all about the water April 2017
Got Crabs? (pg 12)
Shark Research (pg 18)
Southeast U.S. Boat Show (pg 24)
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I n the T ides Features
12 Got Crabs? Peeler crab season is in full swing! Tag along as we learn about crabbing, Georgia style!
18 A Ride-Along with OCEARCH White shark research being conducted in our coastal waters.
24 Southeast U.S. Boatshow Preview Boats, oysters, jet-packs, bikini contest, and more! Columns & Articles 05 06 08 09 10 11 26 26 27 28 22
Editor’s Note - State of the Magazine Community Updates Ebb & Flow - Murphy’s Law Taste of the Tides - Soft Shelled Crab Around the Reef - ROV Competition Did You Know? Sand Dollars Spartini Promotion Boating Class Promotion Lawyers, Guns & Money Promotion What’s Going On - Event Listing The Bitter End - Boat Ramp Blues
About the Cover: Don Crum shows off a male blue crab, called a Jimmy. See Got Crabs? on page 12. Photo by Amy Thurman
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all about the water Staff
Publisher/Editor – Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Mobile Fabrication and Repair Aluminum Dock & Ramp Repair Boat Railings Towers T-Tops Trailer Repairs
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The Bitter End Columnist - Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill jgaryhill@gmail.com Around the Reef Columnist - Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov Ebb & Flow Columnist - Trey Leggett info@southerntidesmagazine.com Taste of the Tides Chef - Karin Westendorf info@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Contributing Writer - Cohen Carpenter cohen33c@gmail.com Contributing Writer - Dory Ingram doryingram@gmail.com
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Contributing Writer - Ryan Holden rehryan@gmail.com Writing & Photography Contributors - John & Lisa Holden jpholden56@gmail.com
Coastal Expeditions Captain Eric Moody Jekyll Island, Georgia
Fishing Charters Dolphin Tours Sightseeing Trips
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Copyright © 2015-2017 All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission. Southern Tides is a free magazine published monthly and can be found at multiple locations from St. Marys, GA, to Beaufort, SC. PO Box 30724 Wilmington Island, GA 31410 (912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com www.SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/southern-tides-magazine Follow us on Instagram at southerntides_mag Follow us on Twitter at Tides_Magazine Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, GA
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Congratulations to Cohen and Lexi Carpenter on their marriage on March 25! We all wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together! 4
SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
E ditor’s N ote
asking to carry the magazine, which means it’s becoming more well-known. It also adds to the biggest problem I face with distribution at the moment – needing help to get them delivered. Not a bad problem to have. I also have to address our paid subscription list, which grows each month. This is mostly people outside the area who want that little reminder of the coast they’ve fallen in love with, but also several locals who just like having it arrive at their house and/or want to support the magazine. Thank you all! There are still glitches and hiccups, but that’s to be expected and each month we get things more and more finetuned. Overall, we’re on the right path! If you have ideas, suggestions or comments, by all means share them! We love your feedback!
State of the Magazine
W
hen I’m out in the community talking to people, one of the first things anyone asks is, “How’s the magazine doing?” I’m pleased to report, it’s doing well. There are several factors I use to make that statement: the bottom line, the feedback I get from advertisers, readers and the community organizations we partner with, the quality of content we’re able to put in each issue, and of course, distribution. So let’s break it down. The bottom line. This is the twentieth issue, so we’re 20 months in, and it’s paying for itself. Not many small businesses make the break-even point in under two years, so that’s a point on the plus side. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not out shopping for boats yet, but I’m also not shopping for loans to finance operating capital. And it’s growing, each month. This month we’ve added eight pages and I believe we’ll be able to hold steady at this size through the season at least. Many thanks to our advertisers for having faith in the magazine and making this possible! Feedback. Also a big one and ours is great! I truly believe that the quality of feedback we get is largely due to the quality of content we put into each issue. We now have a solid crew of talented contributors who are passionate about the topics they cover and it’s evident each month. All of their email addresses are listed on page four – please write to them and tell them how much you appreciate their contributions! We’ve also developed strong partnerships with community organizations such as Gray’s Reef, both the Georgia and South Carolina DNRs (thank you Nancy, Melissa, and Erin), all of our coastal Riverkeepers, One Hundred Miles, the LowCountry Institute, the Port Royal Sound Foundation, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Tybee Island Marine Science Center, both South Carolina Sea Grant and UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and more (please forgive me for not listing all of you). Each month these organizations submit great information for us to share with our readers and are always on hand to answer my questions or point me in the right direction when I need information. We couldn’t put this magazine together each month without our advertisers, our regular crew of writers and photographers, and these organizations. Distribution. We print between 4000 and 6000 copies each month, depending on the season, and for the past two months I’ve had to increase our print run each month because we’ve run out. The tourist information centers tell me they fly off the shelves and they ask for additional copies each month. Another marker is when we deliver each new issue, there are very few returns. Our return rate is less than four percent. I also get calls or emails each month from businesses April 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com
Amy Thurman
Editor-In-Chief
amy@southerntidesmagazine.com I got to have another fun adventure this month when I spent the day with friends Don (middle) and Jamee (right), learning about crabbing. See Got Crabs? on page 12. Photo by Pat Harper
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Community Updates
National Award Will Allow More Students to Experience the Georgia Coast
Every spring horseshoe crabs congregate on beaches along the east coast to lay their eggs. These spawning events attract migratory shorebirds that utilize the horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their annual flight to nesting grounds in the Arctic. On April 29, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is inviting the public to one of Georgia’s barrier islands to experience this unique, seasonal phenomenon. “Each time I witness a horseshoe crab spawning event, it’s as exciting as seeing it for the first time,” says Dodie Sanders, marine educator and boat captain at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, part of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “Horseshoe crabs are an important natural resource for many reasons, one of which is their connection to migratory shorebirds, like the red knot and ruddy turnstone.” Red knots may be small shorebirds but they make one of the longest migrations of any bird in the world, traveling over 9,000 miles from feeding grounds at the southernmost tip of South America to nesting sites in the Arctic Circle. Along the way, they have to stop to rest and eat so they have enough energy to complete their journey. Beaches in Georgia are an important stopover for red knots and other migratory shorebirds. Shorebirds will time their migration to arrive during spawning season so they can feast on the abundant horseshoe crab eggs. When the birds are disturbed, they lose critical time to refuel and gain the fat they need to complete the remaining flight to the arctic. “We hope that by bringing folks out to witness this event, they’ll be more mindful of sharing the beach with wildlife and giving shorebirds plenty of space,” Sanders says. To help protect horseshoe crabs and shorebirds during the spawning season, Sanders suggests gently flipping over the horseshoe crabs that get stuck on their back on the beach. Also, keep all dogs on leashes while at the beach. During this year’s trip, educators from UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will provide spotting scopes and binoculars for shorebird observations. They’ll also educate participants about how scientists collect data each spawning season by observing mating behavior, documenting nesting areas and measuring external features of the horseshoe crabs. To participate, contact Kayla Clark at (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu. Pre-registration and payment of $22 per person is required by Friday, April 21, 2017. Children age 10 and above are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Jekyll Island Summer Camps Extend Fun and Learning Summer is an exciting time on Jekyll Island for kids of all ages. Whether a junior scientist, budding golf or tennis pro, or history enthusiast – Jekyll Island Authority has a summer camp for every interest. This year’s offerings provide kids a chance to learn and explore all over Jekyll while their parents relax and enjoy the island. “Jekyll Island camps are better than ever,” said Jones Hooks, JIA Executive Director. “With a camp each week, local families can take advantage of the wide array of offerings.” Once again, Jekyll Island Authority will offer four distinctive camp experiences. New this year, Tennis Camp sessions will be grouped by skill level, affording a better experience for campers. All camps – Tennis, Golf, Sea Turtle and Time Travelers – will again enjoy a Summer Waves Waterpark day, in addition to their educational activities and exploration.
