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January 2021
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In the Tides CREW
Issue No. 65 January 2021
Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
9 Around the Reef 11 Fishing News
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
12 Fairwell to Crawfish 15 Baby Horseshoe Crabs
Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov Contributors
17 Boating Survey Report 18 Jekyll Treasure Hunt
Emily Kenworthy UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant
19 Did You Know? 19 Taste of the Tides
Sara Buck Lane Tybee Island Marine Science Center
20 Community Updates
Heidi Larsen FoodieCrush.com
22 The Bitter End
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.
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About the Cover:
While taking photos of baby horseshoe crabs at Tybee Island Marine Science Center, contributor Sara Buck Lane took this shot of a sea star as well. We thought it was perfect for our cover! Photo by Sara Buck Lane
January 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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Editor’s Note
2021
, o l l He
S
rebuilding the site. It’s time consuming, frustrating, challenging, hard, and there are times that I want to shuck the whole thing, run away to some deserted island, and never sit at a desk again. Sometimes I even make it as far as my front porch and a whiskey or rum drink while making a list of what to pack. And then some reader will reach out to me and tell me how much they love the magazine, how much they learn from it, or how much they look forward to seeing each new issue, and I slink back to my desk, open the WordPress template, and get back to work. I’m not making any promises of exactly when you can expect it, but there will be another new website up at some point in 2021. I’ve made too much progress to give up now, and I’ve accepted that if I want to keep Southern Tides alive and well, a website must be a significant component. I won’t stand down with the print version either. There’ve been many challenges this past year. No new growth because selling ads becomes nearly impossible when you can’t call on potential advertisers. So, I’m working on plans to get around that as well, some of which involve going back to the basics. We still have mail and email, we still have phones, and I can use those tools. Getting out into the community to write articles was also challenging, but this too can be overcome. Solo visits to take photos, reaching out to the community for their photos and stories, more interviews via phone and internet, more online research, and maybe even some new regular columns from key figures in the community. There are still choices, still options, still possibilities, still hope, and I’m not giving up. I’ll continue to do whatever it takes, and I hope each of you will too. Hello, 2021!
ometimes I read back through past columns I’ve written to see what I had to say at the same time in previous years. In part so I don’t repeat myself! And in part to see if something I wrote in the past might spark ideas for the current column. But as I sit down to write the sixth Happy New Year from Southern Tides, the previous five seem written in another lifetime. They were fitting at the time and offered bits of advice for heading into each new year. • Be the person you know you should be. • The path to reaching goals is up to what happens after you put your feet on the floor each new day. • Be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. • Leave the world better than you found it when you look back on the coming months a year from now. After a year like 2020 though, it’s hard to look forward to 2021 with the positive attitudes we typically feel at the start of a new year. It feels more like we’re hanging back a bit, eyeing it warily, prepared for fight or flight should it lunge at us. That’s an uncomfortable feeling for a perpetual optimist, which I am (as wearisome as my friends sometimes find this trait). I can’t help myself. No matter how bad things get, optimism comes bubbling up to the surface and I find myself looking for the good in the chaos, the silver linings in the clouds, and ways to turn negatives into positives. How am I doing that now? By continuing to go forward, refusing to stand down. Last year when this mess all started, I built a website for the magazine. I discovered after only three months that it wasn’t big enough for all the content I need to upload with each new issue, and it threw me off track for a while. I’d just invested all that work for something that was essentially useless! I spent a lot of time (too much time) weighing my options, and as with most things in life, it came down to two choices. Quit or keep going. So, I did the research and found another hosting plan that would meet our size requirements and I’m now in the process of
See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
7
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Around theReef By Michelle Riley Communications & Public Outreach Coordinator Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
M
ayor Van Johnson of Savannah has proclaimed January 16 “Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Day,” in recognition of the sanctuary’s 40th anniversary. The proclamation reads, in part: “…in Savannah, in honor of 40 years as the only protected natural reef in the Atlantic Ocean between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and Cape Canaveral, Florida, I call upon all citizens to conserve and protect this special ocean treasure, and to fish and dive responsibly in the sanctuary.” On January 16, 1981, President Jimmy Carter designated Gray’s Reef as a national marine sanctuary, primarily because of the great abundance of marine life and diversity of species found at the reef. It is teeming with life -- more than 200 species of fish and more than 900 species of invertebrates. Gray’s Reef exemplifies the “live-bottom, hard-bottom” reefs found off the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Florida. In addition to the mayor’s proclamation, former President Carter has written a letter of remembrance to the director of the National Marine Sanctuary System. President Carter writes of the importance of national marine sanctuaries, and his pleasure in designating Gray’s Reef and three other sites. Gray’s Reef is one of only 14 national marine sanctuaries and is managed by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Live bottom at Gray's Reef. Photo by Greg McFall/NOAA
