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February 2022
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In the Tides
CREW
Issue No. 78 February 2022
Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Assistant Editor Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com
9 Conservation Career Camp 11 Fishing with Captain Jay
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
12 Preventing an Invasion 15 GAMBA Action Plan 2022
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
17 Fishing Scholarships 17 Taste of the Tides
Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov
19 Riverkeeper Report
The Riverkeeper Report Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
20 Community Updates 22 The Bitter End - My Work Family
Fishing with Captain Jay Captain Jay Cranford gacharterfishing@gmail.com Contributors Melissa Cummings GADNR Wildlife Resources Division Jan Cranford Recipe Contributor Copyright © 2015-2022
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
Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, Ga.
About the Cover:
A winter sunrise on Tybee Island taken by our own Captain Gator. No, it doesn't have anything to do with articles in this issue, but it looks so toasty we thought it might warm us all up a bit just looking at it! Photo by J. Gary Hill
February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
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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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Editor’s Note
building a new site, which will allow for web advertising and for an online store where we plan to sell the work of local marine artisans on commission, as well as Southern Tides gear. Also, plans for the 2023 Southern Tides Coastal Marine Expo (boat show) are on track and progressing well, which will help keep the magazine solvent in the future. And last, but certainly not least, we’re lining up some great features for 2022. Speaking of content, we finally have a fishing columnist again! Captain Jay Cranford of Coastal Ga. Fishing has agreed to write a regular column on all things fish, from reports to safety to tips and more. We’re working on a catchy name for it, so if you have ideas, please let Jay or me know. On a side note, I’ve nick-named this “The Cranford Issue” since Jay’s wife Jan contributed this month’s Taste of the Tides recipe, her Colonel’s Island Crab Stew. Thanks, Jan! Things are looking good for Southern Tides, overall! I hope y’all make the effort to shop with our advertisers and remember to thank them for supporting us. If you’d like to subscribe and have Southern Tides delivered to your home or business, see page 5, bottom right. Also, we appreciate your ideas, input and support. This is your magazine.
State of the Magazine
T
he first thing people ask me these days is “How’s the magazine doing?” In these times when it’s hard to find help, hard to source materials, and prices for everything are skyrocketing, that’s a valid question. I’m happy to report that Southern Tides is holding its own, though we’re not unscathed by those challenges. Finding reliable people willing to work is something most businesses are dealing with these days. I’ve just hired someone to deliver magazines in Savannah after looking for six months, and I’m still trying to find someone to deliver in Brunswick. This is probably the most frustrating hurdle as delivery is extremely important but having to do it myself takes time away from putting the magazine together. If you live in Brunswick and can spare a few hours once a month, please reach out to me! Rising costs are impacting us as well. All the monthly bills associated with putting the magazine together have increased in the past 12 months, but the biggest challenge is paper. There were several major paper mill closures in 2020 and 2021. Then a large European paper mill that was a major supplier to the U.S. closed in early 2021, putting more pressure on the remaining domestic mills that were already struggling. Another major mill closed in Arkansas, causing the remaining mills to extend price increases as much as 14%. Last year my pricing increased 2.5% in April, 3.5% in July, and 5.5% in September. My printer, Walton Press, in Monroe, Ga., advised their customers in December that we should expect three increases in 2022, each ranging from 2% to 5%, and the first increase, 4% will take effect with this issue’s printing. But Walton management is doing everything they can to minimize increases. When I went to pick up the magazines in January, their property was filled to overflowing with shipping containers in an effort to buy before more inevitable price increases and meet the needs of their customer base. Including Southern Tides. Like every business, I’ve had to pass these increases on to my customers and have raised both subscription and ad prices. That said, our advertising rates are still the lowest of any print publication I’m aware of in the coastal region, and we still reach the boating community throughout coastal Georgia better than any other media. It’s not all doom and gloom though! We’ve gained eight new advertisers since the start of 2021 and only lost one (a business that was sold) and have a few more new ads lined up for the coming months, such as Mickey’s Marine. Although we’ve exceeded the page limit on our website, we’re still keeping the digital version of the magazine current and are ever-so-slowly February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Conservation Career Camp
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he Georgia DNR has announced a new program aimed at encouraging high school students to explore careers in conservation. The Georgia DNR Career Academy, a week-long, overnight summer camp, will be held July 17-23, 2022, at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield and Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll on Jekyll Island. High school students will have the opportunity to learn about DNR career paths, and visit wildlife management areas, hatcheries, state parks, and the coast, said Lindsey Brown, the Career Academy’s director. “Throughout the week, students will get hands-on experience as they learn from DNR game wardens, wildlife, fisheries and marine technicians, park rangers, and support staff,” Brown said. “They’ll have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with DNR staff and see what it takes to conserve Georgia’s natural resources.” The Career Academy’s activities will include trail blazing and hiking, land navigation, state park hospitality, hunting incident investigation, fishery management, urban wildlife and deer aging, and other programs. Students will interact with full-time DNR staff and have the chance to ask questions, learn about professional paths, and educational requirements. “Our goal is for students to have a genuine experience with DNR staff and see what their day-to-day jobs are like, whether that’s conducting a prescribed burn, helping find a lost hiker, or gathering data that’s used to open and close the state’s commercial shrimping season,” Brown added. DNR Commissioner Mark Williams said he hopes the Career Academy will provide students with a path to pursue employment with the department, and a clear understanding of the educational
February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
requirements. “Georgia is home to a diverse and growing workforce, and as the state’s lead natural resources agency, we want to make sure DNR is a competitive and enjoyable place to work,” Williams said. “This program will give young Georgians the chance to see how they can turn their passion for the outdoors into a career that conserves our resources and benefits present and future generations.” The Georgia DNR Career Academy is open to high school students in the fall of 2022. Students do not have to be residents of Georgia. The cost is $100 and includes all meals and lodging. Scholarship opportunities are available to students who qualify on a financial-need basis. Applicants must include a letter of permission from parent or guardian, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, school administrator, or club advisor, and complete a virtual interview with a DNR employee. Eligible students may also opt to earn technical college credit upon completion of the camp that can be used toward a future education in wildlife management. Applications and more information are available at www. GaDNR.org/CareerAcademy. Contact career.academy@dnr. ga.gov for more information.
9
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Fishing with Captain Jay Winter fishing for trout and reds
By Captain Jay Cranford www.coastalgafishing.com
W
Some popular places to try for both trout and redfish during the winter months include deep water creeks, shallow creeks, oyster beds, overhanging and downed trees in the water, and rock ledges, all which can hold some nice fish. Finding the depth they like on that particular day is the key. Shrimp, mud minnows and artificial lures will all work this time of year, but remember, these fish are moving super slow. If you’re using lures you’ll need to slow the retrieve down considerably. I prefer to use soft plastics made by Egret Baits including Mambo Mullet for redfish or Vudu shrimp for trout. If you use live bait your best bet will be small croakers, finger mullet, live shrimp or mud minnows. Trolling is also very effective for speckled trout during the cold months, especially in rivers and creeks. Different water clarity and locations will require different tactics, color changes and techniques. It's a great way to cover a lot of territory and find the colors and depth they like in that area. You do need a saltwater fishing license to harvest speckled trout and redfish. Pay attention to the legal creel limits and lengths and practice catch and release when you can. While others are sitting around their living rooms by the fire, you should be out there fishing!
inter is here and when ol’ man winter shows up, anglers are usually in for some better-than-average inshore fishing. October and November are good months to fish, but December, January and February are all great months as well! Here's why: When the water temperature drops below 50 degrees, trout will mainly be found away from the current, rather than swimming in it. There can be a slack current running along the bottom and a faster current up near the surface. Spotted sea trout, also referred to as speckled trout, are cold-blooded. Like us, when it’s cold their metabolism slows down dramatically so they'll head for that slack current near the bottom. Creeks and rivers with deep channels and holes provide a more stable environment for them and they can be stacked up in these areas. Here is an important note to remember: Look for places where two coastal creeks come together – there is usually a deep hole there, gouged out where the currents from each creek meet. However, the main thing to search for are ambush points where specks and reds can easily find and corner bait. These fish must eat all year long so whether you’re using a live bait, a hard bait or a soft plastic bait, allow the current to sweep it along close to, or on the bottom, in cold weather. The best days are often those early mornings when it’s so cold that it’s miserable to even be on the water, so dress for the occasion.
Don't wish ... let's go fish!
Captain Jay has over 20 years experience fishing the Georgia coast. He's passionate about fishing and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with you! gacharterfishing@gmail.com • www.coastalgafishing.com/ February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
11
Preventing an Invasion Aquatic Nuisance Species
Above: The Northern snakehead fish, native to Russia, China and Korea, has been found in Georgia waters. Inset: A close-up of the snakehead's mouth. Images provided by GADNR
HOW DO THEY GET HERE?
By Melissa Cummings Communications and Outreach Specialist GADNR Wildlife Resources Division
ANS can arrive by several means, including: • Vessel: If a boater visits a body of water inhabited by an ANS (could be in your home state or further afield), and that plant or critter attaches to their boat (hull, motor, boat trailer, etc.) and the boat owner does not properly clean the vessel and trailer before it goes into a different water body – the species can potentially spread. • Negligent aquarium owners: When aquarium owners “dump” plants and fish into Georgia waters. • Illegal stockings: Anglers or others moving a species from one water body into another.
WHAT ARE AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES? Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are organisms that disrupt the ecological stability of inland waters (rivers and lakes), estuarine or marine waters, and may also cause economic loss in areas where they are introduced. 12
Southern Tides Magazine February 2022
WHAT ARE SOME ANS EXAMPLES?
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
Zebra mussel: Native to freshwaters in Eurasia, the zebra mussel was introduced in the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s, likely via ballast water. Since then, the species has been moving south, and is now found in Tennessee and Alabama. Distinguished by the striped pattern on its shell, zebra mussels are small in size (less than two inches) but potentially very large in impact, both ecological and economical. Damage could include adversely impacting Georgia's native mussels, many of which are endangered, and clogging intakes for drinking water, power plants and outboard motors, costing millions of dollars in damage, control and abatement. Georgia has had two close calls with this organism in 2021 – including finding them in moss balls sold in pet shops across the state and a boater discovering them on his vessel prior to launching in Lake Lanier (the boat had been purchased in Tennessee). As of this writing, zebra mussels have NOT been found in Georgia waters.
The introduction of ANS can affect Georgians on multiple levels. At the simplest, it may affect fishing in your favorite spot. If an ANS introduces a disease, hybridizes with native fish, or out-competes any native species found there, the ecological makeup of your pond changes, affecting your personal fishing experience. On a larger scale, ANS can cost millions in economic damage through potential harm to vessels and infrastructure (i.e. pipelines) and negatively affect local economies with the high cost of abatement and decline in recreational activities, such as boating. The presence of ANS can even change the ecological picture by devastating the overall health of water bodies and decimating native species.
•
ANS PREVENTION TIPS Everyone • Never release live bait, aquarium fish, aquatic plants or mussels into Georgia waters, and properly dispose of bait. For more information on disposing of unwanted fish, plants, or other biota, contact a DNR fisheries office (georgiawildlife. com/about/contact). • Only GADNR staff is authorized to stock or move live fish or aquatic plants from one body of water to another.
Zebra mussel size comparison.
Boaters and Anglers (Bank or Wading) • Clean gear, watercraft, trailer, motor, and equipment. Remove visible aquatic plants, mussels, other animals, and mud before leaving any water access. • Drain water from gear and equipment, as well as from the boat, bilge, motor and livewell by removing drain plug and opening all water draining devices away from the boat ramp. Never empty your bait bucket into Georgia waters. • Dry everything at least five days before going to other waters and landings or spray/rinse recreation equipment with high pressure and/or hot water (120 degrees F/50 degrees C or higher).
• Giant Salvinia: This invasive plant (pictured right) is one of the world’s most noxious aquatic weeds and is notorious for dominating slow-moving or quiet freshwaters. Found in Georgia since 1999, it grows rapidly and forms free-floating colonies that create thick mats, leading to oxygen depletion and absence of light for native vegetation. Infestations of this species can result in complete blockage of waterways, irrigation and power generation intakes.
Giant salvinia.
• Snakeheads: In October 2019, the first northern snakehead in Georgia was captured and reported by an angler in Gwinnett County. This is the first time this fish has been confirmed in Georgia waters. Native to China, Russia and Korea, Northern snakeheads have been imported into several countries, including the USA, primarily for food purposes. An obligate air breather, the species can live out of water for hours and can travel short distances across land. As an apex predator, the species has the potential to negatively impact native species if introduced to their habitats.
MORE INFORMATION For more info, visit georgiawildlife.com/ans. All images provided by GADNR
February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
13
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GAMBA Action Plan for 2022 and repair, lawn maintenance, and more. The program will also include a resiliency component that will prepare marinas for dealing with long-term and area-specific factors. The next Clean Marina Program meeting will be held on March 8 to share program updates get input from marina owners and managers. The goal is to have a working program in place by this fall. Sales Tax Cap Many perspective boat buyers travel to South Carolina or Florida to purchase their boats because those states (and many others) have established a cap on sales and/or excise taxes on boat purchases. In South Carolina, the cap is $500. Georgia previously had such a cap but the legislation is no longer in place. The GAMBA board is reviewing previous Georgia legislation wording as well as current wording in our neighboring states and will use all to draft a document that will then be presented to our Georgia legislators in an effort to get a bill sponsored in the next congressional session. With such a cap in place, Georgia dealers will have less competition from out of state dealers and boat and motor revenues stay in Georgia.
T
he Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA) has several projects underway that will benefit member businesses and the marine community as a whole. Marine Trades Training Programs Have you called to schedule a service appointment for your boat and been told it could be six to eight weeks or longer before they can get to you? You’re not alone. In addition to difficulty in sourcing parts, the other major factor impacting long wait times for boat service is a lack of skilled labor. Like many industries in today’s world, far fewer people are seeking training or considering a career path in skilled trades. As our existing workforce ages into retirement, the situation will become more critical. There are over 24,000 registered boats in our six coastal counties, and over 13,000 more in the six closest inland counties. Boat dealers have vessels pre-ordered and customers on wait lists to purchase boats, so those numbers will likely increase. Skilled tradesmen to do maintenance and repairs on these 37,000+ boats are in high demand and the need will become more critical. The good news is that GAMBA board members have been working with key personnel at Savannah Tech and Chatham County Public School Systems (CCPSS) to develop marine trades training programs, as well as methods for reaching students to encourage them to pursue careers in the local marine industry. Next steps include sending out surveys to all marine service providers to determine needs, pay scales and other factors, developing student outreach events, and continuing to work with Savannah Tech and other coastal educational institutions to develop programs that will meet local industry needs, now and in the future. Clean Marine Program GAMBA is working with the GADNR Coastal Resources Division and with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to develop and implement a coastal Clean Marina Program. Benefits include protecting our pristine coastal waters and wetlands and potential insurance discounts for marinas. Plus, it’s an appealing factor for both local and transient boaters in knowing these facilities will be clean, safe and proactive in protecting our environment. The program will focus on multiple topics, including stormwater and pollution management, fueling, waste handling, boat cleaning and bilge petroleum control, boat maintenance February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
In addition to these high priority projects, GAMBA continues to monitor ICW dredging and funding, and other member advocacy needs, as well as hosting networking events over the course of the year, including an upcoming oyster roast on February 20. GAMBA Contacts: Marine Trades: dhartley@hinckleyyachts.com Clean Marina Program: cferguson@morningstarmarinas.com Sales Tax Cap: lucy@dunbaryachts.com GAMBA membership amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Fishing Scholarship Taste of the Tides Colonel's Island Crab Stew
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Recipe provided by Jan Cranford
he Georgia DNR and Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation have announced a new scholarship and endowment program to invest in the next generation of Georgia’s commercial fishermen. The “Georgia Commercial Fishing Sustainability and Resilience Endowment “and the “Georgia Commercial Fishing Scholarship,” funded by DNR’s Coastal Resources Division (CRD), will aid Coastal Pines Technical College students enrolled in the college’s Basic Commercial Fisherman Program. Qualified students can apply for financial aid to cover tuition, equipment, training, and commercial fishing licenses, according to an agreement signed between the foundation and CRD in December 2021. “There is a growing concern from commercial fishing vessel owners and dock owners about the lack of trained crew to replace the industry’s participants as they retire and leave the fishery,” said Carolyn Belcher, CRD’s chief of marine fisheries. “With this new scholarship and endowment, our goal is to incentivize students to pursue careers in commercial fishing across the Georgia coast.” Funding for the endowment and scholarship comes from a 2019 U.S. Commerce Department’s aid allocation for a fishery failure that occurred during Georgia’s 2013 shrimp season. During that season, commercial shrimpers saw a 58 percent reduction in harvest, prompting then-Gov. Nathan Deal to request federal aid. Julie Califf, a CRD fisheries data specialist, helped oversee CRD’s disbursement of $1.06 million in fishery failure aid from the Commerce Department. While much of the disbursement was direct aid to affected fishermen, she noted the funds could also be used to educate and recruit new industry members. “One of the things federal rules let you do with the money was job training, so it seemed like a natural fit,” Califf said. “At the time, Coastal Pines Technical College had just started a program to educate students in commercial fishing, and we saw a need to help fund some of the equipment and other financial hurdles.” Aid funds donated by CRD include $20,000 to an interestbearing endowment overseen by the foundation, along with $5,000 in scholarship funds available for immediate distribution by the foundation. Stephanie Roberts, the college’s executive director of college advancement, said she and Coastal Pines faculty and staff are excited to put the endowment and scholarship to work. “We are so thankful to the Coastal Resources Division and the Department of Natural Resources,” she said. “This endowment and scholarship will help ensure that this important coastal industry has the workforce it needs for the 21st century. We are proud partners with Georgia DNR and are happy to train the future generations in this staple industry of coastal culture.” Media or members of the public who have questions may contact Tyler Jones, CRD's public information officer, at tyler.jones@ dnr.ga.gov or 912-262-3140. Scholarship qualifications should be directed to Coastal Pines Technical College. February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
I put out the call for a seafood recipe on a local Facebook page and Captain Jay Cranford asked his wife Jan to share her crab stew recipe. Luckily for us, she agreed! What could be better on these cold, gray winter days than a bowl of hearty stew? Remember to support your local seafood markets!
INGREDIENTS ½ stick butter ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery 1 can cream of potato soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1 soup can half & half 1 soup can milk Old Bay Seasoning, to taste Black pepper, to taste 2 cups crab meat Sherry, to taste DIRECTIONS • Sauté onions and celery in butter • Add soups, half & half, and milk, stirring well, then bring to a quick boil •Reduce heat to low. Stir in Old Bay and pepper, to taste. •Simmer over low heat about 15 minutes, then stir in crab meat and sherry. •Leave over low heat another five minutes, then serve. Great on its own or serve with cheddar biscuits and a side salad. 17
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EXPERIENCE A WINTER SALES SERIES OF EVENTS Don’t wait for the Savannah Boat Show, for boat show pricing! Check out our upcoming Winter Sales Series: Cruising & Fishing Week: Online - Jan. 24 – 29 | In-store - Jan. 26 – 29 Scout Boats Week: Online - Jan. 31 – Feb. 5 | At the Scout factory - Feb. 5 Yacht Week: Online - Feb. 7 – 12 | In-store - Feb. Feb. 9 – 12 All in-store events are taking place during regular business hours and on Saturday from 9am-3pm. Scout Factory hours are from 10am-4pm. RSVP for your private appointment at marinemax.com or email diana.decarvalho@marinemax.com for more information.
The Riverkeeper Report T
Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
he ORK has launched a new research fellowship to be filled each year. In 2022, the ORK Research Fellow is Brian Bush, a first-year graduate student at Georgia Southern University, pursuing a master’s degree in biology. The project aims to document riverine crayfish populations and distribution, with a focus on P. petersi, and provide education and outreach opportunities throughout the watershed. The fellowship is underwritten by investments secured from the 2011 fish kill settlement. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper. org/
Research Fellow Brian Bush. Photo provided by ORK
Photo provided by St. Marys Riverkeeper
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elebrate St. Marys Riverkeeper’s 6th birthday on March 5 at Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, Ga. This is a MEMBERS-ONLY, family-friendly event which includes a picnic style lunch, kids' activities, boat and train tours, raffle items, Riverkeeper merchandise, and a chat with St. Marys Riverkeeper about goals for 2022. Details at: www.stmarysriverkeeper.org/events/
D
o you live near the Satilla or its tributaries? The Satilla Riverkeeper needs volunteers to test water once a month. We rely on our volunteers to tell us if the Satilla is healthy. Sign up to attend water quality monitor training on February 18-20 at Okefenokee Swamp Park at www. satillariverkeeper.org/water-quality-training.html or contact Satilla Riverkeeper at waterquality@satillariverkeeper.org. www.satillariverkeeper.org/
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avannah Riverkeeper Savannah Riverkeeper is closely monitoring the chemical spill of ferrous chloride in Columbia County, on I-20 near mile marker 181. The chemical has leaked into Hawes Branch Creek and is known to be harmful to aquatic life. Georgia’s Department of Transportation has delivered dirt to the spill site and constructed a berm to contain the chemical spill. Follow updates and clean up efforts at: www.savannahriverkeeper.org
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lean water advocates and government officials say a metal processing facility must stop hazardous waste from escaping a site owned by TAV Holdings, near the ATL airport, and polluting nearby soil and a creek. “This is the most egregious site that I've seen that is not on a Superfund registry or state hazardous site registry,” says Fletcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper, referring to government lists of highly polluted properties. altamahariverkeeper.org/ February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Photo provided by Satilla Riverkeeper 19
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FRESH! Tue - Thu 12-6 Fri - Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
9270 Ford Ave.
Community Updates Becoming an Outdoorswoman Spring Events Itching for more programs after the 2021 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop? Want to gain skills and content in the outdoors to help bring back to your students? Well staff have been working tirelessly and we have the spring 2022 calendar ready and open for registration. Some programs include a firearms 101 class, a hike at FDR state park, and even a paddle at Tallulah Gorge State Park. You can find the day programs on our website, bit.ly/BOW_spring22 and register for Charlie Elliott programming online. BOW is a national program designed for women of all ages and fitness levels through hands-on workshops. Developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the workshops allow participants to develop hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation skills, while also providing insight into the management and preservation of the natural, historical and cultural resources of Georgia
Richmond Hill
(912) 756-8868
Call Ahead For Oysters!
Participants in a recent BOW program. Photo provided by GADNR
DNR Seeks Advisory Panel Applicants
CIRCA 1870
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www.g dbreadhouse.com info@g dbreadhouse.com 209 Osborne . . Marys, Georgia
The Georgia DNR is seeking qualified applicants to serve on a variety of advisory panels. Advisory groups play an important role in policymaking by providing input and advice to DNR’s Coastal Resources Division (CRD). The following volunteer openings available: • Blue Crab Advisory Panel: One commercial crabber. • Finfish Advisory Panel: One recreational angler (must be a resident of a non-coastal county) and one commercial fisherman. • Shrimp Advisory Panel: Three commercial trawlers and one commercial castnetter. APPLYING Anyone wishing to apply for an advisory panel may contact Kathy Knowlton at kathy.knowlton@dnr.ga.gov or by calling (912) 262-3122. The deadline for applying for an advisory panel is February 25, 2022.
Share your organization's news and updates! Send to amy@southerntidesmagazine.com 20
Southern Tides Magazine February 2022
HPAI found in Colleton County Bird The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild American wigeon in Colleton County, South Carolina. Eurasian H5 HPAI has NOT been detected in a wild bird in the United States since 2016. There was a case of HPAI (H7N3) in one commercial turkey breeder flock in South Carolina in 2020 due to a North American lineage virus. American wigeon The Centers for Disease Control and Photo by Wirestock Prevention considers the risk to the general public from HPAI H5 infections to be low. No human infections with Eurasian H5 viruses have occurred in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources Since wild birds can be infected with these viruses without appearing sick, people should minimize direct contact with wild birds by using gloves. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water, and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds. Hunters should dress game birds in the field whenever possible and practice good biosecurity to prevent any potential disease spread. Biosecurity information is available at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/ animal_health/2015/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf. In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/ Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at (866) 536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov. Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype and can be further broken down into different strains which circulate within flyways/geographic regions. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)—the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.
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Summer Camp Information Wanted Southern Tides Magazine will run our annual summer camp listing in the April issue. Please send your camp information in by March 23 to be included. Please include: Camp name, host name, dates and times, location, camper age range, camp focus, cost, and a BRIEF 2-3 sentence description. Descriptions may be edited for space. You may also send 2-3 photos that will be included as space allows. Include a caption and credit with each photo. To submit camp information or if you have questions, contact Amy Thurman at amy@southerntidesmagazine.com February 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
21
231-578-5087 info@safeharborriggingservices.com www.safeharborriggingservices.com
John S. Ramsey, Owner Authorized
Dealer
The Bitter End My Work Family
By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
I
t would seem the North’s drunk and disorderly weather habits have found their way down to our sandy shores, bringing temps in the 20s and 30s. I, for one, am over it. I didn’t sign on for this. Given the cold and it being the off season for charters, I may as well blow Amy’s mind and get this column done – not just on time, but early even. [Mind blown. And precedents established. ~ Your editor] I’ve been contemplating why I do this (the charter thing, not the column writing thing), and I find the thing I come back to is a feeling of family. It’s been said that if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. That may be, but at the end of the day, work is still work. I’ll concede that it can be much more enjoyable if you love what you do, but it’s still work. And there’s nothing wrong with that – it’s part of life. How you approach it and the people you approach it with both help to determine the outcome and enjoyment of your job. And that’s what I want to talk about today. The people you approach it with. If you surround yourself with the ones you love, your work will become much more tolerable. Enjoyable even. It seems in some dog-eat-dog work worlds, people become focused on clawing their way up the ladder, stepping on those below and tugging at the ones above and everyone else on the ladder is trying to do the same to you. By now I’m sure you’re scratching your heads, wondering what this has to do with boating, coastal living or anything else for that matter. I’m really not sure either, but I’ll try to make some sense of it. I’m on a month and a half break from work, but even though we don’t see each other daily right now, my coworkers and I still have a sense of family (and I mean that in a good way). I know that everyone on our team has my back, I know I can count on them if things go sideways, and they always do, even at the least opportune times. I’ve noticed that many boaters share these same qualities and values in life, in addition to the same pastimes. Many of us not only fish and swim, ski and surf, but also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hunting, and other shooting activities like skeet and clays. A few days ago our crew did one of our annual teambuilding events, one that’s always hugely anticipated, called Guns and Grub. It can be tough to find a place to shoot, but we use the DNR range in Bryan County, near Kilkenny, called the Richmond Hill WMA Range. The range was renovated in 2019
Krista taking her spot on the firing line as range officers Austin and Gator observe. Photo by Matt Norrman
and now has 14 100-yard rifle stations and 10 50-yard pistol stations, and it’s free if you have a current hunting or fishing license, or land use pass. As to team building, a range day is an awesome experience! We share our mutual enthusiasm as well as firearms experience. We get a chance to foster those with little or no experience and help them enjoy a great sport, as well as a chance to talk through common misinformation regarding firearms. We have an open and fun shoot that lasts a couple of hours, and then we have a competition which changes every year and no one other than the hosts have a clue as to what it will be. Afterwards we go to Fish Tales at the Ft. McAllister Marina, which is not only a fantastic boating location, but the food is always off the hook (pun intended). So, what I’m trying to get across is this: why not take some time to foster your professional relationships and guide them more into family-like relationships? The same can apply to those people you have on your boat regularly. You may find that if the time ever comes and you need to know you can count on them, you’ll be able to. 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 February 2022
THE PERFECT STORM:
Home Values + Mortgage Rates + Flexibility
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO SELL!
6349 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA
912.352.1222 • MyCBHomes.com
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com Find me on:
@lynmccuen
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
Introducing
marker 46a 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