(Continued on next page)
At only $280 per week, registration includes: five full days of camp, camp t-shirt, camp water bottle, daily boxed lunch, and a one-time visit during camp to Summer Waves Waterpark. All four camps share the same hours, but different dates. Check the web site for specific camp availability. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. After care is currently not available. For more information about Jekyll Island Summer Camps, including registration, visit www.jekyllisland.com/summercamps. Above: Sea turtle campers get behind the scenes at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Opposite page, bottom: Golf camper putting. Photos provided by JIA
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter visits the UGA Oyster Hatchery Congressman Buddy Carter toured the oyster hatchery at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and met with a shellfish grower who is working with UGA to grow single oysters in an effort to diversify the coastal economy. Carter, along with Jared Downs, a member of U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson’s staff, spent February 24 at the hatchery on Skidaway Island, learning about UGA’s effort to revive the oyster industry in Georgia. “The oyster industry has great potential to bring strong economic benefits to our area,” Carter said, following the visit. “The UGA oyster hatchery is leading this effort and working to strengthen Georgia’s shellfish industry.” Carter and Downs met with Mark Risse, director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and Tom Bliss, director of the Shellfish Research Lab, as well as extension agents at the hatchery, to learn about their efforts to produce spat, or baby oysters, and grow them into single oysters for the half-shell market. Since its launch in 2015, the hatchery has produced 700,000 spat, which have been given to 10 shellfish farmers on the coast who grow the oysters on sites they lease from the state Department of Natural Resources. The potential harvest value of the oysters is $140,000 to $245,000. By 2018, the hatchery is expected to produce between five million and seven million spat per year, with an annual estimated harvest value between $1 million and $2 million. The goal is to attract a commercial hatchery and businesses related to oyster production to the area, which would provide jobs and greater economic development opportunities on the coast. “I am glad to have had the opportunity to see the great work going on at the Rep. Buddy Carter, staffers and Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant faculty visit John Pelli’s oyster farm in Wassaw Sound. Photo provided by UGA hatchery and I look forward to seeing the oyster harvesting business grow in our community and state,” Carter said. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
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Murphy’s Law
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t’s an easy thing to grab your outdoor equipment, throw it in the vehicle and head out to enjoy nature. It’s also easy to neglect things – which can make a difference in being able to avert a crisis and return home safely. Any outdoor sports can be an accident waiting to happen. Why not spend a little preparation time and make sure you’re prepared? As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.â€? Many people buy kayaks for fishing without the first thought of safety. They’re focused on the fun and good times they’ll have crusing around in their little plastic boat rather than on the “what ifâ€? factor. The American Canoe Association reported that there were 146 fatalities involving canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards in 2015. I’d venture to guess that many of those deaths could have been avoided by employing some safety steps in their recreational planning. Safety preparations can vary depending on the type of kayak you have, where you’ll be, what time of day/night, the weather forecast, water temperature, your abilities and health, and the distance you’ll be going. Here are some basic tips; adjust your list according to your own needs. •Create a float plan – let someone know where you’ll be going and when you’ll return. •Wear a PFD, life jacket, wearable flotation device, whatever you want to call it. Wear it. •Have a charged cell phone and handheld VHF radio with you. •Take a bailing device or pump (oyster rakes can do Keith Motola (left) and Trey with a big bull red off Jekyll Island. serious damage to a hull). Photo by Austin Leggett •Include a first aid kit in your gear. •Keep a change of clothes in a dry bag. •Dress in layers according to the temperature (and don’t forget clothing with built-in SPF). •Don’t forget your sun screen and lip balm. •Include a knife and extra rope or paracord in your gear. •A section of plastic sheeting or tarp will roll up small and serve as a quick shelter if needed. Keep in mind, the Coast Guard requires that kayakers have a PFD, a whistle and a 360-degree emitting white light during low-light conditions. Check your local regulations to be sure you’re carrying what’s required in your area. As long as you’ve considered the potential hazards of your outing and prepared accordingly, kayaking and kayak fishing are awesome sports that create loads of fun and memories. Don’t let Murphy’s Law catch you off guard! Tight lines and stay safe. Trey fishes for Hobie Kayak Fishing, Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, and Coastal Georgia Kayak Fishing. Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com
www.safeharborriggingservices.com 8
SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
Taste of the Tides
Deep-Fried Soft Shell Crab By Karin Westendorf
Chef - Surf Song Bed & Breakfast
Peeler season is in full-swing and soft shell crabs are available at most local sea food markets. For a soft but crunchy turn on an old favorite, give them a try! INGREDIENTS 6 Soft shell crabs 1 Cup egg whites 1 Cup ice water 2 Cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 Tbsp sea salt 2 Tsp black pepper 1 Tsp celery salt 1 Tsp Old Bay Seasoning
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•Start with thawed and dressed soft shell crabs. • Whisk the egg whites and ice water together; set aside and keep cold. • Whisk (dry) together the sifted all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, celery salt, and Old Bay. • Dredge crabs in the egg white batter, then in the flour mixture. • Place breaded crabs in deep fryer at 375°F for about 3 minutes. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the crabs. Turn crabs over for even cooking, until golden brown and crispy on both sides. • Place on wire rack or paper towel-lined tray for one minute to drain. Serve as is with melted butter or your favorite seafood dipping sauce, or on a sandwich. Goes great with cole slaw and fries.
