Southern Tides all about the water
December 2021
Merry Christmas!
Make your list and check it twice! We have a wide variety of great gift ideas for your favorite boater! • AFTCO Sportswear • Grundens boots • Toadfish can coolers and oyster knives • OluKai footwear • Yeti cups and coolers • Penn Battle 3000 rod & reel combo • Tackle • Smith Sunglasses • Stocking stuffers • Gift cards, & So Much More! The premier marine, aerospace, and industrial supplier on the Georgia Intracoastal Waterway
2827 River Drive Thunderbolt, GA 31404 (912) 354-7777 (800) 673-9391 www.riversupply.com
Life Raft Sales & Service Inflatable Boat Sales & Service Marine Paints Fire & Safety Equipment Yacht Chandlery & Supplies Saltwater Fishing Tackle Expedited Shipping & Deliveries
Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/riversupplyriverservices
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Bull River Marina!
• Daufuski Water Taxis • Fishing Charters • Dolphin Tours • Beach Drops • Boat Rentals • Dockage • Meeting Space 912-897-7300 8005 US Hwy 80 East, Savannah BullRiverMarina.com
We look forward to taking an active roll in the boating community! - Brandon & Gina
Isle of Hope Marina
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi 30-50-100 amp electrical service 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks 600 feet of deepwater face docks
Voted Best Marina in Savannah!
50 W Bluff Drive Savannah, GA 31406
Complimentary loaner cars and bicycles Ship's Store and Laundry Facilities 2,000 sq ft overwater pavilion Private restrooms and showers Gas, Diesel, and Pump-out facilities
cing
du o r t n I
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Introducing our new addition, Marker 46A, exclusively for Isle of Hope Marina guests! Featuring an outdoor deck with comfortable seating and picturesque water views. Inside, you can find complimentary coffee, WiFi, high definition TV, and ceiling fans.
912-354-8187 www.iohmarina.com
Scan to learn more about the Carefree Boat Club
In the Tides
CREW
Issue No. 76 December 2021
Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Editorial Assistant Neva Parsons
9 BoatUS Holiday News 11 Helping Monarchs
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
12 Right Whale Calving Season
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
15 Fishin' for Jamie Party 15 Taste of the Tides
Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov
17 Season of Giving 19 Riverkeeper Report
The Riverkeeper Report Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org Contributors
20 Community Updates 22 The Bitter End
Rick Lavender GADNR Wildlife Resources Division
Copyright © 2015-2021
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, S.C.
(912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com www.SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on social media: www.issuu.com/SouthernTidesMagazine.com Facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine Instagram @southerntides_mag Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, Ga.
Subscribe to Southern Tides: Visit www.squareup.com/store/ southern-tides-magazine $35 for one year/12 issues. Thank you for your support!
About the Cover:
Decked Out by Douglas Hart, published by Salt Harbor Studio, and offered on Christmas cards by BoatUS. To find out how to order yours, see the article on page 9! Image provided by BoatUS December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
Letters to the Editor:
We love hearing from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you'd like to share, please do! Send your thoughts to any of our email addresses listed above. 5
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From our family to yours, may you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Editor’s Note
shared adventures. You could also frame photos of special occasions for family or friends. Something personal One of my favorite gifts in years past was a paint-on-canvas wall hanging made by my dear friend Neva – an abstract of the Georgia coast, in my favorite colors, that now hangs in my office and reminds me of her and of this coast, both of which I adore. I find myself staring at it when I need inspiration, or when lost in thought, and it never fails to make me happy. Another favorite was a copy of Peterson Field Guide to Birds. Although I’m not what anyone might consider a serious birder, I do enjoy being able to identify the birds I see in my yard or when out tromping around in our coastal region for magazine articles. Determining things or activities that make someone happy and finding just the right gift not only makes gift giving fun, but also guarantees the gift will be genuinely appreciated. Gifts of Giving Let’s not forget those who would appreciate gifts that do a bit of good in the world. For more on this, see our annual “Season of Giving” on page 17 for ideas. Regardless of what you give or receive, I hope you all make beautiful memories with those you love and that you remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Enjoy the issue!
H
ere we are in December and closing out another year that flew by at wide open throttle. By the time you read this, we’ll be in the thick of the holiday season, attending Christmas parties, listening to Christmas music, and counting down to Christmas Day. And if you’re anything like me and did NOT start shopping in July (I seriously envy people who are that organized), there are likely still gifts to take care of on your list. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to prefer giving gifts that have meaning, rather than just stuff that’s eventually forgotten or wears out or loses appeal. Of course, if you have young children, they want toys, and young adults might need things for starting out, but the adults on your list likely buy what they want and need, and it can be challenging to choose gifts for them. Here are some ideas that might help. Locally crafted gifts These items serve a dual function in that they can make great gifts and support local artisans. There are countless arts and crafts fairs in the coastal area this month and you can find anything from locally produced honey to hand-crafted Bulldog gear to paintings of your local area and much, much more. I went to the Christmas Market at Sunbury Crab Company a couple weeks ago and found a Christmas ornament with a small map of Liberty County (where I live), decoupaged onto an oyster shell. I bought one for myself and one for a friend with her county displayed. Which brings me to the next option. Memories Decorating my tree each year brings back a host of memories, from ornaments I made as a child to ornaments my kids made, ornaments I’ve been given by friends, and others I’ve purchased to commemorate occasions throughout the years. Yes, my tree is an eclectic hodgepodge, but I love it! Memories don’t have to be in the form of ornaments though. I’m in the process of going through the family photos and creating albums for each of my adult children. One year I made a shadowbox for a friend with little tidbits of our December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Merry Christmas! Left, an ornament I purchased at the Sunbury Christmas Market - I failed to grab a business card so don't know the artist's name, but I love it! Above, a paint pour created by my dear friend Neva. A photo doesn't do the colors justice - it's gorgeous! 7
Sea Turtles Dig the Dark!
Every year, female loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the dark. Then, newly hatched turtles use moonlight reflecting from the ocean waves to find their way home. This is why Coastal Electric promotes shielding or turning off beachfront lights after 10 p.m. during nesting season. Suppor ting
Lights Out For Sea Turtles!
(800) 421-2343
CoastalElectric.coop
BoatUS Holiday News changes. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Just a little bigger than a Tic Tac container, today’s PLBs can be carried in a shirt or life vest pocket, or easily attached to clothing or outerwear. Costs have also come down, with prices starting at a little over $100. Some organized boating events such as sailboat races increasingly require PLB wear, but if you don’t want to Not much larger than a Tic Tac purchase them for your entire breath mint container, today’s crew the BoatUS Foundation personal locator beacons can easily rents PLBs for as little as $7 be carried in a shirt or life jacket a day. pocket.. Inflatable Life Jacket: Photo provided by BoatUS Today’s smallest inflatable life jackets, worn belt-style across the waist, are not much larger than a box of mac and cheese. While they do provide for U.S. Coast Guard life jacket wear requirements, manually activated (yank the cord) inflatables need to be donned while in the water and are not intended for the unconscious. For that, harness-style inflatables can be utilized in automatic mode, which will keep the victim’s head above the water. Belt-style life jackets generally start at under $100, while harness-styles start around $150. At about $200, hybrid life jackets also offer a mix of inflation and foam floatation, keeping them smaller yet allowing for comfort and a full range of movement. Throwable Life Saving Device: Technology has even come to the basic throwable device, a U.S. Coast Guard-required safety item meant to be kept within arm’s reach while underway. The most common is a floating seat cushion. However, the newest throwable devices are much smaller, simple to stow and touted as easier to toss to a crewmate in the water. Once the device hits the water, a rescue yellow raft automatically inflates offering a minimum of 20 pounds of floatation. One caveat: Like inflatable life jackets, they require an annual inspection. Prices start around $150.
Holiday greeting cards from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation also give back to boating. Image by Salt Harbor Studios
G
ot your holiday cards yet? The BoatUS Foundation’s nautically themed cards from Salt Harbor Studios offer customizable card designs crafted on high-quality FSC Certified paper from responsibly managed forests. The best part about this season of giving may be that a portion of each card purchase supports the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation’s mission of promoting safe and clean boating, including offering the nation's largest free online boating safety course, on-water training, kids life jacket loaner program, EPIRB rentals and more. More than 100 customized picture cards as well as modern and traditional Christmas and seasonal designs are offered. All cards are made in the U.S. and use natural inks with 0% VOC. To order, simply go to BoatUS.org/HolidayCards, choose your favorite design and create your greeting.
B
ulky, square orange life vests have given way to more comfortable belt- or harness-style inflatable floatation devices, yet many recreational boaters still carry only the former aboard. Are boaters up-to-date on today’s newest technology-inspired boating safety gear? With the holidays around the corner, the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers a buying guide for technology geeks and anyone interested in innovation that increases safety aboard a boat. Handheld DSC-VHF Radio: Today’s portable, floating handheld VHF radios can be used anywhere aboard your boat, and are a great communications-navigation solution for small boats as well as a backup for larger vessels. Newest handhelds can incorporate GPS, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), one-button distress, Bluetooth, an FM receiver, and even SOS blinking lights, giving boaters more ways than ever to keep out of trouble or speed a rescue. Models start at $200. Before you use your DSC-VHF radio, be sure to get your radio’s Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number (MMSI) that is your vessel’s unique ID. BoatUS members may request one for free. Tip: Adhere this number along with the owner’s contact information to the radio – it will help with future registration December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
An Inflatable throw raft is the newest kind of throwable device. Photo provided by BoatUS For more news and information from BoatUS, visit boatus.com 9
Tight lines everyone! But stay away from my Daddy’s trout holes or I’ll send Ri�le to bite you!
Get out on the water with one of our Mercury Re-powers! 2604 Causton Bluff Road • Savannah, GA (912) 376-8776 • HaleMarineInc@gmail.com
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year from all of us at
Hogans’ Marina! Dockage • Dry Storage • Bait House • Fuel Kayak & Boat Rentals • Snacks & Drinks • Parts • Tackle
912-897-3474 36 Wilmington Island Road Wilmington Island Visit us on Facebook!
Helping Monarchs
Photo by Mike Smith, Live by the Tides
L
ast winter, volunteers from across the Southeast and Gulf states provided more than 5,800 observations of monarch butterflies. This winter, the partnership of universities, agencies and other organizations called Monarchs Overwintering in Southeastern States is requesting the public’s continued involvement in reporting sightings. Sonia Altizer, a University of Georgia ecology professor and director of Project Monarch Health, said the information can help scientists determine if these iconic but declining butterflies “can overwinter as non-breeding adults in the southern U.S. and how this might affect future population numbers.” The monitoring will also help document how winter-breeding activity might be affecting the HM7-10340 Dealership and Marina ad-4.04x5.29-Sept21.indd 3 9/28/2 annual migration to Mexico. Understanding migration and overwintering behavior is crucial to conserving monarchs, a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Thousands of monarchs stream across the South each fall on their way to wintering grounds in central Mexico. In the spring, this eastern population of the butterfly returns to the U.S. and Canada to breed. But not all monarchs migrate to Mexico. Volunteer observations over the past two decades have helped scientists better understand how and why some monarchs breed throughout the winter in the southern U.S. Scattered reports also suggest that some monarchs can overwinter in coastal regions in a non-breeding state, similar to their wintering behavior in Mexico. The public is encouraged to report monarch sightings from Dec. 1-March 1 in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Full Range of Refit and Repair Services: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Mechanical & Electrical Susan Meyers, cochair of Monarchs Across Georgia, agreed. Fiberglass & Painting “Volunteers are vital to this effort. If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring your local ecosystem, this is an easy activity that can be Woodworking & Varnish done alone or with your family.” Rigging & More How to take part: • Step 1: Create a free account at journeynorth.org/reg. • Step 2: Learn how to report monarch sightings at journeynorth. org/monarchs. • Step 3: From Dec. 1-March 1, submit monarch observations at journeynorth.org/sightings. December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
11
servicesavannah@hinckleyyachts.com 2400 Mechanics Avenue, Thunderbolt (912) 629-2400
Right Whale Calving Season Right whales have arrived in our coastal waters and two calves have been sighted so far. Unfortunately, Snow Cone, the mother of one calf, is entangled in rope, in spite of several efforts at disentangling her. There are currently fewer than 350 of these whales remaining and efforts to save them are more critical than ever. Approximately a third of all known right whale mortalities are a result of vessel collisions or entanglement in fishing gear. How You Can Help
1. Stay at least 500 yards away from right whales! It’s the law! 2. Operate your vessel at a slow, safe speed of 10 knots or less in areas right whales are known to frequent. 3. Move away slowly if a right whale approaches you. 4. Wear polarized sunglasses and stay alert. 5. Avoid boating during times of poor visibility (fog, night, etc.) 6. Know how to properly identify right whales and immediately report dead, injured, or entangled whales to the U.S. Coast Guard via marine radio VHF Ch 16 or call the NOAA Fisheries Service Stranding Hotline at 877-WHALE HELP, (877-9425343.) Remember, you are prohibited by law from approaching within 500 yards of right whales. Observe from a distance.
Report a Right Whale Sighting
You can help collect vital information. Reporting sightings helps save this endangered species by alerting mariners to their presence. To report, hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16, or call 877-WHALE-HELP (in waters from Florida to North Carolina).
What Information Should You Report? • • • • • • •
Your name and contact information Date and time of sighting Where you were (vessel, land) Number of whales sighted Any behavior observed Are you sure it was a right whale? Describe what you saw, in detal
If Possible, Take Photos or Video and Report This Information as Well: • Did you see a visible spout during exhale? • Do the flukes (tail) come out of the water on a deep dive? • Does it have bumps on it's head and what color are they? • How long is the whale (how many feet? Compared to boat?) • If entangled, is the whale free-swimming or anchored? • Give specific info on key body parts (both flippers, tail and mouth) and any gear observed (buoys and line colors, buoy numbers, etc.)
Is the Whale Dead, Injured or Entangled?
If possible, keep dead or injured whales in sight and report immediately. Do not attempt to remove fishing gear! There is a team of experts who disentangle whales. Catalog #3560 "Snow Cone" and calf were sighted about 10 nautical miles off Cumberland Island, Ga., on Dec. 2, 2021. Snow Cone was first seen entangled in commercial fishing gear in March 2021 in Cape Cod Bay. Several disentanglement efforts in the Northeast and Canada removed some of the rope, though she is still trailing two lines. She previously gave birth in the 2019/2020 calving season. Photo provided by Georgia DNR, taken under NOAA permit 20556
Catalog #1245 "Slalom" and calf were sighted about 17 nautical miles off Pawyleys Island, S.C., on Nov. 24, 2021. Slalom is 40 years old and this is her sixth documented calf. Photo provided by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and USACE, taken under NOAA permit 20556
Merry Christmas from Fish Tales and Ft. McAllister Marina!
Your authorized Yamaha dealer, serving
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Let us help you get on the water today! Live bait Dockage Dry Storage 2827 River Drive (912) 354-7777 2604 Causton Bluff Road (912) 376-8776
Fish Tales 727.3473 • Ft. McAllister Marina 727.2632 3203 Ft. McAllister Road • Richmond Hill, GA • SM 605
PROP DOCTORS LLC • Prop Scan Technology • Propeller Repairs & Sales • Veteran Owned & Operated
Parties • Open Houses Fishing Tournaments • Poker Runs
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Taste of the Tides
Fishin’ for Jamie
Oysters Casino
2021 Christmas Party
Tis the season - for oysters! This dish with red peppers and green onions is as festive looking as it is tasty! This recipe calls for three dozen oysters and makes 18 pieces. Adjust according to your headcount. Singles work best. Remember to support local fishermen by shopping at your local seafood markets! Photo provided by King's Fish House
December 18, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hogans’ Marina Wilmington Island, Georgia Boat Raffle 13-foot Boston Whaler! Raffle tickets available at Hogans Cornhole Tournament $50 per team, 50/50 payout Food and Drinks Burgers, hotdogs, chips, Cokes and water Live Music, Raffles, and Fun! All proceeds donated to the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavillion
INGREDIENTS 3 dozen raw single oysters (save 18 of the largest and most level shells) 6 pieces thick-cut bacon 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature (softened) ½ cup minced shallots (or ¼ cup minced chives) ¼ cup diced red pepper ¼ cup diced celery 1 tsp minced garlic 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or your choice of zing!) Bread crumbs (if desired) Rock salt Parsley for garnish Lemon slices for serving DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. • Cook bacon until lightly crispy and set aside. • Place rock salt in a large rimmed baking sheet and bake salt for 8-10 minutes. • Using spatula, mix butter with next six ingredients until creamy smooth, adjusting lemon and Creole seasoning to taste. • Use tongs to carefully place 18 clean oyster shells in hot rock salt being sure they're as level as possible. • Add two oysters to each shell. • Crumble bacon and sprinkle over oysters. • Add a spoonful of vegetable and butter mixture to each shell, then dust with bread crumbs. • Place oysters in oven and bake 10-12 minutes, or until oysters have reached desired texture. • Sprinkle parsley over oysters and provide lemon wedges for drizzling. • If cooking oysters on grill, skip heating rock salt in oven, but do use salt to hold oysters level while carrying to grill. Then use tongs to carefully place oysters directly on grill grate and cook for about 7 minutes over hot coals, or until oysters have reach desired doneness. December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
This Whaler could be yours! Only 230 tickets were offered and they’re almost gone!
p Hel t Figh ma! o
an Mel
For general information, call: Chris Caldwell (912) 667-4861 Visit us on Facebook for updates! Facebook.com/Fishin-For-Jamie
15
All proceeds benefit the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion
2022
1 - 5 p.m.
· Locally harvested oysters and great food · Live music by Sweet Auburn String Band Purchase tickets online at gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast
Learn to Paddleboard! $40 Intro Special!
One hour lesson, followed by a one hour rental All gear included!! Reserve today!!
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Join us on
info@eastcoastpaddleboarding.com Facebook! www.eastcoastpaddleboarding.com
Southern food with Caribbean flair, prepared with fresh local ingredients!
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2815 River Drive Thunderbolt, GA
We’re Open! Info at: tortugasisland@yahoo.com www.tortugasislandgrille.com
A Season of Giving "Make a career of humanity … It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929 - 1968, Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Leader This holiday season, consider going beyond material gifts. Volunteering your time to a cause dear to your heart is a rewarding experience. If you simply can't fit it into your schedule, a gift of money will help fund the organizations on this page in their efforts to make our world a better place. If you're struggling with what to give that hard-to-shop-for person on your list, consider a membership, pledge, or "adoption" in their name.
Animals
Knowledge
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France, 1844 - 1924, French poet, journalist and novelist
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” ~ Albert Einstein, 1879 - 1955, German-born physicist These organizations strive to educate our communities about our amazing coastal region. LowCountry Institute - lowcountryinstitute.org Port Royal Sound Foundation - portroyalsoundfoundation.org South Carolina Sea Grant - scseagrant.org Tybee Island Marine Science Center - tybeemarinescience.org UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant - marex.uga.edu
Nothing evokes the warm-and-fuzzies quite like animals, both the pets who are members of our families, and the wild creatures that inhabit our coast (and beyond). Consider volunteering, donating or adopting! Pet Rescue: Coastal Pet Rescue - coastalpetrescue.org Humane Society - search online for your nearest branch One Love Animal Rescue - oneloveanimalrescue.com Note: Even if you're looking for a specific breed, you can still rescue an animal in need by searching for rescues dedicated to that breed. Wildlife: Coastal Conservation Association - ccaga.org Georgia Sea Turtle Center - gstc.jekyllisland.com/ Oatland Island Wildlife Center - www.friendsofoatland.org/ The Dolphin Project - thedolphinproject.org Your nearest sea turtle project - seaturtle.org
Nature
" There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more." ~ Lord Byron, 1788 - 1824, English poet and politician We live in the most beautiful place on earth. Our marshes and waterways are among the last remaining pristine areas of our nation’s coast, largely due to groups like this that work hard to protect it. Altamaha Riverkeeper - altamahariverkeeper.org Clean Coast - cleancoast.org Coastal Wildscapes - coastalwildscapes.org Georgia Natural Resources Foundation - gnrf.org Gray’s Reef Foundation - graysreeffoundation.org Ogeechee Riverkeeper - ogeecheeriverkeeper.org One Hundred Miles - onehundredmiles.org Ossabaw Island Foundation - ossabawisland.org Satilla Riverkeeper - satillariverkeeper.org Savannah Riverkeeper - savannahriverkeeper.org St. Mary’s Riverkeeper - stmarysriverkeeper.org Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers - tybeecleanbeach.simpl.com
People
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." ~ Albert Pike, 1809 - 1891, American writer, attorney, soldier, and Freemason If you’d rather help out your fellow humans, consider one of these organizations. Abilities Unlimited, Inc. - facebook.com/AbilitiesUnlimitedInc American Red Cross - redcross.org CASA - casaforchildren.org Disabled American Vets - dav.org Fishin’ For Jamie - facebook.com/Fishin-For-Jamie Old Savannah City Mission - oscm.org Second Harvest Food Bank - nwpafoodbank.org Southeastern Guide Dogs - savannahpuppyraisers@gmail.com Team Rubicon - teamrubiconusa.org/tides Want to help a Vet? Here's a great list of more options: militarybenefits.info/how-to-help-veterans-during-theholidays/ December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
17
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ZACHRY'S - Providing fresh seafood in Glynn County for over 35 years!
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The Riverkeeper Report Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
F
letcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper, said government agencies shouldn’t let Hyundai evade any responsibilities of the Golden Ray wreck once the initial environmental cleanup is completed. "It is imperative for the state to require a more comprehensive damage assessment," he added. “What we are concerned about is making sure the state has the resources they need to make sure the Sound is whole again. That’s very difficult to do if The last section of the Golden Ray you don’t know how damaged being removed. the Sound is.” Photo provided by St. Simons Sound www.altamahariverkeeper.org/
E
mily Floore, Education Director for the St. Johns Riverkeeper, will take over as head of the St. Marys Riverkeeper in January, 2022. An experienced educational biologist, Floore brings the combination of scientific knowledge, educational skills and grant writing experience needed for the position. “I am honored to join the St. Marys Riverkeeper family and am looking forward to getting to know the community that calls this watershed home,” Floore said. To learn more about Floore, visit: www.stmarysriverkeeper.org/fromthe-riverkeeper/
Joint Information Center
S
avannah Riverkeeper is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a huge outdoor party on December 11, starting at 5:30p.m. The event, Bells and Buoys, will feature live music, oversized games, a Lowcountry grits bar, cornhole tournament, and a Christmas auction. All proceeds will benefit Savannah Riverkeeper. Purchase admission and raffle tickets, and more at www.savannahriverkeeper.org/bellsandbuoys.html.
Incoming St. Marys Riverkeeper Emily Floore.
T
he Ogeechee Riverkeeper announced the winners of its annual photography contest. Guest judge and photographer Parker Stewart assisted with the selection of winners. “The Ogeechee is such a beautiful and diverse expanse, there’s nothing like exploring and photographing the winding black water rivers which flow out towards the most pristine barrier islands on the east coast,” Stewart said. Winners can be viewed at www. ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/ annual-photography-contest
I
t's official! The Satilla Riverkeeper has moved its office to the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross! We are Satilla Riverkeeper Chris Bertrand. excited to explore future collaboration with the Park and to be more centrally located in the watershed. The new address is 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Road, Waycross, GA 31503. https://www.satillariverkeeper.org/
Barred Owl, Wildlife Winner Photo by William Harrell December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
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Ken’s Seafood Support Your Local Seafood Industry! Oysters Shrimp Fish Gator Tail Crawfish Blue Crabs Scallops And More!
FRESH! Tue - Thu 12-6 Fri - Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
9270 Ford Ave.
Richmond Hill
Community Updates Hognose Snake Wins Drama Queen Award
When it comes to acting, the eastern hognose snake beats them all. A video by Dr. Vanessa Lane of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College shows what a hognose will do to convince possible predators that it is a) dying or b) simply a smelly, deranged mess that is best avoided. DNR senior wildlife biologist Daniel Sollenberger explained that when threatened the hognose’s first response is usually to hiss, spread its hood and bluff a strike. But that defense can quickly devolve into defecating and emitting musk, thrashing wildly, and – finally – going limp as if dead. It’s not known why hognose snakes employ thanatosis, the defense of playing dead, or if the reaction is involuntary (i.e., fainting goats). But apparently it works. Many other snake species sometimes go limp when handled, Sollenberger said. “But not many of them do it as dramatically as the hognose.” Check out the video here: bit.ly/drama_snake. It may be the best laugh you have today!
(912) 756-8868
Call Ahead For Oysters!
