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Storm Stories
October 2016
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I n the T ides 05 Editor’s Note
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06 Community Updates 08 Kayak Fishing in Coastal Waters 10 Gray’s Reef Foundation News 11 Did You Know? Redfish 16
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Storm Stories
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Marine Science Degrees at SSU
19 St. Marys Riverkeeper 20 American Alligator 22
The Bitter End
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Skidaway Marine Science Day Promo
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Savannah Riverkeeper Oyster Roast Promo
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Note: The artist feature and the next installment in our Women of the Water feature will both return next month.
Middle: One of the aquaria maintained by SSU Aquarium Sciences students. Photo by Amy Thurman
About the Cover: A funnel forming over the marsh during last month’s storms. Taken from Bluff Drive in Isle of Hope. Photo by Captain Sam Meyer
October 2016
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Top: Paying tribute to the storm. Photo by Raymond Martin
Bottom: An alligator relaxing on a golf course. Photo provided by JIA
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It’s not just ART ... It’s a STORY. Staff Publisher/Editor – Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com Assistant Editor - Amelia Dence amelia@southerntidesmagazine.com The Bitter End Columnist - Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill jgaryhill@gmail.com
Tell us YOUR story.
Gray’s Reef Contributor - Mandy Harvey Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Contributing Writer - Trey Leggit info@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Contributing Writers - Kristin Zemaitis & Ali Ballard Georgia Sea Turtle Center Many thanks to Ray Sawyer for proofing multiple pages in this issue. If you still find mistakes, the fault lies with the editor, not with Ray!
Copyright © 2015-2016 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.
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E ditor’s N ote
refrigerator! Instead, keep things on hand like fully-cooked canned foods and a manual can opener, dried meats such as beef jerky, and fruits and vegetables that don’t require refrigeration, to see you through a few days. If you do lose power with a stocked refrigerator, use the most perishable items first and avoid opening the door as much as possible by placing frequently needed items, like drinks, in a cooler. In addition to food, make sure you have a supply of all prescriptions, a full tank of gas in your vehicle, enough cash to get by if ATMs are without power, and have your insurance information readily at hand. If someone in your home or extended family has special needs, such as medical equipment that requires power to operate, make plans to leave the area before power is t’s been a busy month, first with Hermine coming interrupted and stay there until it’s been fully restored. If through, then, for many, clean-up and repairs to businesses travel isn’t possible, contact your doctor to ask about options and property. Even though the storm was downgraded to a or arrange to rent a small generator to power the device. Don’t tropical depression by the time it made its way from Florida wait until the power is out then wonder how you’re going to into Georgia and South Carolina, several area marinas saw meet a loved one’s needs. During a storm and immediately costly damage, as did private docks and boat owners, and after, resources are stretched thin and might not be available at all. more than 50,000 people were without You should also take power for a couple days. steps to prevent property I happened to be on call with the damage. Before a storm, Red Cross that weekend, taking calls for tie down or store any 17 counties. The majority of calls were loose items that might regarding damage from falling tree cause damage in heavy limbs or flooding, but many pertained winds, such as patio to difficulties in being without power. furniture. Remove any The Red Cross is a great organization dead or dying tree limbs, that helps countless people in times of and move your vehicles need, but being uncomfortable for a out from under large day or two because your air conditioner trees or limbs. If you own is out isn’t need. a boat, take time to learn Which prompts me to get on my the proper way to secure soapbox for a minute. it, on land or on the water, We live in a coastal area and before a storm. every year there’s the potential for If you live in a low-lying hurricanes. There is no earthly way you area or have experienced can live here and be unaware of this flooding in the past, don’t fact! How you choose to prepare for stick around and wait hurricane season can directly impact to see if it will happen how you fare during, and after, any bad again. Evacuate, even if an weather we may experience. Even if we official order hasn’t been don’t take a direct hit, minor storms given. passing nearby can produce heavy And please, please winds, flooding, loss of power, and make plans for the furry damage to your property. members of your family. If you fail to prepare for bad In the event of a major weather, then you’d better be ready to many shelters Luckily, no damage at Southern Tides home office, storm, deal with the consequences. won’t take pets. For though many in the area weren’t so lucky. So how do you prepare? At the very Photo by Amy Thurman guidance in preparing for least, have enough water on hand to last their health and safety, a few days; the standard is one gallon, per person, per day. It would also help to have flashlights visit this website: http://coastalpetrescue.org/humanewith new batteries, a camp lantern, a battery operated radio education/hurricane-plan-for-pets/ For more information on hurricane preparedness for so you can keep up with current weather alerts, and enough non-perishable food for several days that can be prepared and humans, shoot me an email and I’ll put you in touch with multiple resources to help you develop a plan. eaten without cooking or be cooked on your grill. Stepping off my soapbox now. Y’all be safe and be ready! I spoke with someone in the days after Hermine who said she’d spent $200 stocking up on groceries before the storm, then lost everything in her refrigerator when the power went out. Don’t stock up on perishables when there’s a chance Editor-In-Chief of losing power unless you have a generator to power your amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Amy Thurman
October 2016
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GameDay Sportz
Community Updates Local Teen Presented Her Research at Aquaculture 2016 By Julie Davis, SC Sea Grant
Katelyn Roberts, daughter of Frank and Karen Roberts of Lady’s Island Oyster Company, in Beaufort, SC, recently completed a research project to help improve production in her family’s oyster hatchery. The hatchery began production in 2014 and is working to optimize production of oyster larvae for the South Carolina oyster mariculture industry. Katelyn saw a way to improve production by modifying what the larvae were eating from the day they were born until the time they are ready to settle. The results of Katelyn’s work were presented in February at Aquaculture 2016, a triennial meeting that attracted an audience of over 3000 people, and over 250 exhibitors. When held in the US, the conference serves as a joint meeting of several aquaculture and fisheries organizations, including the National Shellfisheries Association. Katelyn’s poster was presented during two poster sessions and drew interest from hatchery operators throughout the East and Gulf Coasts. Her results were also intriguing to Reed Mariculture, a California-based company that manufacturers the microalgae concentrate diets that she tested. Since presentation of her project’s results, two hatcheries have used her data as a basis for experimenting with their own mixtures of microalgae concentrate diets. It’s exciting to see that a properly conducted experiment with well-presented results can be useful to others and put to work so quickly within our industry. Katelyn will also be presenting her research at the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration in Charleston this November. Congratulations Katelyn!
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Join UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant for Oyster Roast for a Reason, a fundraising event to celebrate Georgia’s first oyster hatchery. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant opened the hatchery at the Shellfish Research Lab in 2015 in an effort to revive the once-thriving oyster industry in Georgia. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample oysters harvested from reefs near Skidaway Island, enjoy beer provided by SweetWater Brewing Company, dance to live music from The Accomplices, and take part in a silent auction for great adventures, such as a trawl with UGA naturalists from Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. Oyster Roast for a Reason will help continue the University of Georgia’s efforts to bring the oyster farming industry back to the Georgia Coast. November 5, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 and registration is required. For more information, contact Kayla Clark at 912598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu. Visit http://marex.uga.edu/calendar/ for details. 6
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Savannah Sport Fishing Club Turns 50! On August 13th, 2016, the Savannah Sport Fishing Club (SSFC) held a special event to recognize its 50th Anniversary. The club was founded in 1966 by some enthusiastic Savannah fisherman to promote safety and to organize competitive fishing tournaments. It now stands at 160 members and holds 13 tournaments each year. During its long history, SSFC has contributed more than $250,000 toward establishing and revitalizing local fishing reefs with the Georgia DNR. This year, SSFC funded the Joes Cut Artificial Reef Enhancement Project in Wassaw Sound. Over the years, its members have caught the first Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Swordfish off the Georgia coast, as well as set numerous state records. SSFC looks forward to many more years investing in our local fishery and enjoying its bounty together.
Marine Education Conference on St. Simons Island All are invited to register for the upcoming Georgia Association of Marine Education (G.A.M.E.) conference on beautiful St. Simon’s Island. It will be held November 4-6th, 2016. Various presentations and panelists discussions regarding Our Changing Climate: Educating for the Future will be featured. Register early for discounts and awesome field trips, as they fill up quickly. Find out more by visiting www.gamarineeducation. org.
Satilla River Cleanup
The Satilla Riverkeeper will host a river-wide cleanup on Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, followed by lunch. The organization is seeking motivated individuals to participate as site leaders and cleanup volunteers. Sponsors and partners are also needed. For more information please contact rachael@ satillariverkeeper.org or 912-510-9500.
Past SSFC Presidents Front Row: Duane Eurek, Dave Hickey, Pat Hahn, Wip McCuen, Brent Bazemore Back Row: Michael Fleming, Bobby Boyette, Darvin Nease, Chuck Stein, Mic Sweeney Photos provided by SSFC
Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
The Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will run in downtown Bluffton, SC, from October 15 – 23. The event will feature an inshore fishing tournament, kids fishing tournament, a boat parade and Blessing of the Fleet, Dinner and Learn at Waddell Mariculture Center, river tours, a 5k fun race and 10k road race, live music, and of course, fresh seafood. For more information visit www. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com
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Kayak Fishing in Coastal Waters By Trey Leggett
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slight ripple on the water from the hint of a breeze while the sun kisses the morning sky and you’re smack dab in the middle of a new day on the water. But something is different this morning; you’re not experiencing this wonder from the beach or boat again, but from the solitude of a kayak. It’s just you, inches from the water, communing with nature on a different level. Kayaking brings a whole new adventure to enjoying the water, nature, God’s beauty, and fishing. FISHING! Ah yes, the ultimate way to get away from life’s stresses by attempting to master the way of the fish. The sport of kayak fishing has grown exponentially over the last few years. Kayaks have gone from animal and mammal skin construction to plastic, fiberglass or carbon construction. There are a mass of manufacturers today that produce kayaks designed for many different types and styles of fishing. Some kayaks The author’s son, Austin, with a nice red. are propelled through water Photo by Chandler Wilkinson with a paddle, some use foot pedaled fins or foot pedaled propellers, and some even use small electric motors. When deciding on a type of kayak for yourself, seek out plenty of information: consider the method of transporting it to the water – whether you’ll carry it or use a cart; consider stability, speed, storage, comfort, and size. Where do you go for answers? You could start by searching online – there are plenty of kayak fishing forums available as well as kayak fishing pages on social media. Or talk to knowledgeable kayak anglers or staff at kayak shops and ask questions. You can even ask to demo 8
SouthernTidesMagazine.com October 2016
their kayaks before making a purchase. Keep in mind that there are other accessories that are just as important as the kayak: the seat, a paddle, and your personal floatation device (PFD). Your PFD, or lifejacket, is the most important accessory you can purchase. Think about buoyancy and pockets, and look at various styles, including a vest type, suspender type, or waist type. All are functional and serve a purpose depending on your activity and skill level. Here on the Georgia Coast, inshore fishing is the preferred method for kayak anglers, and their favorite targets are often redfish Trey in his Hobie kayak with a red. Not a good time for a selfie! and speckled trout. There’s Photo by Austin Leggett nothing like positioning your kayak in the right spot and hooking a fish. Even better when it doubles your rod over and makes several runs before succumbing to your persistence by coming alongside your kayak and into your grasping hands. Although that sounds like a great time, be prepared. They often break you off, spit the hook, or splash like crazy at the side of the kayak and soak you, until you frantically get your net to scoop them up. When fishing for reds or speckled trout, some anglers fish live bait, like shrimp or mud minnows, while other use artificial lures, or cut bait. But no matter what bait you use, you’re fishing and that’s a good thing. The fall season is upon us and that means fishing for those big bull reds. These redfish are breeding size, typically 30 inches or larger. They go beachside in the fall to spawn and can be within casting distance, from shore to several miles out. As a word of caution, do not attempt bull red fishing in a kayak solo; always have a buddy with you – accidents can happen. And trust me when I tell you that you can’t take a bull red selfie by yourself. For bulls, use larger rod and reel setups, with heavy line and circle hooks so you can get the fish in quickly and be able to release them safely – after that grip and grin photo, of course. We typically use cut mullet, ladyfish, or half crabs to entice the bull reds to eat. When they do latch on, hold on and don’t bother trying to hold in that smile and sense of awe; you’ll just come unglued with excitement. Happy fishing and tight lines! Trey fishes with the Hobie Kayak Fishing Team, Hobie Polarized, SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, and Coastal Georgia Kayak Fishing. He can be reached at info@ southerntidesmagazine.com.
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The Latest News from GRNMSF By Mandy Harvey
Volunteer Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
O
ur thanks to all the Southern Tides Magazine readers who voted for Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (GRNMSF) as Best Charitable Organization in the magazine’s first-ever “Best of the Coast Survey.” The Foundation’s mission is to support and strengthen Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary as a unique and vital landmark for the community and the nation, through charitable and educational activities. Ocean stewardship is in our hearts and minds every day, and we aim to develop ocean stewards through education, public awareness and support of the research and conservation initiatives of Gray’s Reef. As a chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, we promote our sanctuary’s initiatives, raise funds on its behalf, make grants to our sanctuary, and develop events to raise awareness for ocean conservation in close collaboration with our management team. In partnership with the Tybee Post Theater and lead sponsors Enmarket and Connect Savannah, the GRNMSF hosted a seven-week film series over the summer. Playing to packed houses of Savannah locals and summer visitors, “Gray’s Reef Tuesdays” featured a wide variety of films highlighting the dynamic ocean environment and provided an opportunity for more than 1,000 people to learn about ocean creatures and Gray’s Reef. The series concluded with a celebratory wrap party to thank the community for supporting the film series. From a feast for the eyes with film to a feast for the stomach, the 2nd annual A Fishy Affair… Malicious but Delicious chefs’ challenge and dinner was a soldout success thanks to the 254 attendees and numerous
sponsors, including lead sponsors Nautilus Luxury Homes, Wells Fargo Private Bank, and Mrs. Robert O. Levitt. Held on September 23 at the Landings Club, this popular event raised awareness of the ecological risks associated with the invasive lionfish and highlighted a delicious strategy for keeping their numbers in check. Five celebrated local chefs cooked up their best lionfish dishes to encourage restaurants to put lionfish on their menus and to familiarize diners with just how delicious a malicious fish can be. Although lionfish sightings at Gray’s Reef have been isolated, their numbers continue to grow in the Atlantic, with some recreational lionfish hunters in Florida reporting catches of almost 100 per week! Hopefully, through local efforts, such as A Fishy Affair, we can keep this from being the case in Georgia waters. Next up is the 14th Annual Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival on February 3-4, 2017, in Savannah. The Foundation partners with the sanctuary to present this annual event, and we’ll be screening 3D movies again this year! Mark your calendars now for this funfilled family event. The schedule of events and film lineup will be announced soon. To learn more about the foundation, we invite you to visit our website at http://www.graysreefnmsf.org/ and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GraysReefNMSF
For questions, email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov Local chefs prepared their lionfish dishes for guests. Photo provided by GRNMSF
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D id Y ou Know? The spots on the tail of a redfish are thought to be a form of camouflage. Predators may mistake the spots for eyes and target the tail of the fish rather than the head, giving the fish a chance to escape. • Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, are also commonly known as red drum, spottail bass and channel bass. • Special muscles rub against their air bladder to make a drumming sound when spawning or distressed; hence, the name red drum. •
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Reds are closely related to black drum and can interbreed.
• Although some fish will have more than one spot on their tail, the extra spots usually fade as the fish matures. • SC regulations for reds are three per person and 15 - 23 inches total length. GA regulations are five per person and 14 - 23 inches total length. • Will feed on crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, pinfish, and sea robbins.
Redfish data compiled by Amy Thurman from the SC, GA, and FL DNR websites. Image provided by SC DNR
Is there a species of flora or fauna you’d like to know more about? Send us a request and we’ll do our best to feature it in an upcoming “Did You Know?” segment. info@southerntidesmagazine.com October 2016
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Storm Stories O
ne morning last month I was working a charter with Bull River Cruises out of Hogans’ Marina on Wilmington Island. The skies were overcast to the east, but several radar checks showed the front moving south. With clear skies overhead and a boat full of middle-school students eager to see dolphins, we made the decision to give it a shot and turn around if necessary. The trip started out well. We spotted several dolphins leaping and diving in the Wilmington River and were able to drag a trawl net and pull up some interesting creatures for the kids to look at, touch and learn about. We kept an eye on the sky and as dark clouds moved in closer, we turned around early and headed back. Just before we reached the entrance
Edited by Amy Thurman to the creek, the skies opened up. Torrential rain combined with wind gusting sideways made for a wet trip with almost zero visibility. Relying on spotters both front and back, and our instruments, we were able to safely navigate the creek and return to the dock. Which, of course, is exactly when the wind and rain stopped. It occurred to me then that everyone has a story about being caught in a storm and that we all enjoy telling them and hearing them. To that end, here are a few tales and photos sent in from readers. Have a story or a photo you’d like to share? Send it to us. When we have a few of them, we’ll run another segment.
Funnel formation over the marsh. Taken from Bluff Drive in Isle of Hope. Photo by Captain Sam Meyer
A front coming in over Daufuskie Island. Photo by Captain Buddy Lee
Opposite page: Looking south at rough seas and broken docks; taken at Frederica Yacht Club on St. Simons Island. Grainy look of the photo caused by rain and low visibility. Above left: This small sailboat broke loose during Hermine and suffered severe damage. Above right: This battered boat also broke loose and ended up on gangway. Right: Clear view of Hermine from Morningstar Golden Isles Marina. Photos by Malcolm Gorrie, S/V Niamh
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Extremely limited visibility from the cabin of M/V Great Escape in Point Juliet, RI, during Hermine. Photo by Barbara Benevento
50 knots. Today is supposed to get better, but now the storm track is heading closer to the RI shore. Jeez! I know at some point this will be a good story to tell over beers and may even get better with time, but now it is just an anxious waiting game. Rob Whitbeck, M/V Great Escape, Jacksonville, FL, writing from Point Judith, RI
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ere I sit in the harbor aboard my DeFever 53 trawler in Point Judith, Rhode Island, for the fourth straight day, waiting for some indication that we can continue our trip back home to sunny and warm north Florida. We were lucky to get here on Friday from Salem, Massacheusetts, ahead of Hermine, but are now trapped in port waiting for a weather window to duck out and motor into Long Island Sound, then from there on to Norwalk, CT. The Block Island Ferry didn’t run yesterday, stranding all those folks who were there on vacation for Labor Day weekend. At least they all got an extra day of vacation but ferry service is still suspended so who knows when they’ll get back. This waiting is the hardest part. Should we stay another day or chance it and continue on? My days are spent riding my old mountain bike out to the end of the breakwater, looking at the towering 15- to 18-foot seas and checking the progress (or not) of this stubborn storm. If we did venture out, it would be difficult to turn around given the following seas and strong winds, and it seems each part of the day brings a new set of conditions that are weighed in terms of tide, wind direction, storm track and sea conditions. “Should I stay or should I go?” Built in 1988, my boat, M/V Great Escape (no, the irony isn’t lost on me) is getting on in years and I worry most about the steering in heavy, following seas. To lose steering and be broadsided in 15-foot seas wouldn’t be a good scenario. Another factor to consider is that prior to this trip, I sold my home and moved onto the boat with everything I own. In addition, we’re committed to be in Annapolis by September 17 to pick up two couples flying from Seattle who will ride with us from there to Charleston. This adds another dimension to our decision, as they have already purchased their airline tickets. Winds in the marina this morning were steady at 45 knots with gusts to 63 and three-foot waves in the basin. On a side note, I learned that birds don’t fly when wind gusts over
Above: Frederica Yacht Club on St. Simons Island sustained severe damage during Hermine. Photo by Malcolm Gorrie, S/V Niamh Below: Storm surge in the canals during Hermine forced boat owners to move their boats out from under the safety of their boat houses to avoid damage. Photo by Bobbi Kay Lake, Citrus City, FL
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D
ark and stormy nights notwithstanding, a sea turtle nest inventory is performed three days after a turtle nest has hatched, in order to determine the success of the nest and to free stragglers. When six members of the Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project arrived to conduct three loggerhead nest inventories on September 14, Tropical Storm Julia was just making her exit. Waves were pounding, white caps were everywhere, the sky was fierce and gray, and it was nearly high tide. Two volunteers began excavating, plunging gloved hands through wet sand as water rose in the nest, while others sorted, counted, and documented the inventory. Soon the contents of the nests were excavated and emptied into buckets, then carried to a sheltered, paved area where inventories were performed in the dark, on the back steps of the park office, as volunteers fought off mosquitoes and gnats while jumping into the beam of the motion detector to flood the area with the light needed to complete the job. Meanwhile, a fourth incubating nest was washing out behind the bath house as it began to hatch. Moving swiftly, the permit holder for our sea turtle project began relocating the nest, calling for help from the other volunteers. Two rushed to the site and gently helped to rebury the unhatched and hatching eggs in the sand above the highest tide line. As a protective cage was being installed, a brilliant moon burst through the clouds and shone over our heads. The nest would hatch and the last of the hatchlings would make their way out to sea the following Sunday morning, with a great story to tell to their grand-turtles. Dory Ingram, Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Above: Volunteers conducting a nest inventory during Tropical Storm Julia. Photo by Valerie Solze Bottom Left: The rainbow after a summer storm, near Reidsville, GA. Photo by Tim McAuley
T
he Waddell Mariculture Center, SC DNR, experienced three separate power outages during Tropical Depression (TD) Hermine. Mechanical aeration and a steady seawater supply is critical to the center’s ability to produce marine finfish for DNR’s stocking program; therefore, restoring electrical service as quickly as possible is a must. Biologists at the center monitored production systems throughout the day and reported each power outage as it occurred. Palmetto Electric responded to each call within the hour and the center received a follow-up call to make sure everything was fine. The center could not be more pleased with the service Palmetto Electric has provided over the years and especially during Hermine. Al Stokes, Waddell Mariculture Center
Send us your storm stories and photos for inclusion in an upcoming issue! info@southerntidesmagazine.com 15
Marine Science Degrees at SSU By Amy Thurman
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or any child who’s grown up learning to fish, swim and boat in our local rivers and estuaries, it’s only natural to develop a love and curiosity for the water and what’s in it. The next natural step is to study and make a career of it and we’re lucky to have a school right here in our coastal region where that dream can become a reality. Savannah State University’s Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences offers several degree programs, including an Associate of Science (A.S.) in aquarium science, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in marine science, and a B.S. in environmental science, as well as a master’s program in marine science. I recently spent a morning with professor and department chair, Dr. Carol Pride, and several faculty and students to learn more about the undergraduate programs offered. Another visit is planned in the near future to learn about the master’s programs. Since 1985, the school has awarded 206 bachelor’s degrees in marine sciences and the program currently has
Waterfront Dining Fresh Local Seaf d Live Music
85 undergraduate students pursuing degrees. Seventy-eight percent of past graduates have gone on to graduate work or to pursue careers in their sciences. Marine science majors must complete 65 semester hours of general education credits, which includes 17 hours in courses related to the student’s major. From there, the students will complete an additional 60 hours in their field of study. Undergraduates participate in field research in a variety of focuses using the school’s three vessels, floating dock, marine specimen collections, wet lab and multiple research labs. A new research facility is currently under construction for the program. I spent a few minutes in Dr. Amanda Kaltenberg’s Biological Oceanography class, made up of mostly third year students, and asked them about their areas of interest. Their research experiences and desired professional fields covered range of topics, including fisheries management, conservation biology of marine mammals, coral reef conservation, aquatic veterinary medicine, oceanography, and marine bioinformatics (DNA sequencing). “I want to serve as a liaison between marine scientists
Do age & Dry orage Transients Welcome
Fish Tales 727.3473 • Ft. McAlli er Marina 727.2632 3203 Ft. McAlli er Road • Ri mond Hill, GA • SM 605
Opposite page: Students aboard the R/V Margaret C. Robinson dragging a trawling net. Photo provided by SSU Right: Students in their Biological Oceanography class taking samples of zooplankton at different stages of tide. Photo by Amy Thurman
and government agencies,” said student Darius Sanford, who’s studying marine policy. With such a broad range of potential fields of focus (and this is just a fraction of the options), how do students decide? “When you enter the program, you get to know the professors and what they do, then see what you’re interested in,” said junior Vanessa Foester, who plans to use her degree to improve the conservation of marine mammals. Junior Avery Labuz, who contributes to flatfish research at SSU, added, “You have to be open-minded and willing to learn. Graduate students need volunteers and that gives you an opportunity to see what might interest you.” Other opportunities to determine what might be of interest for a future career include grant-funded internship
programs, research conference participation, and diverse opportunities to participate in hands-on field and laboratory research. “Listen to the presentations others give,” added Cassandra Harris, who has completed research on bottlenose dolphin begging behavior and analyzed microbes using computeraided DNA sequencing. “A lot of us found what we wanted to do along the way.” I next spent a few minutes with Dr. Sue Ebanks’ Marine Biology class to get an idea of what her students were studying
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Sophomore students in Dr. Ebanks Marine Biology class discussing the lifecycle of oysters. Photo by Amy Thurman and again the range of topics was broad. Sophomore Bryana Sanders wants to use her degree to teach in a public aquarium setting. Candice Vinson would like to work with NOAA on the problem of microplastics in the oceans. Gina Humphries plans to find a position with an organization that rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals. Milan Snipes has a passion for cephalopods and will seek a position with National Geographic or the Smithsonian Institution. Kailin Richardson plans to work in the field of marine archeology. These are not unreachable goals. Past graduates of the program have attained positions with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Nature Conservancy, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, NOAA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to name a few. Students benefit heavily from the department’s partnerships with NOAA, the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, and the Savannah Chatham County School Public System, as well as from diverse external grants. If your child has a love of the water and any interest in pursuing a career working on or in a marine environment, SSU’s Marine Sciences Program is an exemplary and affordable local option. To learn more, visit www.savannahstate. edu/marinesciences, and be sure to look through the News, Notes & Events section. For information on enrollment, visit www.savannahstate.edu/prospective-student/ undergrad.shtml. You can also contact the department chair Carol Pride, at pridec@ savannahstate.edu, for specific program questions.
Founded in 1890 and established at its current location in Savannah in 1891, the school became a degree granting college in 1928 and in 1996 was granted university status.
