alternative side of fishing, we suggest you give it a try. You might find, as many anglers do, that normal is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Kuleana Boats EC16 If your time on the water includes more than just fishing, the Expedition Crossover 16 might be your ticket to paradise. It’s a stand-up paddleboard, a sit-on-top kayak and a windsurfer all built into one versatile platform. Designed for a day of fun or a multi-day expedition, the EC16 has an adjustable mast track, collapsible kayak seat and a retractable tail fin and centerboard. The latter can be pulled up for navigating through just inches of water. Two watertight storage compartments and built-in rod holders hold plenty of gear. • 15.8 ft. long, 30.5 in. wide • Weight 70 lbs. • Perimeter deck line and bungees • 3 flush mount rod holders • Custom boats available MSRP $3,995

www.KuleanaBoats.com

Ultraskiff The Ultraskiff is not just a round boat. It’s a highly engineered, 360-degree fishing platform. At 6 ft. in diameter, it’s small enough to haul on the back of a vehicle or to simply put on its side and roll around. The hull naturally promotes stability in all kinds of conditions, with a deck surface that slopes up as it goes out, naturally improving balance. The flared design also handles waves and boat wakes, and a series of skegs on the bottom allow for excellent tracking when pushed along by a standard trolling motor. • Weight 123 lbs. • Allows fishing from a chair, casting stool or standing • 3 large storage compartments

BOTE 12’ Rackham

• 6 rod holders

Effortless paddling and great stability equate to excellent fishability in the

• Designed to accept livewell pumps

• 4 cleats and 4 cup holders

Rackham. The displacement hull moves easily through the water and the deck

and transducers

design helps keep both paddler and gear safely above the waterline. A slew of

MSRP $1,500

accessories are available, too, including the Tackle Rac, which keeps rods and baits organized and close at hand. This paddleboard is compatible with the Power Pole Micro or you can stake out using either of two thru holes. Available in multiple versions, the Bug Slinger model is built especially for the flyfishing crowd. • 12 ft. long, 32 in. wide • Weight 43 lbs. (Classic) • Capacity 400 lbs. • Cooler tie downs • Front and rear bungees MSRP $2,199

www.BoteBoard.com

www.Ultraskiff.com

Hobie Mirage Outback Camo Hobie fans know the Outback as a proven fishing platform, and they’ll be glad to know it just got two upgrades. The most obvious is a spiffy new camo color that’s completely unique to Hobie. The other is the new MirageDrive 180 propulsion system. This pedal-powered yak now goes backward as deftly as it goes forward, greatly increasing maneuverability in tight spaces. A simple cable pull is all that’s needed to change directions. The rest of the Outback’s fishing-friendly features are still on tap, including the Twist and Stow Rudder and built-in transducer mount with pre-installed wiring. • 12 ft., 1 in. long, 33 in. wide • Weight 99 lbs. (fully rigged) • Capacity 400 lbs. • Adjustable Vantage CT Seating • 4 molded-in rod holders • Multiple storage areas MSRP $2,649

www.HobieCat.com

H2O Entertainment SideKick If the notion of a stand-up paddleboard is appealing but you’re looking for more stability, then this is an accessory worth checking out. It’s an outrigger that can be attached to any SUP, making it much more stable, especially for activities like fishing or diving. Hooking on the SideKick nearly eliminates the chances of flipping your board over, and an optional drag bar can be installed, which gives anglers an additional foothold for leaning back to fighting big fish. • Use it with any SUP • Custom anchor system • Improves stability and stealth • Suitable for fishing, gigging • Accessories available for diving MSRP $599

www. H20Entertain.com

YOLO Hybrid Fisher Kingfish 12’ The key to this SUP is great balance. A new V-shaped hull delivers excellent stability—perfect for those who might struggle on a regular board or for those who are always moving around, like fishermen. Fishing-friendly features include plenty of cargo area and attachments for loading and securing your gear, including integrated cooler tie downs and a double bungee system. There’s even a built-in GoPro mount so you can star in your own YouTube videos. • 12 ft. long, 35 in. wide • Weight 37 lbs. • Capacity 320 lbs. • Carry handle • Front and rear cargo system MSRP $1,650