The sanctuary is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), within the Department of Commerce. Like our national parks, national marine sanctuaries are open to visitors and belong to the people of the United States of America. The sanctuaries seek to preserve the extraordinary beauty, biodiversity, cultural history, and economic productivity of our most precious underwater sites. A healthy ocean is the basis for thriving recreation, tourism, and commercial activities that drive coastal economies. Gray’s Reef is located 19 miles due east of Sapelo Island. It’s a great place for recreational fishing and diving. Black sea bass, amberjack, cobia, gag and scamp grouper, whitebone porgy, king mackerel, and gray triggerfish attract fishers to the sanctuary. There are some regulations that sanctuary users abide by to protect the reef. Generally, two of the most widely known regulations are that only rod and reel and handline fishing gear can be used at Gray’s Reef, and anchoring is not allowed anywhere inside the sanctuary. Anglers must use descending devices to return unwanted or prohibited fish back to depth. Many divers have never seen a natural live-bottom reef before and are awestruck by the panoramic views and vivid colors. Advanced divers that visit Gray’s Reef regularly swim with blue angelfish, cocoa damselfish, painted wrasse, seaweed blenny, spotfin butterflyfish, and other colorful inhabitants. The bottom of the reef is a divers’ delight. There, tiny seahorses wrap around sea fans, loggerhead sea turtles rub against the rocky ledges to scratch their backs and nurse sharks lie almost motionless under the outcroppings. At every turn, something new comes into focus. Divers have been knows to get caught up in “fish tornadoes,” with thousands of small fish swimming all around them. Divers know to “look, but don’t touch,” which preserves the reef and protects its inhabitants. As the sanctuary marks its 40th year, it continues to provide essential habitat to thousands of ocean creatures. Human visitors to Gray’s Reef are valuable stewards that help keep the sanctuary vibrant and healthy for future generations. For Information contact Michelle Riley: (912) 598-2417 michelle.riley@noaa.gov
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Fishing News New Fishing Regs Book Available
Shrimp Season Extends into 2021
The Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) invites you to kick off the brand new year by using the 2021 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide as you make all your fishing plans. “Anglers, new or experienced, should always begin with this publication,” said Scott Robinson, Assistant Chief with the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “Biologists and staff work to make sure this guidebook has the most current and accurate information on regulations and new opportunities, and anglers can access it in multiple ways, including online, from our Outdoors GA app or in the printed copy.” The 2021 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide provides information such as a color fish identification chart for both freshwater and saltwater fish, license purchasing information, contact information for Wildlife Resources Division and Coastal Resources Division fisheries management offices and DNR Law Enforcement offices, trout stream listings, public fishing area information, state record fish listings, fishing regulations for Georgia and more. The 2021 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations may be found online at www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/, or through the Outdoors GA app (free app for iPhone or Android users). Anglers also can pick up a printed copy at any Wildlife Resources Division fisheries management or DNR Law Enforcement office, or at fishing license vendors throughout Georgia. Where else can you find fishing information? The Angler Resources page on the WRD website, georgiawildlife.com/fishing/ angler-resources, is a great place for new or experienced anglers and includes information about taking kids fishing, reservoir and river fishing tips, fish ID info and much more. If you are looking for the latest fishing tips, check out the weekly Georgia Fishing Report (georgiawildlife.blog).
January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
Commercial and recreational shrimpers have more time this season to harvest food shrimp now that GADNR has extended the shrimping season. The fishery normally closes Dec. 31, but the Commissioner of Natural Resources can lengthen the season if data show shrimp are abundant and likely to rebound the following year, explained Eddie Leonard, a biologist with DNR’s Coastal Resources Division (CRD), which manages marine fisheries in Georgia. “The data we collected in December indicates there is a still a good number of large shrimp in state waters off Georgia’s beaches,” Leonard said. “We also saw a good number of shrimp inshore, especially in creeks � and in rivers, as well. Those inshore populations will be able to spawn in the spring and move offshore in April or May to support next year’s shrimping season.” CRD biologists will continue to survey the shrimp population in coming weeks and will monitor data to determine when a shrimp fishery closure is appropriate. The Commissioner has the authority to extend the season through February if data show the fishery is healthy enough to rebound the next year. For more information, visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org or call (912) 262-3140.