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A round the Reef
technology, engineering, or math. Gray’s Reef staff will be on hand to assist observers in operating a demonstration-model ROV, and visitors also can experience a dive to Gray’s Reef using virtual reality goggles. The second youth adventure is a “Live Exploration” of Gray’s Reef that will unfold the wonders of the marine sanctuary in a livestreaming event targeted toward elementary and middle school students. Working with experts from Georgia Public Broadcasting’s education division and the University of Georgia, Gray’s Reef’s Superintendent Sarah Fangman will take the students on a virtual dive so they can explore the reef without needing a swimsuit! The virtual expedition will include underwater surgery on a fish to insert a tagging transmitter and beautiful views of the vibrant and abundant marine life found at Gray’s Reef. Students will learn how Gray’s Reef was formed, how the seafloor serves as a habitat and how they can help protect the reef from major threats. Science teachers from Georgia and beyond are encouraged to register their classes for this extraordinary classroom event!
ROVs & Live Exploration By Michelle Riley
Communications and Outreach Coordinator Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
A
s part of the United States Department of Commerce, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is interested in advancing new technologies that help keep our ocean healthy and recognizes that America’s future marine industry workforce will need skills to match that technology. In the spirit of innovation, the sanctuary highlights two noteworthy events for students this spring. First up is the Gray’s Reef Southeast Regional ROV Competition, at which middle and high school students compete to successfully pilot underwater, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), through a hypothetical marine “mission.” Underwater ROVs are used extensively in ocean exploration, the military, the film industry, the oil industry and other commercial enterprises. This year’s mission features a port environment, as ROVs could be used at Savannah or Brunswick’s ports. It is particularly relevant to Gray’s Reef: in real life, Gray’s Reef staffers put out a request for inventors to develop a customized ROV that can crawl along the flat sand areas of the sanctuary with minimal impact. That ROV will be equipped with cameras, sensors and other instruments. Once operational, the robot will be able to stay at the bottom of Gray’s Reef for many hours, or even days, observing and recording the behavior of fish and other marine creatures and measuring water temperature, salinity, carbon dioxide levels and other important habitat conditions. The ROV competition is an opportunity for the public to experience impressive feats of engineering and piloting skill by young people. During the competition, the pool is awash with excitement as almost two dozen student teams “fly” ROVs that they have designed and built. Parents, grandparents and caretakers can enjoy the day with youngsters who have an interest in science,
Email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov How to Attend the ROV Competition and the Livestreaming Exploration of Gray’s Reef NMS: The Gray’s Reef Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition takes place on Saturday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Chatham County Aquatic Center, located at 7240 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406. Visitors are welcome to drop in for a little while or stay the whole day. The event is free and open to the public. Georgia Southern University and the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center partner with Gray’s Reef to produce the competition. The Live Exploration to Gray’s Reef is presented by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). Teachers can learn more and register their classes at http://www.gpb.org/education/explore/graysreef. The live event takes place on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. After May 10, the Live Exploration will be posted on the GPB and Gray’s Reef websites. The University of Georgia’s Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant are partners for this event, which will be livestreamed from the University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium in Savannah.
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D id Y ou Know? Sand dollars are living animals! • Sand dollars belong to the phylum Echinodermata, which means “spiny skin.” Some of their relatives include sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. • Sand dollars have fuzzy spines and cilia that resemble hair, which they use to move themselves along the sea floor. If a sand dollar is accidently turned over, it can right itself by burrowing vertically into the sand. • A sand dollar also use its spines and cilia to carry food to its mouth, which is located in the center of the bottom side of the body. The mouth has five pyramid-shaped jaws, each ending in a hard tooth, arranged in a circlet. This apparatus is called Aristotle’s lantern.
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• It is illegal to collect live sand dollars! Here are three easy ways to determine if a sand dollar is alive or dead: - Live sand dollars range in color from grey/green to deep brown to purple-ish red. A white sand dollar is dead and has been bleached by the sun. - Live sand dollars are covered in felt-like fuzzy spines and cilia that move. A smooth sand dollar that has lost its spines and cilia is no longer living. - Live sand dollars may leave a harmless yellow-ish stain on your skin from a substance they produce called echinochrome. If a sand dollar stains your skin, it is still alive. Data compiled by Meghan Maylone, a student at Savannah State University. Sources include: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sanibel Sea School, Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and UC Berkley
Above: Live sand dollars still have cilia and are not bleached white by the sun. Photo by Dr. Joe Richardson Left: Dead sand dollars are dry, bleached white, and have no cilia. Photo by Amy Thurman (gathered dead on Sapelo Island)
April 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com
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Got Crabs? Article and Photos by Amy Thurman On a recent March morning, I layered up, packed my camera and notebook, filled my cup with caffeine, pulled on rubber boots, and headed out to go crabbing with my friends and local crabbers, Jamee and Don Crum. Peeler crab season was in full-swing and it was a great chance to learn more this local delicacy. There are only 133 crab licenses in Georgia - and the only way to get one is to inherit it, or purchase it from an existing license holder. Many thanks to Jamee and Don for making it possible to get this rare look inside a coastal tradition! This Page: Blue crabs. Opposite, Top: Don uses a boat hook to snag the buoy, then hauls in the trap with a winch. Opposite, Bottom: Emptying the trap onto a sorting table where sooks and small males will be tossed back, while large males and peelers will be kept.