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Sport RWC A modern remake of the coracle—a small round boat used for centuries in Wales— this versatile and portable fishing vessel is made of rugged polyethylene plastic. It combines a spacious deck with large storage compartments and a flat bottom hull. The angled bow allows for efficient running with use of a trolling motor, and the 360-degree open platform makes it easy to fish and maneuver in any direction. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns suitable for fishing or hunting. • 75 in. long, 72 in. wide • Weight 120 lbs. • Capacity 674 lbs. (gear and passenger) • 4 rod holders, 4 cup holders • Fits in the back of a pickup and a trailer is available MSRP $1,095

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SeaMule Wade Cart Fishing carts are nothing new, but SeaMule has taken this concept to a whole new level. If you love wade fishing, then their Wade Cart will transform how you stalk your favorite prey. It can be carried in the trunk of a car and assembled on site, rolled to the water and then floated out to go fishing. Highly customizable, it carries rods, tackle, a cooler, bucket and has both bait and bucket thru hulls. The included bait nets insert into the back through hulls to give anglers two separate live wells. • Made from rugged 4mm Polypropylene • Powder-coated aluminum handles, hinges and wheel brackets • Stainless steel shafts, bearings and fasteners • Customize with interchangeable accessories

Jackson Kayak Cuda HD Based on Jackson’s popular Cuda 12, the new HD delivers serious fishing features. It starts with a slightly longer and wider hull design that improves stability. This pays off in normal paddling and fishing, but especially when using the built-in standing pad to sight cast. Newly designed hatches are easier to use, and the center hatch makes it easy to store and mount electronics. Molded rod tubes deliver excellent protection for rod tips, and there is even a pre-molded mount for a Power-pole Micro Anchor. • 12 ft., 10 in. long, 32.5 in. wide • Weight 78 lbs. • Capacity 475 lbs. • Adjustable seat • Hydration system • Plano tackle box MSRP $1,899

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MSRP $405

www.SeaMule.com

MEET THE CHEF

WOOD FIRED FISH BY GHM STAFF

Chef Michael Bertozzi helms the kitchen at TWO Urban Licks, an Atlanta eatery that specializes in wood-fired cuisine, including incredible seafood. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, exposed Bertozzi to the staples of southern seafood, but the real influences in his culinary background come from his uniquely blended family. His mother and grandmother are both Texans and really instilled a love of

believes it’s best to be reasonable

southern flavors, but Michael’s father, a native of Peru, opened the door to another

when it comes to sustainability.

realm of cooking. “I grew up in Jacksonville, but I also spent time in Lima so I have

Getting fresh, sustainable seafood

exposure to a lot of seafood,” says Bertozzi. He has also been working in kitchens

in Atlanta is not quite as easy as if

since he was 15 years old and says that, too, has been an education. “I’ve worked

being in a coastal city.

with a lot of Latino crews and learned about Mexican preparations. There are some similarities to Peruvian food, but it’s certainly different.”

“I get my scallops from Maine,

Chef Michael Bertozzi | TWO Urban Licks

but at the same Photo: TWO Urban Licks

This blend of cultural influences is

time I’m responsible about [sustainability]. I’m not going to get a fish that is out of season. I’ve never run Chilean seabass.

expressed in the unique environment

We only use fresh Georgia white shrimp that we buy direct

of TWO Urban Licks, where everything

from the boats on coast neat Savannah. Use your head, be

is cooked over wood. Bertozzi says their

responsible. You just go after what’s running,” he says.

philosophy is really to keep things simple

Like a growing number of chefs, Bertozzi also sees

and to be careful not to overpower the food,

opportunity in expanding his seafood menu beyond the

especially when it comes to delicate proteins

most common species as a way to promote sustainability.

such as fish.

One example is lionfish, which is not too familiar to his

“We do everything on woodfire—all on oak and hickory—and we use the KISS concept. What you are trying to do is highlight the fish. You don’t want to cloud it up with a lot of stuff. One thing we do is a Mexican preparation where you slather the fish cavity with a little mayo and then top it with a chili sauce and grill it flesh side down.” When it comes to what fish to cook, Bertozzi is also cautious, though he

Atlanta clientele. “A lot of people haven’t heard about it, but I explained it to my servers and let them try it. This fish eats really well and they loved it, so it was an easy sell because they all got behind it,” he says. In all, Chef Bertozzi is a master at blending flavors and cooking techniques and applying them to the best ingredients he has at hand. To him, it’s responsible cooking. To his customers, it’s seriously good eats.