Whelk and Shad Seasons Open
Georgia's whelk trawl harvest season and shad season both opened Jan. 1, 2021, and will close on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Whelk are a sea snail common along Georgia’s coast and frequently used as food. They can be found in shallow waters, including bays, beaches and estuaries. The outer shell is graywhite and tan with some dark brown streaks. The inner shell is yellow, orange or red. The darkly colored soft body incudes a head, visceral mass and small foot. The knobbed whelk has been the state shell of Georgia since 1987. For more information on regulations associated with the whelk fishery, please call the Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218. “We had a good run of American shad and hickory shad last year, and for many of our fishermen it proved to be a good season,” said Jim Page, WRD Senior Fisheries Biologist. “We are certainly hopeful and optimistic that this season will be a favorable one as well.” Georgia’s commercial fishing regulations require that fishermen must report the harvest of all American shad, regardless if they are sold or kept for personal consumption, to the CRD via Trip Tickets. Fishermen can obtain Trip Tickets by contacting CRD’s Julie Califf at (912) 264-7218. 11
The Legacy of a Naturalist Crawfish Retires
By Emily Kenworthy Public Relations Coordinator UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant On land or on the water, Crawfish is happy to share his knowledge.
F
them,” she added. Crawford grew up in Savannah, where he explored the coast’s mud flats and maritime forests, discovering corn snakes, fiddler crabs and other animals that often found their way into his house. At age 15, he had dozens of pet snakes, all of which he kept in his room. He cultivated his knowledge of coastal resources at Armstrong State College and Florida Keys Community College in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After his time in Florida, he made his way back to the Georgia coast where he continued to make his mark on the conservation and environmental education community. He joined UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in 1990, where as a marine educator he has spent 30 years sharing his knowledge with K-12 students, teachers, education fellows, coastal residents and conservation professionals. “He has taught hundreds of professional educators, tens of thousands of students, and changed the landscape of environmental and marine education along the coast,” says Anne Lindsay, associate director of marine education at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “He knows boats, plants, animals and people and a little about every other natural science or coastal topic you can think of.” Lindsay, who was mentored by Crawford when she was hired at what was then the UGA Marine Extension Service in the 1990s, explains how he laid the foundation for the education programs that are still offered at the facility today. “He has helped us expand our reach, establish new collaborations and partnerships, nurture long standing relationships with educators, scientists and citizens,” Lindsay said. “He has cemented the reputation of the Marine Education Center and Aquarium as an institution with a standard of educational quality that we aspire to uphold.” Learn more about Crawford and the importance of this endowed position in a short film by Motion House Media, a video production company based in Athens, Georgia. The film tells the story of Crawford’s impact through interviews with individuals who have been inspired by the larger than life conservationist over the years. Watch it at bit.ly/crawfish_movie.
or 30 years, John “Crawfish” Crawford has regaled campers and school children on field trips to the UGA Aquarium, guiding them on nature walks through the salt marsh and introducing them to the many creatures that call coastal Georgia home. His tenure officially ended Dec. 1, when Crawford retired from the University of Georgia. But his legacy will continue through an endowed educator position at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, funded by a generous estate gift made by longtime supporters. The John “Crawfish” Crawford Public Service and Outreach Faculty Fellowship will generate incentive for a leading naturalist to fill a faculty educator role at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium and provide the resources to support traditional naturalist practices that maintain an emphasis on exploration, curiosity, field interpretation and personal connection to the world. A new film by Motion House Media tells the story of Crawford’s impact through interviews with individuals who have been inspired by the larger than life conservationist over the years. Watch it at bit.ly/crawfish_movie. The endowed funds will also enhance the faculty fellow’s ability to make a difference in the lives of students and help fulfill the university’s public service and outreach mission—as Crawford has. “Someone who gets the endowed fellowship will need to know who John is, what he cared about, and what he’s like,” says Ruth McMullin, who, with her husband Tom, made the gift. “We want to make sure the way (John) teaches, his enthusiasm, and his methodology remain when he’s no longer here.” McMullin, who lives on Skidaway Island, has been volunteering at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium for 23 years. She is inspired by Crawford’s curiosity, enthusiasm and ability to mold minds and develop stewards of Georgia’s coastal environments. “He’s just so special,” McMullin said. “I was really happy to volunteer because I knew I would get to spend more time learning from him.” “I have learned an awful lot from watching how he interacts with children and adults and how he shares his excitement with other people. You can’t be somebody you admire, but you can copy 12
Southern Tides Magazine
January 2021
A Southern Tides Thank you!