D
on and I headed for the boat ramp while Jamee stayed behind to babysit the tables. The water was like glass and the early-morning sun was mostly concealed by a thin layer of clouds as we pulled away from the dock. March weather can vary from absolutely frigid to downright hot, but we got lucky that morning with moderate temps and just enough of a breeze to mostly keep the gnats at bay. As we rode out to the first set of traps with the boat gliding smoothly through the water and a gentle wind in my face, I was again reminded of how lucky we are to live in an area where it’s possible to earn a living and make a life for yourself doing something you love. “It’s still work,” said Don, “but even on days when the weather’s bad or you have boat trouble, once you get out here, it’s always good.” We arrived at the first set of traps and I stayed out of the way taking pictures as Don worked through the process. Slowly slide alongside a buoy, snag it with a boat hook, thread the line through a pully, then around the two-wheeled winch, flip the winch motor while the boat idles in a large circle, and make sure the lines stay clear as the winch hauls up the trap. Then pop open a small flap and shake the contents out onto a sorting table. This isn’t as easy as it sounds – the traps aren’t light and the crabs tend to hold on. But eventually they do let go and when the trap’s empty, restock the bait, and drop the trap back into the water. As he worked, Don explained that we were using two types of traps and fishing for two types of crabs. Regular blue crabs, with traps that have a section for bait (such as dead fish) and peeler crab traps, in which the bait is a male crab. Peeler crabs (also known as soft shell crabs on the menus of restaurants up and down the east coast), are simply blue crabs that have shed their shells. Each spring (and a shorter season in the fall), crabs molt and during the very short window when their “shells” are soft is the only time they can mate. When a male crab is used as bait, female crabs will flock to the trap. But more on the mating process later. After watching Don haul several traps, I had to try it
myself. On my first attempt I wasn’t able to get the hook at the right angle and missed the float, so Don swung us around and made another pass. That time I snagged the float, fed it through the pulley and around the winch, and hauled it up. No worries about me deciding to be a crabber though, the traps are a little too heavy for me to stand there and shake the crabs out, so Don handled the rest of the process. After hauling up a few more traps, occasional turns at the helm and the sorting table, I went back to taking pictures and left the work to the expert. Like any job, there are frustrations and difficulties. Boat maintenance is critical and a motor not firing right can keep you at the dock. Poaching is also sometimes an issue. “When you haul up a line of traps and six of them are full, but the seventh is empty for no reason, it’s a good bet
Virgins, Sooks and Jimmies - Identifying and Sorting Crabs
Male and female crabs can be easily identified by their claws - females have bright red claws, commonly referred to as nail polish. But additional identification is needed during peeler season, Don explained. “With peeler crabs, we want the virgins,” he said, referring to female crabs that have not yet molted. These crabs will have a straight V-shaped skirt on their underside, as opposed to the rounded skirt of crabs that have already molted, called sooks. Sooks are released back into the water to continue the reproduction cycle.
Male crabs, called Jimmies, were sorted into two categories. Those at least five inches in length from end to end, were kept to be sold, and smaller males were released. Very large males with darker coloring, (left), were set aside to be used as peeler crab bait. “A large male with that rusty color has been sitting in the mud, building his strength. Males without that darker coloring have been moving around a lot and aren’t as meaty. The females are more attracted to the stronger, heavier males,” he explained.
Don sorts crabs, measuring those that are close to five inches to be sure they’re of legal size.
that someone took them home for dinner,” he said, though he also stated that it didn’t happen all that often. Another issue (though luckily also infrequent), is vandalism. A cut float means a lost crab trap, at a cost of $50 each, this can hurt. Nature can get in the way at times, too. Weather is a big factor – the traps need to be hauled at least every other day and at times there’s no choice but to head out in the rain or cold or risk hauling up dead crabs. Crabbers must also work around the tides. At full tide when the current is
running, the floats can be pulled underwater and may no longer visible, which means another trip back to that area when the tide has gone out enough for the floats to resurface. One of the lines of traps we attempted to check were too far underwater to retrieve and Don noted that they would have to be hauled the following morning. It was time for us to head back in so he could meet a truck and I could join Jamee and learn more about the peeler crab side of things. Back at the tables, Jamee was battling exhaustion while keeping the crabs separated and monitoring water quality. During peeler season, a small operation like Don and Jamee’s means round-the-clock work for them both. Jamee had been up most of the prior night babysitting the crabs so Don could catch some sleep before pulling his 24-hour shift. Prior to shedding their shells, peeler crabs go through stages that help identify where they are in the process. Peeler season begins when water temperatures reach around 60 degrees. “Whites” the virgin females, with pure white underbellies, are at least two
Above: Jamee removes crabs that have shed their shells from one tank and moves them to a tank where they’ll stay until their shells harden enough and they’re ready to be packaged. .
“Crabs will eat anything. They’re scavengers. But that’s God’s way of turning something nasty and dirty into something good.” Below: Crabs waiting to shed in one of the many tables used to keep them healthy and contained through the process.
weeks out from shedding. They are still actively feeding and must be separated from the shedding crabs or will feed on them. The crabs are classified as “pinks” when red spots develop on the back paddles, which indicates they’ll molt in less than a week. “Reds” have a dark pink cast to their underbellies and will molt in less than two days. At that point, they’re no longer feeding and are less active. The crabs are kept in low-sided, wooden tables with running water piped through – a closed, blue crab shedding system in which salinity, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia are closely monitored for proper quality to keep the crabs healthy through the process. As the crabs go through various stages, they’re moved by hand from table to table to ensure whites and pinks aren’t feeding on the crabs that have begun to “bust,” when their shells have separated and they’re vulnerable. The shell separates at the back and the crab begins to ease backward out of her shell, pulling the back paddle fins out first. After the paddles are free, the rest of the shell comes off fairly quickly. The crab is then completely vulnerable, unable to lift her claws or move her legs at all. Within about six hours the shell begins to harden and the crab once again becomes more active. When the crab can hold its front claws close to the body and the small points across the front of the shell are no longer soft to the touch, the crabs are pulled from the tanks and packaged for sale as soft shell crab. In the wild, when the shedding process begins, a male crab will carry a busting female to protect her from predators. When she has completely shed her shell, the crabs can mate. “He flips her over and pulls her skirt down,” Jamee explains, with a laugh. As with pulling traps in the river, this side of the business has its challenges as well. Peeler season is about six weeks long, which means six weeks of sleep deprivation and constantly working the tables. Crabs occasionally die and have to be pulled from the tables to prevent loss of water quality, and the water system must be constantly monitored (and treated when necessary). In addition, fickle spring weather can create a problem. During the cold snap in March when temps dropped for several days, Don and Jamee had to install plastic sheeting and heaters to maintain water temperatures for the crabs. “It isn’t easy,” Jamee said, “but we love it!”