Hognose snake in the midst of a hissy fit. Image taken from video by Dr. Vanessa Lane
New Shooting Range in Camden County
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www.g dbreadhouse.com info@g dbreadhouse.com 209 Osborne . . Marys, Georgia
Get ready, shooters! Two Rivers Gun Range, located in extreme southwest Camden County, officially opened to the public on Friday, Nov. 12. It is one of more than 40 public archery and/or shooting ranges currently available in Georgia. “We are excited to welcome everyone to Two Rivers Gun Range,” said Gary Blount, Chairman, Camden County Board of Commissioners. “The facility is an asset to our community and something for shooters to enjoy. We appreciate the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and their contributions to make this facility a reality.” Staff at this new range eagerly await your visit. Some of the exciting features include: • Pistol Range: 20 stations, 15 to 25 yard ranges with Reactive Steel Targets. • Rifle Range: 12 stations: 50, 100 and 200-yard ranges featuring digital “live” Kongsberg Target Systems. This range will serve as a resource for area shooting enthusiasts. Hours for the range are Tuesday-Saturday (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sunday (1 – 6 p.m). Memberships, day passes, gift cards, and merchandise are available for purchase at the range office. The renovation work was made possible by hunters and shooters. The Wildlife Restoration Program, which funded a large portion of this project, is a federal program funded by hunters and shooters through excise taxes on the equipment they purchase and use, such as firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. For more information on the Two Rivers Gun Range, visit www.camdencountyga. gov/1098/Two-Rivers-Gun-Range. For more information on ranges available in Georgia, visit georgiawildlife.com/AllRanges. 20
Southern Tides Magazine
December 2021
New Additions to Offshore Reefs
Anglers and SCUBA divers now have three new fishing and recreation opportunities at Georgia offshore reefs. The GADNR Coastal Resources Division (CRD) recently sank three more vessels at artificial reefs off St. Catherines and Ossabaw islands as part of a partnership between CRD, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Georgia and Biblia Inc., a contractor who sank the vessels. “The addition of a tugboat, a barge and a dry dock to three different reefs will provide essential fish habitat and more recreational opportunities for the residents and visitors of Georgia,” said Cameron Brinton, a marine biologist with CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Rehabilitation Unit. “In just a few months, natural corals, sponges and other sea life will inhabit these structures. Although the additions are artificial objects, the marine life that will flourish there is completely natural.” The additions were made possible in part by a donation of $9,000 from CCA, which covered about 12 percent of the project’s $73,500 total cost. The remaining costs were covered by the sale of Georgia fishing licenses. The structures were sunk at the following locations: • Reef DUA: 80-foot drydock 7 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island in 47 feet of water at coordinates 31° 46.087N, 80° 52.644W. • Reef KC: 53-foot tugboat 9 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island in 52 feet of water at coordinates 31° 49.566'N, 80° 46.870'W. • Reef CAT: 110-foot steel barge 7 nautical miles of St. Catherines Island in 47 feet of water at coordinates 31° 39.131'N, 80° 57.418'W.
Southern Tides in Seafood Pitch Competition
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant led a seafood pitch competition to generate innovative ideas in support of Georgia’s working waterfronts and seafood products. The competition was open to businesses and nonprofits with the aim of offsetting the impact of COVID-19 on the state’s local seafood industry. Ideas for each pitch were to
support one or more of the following topics: • Promoting Georgia’s unique coastal seafood-related experiences • Building the resiliency of Georgia’s working waterfronts • Strengthening Georgia’s local seafood and tourism-related industries • Assisting businesses with redefining their operations or business models in response to the pandemic Southern Tides Magazine entered the competition and was selected to move on to the next phase – a five-minute presentation to be evaluated by a committee. Our pitch, “A Guide to Georgia Seafood” proposes a collection of information about local seafood, such as identification and seasonal availability, as well a listing of coastal seafood markets, nutritional data, recipes and more. Winning pitches could receive up to $15,000.00 to develop their innovations.
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John S. Ramsey, Owner Authorized
December 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
21
Dealer
The Bitter End Aaand Action!