Bronzino a la talla

In Mexico, this fish is prepared over a wood grill,

Serves 4

but I like the results we get out of our wood fire oven for smaller fish like bronzino. Keep in mind

Sauce a la talla

this preparation can be applied to any fish of any size depending on the size of your grill and how

6 each Guajillo chilis, stemmed and seeded

adventurous you choose to be. We have had great

3 each Chili de arbol, stemmed and seeded

success with multiple fish from red snapper, grouper,

Editor’s Note: If you’ve never heard of bronzino, don’t feel bad.

¼ cup Roasted garlic

even lionfish. Cook until the flesh is flaky but not

We hadn’t either. The fish is farm raised and sustainable. On

3 each Cloves of fresh garlic

overdone. At TWO Urban Licks, we serve the bronzino

a scale of 1 to 7 with 1 being extinct and 7 being sustainable,

3 oz

with caramelized cipollini onions, avocado mousse,

bronzino ranks a 7. So, not only is it a very tasty fish to eat, it’s

cilantro and fresh lime.

supports the aquaculture industry and does not deplete wild

Canola oil

1 sprig Fresh marjoram ¼ tsp Fresh cracked black pepper 1 tsp

populations. Photo: Citron / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Salt

Sauce Preparation

Photo: TWO Urban Licks

In a dry sauté pan over medium heat, toast the chilis on each side until they begin to char and become aromatic. Add the fresh garlic cloves and toast until they blacken in spots; set aside and reserve for later. Place charred chilis in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Place a small plate over the chilis to keep them submerged. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes to soften. Remove the chilis and reserve a small amount of the soaking liquid. Next, combine all ingredients into the pitcher of a blender and blend until smooth. If necessary, add some of the soaking liquid to emulsify the mixture until smooth. Reserve sauce. Heat a sauté pan over medium high; coat the bottom of the pan with olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the chili puree and toast the sauce for 2 minutes. Be careful as the sauce may splatter. Keep stirring to avoid being burned. Remove sauce from sauté pan and allow to cool. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid. Sauce can be used for up to one week.

Fish Preparation A la talla is a classic Mexican preparation of whole fish. To prepare the fish, we take whole bronzino and boot strap-cut them leaving us with two filets connected at the tail and just below the head. Next we season the fish with salt, fresh lime and slather with a light coating of Duke’s mayo. Then the “a la talla sauce” is brushed over the meat of the fish.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 79

LAST CAST

HOOKED ON RESTORATION Tom Brokaw’s 1998 book, The Greatest Generation,

FRED GARTH

celebrated the incredible resiliency and resourcefulness

why a lot of game like deer, elk and turkey were hunted to

of Americans who weathered the Great Depression and

near collapse. It’s estimated that, at their peak, 10 million

World War II. That period, from 1929 through 1945, was a

elk roamed North America. That number fell to less than

hellish 16 years and beyond For millions of people, each

100,000 animals before management efforts were put into

day was about basic survival—food, shelter and clothing.

place. Today, we’ve restored the population to well over a

They hunted, they fished, they grew their own food. As a

million elk. Colorado alone has 250,000 elk and culls 50,000

teenager, my mother raised chickens in her backyard in

each year through regulated hunting. So many private and

Montgomery, Alabama, and supplied the neighbors with

public conservation groups are watching over elk that it’s

fresh eggs. She bartered for butter and milk and even

safe to say that the animal will continue to prosper.

cigarettes for her parents (They thought smoking was

For the past 25 years, Fred D.

good for you back then). They were happy even though

Garth’s articles have appeared in

they lived in fear of an

numerous books, magazines and newspapers around the world.

shoot any animal and catch any fish for sustenance. That’s

uncertain future. These days, we

Read his blog at:

freak out when we

GuyHarveyMagazine.com.

can’t get a speedy Wi-Fi connection or our latte

Another example to support my thesis is wild turkey (the bird, not the bourbon). By the 1940s, we’d nearly

Pat yourself on the back, my fellow human. Our species did something right!