Top Down: Jamee packages the crabs for shipping to New York. A crab backing our of it’s shell. After leaving the shell the crab is unable to hold its claws to it’s body. After about six hours, the shell has hardened enough that the crab has regained some control of it’s legs and claws, but still not enough to pinch.
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SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
Above: Attempting to hide. This Image: Hoping for Pogi-cicles.
Channel whelk caught in a crab trap.
Left: Packaged for shipping. This Image: An attentive audience.
A Ride-along with OCEARCH
Shark researcher and Southern Tides writer, Cohen Carpenter, spent a day aboard the R/V OCEARCH with his mentor-from-afar, Chris Fischer, and a team of scientists and crew. Cohen shares the experience here, including an exclusive interview with Fischer.
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By Cohen Carpenter
arly one morning in March, I found myself drinking coffee with Chris Fischer, expedition leader and founder of OCEARCH.org, ™ as we waited for favorable wind and tides. We were about to head out to the R/V OCEARCH, the retired Bering Sea crabber turned white shark tagging research vessel. Their mission is simple: catch apex predators like white sharks and tiger sharks, allow scientists to collect as much data as possible, and release them safely with multiple tags, including a satellite tracker on the dorsal fin. Their work is on the cutting-edge of restoring balance to marine ecosystems by seeking an understanding of the life history of top-tiered predators. Upon arrival, a guided tour through the vessel explained 18
the brains and muscles behind its success. For example, the hydraulic arm, which not only lifts animals weighing in at nearly two tons, but also moves a center-console 30-foot Contender and a safe boat, in and out of the great mothership. The vacant holds below-deck, initially intended as crab storage, are now used to store water as ballast, which is shifted around to distribute weight appropriately, counterbalancing the ship as the hydraulic arm hoists an animal or vessel. This is one feature that makes the OCEARCH ship so unique and it gives scientists the opportunity to conduct work that is only possible with an animal out of the water. Bryan Frazier, of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and head scientist onboard at the time, along with the other scientists, discussed the work being done on each animal that was captured. This includes measuring the stress associated with being captured by examining blood samples taken when landing and releasing the shark. Bryan also surgically implants an acoustic transmitter, which can last up to ten years, and will send a signal out every 60 seconds. A network of acoustic receivers up and down the coast can pick up any transmitter within 300 to 400 yards and records the distinct identification number and the time, which is used to understand movement patterns. A second type of tag, the spot tag, is placed on the dorsal fin of the shark and sends a signal, or “ping,” to a satellite whenever the fin breaches the surface. This ping is then relayed to the OCEARCH team and updated on the Global Shark Tracker in real time at OCEARCH.org. You can watch SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
any individual shark and track their movement in real time! Another major objective of these expeditions is to understand the reproductive biology of white sharks. This is the area of focus for the shark biology program at the University of North Florida. Graduate student researcher Clark Morgan explained his role in performing ultrasounds on any females that are encountered. By coupling an ultrasound scan that reveals pups, with blood hormone levels, it’s possible to develop a “shark pregnancy test” based on a blood sample. This is important due to the cost these portable ultrasound machines, and most researchers don’t have the ability to hoist a white shark out of the water to perform an ultrasound. With a simple blood test though, the science of white shark reproductive biology can be pushed forward much more rapidly, as obtaining a blood sample is easier. Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, of Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota Florida, takes bacteria samples from the dermal scales (skin) of captured sharks. Her objective is to better understand the role of beneficial microbes in disease resistance in sharks and to potentially identify a new source of antibiotics that may even be effective against some human pathogens! Dr. Christine Bedore, of Georgia Southern University, studies the sensory biology of white sharks, in particular, their visual sensitivity to light. This can provide information on how they might move vertically through the water column as well as stress levels associated with being captured. Opposite Page: Captain Brett McBride on deck with Hilton, a mature, male white shark that just received his satellite spot tag and is about to swim off-deck. Photo copyright OCEARCH/R. Snow Top: Scientists handling Beaufort, a juvenile male tiger shark. Photo copyright OCEARCH/R. Snow Middle: The R/V OCEARCH as Cohen prepared to board. Photo by Cohen Carpenter Right: Student researcher Clark Morgan demonstrates the use of the portable ultrasound. He can use either the console’s monitor or this headset monitor, which allows better mobility and eliminates glare from the son. Photo by Cohen Carpenter
Dr. Lisa Hoopes, of the Georgia Aquarium, uses blood samples to study fatty acids and vitamins in the sharks. Based on the premise “you are what you eat,” this could tell her what they might feed on. Other analyses were being performed as well. For example, small tissue samples are used to analyze genetics for population studies and potential contaminants, like methylmercury within the sharks’ muscles. Also, any parasites observed on the animal (parasitic copepods are often found on sharks) are removed for further analysis. Altogether, this multitude of tests take about 15 minutes, then the sharks are then lowered back into the water to swim off. Although during my time on the boat we didn’t capture any sharks, the lowcountry expedition overall was fruitful. Two white sharks, Hilton and Savannah, were tagged. Hilton, a mature male, is approximately twelve and a half feet long and 1,326 pounds. Savannah is an eight-and-a-half-foot juvenile female. Two tiger sharks were also tagged, Weimar, a roughly nine-and-a-half-foot, 304 pound mature male, and Beaufort who is a roughly five-and-a-half-foot juvenile male. Hilton was possibly the most exciting, not only because he was the largest, but also because information on mature males is very limited. He will hopefully answer some important questions for scientists through his movement patterns. The R/V OCEARCH is currently docked in Brunswick, Georgia, again planning their next move. If you’re in the area, take the kids (of any age!) to check it out, and keep up with them on social media – they often host events to engage with the public. 20
Savannah (above) and Hilton (below) receive their tags and crew performs other studies while these white sharks are on deck. A hose pumps ocean water into their mouths and over their gills for oxygen during the work up. A damp towl is placed over their eyes, which allows the sharks to relax. Both photos copyright OCEARCH/R. Snow
SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
An Interview with Chris Fischer
Come by boat!