By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
I
and Doctor Sleep, the 2019 sequel to The Shining, to name a few. Of course, I can’t move on without mentioning Savannah and Tybee, but I’ll try to keep it quick and dirty. Let start with the biggies: Forrest Gump, which was filmed both in Savannah and Beaufort, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (based on John Berendt’s book by the same name, which was his first book – how bout that for a first!) These next few are movies I’ve watched recently as I had family down over the summer and for Thanksgiving. First, The Gifted, a splendid and heartfelt movie filmed on Tybee Island. Next on the list is Savannah, based on local legend and market hunter Ward Allen, this was a locally produced movie by Unclaimed Freight Productions. (These are the same people who brought you CBGB, which was based on NYC music nightspot known as a launching pad for acts like the Ramones and Blondie, which was kinda’ strange given these were punk and alternative bands, but CBGB stands for Country Bluegrass Blues.) I also have to mention that Disney did an awesome live action remake of Lady and the Tramp, which is a great choice for family time. Last but least, there’s The Peanut Butter Falcon, and I can’t say enough about how much I love this film! It is definitely a must see. I hope you take time to check some of these out as well as searching out others I don’t have space to include – there just isn’t enough space to encompass all that’s been done here on our special coast. However, you spend your time with family and friends, Merry Christmas to you all!
hope this year has found you healthy as we continue to deal with the virus, I hope your financial stability has weathered these times as well, and above all else, I hope your Christmas presents aren’t sitting on a container ship off the coast somewhere. It’s been a wild year for sure, but it’s times like these that should make us appreciate the things we take for granted. So, here we are with Christmas nearly upon us. Time for family gatherings and figuring out how we entertain everyone after the ham and figgy pudding have been consumed. I recommend staying away from religious and political conversations and instead enjoying some holiday classics, like Frosty the Snowman, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or whatever your family favorite might be. Did you know the lowcountry is home to a thriving film and TV industry? Let’s start with some of our neighbors, like the beautiful and historic Beaufort, S.C., to my north. A well-preserved bit of southern charm that also served as the backdrop for movies such as The Great Santini, The Big Chill, Platoon, G.I. Jane, and one of my favorites The Prince of Tides. Both The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini were based on novels by the great American author Pat Conroy. (Definitely take time to read some of his works if you haven’t yet.) Over sixteen movies have been filmed in Beaufort, as well as other travel and made-for-TV projects. Do a little research and see what might pique your family’s interest. To my south lies Brunswick Ga., which is all abuzz over a movie currently filming there. Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever continues the saga and I am curious how this will go after the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman. Boseman did an outstanding job in this role and his death makes me sad as he was not only outstanding as an actor but as an individual as well. Going back decades this historic city has hosted movies such as The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds, and Conrack, which again was based on another Pat Conroy novel, The Water is Wide, starring the wonderfully talented Jon Voight. Though the movie was set on a fictional island called Yamacraw, the story was based on Conroy’s time teaching on Daufuskie Island. (To clarify so you’re not confused, story based on Daufuskie, movie set on fictional Yamacraw Island, and filmed in Brunswick.) Although I haven’t seen it yet, the TV special Extreme Christmas Trees was filmed in part at Brunswick Manor. I do plan to check this out. Off the beaten path, even smaller towns like Darien (I don’t say this to besmirch Darien as I find it a charming and beautiful place and have been there numerous times) have played host to film crews, most recently to Will Smith’s Gemini Man. Long before that, Darien played a part in the movie Glory which went on to win three Academy Awards in 1989. St. Marys also has quite a few film credits, including Dumbo, The Leisure Seekers with Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren,
Till our wakes cross again, peace and love and shrimp and grits. I’ll see you on the water!
Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com 22
Southern Tides Magazine
December 2021
6349 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA
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Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
13609 Rockingham Rd Eye-catching curb appeal canopied by mature trees, large lush backyard and outdoor living area surround this home. This property offers a spacious great room w/ fireplace that could easily be transREDUCED formed into larger master suite or in law suite. Beautiful French doors open up to a large sunroom overlooking the expansive yard with two out buildings and a climate controlled shop. Plenty of space for children to run and play or even to add a pool or garage with breeze way. Updates galore! Comfort and space a plenty!
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7 Kent Ct
BEDS: 4 BATHS: 2 SQFT: 2,297 PRICE: $360,000
1432 N. Camden Cir
Just Sold! Thinking about selling !! We have buyers !!!
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Living Shorelines
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To get a copy of our Guide to Living Shorelines, email jamie.king@zuludiscovery.com!
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