It’s been so long that I can’t remember now exactly how Crawfish and I met, but I can make an educated guess. The most likely scenario is that I had a question about some bit of flora or fauna and someone put me in touch with him. That he had an answer for me is an absolute certainty. He’s such a congenial and knowledgeable person that I’ve continued to rely on him ever since. When I started Southern Tides in 2015, Crawfish was one of the first people I reached out to and he replied promptly with congratulations, introductions and the offer to help in any way he could. He’s someone you want in your corner when publishing on topics related to land or marine animals, coastal plants, the barrier islands and other coastal geography, boats, and even history. When I later asked if he would be willing to serve as Southern Tides’ official “consulting naturalist,” he readily agreed. In this roll, he’s helped me compile our “Did You Know?” segments, identify species for quizzes to see if readers can guess what creature or plant is in various photos, verified facts prior to publication, and written a few things of his own. On a semi-regular basis, readers will text or email me pictures of something they’ve found or caught, asking me to identify it. The first thing I do is forward it on to Crawfish because I know he can. I’ve had a number of occasions to spend time with Crawfish and learn from him over the years. When I had friends in from out of town many years ago, he gave us a behind the scenes tour of his lab and took us on a nature walk, where he opened the eyes of my guests to the beauty and complexity of this area. I’ve been out on boats with him several times, mostly doing research trawls. We’d haul up a bunch of sea creatures and while I knew what some of them were, there were always a few I didn’t, but Crawfish could tell me. I think he chuckles to himself at times because after asking what something is, my next question is almost always, “Is it edible?” But I never feel silly asking, because he always has an answer and most times can even tell me what it tastes like! The man is a wealth of knowledge, and what makes him even more special is his willingness, eagerness even, to share it with others. You can’t help but be in awe of nature all around us when you have such a wise and friendly teacher to share it with you. As I watched the movie about Crawfish, I found myself nodding my head and agreeing with what others said of him. Yes! He is so very enthusiastic when he shares his knowledge! And when he points out something for you to see. “Oh look!” And the way he is with kids of all ages as he makes learning fun and interesting. Although he’s now retired, he’s agreed to remain on as our naturalist, and we’re lucky to have him. Thank you, Crawfish, for all you’ve taught us and for your friendship. We’re all better for knowing you. Naturalist and educator, John "Crawfish" Crawford. All photos provided by UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
13
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Baby Horseshoe Crabs at TIMSC Article and photos by Sara Buck Lane Tybee Island Marine Science Center
W
hile the team at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center spent 2020 hard at work preparing to open their new location on the north end of Tybee Island, they also became parents, parents of tiny horseshoe crabs that is. These undeniably cute Atlantic horseshoe crab babies hatched from peppercorn-sized eggs and were collected by the center’s team on nearby Little Tybee Island during the height of the pandemic. A true reminder that nature waits for nothing, not even a pandemic! Frequently seen on our beaches during their mating season, Atlantic horseshoe crabs are fascinating creatures that are more closely related to scorpions and spiders than crabs. Chances are, you’ve seen their molts (shed exoskeletons) that commonly wash up onto the beach year-round. Close cousins to the extinct trilobite, horseshoe crabs are a living fossil and have been in the fossil record for 445 million years. They spawn on the beach in the late spring and early summer, with mature females laying five to seven clumps of 2000-4000 eggs in the sand. In one year’s time, females can lay up to 90,000 eggs. And if that isn’t interesting enough, horseshoe crabs have ten eyes! Much of what we know about the function of our own eyes is the result of studies that began in the 1960s on the large, compound eyes of the horseshoe crab. They have also contributed to the medical research community. A substance found in their copper-based blue blood called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate is used to test for bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceuticals and for several bacterial diseases. Growing up to 24 inches in length, horseshoe crabs have no jaws or teeth but they use the base of their legs to grind up clams. Their predators include alligators, sea turtles and migratory shorebirds. As a matter of fact, migrating shorebirds that leave the tip of South America for their nesting grounds within the Artic Circle perfectly time their migration up the eastern coast of South, Central and North America just as horseshoe crab eggs are maturing into nutrient-rich, fatty nuggets of energy. These baby horseshoe crabs joined 11 young adults that were already part of the center’s display. The tiny babes will continue to grow at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and serve as education ambassadors in the center’s coastal gallery. The current center located on the south end of Tybee Island closed midDecember in preparation of the move to the brand-new center located at 37 Meddin Drive on the north end of the island. The new 5,400 square foot space will feature hands on exploration activity, demonstrations, displays, exhibits, films, presentation kiosks and nature-based play sites throughout the facility and grounds. In addition to the interior space, the center will also feature a ground level, open air undercroft which will be used for classes and programs. The new center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2021. For more information on the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, their efforts and to donate to their capital campaign, please visit TybeeIslandMarineScienceCenter.org. January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
15
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n December, the U.S. Coast Guard, issued the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which looks at boating participation demographics, trends, boat use, at-risk boating populations, boating safety and more. The survey data, captured in 2018, includes all types of on-water activity from canoes, kayaks, rafts and rowboats to sailboats, skulls, airboats, motorized boats and personal watercraft. Some notable findings: Ownership: It is estimated that approximately 25.2 million boats were owned by 14.5 million households in 2018. Evidence suggests joint/shared ownership has become increasingly popular. While the vast majority (94.5% or 23.83 million) of boats in the country were owned exclusively by someone residing in the household, nearly 1.4 million boats were in some manner of joint/shared ownership. Registered/nonregistered boats: There were 11.82 million boats registered in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2018. Almost 13.4 million boats were owned in 2018 in the United States that were not required to be registered by the state where they were kept and operated. Open powerboats continue to be owned by more households than any other types of boat, while approximately 4.24 million households owned one or more kayaks and about 2.14 million households were owners of canoes. The survey summary notes: “The proportion of all boats that are unregistered is creating a number of financial and management issues and difficulties for boating safety and law enforcement agencies as well as agencies that provide and manage boat access and infrastructure facilities. Foremost, owners of unregistered boats do not pay registration fees, and because most are humanpowered boats, they do not purchase fuel for these boats and therefore do not pay fuel taxes, which support the development and maintenance of boating access and infrastructure as well as boating safety education and enforcement.” A number of states are
Trailered boats: About 6 million boats that were operated in 2018 were either trailered or transported (i.e., on top of a car, in a truck) at least once for the purpose of launching them on the water, representing almost two-thirds (65.3%) of the boats that were operated during 2018. Boats were trailered/transported for the purpose of launching them 167.3 million times in 2018. Boater socioeconomics: In 2018, an estimated 84.54 million recreational boaters of different ages, races, and ethnicities in the United States participated in boating, or 26.5% of the U.S. population. Boat-owning households were predominately all-white households. All Black/African American households represented less than 1% of boat-owning households. The survey summary notes, “This may be a significant factor in limiting participation of more minority persons in boating given that the NRBSS Participation Survey found that not knowing anyone who owns a boat was a significant reason why more persons did not boat in 2018.” Other and mixed-race households constituted 16.3% of all boat-owning households. Survey findings showed that the greatest percentage of boating participants do not, as is sometimes assumed, have high household incomes. Almost a quarter (23.1%) of boat-owning households in 2018 had household incomes of less than $50,000, and 41.8% earned less than $75,000. Households with household incomes between $75,000 and $149,999 represents 37.5% of boat-owning households. Fatalities/accidents: The risk of boating fatalities is six per 100 million person hours for all types of boats nationwide and five per 100 million person hours for motorized boating. This low rate is attributable to practicing safer boating behaviors due to boater education, regulations and inspections as well as safer boats and safe-boating technologies. However, the risk for fatalities nationwide was twice as high on human-powered boats: 13 per 100 million person hours. To read the entire report visit: http://bit.ly/boating_report
currently considering expanding registration requirements to include various types and sizes of human-powered craft. Boat use: Boats that were operated in 2018 were taken out on the water a total of 471.8 million days. Across all owned boats, the average number of days a vessel is used is 19 days — 29 days for motorized boats and 12 days for human-powered boats. Outings, lasted an average of 3.8 hours. On average, boats that went out on the water in 2018 had 2.3 persons aboard. Regional boat use: Contrary to what has sometimes been assumed, boats in southern states are not, in general, operated more days, on average, than boats in northern states. In fact, motorized boats in the Midwest (56 days) and Northeast (55 days) census regions were operated more days, on average, than in the South (52 days) and West (52 days) census regions. About 647,000 boats in coastal and Great Lakes states were operated at least once more than 3 miles from shore in 2018. Safety: About one-third (33.7% or 220,000) of all boats and 32.8% of motorized boats that operated over 3 nautical miles from shore were equipped with EPIRBs while 83.2% of the motorized boats that were operated at least once were equipped with an emergency engine cutoff switch. Just 13.9% had VHF-DSC radios. About two-thirds (65.6%) of the persons who operated a boat in 2018 had not taken a boating safety course. January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
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Join us at Fish Tales and Ft. McAllister Marina!
Jekyll Treasure
I
Drink specials • Great menu items
n the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought-after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s. Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event. The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies will hide clear globes around the island for lucky guests to find and redeem for a real glass float. Gather your friends and family to search for globes that can be exchanged for dazzling handcrafted glass floats. The Island Treasure event runs January 1-February 28, 2021. The clear globes are hidden in common areas such as the Beach Village, Historic District, beach parks, and along established paths. Places such as dunes, marsh, golf course or driving range, residential property, or off established paths should be avoided. The clear globes can be exchanged at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center (GIC) for the real Island Treasure. GIC is located at 901 Downing Musgrove Causeway and is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more details visit www. jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures.
Live bait Dockage Dry Storage
Fish Tales 727.3473 • Ft. McAllister Marina 727.2632 3203 Ft. McAllister Road • Richmond Hill, GA • SM 605
Visitor Services Partner of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Canoe and Kayak Rentals Guided Paddling and Boat Tours Authentic Swamper Homestead Boardwalk and Observation Tower, Gift shop and Cafe www.okefenokeeadventures.com
4159 Suwannee Canal Road Folkston, GA
Children of all ages enjoy seeking out the clear globes (top image) and trading them in for pretty glass treasure. Photos provided by Jekyll Island Authority 18
Southern Tides Magazine
January 2021
Did You Know?
Taste of the Tides Creamy Steamed Clams By Heidi Larsen, Foodie Crush
Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have blue blood! Their blood is copper-based, unlike ours which is iron-based. • Horseshoe crabs are more closely related to arachnids than to crabs or other crustaceans.
I stumbled across Heidi's website, foodiecrush.com, some time ago and have been a dedicated fan ever since. No matter what I'm in the mood for, I can find a great recipe on her site. She graciously agreed to share this dish with us! You can find Georgia-grown clams at your local seafood market. Shop local!
• Their long, pointed tails, similar in appareance to stingray tails, aren't used to sting, but to flip themselves upright. • Horseshoe crab fossils have been found that date back 450 million years, with very few changes to how they look today!
INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp butter, divided ¼ cup minced garlic ¼ cup chopped green onions 2 pounds small clams 1 ½ cups white wine 2 chicken bouillon cubes with 1 ½ cups water or 1 ½ cups chicken broth Juice of half a lemon ½ cup cream or Half-and-half Chopped parsely for garnish
• The eggs of horseshoe crabs are tremendously important to migrating shorebirds, including red knots and others, as these birds depend on the eggs for food during their spring migration to their nesting grounds in the Arctic.
DIRECTIONS
• These prehistoric-looking creatures need love too! Each April and May they show up on beaches during spring tides to mate. If you see them on the beach, you can assist them if they're flipped upside down or need aid in returning to the water. They won't hurt you!
• In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. • Add garlic and green onion and cook 3-5 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. • Add the clams and cook for another five minutes. • Add the white wine and bouillon with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce to a rolling simmer and cook until the clams open, stirring occasionally. • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. • Add remaining tablespoon of butter and the cream, and stir. • Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Serve with sourdough bread for dipping.
• They are the only arthropoda (having exoskeletons) to utilize external egg fertilization. • Horseshoe crabs have a compound in their blood that binds fungi, virsuses and bacterial endotoxins. This compund has made their blood invaluable to the medical industry and it is now used worldwide in testing for bacterial contamination. Fortunately the crabs are not harmed in the process of being so beneficial to humans � after capture and their blood has been drawn, they're returned to their habitat. Compiled by John "Crawfish" Crawford and Amy Thurman
Top image by Amy Thurman, bottom image by John "Crawfish" Crawford January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
For more tips on preparing this recipe, and for more great recipes, visit www.foodiecrush.com. Photo provided by foodiecrush.com 19
Community Updates Beware of USCG Vessel Documentation Scams
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The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising boaters with vessels that have a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation to be wary of any letter arriving by U.S. mail offering renewal. BoatUS advises that while the Coast Guard does send official annual renewal notices by U.S. mail, other notices being received by members are not from the Coast Guard but rather third-party companies whose name or return addresses may appear similar to that of the official USCG National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). BoatUS members have complained that these letters direct them to websites that may be mistaken for the actual Coast Guard NVDC located in Falling Waters, West Virginia, and appear to show a significant increase in the annual fee to renew Coast Guard documentation. In 2017 the Coast Guard issued a bulletin that says in part: “The NVDC is aware that there are commercial entities that offer to manage the certification/renewal process on behalf of vessel owners for a fee. The Coast Guard does not endorse any of these companies, and the companies do not operate on behalf of the Coast Guard in any way. Any fees charged or agreements offered by such companies are in no way associated with the NVDC certification process. In addition, these companies are not authorized to issue any form of documentation, including travel letters and/ or permits that authorize operation of ANY vessel. Customer complaints can be made through the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website at www.ftc.gov/.” While third-party companies may legitimately provide services to assist with vessel documentation renewals, the Coast Guard’s own renewal process is simple for most vessels and the price, $26 annually, is often much lower than what third-party services may charge. To renew, go to the Coast Guard National Documentation Center website at www. uscg.mil/nvdc and click on “instructions and forms,” then “Certificate of Documentation Application for Renewal.” BoatUS notes that the Coast Guard NVDC now also offers renewal options up to five years for recreational vessels only. To be documented, a vessel must measure at least five net tons and, with the exception of certain oil-spill response vessels, owned by a U.S. citizen. Boats about 27 feet in length or longer generally meet the weight requirement. BoatUS also advises boaters who may have received mail that they believe is misleading or deceptive to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or through its website: postalinspectors.uspis.gov.
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John S. Ramsey, Owner Authorized
Dealer
20
Southern Tides Magazine
January 2021
Upcoming Virtual Events at UGA Aquarium UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will be hosting virtual events geared around coastal ecology. Bird-friendly Native Landscapes for Coastal Georgia January 28 Join us for a free webinar to learn how to create bird-friendly landscapes and inspire environmental wonder and stewardship in your coastal community. EcoScapes Sustainable Land Use Program Manager Keren Giovengo will talk about the relationships between native plants and insects, the importance of insects to birds, and ways you can improve your landscapes to encourage birds and other wildlife. By creating a native plant garden, your patch of habitat can become part of a larger, collective effort to nurture and sustain living landscapes for birds and other animals. A Day in the Life of a Marine Geologist January 30 Learn about the movement of water in our oceans by tuning into a presentation by Erika Gainey, a student at College of Charleston. Gainey will talk about her experience as a marine geologist. Geology is the study of Earth, and all the processes that make our planet function and look the way it does today, and has throughout history. Learn about the technology, equipment, science, and practices geologists use as they work with water in the field through real life examples from Erika’s research in both marine and hydrogeology. Diamondback Terrapin Conservation in Georgia February 11, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Diamondback terrapins are one of the only North American turtles to spend their entire life cycle in the salt marsh. Beautifully patterned and well adapted to the extremes of living in an estuary, these turtles are ambassadors for the marsh and at risk from human activity. Learn about terrapin conservation and education during a virtual public program that counts towards the Coastal Stewards program. The program will feature Carolyn McInerney, the founder of the Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project. This project works to protect terrapin nests laid on Skidaway Island and has released 15,000 hatchlings since it was founded. This program will will also include a virtual encounter with a diamondback terrapin, one of the UGA Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. For more information and to register visit: gacoast.uga.edu/events/
Ken’s Seafood Support Your Local Seafood Industry! Oysters Shrimp Fish Gator Tail Crawfish Blue Crabs Scallops And More!