By Cohen Carpenter
• Apps, burgers & fresh local seafood • Full bar • Indoor & outdoor dining • Live music on weekends • Open seven days
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n addition to observing the science, I had a chance to sit down with Chris and ask about his work and his mission for OCEARCH. Here’s some of that conversation: Cohen: You’ve mentioned that you’re going to spend the next three to five years on the eastern seaboard trying to figure out the life-history of the white shark (i.e. when and where mating and giving birth occurs, movement patterns, etc.). What do you think the answers might be? Chris: It’s easy for me to say what I think. The scientists have to prove it. I can guess, based on seeing these puzzles across the world. I believe the white sharks are mating off Cape Cod in the fall and early winter, you know, late August through December. I think there might be more than one mating site. We’ve seen that in the Pacific. We believe they’re birthing in May and June around Long Island, where we’ve caught 9 young of the year pups [born that year]. I believe they come down here [the southeast coast] to overwinter and forage, and maybe the big females are gestating, like Mary Lee, who likes to sit offshore there at Savannah. I believe there’s another parallel puzzle going on though, with a separate population of white sharks in the Atlantic who use separate mating and pupping sites. Look at a shark like Lydia, that we tagged in Jacksonville. In four years she’s never been to Cape Cod in the fall or early winter. But where has she been? She’s been at Sable Island, just south of Nova Scotia, with the largest seal colony in the North Atlantic, during what we believe is mating season. So, I believe that Lydia is showing us a second mating site in the Atlantic. I believe she’ll show us alternate pupping sites as well. We need to get to Sable Island in the fall and early winter to see if there are a bunch of white sharks out there mating! I think if we’re able to get up there and capture maybe 40 more sharks in the next couple years, we’ll solve this puzzle within a decade. And the whole eastern seaboard will know. Cohen: What question burns inside of you the most? Chris: Can we prove that you can build a social enterprise that makes it worthwhile for companies to create the abundant future of the planet. What I focus on most is the enterprise model. (Author’s note: Chris partners with companies like Caterpillar and Costa del Mar to fund expeditions; these companies benefit from the exposure and association with OCEARCH.) Can we prove enough brandintegrated content, with enough scale, to make it worth it for companies to create the data we need, to move the system [marine ecosystems] toward abundance for our grandchildren? If we can prove this business model, in this era of connectivity with sharks in the ocean, it can be leveraged to attack a lot of problems that face resources and mankind. Additionally, I’m trying to make sure that
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we can give this [OCEARCH itself and the model] away to the future so it transcends any individual’s lifespan. Cohen: How do your ideas on datasharing differ from the status quo, and why do you think they’re more effective? Chris: I didn’t understand how ocean research and science was driven in the past, by a system that forced scientists to work individually so they couldn’t get the next grant and get ahead of one another. So, rather than collaborating on a common mission to save the abundance of the ocean, they were driven toward these individual models, which slowed down learning. I came into this trying to make a global impact on the future, and for me, that meant we all had to collaborate and we all had to open source [share all data], because if we’re going to make a global impact on the future it’s going to take all of us. No individual group, or person, is going to do that. [OCEARCH often has 10 or more scientists on each expedition, all gathering data to answer a myriad of questions.] I didn’t understand why people were operating individually, because it didn’t seem like it was grandchildren-first or ocean-first [two phrases Chris often uses to describe his philosophy and mission]. We’ve been able to create new sources of funding [corporate partnerships] that aren’t trying to monetize what we learn, and therefore we can give that away. This brings everyone into the project. It’s inclusive. It’s a new way, and it’s the new way. We don’t have time for models that reduce our capacity to collect data or slow that down. It’s just how you would run any business. Approaching the future abundance of the ocean like a business promotes efficiency, it promotes collaboration and inclusion. Any time we haven’t known what to do, we ask ourselves, “What is grandchildren-first?” “What is oceanfirst?” That led to the model and how we operate today. Cohen: What do you wish humans/society would do more of, or start doing? Chris: Every time humans purchase anything, they need to think about whom they are buying from, and buy from the companies that are creating a future while they make business. Because I really believe conscious capitalism is going to be what creates an abundant future for the ocean. If the way we all choose to buy only rewards the companies that are extending or enhancing resources while they make business, then it will be in the best business interest for all companies to create an abundant future for our oceans. It will be in the best shareholder value. If every individual thinks, “Oh look, this person is making business and doing good. I’m going to reward them with my consumption,” or, “Oh look, this company is just taking. I’m not going to buy from them,” the individual purchasing power is going to be what forces businesses to create an abundant future. Why am I focused on businesses? They have the money. They have the resources. If we, as consumers, can make it in their best interest to create a good future, then we’ll all be participating in creating a great place for our grandchildren to live. Cohen: What’s one thing that anyone could start doing today to benefit marine ecosystems? Chris: Stop using single-use plastics. Don’t use straws. Don’t use the lid on your paper cup. Don’t buy a water bottle, use a re-usable water bottle. We’ve got to kick plastic. Everybody can kick plastic. Or choose to buy from the company that does not use plastic. Conscious capitalism! Cohen: Could you talk about the educational curriculum that OCEARCH has created for kids? Chris: We’ve built an integrated, STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] education curriculum, so while kids track sharks [on the global shark 22
SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
tracker] they learn math, and physics, and the skills they need to get a good job. This also encourages them to become the data-driven, centrist, resource manager of the future. The curriculum is important because it brings kids into a real-time project, so they can be a part of how science works. They’ll later realize, “Oh, it’s my turn to manage the resource and I need to chase the science. I need to see what the data says.” Cohen: How can kids access this curriculum? Chris: It’s totally open-sourced and free. You just go to OCEARCH.org and click on the education tab. It’s available to 256 languages and in the English and metric systems. There are 100 lesson plans, all of the Next Generation Science Standards. It’s also available through discoveryeducation. com. Cohen: Is there anything else you’d like to add for our readers? Chris: The main thing is for people to get in on the project. Come on in. Talk to the sharks [i.e. @MaryLeeShark on Twitter, has over 103k followers!]. Track the sharks. Get on the social handles. Use the curriculum. Everyone should feel like this belongs to him or her. Because it does! I was so thrilled to have this conversation with Chris and share his message and the mission of OCEARCH. I urge you to get kids involved. Show them the tracker and let them decide on their favorite shark. What an awesome resource that can prepare the next generation to become responsible stewards of the ocean! Chris Fischer on deck of the R/V Ocearch. Photo by Cohen Carpenter
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Preview of the 21st Annual
Southeast U.S. Boat Show
The Southeast U.S. Boat Show, in Jacksonville, will kick off on Friday, April 21, and run through Sunday, April 23. In addition to the boat show, The Oyster Jam Music Fest runs concurrently, on the grounds. Ticket price includes both events. For more information, please visit: www.southeastusboatshow.com.