wiped them out. The population fell to less than 30,000. Now, more than seven million gobblers

is not a perfect 195 degrees. Just the fact that I know

are flapping around. Pat yourself on the back, my fellow

that about coffee makes me ill. Face it, compared to the

human. Our species did something right! As we’ve done

GG, we’re pitiful beings.

with other wild critters like wolves, bear, and deer, we

However, being an eternal optimist, I’m always looking

reintroduced turkeys to areas where they’d been decimated,

for silver linings. For all of our indulgent, spoiled rotten

we built habitat and we regulated hunting so that we could

behavior, my generation—the Baby Boomers—is actually

eventually hunt them again. Today, turkey hunting is a

creating a legacy we can be proud of. Despite our growing

booming sport in 49 states. Guess which state doesn’t have

obesity and addiction to smartphones, we’re doing a damn

turkey hunting. If you said Hawaii, you’re wrong. It’s Alaska.

good job of restoring the fish and wild game we like to

For obvious reasons, like they’re underwater, it’s a

harvest. There’s so much more work to do, but I believe we

lot harder to count fish than deer. But, we know that

can crown us the Wildlife Restoration Generation (WRG).

management efforts are paying off. Red snapper in the Gulf

I’ve often pointed out that my dad would never have

of Mexico have rebounded, oysters are being reintroduced

grasped the concept of catch and release. With seven kids

in epic proportions (a billion oysters—yes with a “b”— are

and a bunch of cousins hanging around, he had a lot of

being planted in the Hudson River and New York Harbor),

mouths to feed. When you and your family are hungry, you’ll

swordfish have come back strong, lobsters and crabs are

plentiful. Aquaculture is a booming industry. Sure, there are still serious problems

wackos. Now conservationists are our heroes. We’ve had a grassroots explosion

with our fisheries. Illegal and unregulated fishing, especially in the Pacific,

of passionate watchdogs looking after Mother Nature. Our equal and opposite

continues to be a major problem. And, of course, sharks are still being decimated

human reaction is reshaping the world. That’s a legacy we can all be proud of—

because people in Asia crave shark fin soup.

along with stopping the Vietnam War, spawning a microbrew revolution, birthing

Nonetheless, we seem to be firmly on the restoration path, which raises the question: how did we, a species that still shoots and blows up each other with alarming consistency, do something right? I’ll attribute it to Sir Isaac Newton. Newton’s third law of physics—every action has an equal and opposite

rock and roll and surviving a decade of horrendous clothing and hairstyles. It turns out that not everything about the Greatest Generation was great. In fact, a lot of what they did was downright bad. Which brings me to a theme in this issue of GH Magazine—the Everglades. Yes, the GG thought it would be a

reaction—fits the birth of the mass conservation movement perfectly. As we

great idea to turn a swamp into farmland. They didn’t know any better. It was not

over-hunted and over-fished and as companies pumped pollution into our air

malicious. But, it was devastating. Thankfully, the WRG has reacted. Groups like

and water from the turn of the 20th century and into the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s,

Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, the Florida Fish & Wildlife

pristine rivers turned to fishless sludge. Then, an equal and opposite reaction

Conservation Commission (FWC), and many others are pointing the spotlight on

began. The 1970s were not just about peace, love and the Beatles breaking up.

the Everglades disaster. Time is running out, but my optimistic view is that we will

The decade also kicked off the conservation revolution. The EPA was formed in

get this one right, too. The planets are lining up and the people’s voices of reason

1970. Greenpeace was founded in 1971. The Clean Water Act passed in 1972. The

are finally being heard.

Cousteau Society began in 1973. And now, it’s literally breathtaking. There are

If it weren’t for the ultimate sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, our

hundreds of conservation groups saving turtles, reefs, owls, whales, trees, rocks,

free and prosperous America probably would not exist. They were an amazing

old pine cones—whatever. If you can think of it, there’s probably a group trying

community—pure, patriotic and ambitious. I’m incredibly proud to be a product

to save it. I haven’t checked with Siri, but roaches and mosquitoes probably have

of that society. And, hopefully, when our kids are writing about us, they’ll

advocacy groups. Save the ‘Skeeters! Radicals for Roaches! Hell yeah!

recognize that we have left them with more than we started with—more fish and

Consider that just 50 or 60 years ago, environmentalists were viewed as

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Guy Harvey Magazine — Fall 2016

Articles inside

YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE

GOING INDIANA JONES

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL