all about the water August 2017
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I n the T ides 5
Editor's Note
7
Ebb & Flow - Fire and Ice
9
Around the Reef
11 Did You Know? - Periwinkles 11 Taste of the Tides - Shrimp and Grits 12 Shrimping with the DNR
First in a series in which we go out on field trips with the DNR and share what we learn!
17 What IS That?
21 What's Going On? - Event Listings 22 The Bitter End - A Shell Game Community Updates will return next month!
About the Cover: Photo of sea stars resting on a large sand dollar. Image taken at Gray's Reef NMS on June 13, 2017, during the annual Nancy Foster expedition. Photo by Timothy Henkel, Ph.D., Valdosta State University
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all about the water STAFF Publisher/Editor - Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com 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 Contributing Writer - Cohen Carpenter cohen33c@gmail.com Writing & Photography Contributors - John & Lisa Holden jpholden56@gmail.com Contributing Writer - Dory Ingram doryingram@gmail.com
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Contributing Writer - Ryan Holden rehryan@gmail.com 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.issuu.com/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
Subscribe to Southern Tides: $25 for one year/12 issues. By check: Mail to the address above By credit card: Visit www.squareup.com/store/ southern-tides-magazine.com .Thank you for your support! Letters to the Editor:
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1 Harbor Road Jekyll Island, Georgia
E ditor’s N ote
redesigned, which is time consuming, so we dropped back to 24 pages to get the job done. We have several new ads coming in this month and will return to at least 32 pages, possibly 40, with the September issue. And hope to grow from there! This month we did have to leave out the Community Updates section and cut the events listing to one page, but they’ll both be back to normal next month. We hope you’ll like the new layout and be patient as we grow. And please be sure to tell our advertisers that you saw their ads! In addition to the new layout, it’s been an exciting month in the field, too. We had two opportunities to ride along with the Georgia DNR and have several more outings planned in the coming months. My first encounter with the DNR was on Lake Lanier, shortly after I bought my first boat. I’d motored out of the marina a ways, steered into the breeze, put the motor in neutral, and was getting ready to raise the main. It was one of the first times I’d gone out without a “real” sailor on the boat with me and I was a bit nervous to begin with. Then a DNR boat idled up with two officers aboard. Float cushion? Check. Fire extinguisher? Check. PFDs? Check. Two cold beers, one freshly opened? Um … It reminded me a bit of being a teenager and seeing a cop in the rearview mirror – that moment when your heart starts to beat a little faster as you wonder if you’re in trouble. I stashed the beer behind a pile of line in the cockpit floor and returned their greetings. After a couple minutes of pleasantries about the breeze and my boat, they told me to enjoy my sail and motored off. When they were out of sight, I dumped the open beer overboard and left the other one in the cooler, unopened. At the time, I had no idea what the laws were about having a beverage (only that everyone did it) but I wasn’t ready to risk my boating future just when it was getting started. I’ve learned a lot since then, about the laws, boats in general, and about the DNR. Still, it surprises me sometimes when I hear people talk as though law enforcement is the agency’s only, or primary, objective. That’s far from the case and to demonstrate that, Southern Tides is going to be spending time with their scientists and various other DNR personnel, in both Georgia and South Carolina, in the months ahead. We hope, through these “field trips” we can share with you the scope and depth of the research being conducted and work being done in the field every day. We kicked off the series this month with a look at their monthly shrimp assessment trawls, and how the information gathered is put to use (see page 12). We also went along on a shark and red drum tagging trip – look for that article next month. We hope you find the new layout pleasing and the content informative and interesting. Again, please let our advertisers know you saw their ads and we hope you enjoy the issue!
Y
ou might recall last month I hinted at some changes I was planning for the magazine. As you flip through this issue, you’ll see some fairly significant differences and I want to share the how and why of it. As we approach our second anniversary (September), I’ve spent a great deal of time analyzing where the magazine stands with regard to the original business plan. I’ve looked at where I thought we would be, where we could be, sales strategies, my time management, issues that plague me each month, and how we can grow the magazine at a steady pace in the long term. As I thought about all of this, a plan began to take shape; it’s a little outside industry standards, but sometimes you just have to try something new. First, we’ve streamlined the ad sizes and made the spaces larger. We’ll now only offer quarter-page, half-page and full-page ads. This gives our advertisers the benefit of more space to promote their businesses, and allows for a layout that draws attention to their ads, but leaves content pages clear. Yes, there will be a page or two of smaller, 1/6-page ads – those are promotional spots and the businesses that help us with distribution. See page 20. We’ve also dropped our rates substantially, allowing even the smallest business to afford ad space. Which means we can more easily grow our advertising base. July was the transition period. All the ads and the layout had to be
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief
amy@southerntidesmagazine.com Measuring a sharp nose shark with DNR marine techs Kristen Palmrose (just behind me) and Sarah Webb. Look for the full article in the next issue! Photo by Todd Kasper
August 2017
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Ebb & F low
cooler pack and a 20-degree freezer pack in my 80-quart cooler). Step Five – Load your consumables in the cooler. Step Six – Pour in enough ice to fill half the cooler while covering your drinks completely. Step Seven – Place bagged ice in the cooler to the top. Try to occupy all the space inside the cooler with your items, ice, and ice packs. Having too many air pockets initially promotes an excess of ice melt. Lastly, try to limit opening the cooler too much, or for too long. I’ve heard many cooler manufacturer performance statements that assure their coolers can keep ice for anywhere from five to ten days. I contend that if your cooler isn’t prepped properly, you’ll have a hard time keeping ice for two days in our hot, sunny weather. Take that little bit of extra effort with your cooler and you’ll be surprised at how much better it performs. Stay safe and tight lines.
Fire and Ice By Trey Leggett
Y
our drinks are warm, your sandwiches are soggy, your fish is nearly spoiled, and what was once cold ice is nothing but water now … your cooler (or cooler prep) has issues. It’s no secret that in the Southern US it gets HOT, and when it does we count on our coolers more than ever to do their jobs on our outdoor outings. Even with today’s innovative cooler designs, a little extra effort goes a long way to ensuring that your adult beverages, food, and caught fish stay cold. Today we have a plethora of brand named coolers that have come out with the rotomolded, polyethylene coolers that are supposedly the cure-all for melting ice. Although they are better than the styrofoam coolers of the past, they still need help on those hot summer days. Let’s talk about prepping your cooler. I’ll take you step-by-step to getting that cooler ready for optimal performance on those hot summer outings. Step One – Whether sitting in your truck, trunk, boat, yard, or garage, coolers get hot when not being used for their intended purpose. Get the cooler out of the sun and heat; better yet, find a place to keep it in your air-conditioned house, out of the heat entirely. Step Two – The night before your outdoor activity, or early the morning of, place some ice from your freezer inside the cooler and close the lid. Step Three – Cool your drinks and food in the refrigerator overnight. Putting ice on warm items will make it melt faster. Step Four – Having invested in some quality ice packs, place two or more frozen ice packs in your cooler (I use a 32-degree August 2017
SouthernTidesMagazine.com
Your cooler will perform better with some simple prep and proper packing, whether you prefer hard- or soft-sided coolers. Trey also recommends both cooler and freezer packs, such as those shown atop the large cooler, above, by Engel. Photo by Trey Leggett
Trey fishes for Hobie Kayaks, Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, ENGEL Coolers, and SouthEast Adventure Outfitters.
Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com 7
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A round the Reef By Michelle Riley & Brennan Perry Communications and Public Outreach Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
S
ummer is the time for folks to dive out of their normal routine, take an adventure, splash in the waves, and enjoy themselves! That is definitely the case for Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, which has had a very active summer season. From research expeditions and festivals to captain’s meetings and fishing tournaments, Gray’s Reef has been a part of it all. The 2017 research expedition aboard the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster set sail on June 9 and returned June 23, after 15 science divers had completed more than 350 research dives. The experiments they conducted and data they collected are critical building blocks in understanding what happens in Gray’s Reef, and can help scientists learn about the Atlantic Ocean at large. Upon mooring on River Street, NOAA Corps officers aboard the Nancy Foster, along with Gray’s Reef staff, welcomed more than 150 visitors aboard for an all-inclusive tour. Tour-takers were able to see brand-new underwater footage of Gray’s Reef, learn about some of the research projects, and tour the ship’s bridge, galley and science laboratories. Sanctuary staff continue to attend captain’s meetings at fishing tournaments up and down the Georgia coast, making sure that fishermen know they are welcome to fish at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The abundance and diversity of fish are two of the features that make Gray’s Reef special, and many tournament participants grab their rods and reels and head out to the sanctuary, hoping for the win! Anglers should remember that anchoring and spearfishing are not allowed, and fishermen cannot stop in the Research Area (lower 1/3) of the sanctuary. The Research Area must remain free of human activity so that scientists can conduct controlled experiments. One important change that Gray’s Reef recently announced is that NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has selected Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary superintendent, Sarah Fangman, as the new superintendent for their sister sanctuary, Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary. Sarah is a dear member of the Gray’s Reef family and will be an effective leader for the Keys. She has been with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries since 1998. Sarah moved to Savannah in 2005 to serve as the program coordinator for the sanctuary system’s Southeast, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region, and worked in the Florida Keys extensively before becoming the superintendent of Gray’s Reef in 2014. Gray’s Reef remains in good hands as Aria Remondi, on temporary assignment from NOAA Headquarters, is serving as Acting Superintendent until September. Following in the fall will be George Sedberry, who is the science coordinator for the sanctuary system’s Southeast, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region. Many readers might already know George, since he previously served as Gray’s Reef’s superintendent in the mid-2000s. George also is the sanctuary’s resident “sustainable seafood guru,” and is happy to talk about how seafood lovers can choose menu items that are delicious and sustainable. Sustainable food choices help both fishermen and the ocean. The next big event is September 22, when the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation hosts “A Fishy Affair: Malicious but Delicious” for the third year. The foundation is instrumental in helping G r a y ’ s Reef sanctuary staff engage with the Savannah community to achieve their research and management goals. “A Fishy Affair” features a Chef’s Challenge with four of Savannah’s top chefs cooking lionfish dishes. This year’s chefs are Lauren Teague from Atlantic, Dusty Grove from the DeSoto Hotel, Sam Brod from The Landings Club, and sushi master Jin Kang of The Landings Club. The night includes a live auction, raffle, cash bar and all the food you can eat! Visit the foundation’s website at www.graysreefNMSF.org to learn more.
Top: Hiding crab, taken in Gray's Reef during the June Nancy Foster expedition. Left: Lionfish, an invasive species and the focus of A Fishy Affair on September 22. Join us! Photos provided by NOAA
For more info, visit: GraysReef.NOAA.Gov or Facebook/ Grays Reef Sanctuary Email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov
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Taste of the Tides
D id Y ou Know? From 50 to 300 periwinkle snails can be found per square meter in our coastal marshes.
Shrimp and Grits
• The marsh periwinkle (Littorina irrorata), is a species of gastropod and breathes with gills.
By Karin Westendorf
Chef at Large
• They average one inch in length; lifespans vary based on food availability.
A Southern tradition and a great way to enjoy fresh local shrimp!
• They are a food source for many species, including crabs, terrapins, large fish, and some shorebirds. They are thought to climb marsh grass stalks to avoid predators. They are also edible for humans!
INGREDIENTS GRITS 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 cups milk 1/3 teaspoon butter, cubed 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits 1 cup (four ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• Periwinkles are herbivores and feed primarily on the algae found on marsh grass, and on fungi. • They are found commonly from New England to the Texas Gulf Coast, anywhere spartina grass can be found. Another species of periwinkle (Littorina ziczac), or zigzag periwinkle, can also be found in our area, typically on barnacle-covered rocks. Mangrove periwinkles have been observed here, but are more commonly found in Florida's mangroves.
SHRIMP 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Cajun or blackening seasoning 4 green onions, chopped
• It is thought that periwinkles can assist in the decomposition of marsh grass and could be an indicator species on overall health of the marsh. Data compiled by Amy Thurman. Sources include: The Smithsonian Institute, Animal Diversity Web and the SC DNR. Top image credit: Virginia State Parks Bottom image credit: NOAA Photo Library
INSTRUCTIONS GRITS • In a large saucepan, bring broth, milk, butter, salt, and pepper to a boil. • Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. • Stir in cheese until melted. Set aside and keep warm. SHRIMP • In large skillet, cook bacon over medium-low heat, until crisp. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. • Reserve 4 teaspoons of bacon drippings in skillet. Saute shrimp, garlic and seasoning until shrimp reaches desired doneness. • Serve over grits and garnish with green onion.
y! o j n E
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Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
This is the first in a series of articles covering “field trips� Southern Tides Magazine will be going on with the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources (GA DNR and SC DNR). The focus of these trips and articles is to share with our readers the extensive research, data collection, and science being conducted by both departments. For our first trip, I got to tag along on a shrimp assessment trawl in St. Andrew Sound, where the Satilla River meets the ocean, near Jekyll Island, Ga.
Shrimping with the DNR By Amy Thurman
W
hen I got to the Brunswick office early on that July morning, I was greeted by Nancy Butler, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) Public Affairs Coordinator, whom I’ve known for years. She walked me down to the R/V Anna, a 60-foot shrimp trawler, and introduced me to the crew and personnel. Aboard that day were Captain Rusty Flournoy, Captain Dwight Varnedoe, chief biologist Carolyn Belcher, and marine technicians Aimee Gaddis, Billy Readdick, Robert Overman, and Kit Wheat. Once our gear was stowed, we motored out to one of the four trawl locations planned for the day. When we reached the first trawl spot, Dwight and Robert deployed the net and we all waited expectantly to see what we might bring up. Finally, they hauled the net back in and unloaded the catch in a wooden table on the aft deck. We all gathered around the table and began to sort the catch into multiple buckets by species. Star drum, the most prevalent catch, in one, Atlantic croaker in another, white shrimp in one bucket, brown shrimp in another, and brown mules (a goldhued shrimp not used commercially) in still another. Hog chokers were separated from flounder, squid from jellyfish; larger animals, such as rays and horseshoe crabs went into baskets. Fish that didn’t show up in numbers, like the occasional spadefish, striped burrfish, mantis shrimp, or a hermit crab-inhabited shell, went into the “miscellaneous” bucket. Even debris, such as bits of dead Spartina, mud balls, and shells, were put in a bucket. Then the crew began logging data. Carolyn and Aimee counted and measured the shrimp, noted if each was male or female, and looked for visible evidence of the black gill parasite and other health indicators. Aimee also measured, weighed, and noted the gender of horseshoe crabs. On the other side of the table, Billy, Robert and Kit counted, measured and weighed each of the other species as well, logging the information into a database. After data had been collected, everything was returned overboard. These assessment trips are conducted monthly at multiple locations along the Georgia coast. The shrimp Opposite page: Billy (left) and Dwight haul in the net. This page, top: Aimee (right) examines white shrimp and Carolyn records the data. Middle: Kit (left) calls out what species she's placing on the scale and hands Robert (middle) samples to weigh and measure, while Billy logs the data. Below: The team works quickly to return the catch to the water. All photos in this feature by Amy Thurman, except where noted otherwise.
August 2017
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On our final trawl of the day, we pulled up something huge - a southern stingray. After it was determined that the barb was missing, Kit and Billy were able to safely examine the creature and record its weight and size before releasing it. The wingspan of the ray was 36.5 inches.
data is monitored and used to determine when shrimping season is opened and closed each year by tracking the stages of growth and reproduction, as well as the quantity of shrimp present in each area. Assessments like this have been going on for 40 years, and represent an enormous contribution to what we know about the health, lifespans, movement, and habits of shrimp in our waters. The bycatch assessments are useful as well. When fishing for certain target species, such as shrimp in this case, bycatch is all the other species caught unintentionally. Shrimp trawls always have a large bycatch. Data collected during the R/V Anna trawls provide biologists with information on the diversity of species found in certain areas, patterns of habitat use, and abundance of individual species. Trends in abundance for common finfish, such as Atlantic croaker, spot and weakfish, are used to develop management advice for those fisheries. It was a great day and I learned a lot about one aspect of the data collection the GA DNR conducts. Look for articles in upcoming issues on long line research with the GA DNR, a crustacean trawl being conducted by the SC DNR, and more. If you have questions about this article, current research, other areas of research by either DNR, or an area of interest you’d like to know more about, please email us. info@southerntidesmagazine.com
Bottom left: Comparing white shrimp (left) with brown shrimp. The most obvious differences (apart from size) are the body color and the distinctive tails, with white shrimp having iridescent markings on their tails. The two images at right display the undersides of Southern rays. The middle image is a female ray; the image on the right is a male.
14
SouthernTidesMagazine.com August 2017
Species
Number Caught
Total Weight (lbs)
White Shrimp
117
2.68
Brown Shrimp
5
0.1
Horseshoe Crabs
20
107.74
Star Drum
1,377
20.19
Atlantic Croaker
386
18.87
Weakfish
93
6.26
Brown Mules
48
0.44
Atlantic Brief Squid
40
1.27
Southern Kingfish
37
3.05
Hog Choker
19
2.58
Atlantic Spadefish
15
0.47
Lesser Blue Crab
12
0.17
Spot
12
0.83
The table above represents the shrimp catch and most common bycatch numbers and weights. No blue crabs were caught. Of the 82 shrimp examined for black gill, 38 showed gill discoloration consistent with the presence of the parasite. Top left: White shrimp. Bottom left: Juvenile star drum.
The R/V Anna (shown right) is one of a kind. It was built by the Wilson brothers, shipbuilders on the St. Simons Island Causeway. The keel of the 60-foot trawler was constructed in 1966 and the boat was finished in 1968. According to Captain Rusty Flournoy (pictured left), the story goes that the brothers intended to shrimp it themselves. "They fished it for one season, then decided they'd stick with boat building," he said, smiling. The State of Georgia purchased the boat shortly thereafter and it's been in service as a research vessel since then. Photo of Captain Rusty by Aimee Gaddis
August 2017
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What IS That?
Our coastal area is one of the most amazing places on Earth. Throughout our pristine saltmarshes and the waterways that wind through our coastal plain you'll find a diverse range of creatures that many people never get a chance to see. Those of you who spend a great deal of time on or near the water have likely come across a few of these, but can you name them all? See how well you did on the next page!
August 2017
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Toadfish
Sea Squirt
Gafftopsail Catfish
Striped Burrfish
Hog Choker
Blackcheek Tongue Fish
Sea Pansy
Ghost Crab
Hermit Crab
Canonball Jellyfish
Channel Whelk
Mantis Shrimp
Lookdown
Blotched Swimming Crab
Northern Puffer Fish
Can you name these species? Send us your answers for a chance to win a free, one-year subsciption to Southern Tides Magazine! info@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Coastal Expeditions Captain Eric Moody Jekyll Island, Georgia
Fishing Charters Dolphin Tours Sightseeing Trips
912.270.3526
www.coastalcharterfishing.com
What’s Going On ...
September 15 - 17 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival Jekyll Island Authority Fri. 4-9 p.m., Sat. 10 - 9, Sun. 10-4 Jekyll Island Historic District Live entertainment, artist's market, kids' zone, craft brewfest, wildlife demonstations, and food! jekyllisland.com/shrimpgrits
August
11 - 12 Coastal Stewards Workshop Georgia Blue Crab Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. UGA Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah Two-day workshop to learn more about this vital fishery. Talk with scientists and try your hand at crabbing! kayla270@uga.edu (912) 598-3345
16 Boater Safety Course GA DNR and Chatham County Marine Patrol Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Required to operate a boat in Georgia waters for anyone born after 01-011998. (See promo opposite page.) www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237
18 - 20 Paddle Camping Trip Savannah Riverkeeper Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday Hancock Landing, Waynesboro Paddle the Savannah River from Hancock Landing to Cohen's Bluff (about 50 miles). Food provided. jacob@savannahriverkeeper (912) 454-8048
16 Satilla River Annual Clean-up Satilla Riverkeeper Saturday 9 a.m. - noon Throughout Satilla River basin The Satilla Riverkeeper hosts one river-wide clean-up each year. Choose a site and come help us clean up our beautiful river! (912) 510-9500
19 Boater Safety Course GA DNR and Chatham County Marine Patrol Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Required to operate a boat in Georgia waters for anyone born after 01-011998. (See promo opposite page.) www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237
20 Green Truck Pub Charity Pint Night Ogeechee Riverkeeper Wednesday 5 p.m. Green Truck Pub, 2430 Habersham St. Savannah Enjoy a Moon River Brewing Company draft beer where $1 for each beer goes to ORK. info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org (866) 942-6222
19 Annual Meeting & Riverkeeper Awards Ogeechee Riverkeeper Saturday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Love's Seafood, 6817 Chief of Love Road, Savannah Celebrate another year of protecting the Ogeechee River basin with appetizers, cash bar and a brief annual meeting and awards. info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org (866) 942-6222
22 The Isle of Hope Pavilion Series Isle of Hope Marina Friday 6 p.m. 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food, and drinks! (912) 354-8187
25 The Isle of Hope Pavilion Series Isle of Hope Marina Friday 6 p.m. 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food, and drinks! (912) 354-8187
23 September Recreational Paddle Ogeechee Riverkeeper Saturday, 9 a.m. Harris Neck Road & Wildlife Drive NW, Townsend Our monthly paddle will be a stretch of the Ogeechee’s narrow twists and turns from Wadley to Coleman Lake. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/paddletrips
26 August Recreational Paddle Ogeechee Riverkeeper Saturday, 9 a.m. Harris Neck Road & Wildlife Drive NW, Townsend Explore the coastal waters of Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/paddletrips
28 Brunswick Station Open House Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Thursday 4-7 p.m. 715 Bay Street, Brunswick Visit our native garden, tour the R/V Georgia Bulldog, interact with animals & learn about sea turtle research. econnell@uga.edu (912) 264-7268
26 The Big Float Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday 9 a.m. 328 Riverfront Drive, Augusta Celebrate clean water with a day on the Savannah River - kayak, canoe, tube, SUP or join our annual homemade raft competition. info@savannahriverkeeper.org (706) 826-8991
30 Eco Cruise Port Royal Sound Foundation Saturday 11 a.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie Cruise along the Chechessee River with Captain Amber, aboard Spartina. Be on the lookout for wildlife as you learn about this unique ecosystem. info@portroyalsoundfoundation.org (843) 645-7774
26 STEAM Festival Port Royal Sound Foundation Saturday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie Join us as we celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math at this FREE family festival full of engaging activities. info@portroyalsoundfoundation.org (843) 645-7774
August 2017
SouthernTidesMagazine.com
Save the Date:
Saturday, October 7 - Georgia DNR CoastFest, Brunswick Saturday, October 14 - Skidaway Marine Science Day, Skidaway Island
21
T he Bitter End
The Shell Game
I
Above: The Chapel of Ease tabby ruin on Saint Helena Island. Photo by J. Gary Hill.
By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill
don’t know about y’all, but the Gator is ready for some fall, or maybe even some winter temps. Now don’t get me wrong, I love summer, but my belly loves cooler weather. Why is that, you might ask? Cooler temps bring back our oyster harvesting. From the lowcountry of South Carolina to the far southern tip of the Golden Isles, oysters have been a part of our history. Football, beer and oyster roasts all seem to go hand-in-hand. I believe our earliest residents, the Native Americans such as the Creek Nations, and even much further back, had their own versions of these activities. All along the barrier islands, huge oyster middens, those circular piles of oyster shells, are in evidence. I can’t help but think that the piles of shells were where the sports complex was. The people would sit and watch, with great interest, games like “Chunky,” and later, some version of stick ball, while drinking fermented berries or grains, and throwing down on some of the best oysters known to man. Okay, maybe I can’t support this with historical documentation, but indulge a Gator his fantasies. So, what happened to these huge middens from that bygone era? Simple, look at our architecture and road ways. Tabby construction can be found throughout the southeast. It was made by combining lime (from burned oyster shells), water, sand, ash, and broken oyster shells. Once mixed, this slurry was poured into forms to create walls. There are many examples of early tabby construction in the area, and there’s a description of the process at Wormsloe Plantation Museum, near Isle of Hope. Though the Spanish are commonly given credit for bringing tabby to the Americas, it is speculated that its roots may lie in the Middle East or North Africa, that it was then carried to Spain during the invasion of the Moors, and then to Florida in the 16th century. For Coastal Georgia, however, James Oglethorpe is given credit with its widespread use. After seeing the widespread use of it in Spanish-held Florida and fortifications in Port Royal Sound, he saw its value and even constructed a home of tabby for himself near Fort Frederica.
With the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, the Spanish threat was removed from the southeast. Around this time tabby fell out of common use, though many of the structures were still standing proudly. The Spalding family purchased the Oglethorpe tabby home in 1771 and shortly thereafter, Thomas Spalding was born there. This same Thomas Spalding was so impressed by the tabby home he was raised in that he took this construction to Sapelo Island where he built his Sea Island plantation with what became known as “Spalding Tabby.” This sparked a revitalization of tabby use that lasted into the 1840s. In the 1880s when Jekyll Island saw the influx of the famous “Millionaires Club,” tabby again saw a huge revival on the island, but by the 1920s, tabby had once again fallen out of favor. This was in part due to the disappearing middens that had been ravaged earlier, and the use of Portland cement. Like many things, the use of tabby seemed to come full circle, and by the 1980s what came to be known as “Revival Tabby” was being used. Though not made in the time-honored way, this new tabby is made by adding oyster shells to Portland cement by hand tossing the shells into the still-wet mortar layers, giving it a pseudo-tabby look. Well guys and gals, that’s about it for me this week. Time to go fight the sun and dream about cool weather and oysters. Until next time, see y'all on the water!
Email: jgaryhill@gmail.com 22
SouthernTidesMagazine.com August 2017
Selling Savannah with Southern Hospitality
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