(912) 354-8187 50 Bluff Drive Savannah, GA VHF Channel 16
Many thanks to Carol Pride, Sue Ebanks, Amanda Kaltenberg, Robin Perrtree, and Captain Shawn Smith for taking the time to meet with Southern Tides Magazine and for their information and expertise. We look forward to spending more time at the school learning about student’s research and outreach opportunites, as well as bringing our readers an overview of the graduate program. 18
SouthernTidesMagazine.com October 2016
Introducing the Newly Formed St. Marys Riverkeeper
O
By Amelia Dence
riginally dubbed by Native Americans the “Thlathlothlaguphka,” or, “Phlaphlagaphgaw,” which means “Rotten Fish,” the St. Marys River meanders for 130 miles and straddles the southeastern tip of Georgia and North Florida. The river boasts expansive wetland habitats and lacks urban development that plagues many river systems throughout the U.S. This combination allows for relatively high water quality. However, despite the low level of development, the St. Marys River was listed as “impaired” in 2014 by the EPA. Testing showed that eight percent of the river’s watershed consisted of fecal coliform, sediments or nutrients, lowered oxygen levels, mercury in fish, and turbidity. In order to combat this issue, several members of the St. Marys River Management Committee (SMRMC), in partnership with the Waterkeeper Alliance, founded the St. Marys Riverkeeper in February 2016. The goal of the Riverkeeper is to ensure clean water for drinking, recreation, and education. In April the St. Marys Riverkeeper gained it’s 501c3 status as a recognized not for profit and became the 280th organization to join the Waterkeeper Alliance. Through in-depth water quality testing, extensive monitoring of land use practices and permits by businesses, and mitigating runoff issues, the Riverkeeper acts as a steward for the ongoing health of the river and its surrounding environment. The organization also works to educate the public Riverkeeper Rick Frey. Photo provided by St. Marys Riverkeeper and raise awareness of the river, pinpoint pollution problems, deploy numerous tactics to protect the river, and work in partnership with other environmental groups to further their mission. The public is encouraged to get involved in protecting this local resource by volunteering time at Riverkeeper activities or by assisting with financial support through membership. Rick Frey, Riverkeeper of the newly formed organization, moved to St. Marys from Atlanta with his wife after his retirement in 2009 and has been active in the community since. An avid kayaker and river guide, Frey also has completed Master Naturalists training in both Florida and Georgia and is certified in chemical and bacterial water quality testing by GA DNR. He looks forward to bringing his many years of professional experience, and his passion for the area, to work for the river. The organization will be hosting its first community event and fundraiser on Sunday, November 19, at White Oak Conservation, in Yulee, FL. For more information about the St. Marys Riverkeeper or the event, please contact Riverkeeper Rick Frey at stmarysriverkeeper@gmail.com.
October 2016
SouthernTidesMagazine.com
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ne of the most fascinating aspects of living on the Georgia coast is the wide array of habitats that can be found. From the beaches and oceans flowing into the salt marshes, to freshwater wetlands and all spaces in between, there are a wide variety of species that rely on these unique environments. Of the many species inhabiting the coast, few use all of these landscapes quite like the largest reptile in North America, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). These large, ectothermic (cold-blooded) creatures can often be seen basking on the edges of aquatic habitats. Like other reptiles, alligators rely on heat from their environment or the sun to regulate their body temperature and metabolic processes. A basking alligator can often be seen with its jaws open. This behavior is commonly mistaken as threatening but, much like a dog panting, is another way of regulating body temperature. The American alligator ranges from North Carolina to Texas and is predominantly a freshwater species found in habitats such as ponds, rivers, wetlands, swamps, and marshes. Alligators do not have functioning salt glands like some of their crocodilian cousins, such as the saltwater crocodiles in Australia. Thus, they are unable to excrete excess salt from their bodies, which can build up when they take residence in saltwater or saltwater marshes. However, lacking these advantageous salt glands does not stop them from making their way through these salty environs for short distances or for short periods of time. Human development and population growth put wildlife and people in close proximity to each other. Studying the spatial ecology and movement patterns of the American alligator is paramount in the preservation of wildlife and the harmonious existence between these animals and humans. On Jekyll Island in 2011, researchers at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and UGA Odum School of Ecology launched an on-going alligator research program to study this population and observe the alligator’s habitat use and home ranges. By attaching tracking devices (specifically, radio transmitters and GPS loggers) to these large predators, scientists were able to collect hundreds of points each week revealing exactly where these coastal alligators are going and why. During a three-year quantitative study, GPS tracking technology showed a male alligator swam 1.5 miles through the ocean to get from Jekyll Island to Raccoon Key, a slice of land just south of Jekyll. Since they cannot excrete salt, alligators can only withstand salty environments for a few days before they must rehydrate 20