Boat Show Features Hundreds of boats (land & water)
SUP Paddleboard Race
Over 150 coastal lifestyle vendors
Kid’s Zone
Fishing Seminars
Live Music
Boater Safety & Education
Oyster Cook-off
Jet Pack Competition
Shuck’n Contest
Cornhole Tournament
Food Truck Food Court
Bikini Contest
Daily Happy Hour
Where
Metropolitan Park & Marina 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32202
When
Friday, April 21, - Sunday, April 23 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily
Tickets
Adults: $12.00 Children 16 & Under: Free
For More Information, visit: www.SoutheastUSBoatShow.com Hosted by Current Productions, Inc.
Georgia DNR and Chatham County Marine Patrol
present Boater Safety Course
This is a Georgia approved class, required for anyone born after January 1, 1998 to operate any vessel on Georgia waters. The course is instructed by CCMP and GA DNR Resource Rangers. It will cover all required equipment and Georgia boating laws. All students must pass an exam and provide their social security number to receive the ID card.
Required for anyone born after 1-1-98 State Approved Class 3rd Saturday every month
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9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (912) 264-7237
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After After Party Party admission admission included included in in team team entry. entry. Non-shooters Non-shooters are are welcome welcome for for a a $25 $25 donation donation For more information contact Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
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What’s Going On ... April 15
Boater Safey Course
GA DNR Resource Rangers and Chatham County Marine Patrol Anyone born after 01-01-1998 must have a Boater Safety ID Card to operate a vessel of any kind on Georgia waters. See promo on page 26. April 15, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Event free for all ages Register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237
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Marine Business Meeting
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Annual Boat Yard Sale
Sail Harbor Marina & Boat Yard
Isle of Hope Marina presents:
Calling all sellers and buyers! Bring that boat stuff you no longer need and find treasures brought by others.
Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food and drinks.
April 22, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sail Harbor Marina 606 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah Event free both buyers and sellers To reserve space contact Jim Bulluck (912) 695-6510 jbulluck@spectrum.tm
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Savannah March for Science
One Hundred Miles and Savannah Riverkeeper
Georgia Marine Business Association
March down Whitaker Street t Forsyth Park in the morning, with interactive science pop-ups centered around the south end of Forsyth Park.
Monthly meeting to discuss topics of importance to marine business owners/ managers. Open to anyone interested in more information on membership.
April 22, 2017 9:00 a.m. Johnson Square Savannah Event free for all ages facebook.com/MarchForScienceSavannah
April 19, 2017 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Brunswick (location TBD) Cost - Each attendee purchases their own lunch For more information contact Amy (912) 4843611 amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Ebenezer Creek Paddle
Savannah Riverkeeper presents:
Southeast U.S. Boat Show
Current Productions, Inc. presents: Three fun-filled days with hundreds of boats, over 150 vendors, oyster roast, cornhole tournament, oyster cook-off, kid’s zone, bikini contest, food truck court, fishing seminars, and more. April 21 - 23 Metro Park & Marina, Jacksonville Adults $12 - 16 and under free www.southeastusboatshow.com
Isle of Hope Pavillion Series
Part of the Savannah Riverkeeper Summer Paddle Series, each paddle will be a unique, fun and educational tour of some of the most beautiful routes in the watershed. SRK hopes the series will introduce paddlers of all levels to new and underexplored areas. All proceeds support our mission of protecting the Savannah River. April 23, 2017 12:00 noon Tommy Long Landing, Rincon Cost: $45 (includes kayak rental), $25 no rental needed. $5 off for SRK members. (912) 454-8048 www.savannahriverkeeper.org/events
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April 28, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Isle of Hope Marina, 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Adults $12 - 16 and under free (912) 354-8187
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Turtle Trot 5k & Turtle Release
Tybee Island Marine Science Center The Turtle Trot fundraiser kicks-off Coastal Georgia’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season. The pavilion will feature music and refreshments, along with our resident sea turtle/marine debris ambassador. Post-race we’ll release a loggerhead turtle from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
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April 29, 2017 7:30 a.m. Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion Registration $20 for Science Center member, $25 for nonmembers (912) 786-5917 brenda@tybeemarinescience.org www.tybeemarinescience.org
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Ossabaw Island Day Trip
Ossabaw Island Foundation Travel by pontoon boat to Georgia’s third largest barrier isalnd for a walking tour of Ossabaw’s North End. Bring a lunch to enjoy on outdoor tables or on the Club House porch. Then, wander the North End on your own until departure. April 29, 2017 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Depart from Rodney J. Hall boat ramp (Butterbean Beach) 25 Diamond Causeway, Savannah $85/person (registration required) (912) 233-5104 robin@ossabawisland.org www.ossabawisland.net
SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
May 7
Riverkeeper Rally
Altamaha Riverkeeper Come join a celebration of the Ocmulgee River. Paddle the river, enjoy free music, food, and cash bar. May 7, 2017 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Amerson Park, Ocmulgee River, Macon Event free for all ages Susan Wendell (478) 845-5370 susan@altamahariverkeeper.org
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Euchee Creek Paddle
Savannah Riverkeeper presents: Part of the Savannah Riverkeeper Summer Paddle Series, each paddle will be a unique, fun and educational tour of some of the most beautiful routes in the watershed. SRK hopes the series will introduce paddlers of all levels to new and underexplored areas. All proceeds support our mission of protecting the Savannah River. May 11, 2017 5:30 p.m. Riverside Park, Augusta Cost: $45 (includes kayak rental), $25 no rental needed. $5 off for SRK members. (912) 454-8048 www.savannahriverkeeper.org/events
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Lawyers, Guns & Money Clay Shoot
Abilities Unlimited, Inc. presents: This sporting clays shoot benefits Abilities Unlimited, Inc. An afterparty will follow with a silent auction, BBQ dinner, and live music by the Train Wrecks, with an opening performance by the Connellis. May 12, 2:00 p.m. (Afterparty at 6:00 p.m.) Forest City Gun Club, Savannah For more information and to register, contact Lyn McCuen (912) 224-0927 lyn@caldwellbanker.com
S
12-14 Turtle Crawl
Races & Festival
Georgia Sea Turtle Center Jekyll Island Authority hosts two USA Triathlonsanctioned triathlons – the International Distance Triathlon and the Sprint Distance – as well as 5K and 10K races. The festival will include field day-style games, live music and food from the Beach Village restaurants and merchants, as well as a regional food truck park. May 12 - 14, 2017 Jekyll Island, Georgia www.jekyllisland.com/turtlecrawl
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Marine Business Meeting
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Georgia Marine Business Association Monthly meeting to discuss topics of importance to marine business owners/ managers. Open to anyone interested in more information on membership. May 17, 2017 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tortuga’s Island Grille, Thunderbolt, Georgia Cost - Each attendee purchases their own lunch For more information contact Amy (912) 4843611 amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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History & Ecology of St. Catherine’s Island
The Dolphin Project
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Boater Safey Course
GA DNR Resource Rangers and Chatham County Marine Patrol Anyone born after 01-01-1998 must have a Boater Safety ID Card to operate a vessel of any kind on Georgia waters. See promo on page 26. April 15, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Event free for all ages Register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237
21
Hog Marsh Island Paddle
Savannah Riverkeeper presents: Part of the Savannah Riverkeeper Summer Paddle Series, each paddle will be a unique, fun and educational tour of some of the most beautiful routes in the watershed. SRK hopes the series will introduce paddlers of all levels to new and underexplored areas. All proceeds support our mission of protecting the Savannah River. May 21, 2017 4:15 p.m. Houlihand Landing, Port Wentworth Cost: $45 (includes kayak rental), $25 no rental needed. $5 off for SRK members. (912) 454-8048 www.savannahriverkeeper.org/events
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Isle of Hope Pavillion Series
The Dolphin Project is hosting a program on St. Catherine’s Island - its history, ecology and the exotic animals that live there. Hors d’eourves provided (BYOB).