SouthernTidesMagazine.com October 2016
in freshwater. They have often been observed venturing out into the marshes and ocean searching for prey, like blue crab and even stingrays. Research data indicate they visit other islands in search of mates in the spring and early summer. Alligator tracks have been spotted on the Jekyll Island beaches coming out of the ocean and going into the marshes where they likely seek fresh water. These tracks are typically observed early in the morning indicating the animals wait until nightfall to make moves when they are less likely to overheat or encounter humans. Moving great distances throughout a home range is not a constant activity. While an alligator’s home range can be extensive, it can also be very limited. Several alligators on Jekyll have been known to stay within just a few small ponds. In addition, alligator activity decreases significantly once temperatures drop below 55° F. They go into a non-active period, residing in dens. These dens are commonly found along the edge of a fresh water system and serve multiple purposes, including food storage, protection, and a place to escape extreme temperatures. Alligators are also considered ecosystem engineers because these dens are important for a large number of other species, including other reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, that will use them for residency once the dens have been abandoned by an alligator. American alligators are fascinating creatures, capable of moving great distances and adapting to their surroundings, even if that includes salt water. This adaptability is one reason why these large reptiles have survived for almost 10 million years. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jekyll Island Authority will continue learning about their amazing behaviors and adaptations through research and observation. FUN FACT: Alligators can return home even after being relocated over 100 miles, so moving alligators is not an effective management tool. Learning to live with them safely is key.
Opposite: A gator sunning itself on the bank of a pond. Photo by Amy Thurman Above: Enjoying sun on the beach. Below: Tracks discovered on Jekyll Beach. Photos this page provided by JIA
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Historical marker at Colonial Cemetary. Photo by Captain J. Gary Hill
The Bitter End
All That’s Yellow is not Gold By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill
T
o say we live in troubled times is an understatement. Just turn on the TV, the radio, or log on to the Internet and you’ll have instant confirmation of that truth. We so often hear, or say, “I wish things were like they were in the good old days.” Sometimes when I hear that I ask people, “Oh, you mean back when we had polio, Black Death, or yellow fever?” But I understand what they’re getting at – a longing for when times were simpler. But simpler times weren’t always better. Take Savannah’s first major outbreak of yellow fever in 1820, and again in 1854, which resulted in the deaths of over 1700 men, women and children. (Sadly, yellow fever was used to rationalize slavery in South Carolina’s lowcountry, as slaves were considered expendable.) The last epidemic of yellow fever in South Carolina was in Beaufort, in 1878. In an effort to protect citizens from diseases spread by infected people arriving by ship, quarantine stations, called Lazarettos, were established. These hospitals for the infected were a first line defense
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to safeguard against plagues and other diseases from spreading through the city. Ships would arrive and drop anchor, then await the physician from the lazaretto to arrive and inspect the vessel. If an illness was found, passengers and crew were placed in quarantine, for a minimum of 30 days, until one of two things happened — either they got better or perished. When the physician was satisfied the ship was free of disease it was allowed to proceed. The word lazaretto (which Lazaretto Creek is named for) is thought to be an adaptation of Nazaretto quarantine station, named for Santa Maria di Nazareth, a church on a small island near Venice, Italy. It became the model on which most lazarettos in Europe, and later in the Americas, were created. These fevers and malarias were thought to be contagious, making strangers and travelers suspect. Woe be unto the stranger unlucky enough to show up in a town when an outbreak occurred. It wasn’t until 1900 when U.S. Army doctors working in Cuba demonstrated that mosquitos were the vector by which these diseases spread. So when we think of simpler times, let’s be mindful and thankful that we live in the wonderful age we do, with the benefits of technology and medicine. Though there are many things I’d like to see return to those simpler times of yesteryear, I’m still very thankful for the age I live in. Until next month, I’ll leave you to a moment of reflection. See y’all on the water! Email Captain Gary: jgaryhill@gmail.com
SouthernTidesMagazine.com October 2016
Join Us for
Roasted Oysters Local Craft Beer Live Music Games & raffle prizes
proceeds benefit Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday October 15, at 6:00 P.M. For tickets, visit: savannahriverkeeper.org
Before you head out there ...
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912-224-8313 2604 Causton Bluff Road Savannah, GA