Isle of Hope Marina presents:
May 20, 2017 6:30 p.m. Richmond Hill History Museum 11460 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill $10/person (912) 657-3927 thedolphinproject@gmail.com
May 26, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Isle of Hope Marina, 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Cover charge TBD (912) 354-8187
Save the Date!
Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food and drinks.
June - July, Jekyll Island Summer Camps www.jekyllisland.com/summercamps June 3, Ossabaw Island Creative Day Trip (912) 233-5104 June 5 - 23, SSU STEM 360 Summer Enrichment (912) 484-3611 July 14 - 16, Fishin’ For Jamie Tournament (check Facebook for more info)
April 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com
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T he Bitter End
The Boat Ramp Blue
By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill
M
y deadline tends to creep up, like a sea fog coming in from offshore. You can see it, you know it’s coming, and you feel that dread, sort of like in that old movie The Fog. [Editor’s Note: I’ll give you something to dread … ] That’s how I feel each month as I struggle to come up with something I hope you, our readers, will enjoy. Many times, in the last hours (or just after the last hours) of deadline, something clicks. This morning was one of those times. My normally quiet morning was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. A friend was calling and it went something like this: Him: What’re you doing? Me: I was relaxing. What’s up? Him: I’m at the boat ramp. Can you bring me some hydraulic fluid and the filler can? And oh yeah, something to remove the cap. How many of you have received a call like this? If you boat as much as I do, probably all too often. When boats aren’t giving us those hours of pleasure, they’re usually the cause of a disproportionate amount of grief. But this article isn’t so much about actual boats, but more about that other part of the equation, namely trailers and boat ramps. And the people who use them. A bit later we got my friend’s trim filled and the boat launched for a quick test run. I had high hopes of being able to sit in the truck while he made a couple of quick passes, then slide the boat back on the trailer and be gone. Have you ever noticed that a ramp can sit there for hours with no use? That is, until you’re ready to use it, or trying to be. Sure enough, another truck with a boat in tow arrived, so being courteous, I pulled up, even though I could see my buddy on his way back. I wasn’t sure if he was actually ready or not and didn’t want to hold up the ramp. I pulled out, but when I came back around, the other boat was just sitting there, kids running around, two guys digging around in the boat like they were looking for gold or the Lost Ark of the Covenant. I’m sure many of you share my frustration. And maybe some of you are the cause of my frustration. There’s a certain etiquette that applies to the boat ramp. It goes something like this: free up thy sacred ramp as expeditiously as possible. This applies to the floating docks by the ramps as well. All too often I see both being abused. How can we free up that magic gate in and out of the water? The best way is to plan ahead. Before you leave the house, check to see if your boat will start, if the battery is strong and ready, and that the trim and tilt are functional. I’ve seen boats arrive at the landing and back into the water, only to fail to start. Also before leaving home, check to be sure life jackets and other needed items are onboard. A pre-launch check list is a handy thing to have around, either written or indelibly stamped in your mind. One last thing before I move on to my next point. Be sure all of your party is there, especially during high use times. Once again, this keeps limited resources such as ramp space and dock 30
Ratchet strap failure - this is not what it’s supposed to look like. Photo by Captain J. Gary Hill space moving along with a smooth flow. Now, onto my next tidbit. The trailers themselves. On my way home this same morning, I saw a truck with a boat attached sitting by the roadside. Not sure what the issue was, but he seemed pretty concerned with the eye strap. Spring is here, boating will steadily pickup over the next weeks and months, so take a little time beforehand to address common trailer failures. Starting from the forward end, things like the safety lock and latch mechanism being operational so the trailer doesn’t come off the tow ball. Safety chains in the advent it does. Check your light harness and assure that all lights are functional. Make sure the ratchet and strap for the trailering eye are in good working shape and not on the verge of failure. Don’t forget bunk brackets and rails. I’ve seen brackets fail and boats shift to the point of the boat almost coming off the brackets, and in some cases coming off the trailer. Leaf springs and their brackets – I’ve seen these fail, too. Remember, salt water takes a toll on all these metals. Tires? Yeah, those are important. Bearings should be greased annually. Don’t have the time or know-how to do it all yourself? We have a lot of reputable service providers around – and the best ones advertise in this magazine! Take the time to do things right so you’re not making a nuisance of yourself. Or don’t – I’m always on the lookout for something to rant about. It could be you! Have a safe and courteous boating season. See ya’ll on the water!
Email: jgaryhill@gmail.com SouthernTidesMagazine.com April 2017
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