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January 2021
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January 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
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amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
The BitterEnd That's Alarming! By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
High water alarm and bilge pump. Photo by Captain J. Gary Hill
W
hen should you be alarmed? Sounds like a trick or loaded question right? But let us apply Occam’s Razor here, which basically states that the simplest answer most often is correct. Therefore, when you should be alarmed is when the alarm goes off! And so, here we go again folks, down another twisted path that leads to one of Gator’s rabbit holes. Alarms come in all styles; some are physical, some mental and some are even psychological. Have you met someone and instantly an alarm went off in your head saying, “Stay away! Dangerous! Bunny burner! Womanizer!” We’ve all had those. Although I could go down a laundry list of types of people who trigger alarms, I guess I’m here impart some boating wisdom, instead. Boats have a myriad of alarms, from internal engine alarms to external alarms, as well as other systems. These can be audible or visual. The newer and more sophisticated the vessel, the more alarms you’re likely to have. (I’m not trying to sound condescending; I know many of you know these things. This one is for the new boaters among us.) Given that I don’t have pages and pages of space available for this, I better cut to the chase. As vessels get older, a couple of things can occur. One such thing is that alarms can either become nonfunctional or become erratic and inaccurate. Oftentimes when people buy used boats (which accounts for a great many of us) they may not even be aware of what alarms should work or even exist on their “new” vessel. Having someone knowledgeable in these things to consult can save a great deal of money or even a life. Spend a few dollars to either have a survey done, or take it to a competent marine shop. If you know someone you can trust your and your family’s lives with, then have them assist you. Center consoles with outboards are the most common personal boats here in the lowcountry. First, make sure your oil alarms are in proper working order. Then move on to temperature alarms and gauges; if they’re nonfunctional, get them fixed, or replaced. If that’s not an option then stay vigilant, as either of those can leave you stranded, costing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Bilge pumps with high water alarms are another extremely
important set of devices. Making sure these work before each trip is one of the most important things you can check. Some bilge pumps come with built in floats that trigger the pump to engage, but most often the high water alarm is a separate piece of equipment. They are usually installed at a higher level but not so great that you have a considerable amount of water in your boat before it is triggered. The subject of bilge pumps could be an entire article but some online research should assist you with the proper workings. Let me also offer this handy reminder: make sure your visual aids work and reference them regularly while running your boat. A routine of systematically scanning your gauges is a good habit. I’d like to add one more word about gauges: use mechanical gauges as they tend to be much more accurate. For bigger vessels much of the same applies. Again check your bilges and highwater alarms religiously. As the size of the boat increases, so do bilge spaces and water line diameters, especially those that bring raw water into the engine for cooling. Some of these water lines can be in excess of two inches, and a two-inch line that blows can overwhelm most bilge pumps in very short order. So a highwater alarm can give advance notice something major is about to occur and give you those moments you need to avert a disaster. Well that’s about all I have for this month. May your new year be filled with love, health and blessings! As always, peace and love, shrimp and grits … I'll see you on the water!
Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com
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Southern Tides Magazine
January 2021
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435 Hunt Drive
Burnside Island
Total renovation, 3BR, 2BA! New electrical, plumbing, foam insulation in exterior walls and attic. Interior walls has additional insulation. Open with a fantastic new gourmet kitchen. Huge GR, Sun Room, Covered Patio, Butler’s Pantry and separate laundry room. Wait til you see the master bedroom and bath. Luxurious shower and sitting area in master. Fenced backyard and two driveways with access to backyard for the larger “toys”. Great storage over the carport with a pull down access. Golf cart approved!! $299,000
GORDONSTON
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101 Edgewood Road
Located on a huge corner lot with welcoming open arms. The main home has four bedrooms and two baths. Large open floor plan. Living Room with FP opens to the DR and then Kitchen with breakfast room. A full wrap around screened porch. Beautiful staircase to upstairs with two large bedrooms and a full bath. There is a carriage house that is ready for your guests. Studio apartment on second floor of garage. Washer/dryer hookups for main house on one side and for apartment on the other. Great area for walking and biking. Very close to downtown and the beach. $384,500
WILMINGTON ISLAND
Here is the one that you have been waiting on. Sweet brick bungalow with open great room. A kitchen that is big enough for all the cooks. Eat in area and bar in the kitchen. Large master bedroom with ensuite bath. Two more good sized bedrooms and a hall bath. No carpet in the entire house. Single car garage with laundry on an elevated area at the rear. Lots of storage. The lush backyard with extended patio is ready for your outdoor cooking and oyster roasts. Totally fenced in so you can bring your family pets. Very easy to show. $239,000
1112 Cobb Road
WILMINGTON ISLAND
UNDER CONTRACT
Special first floor condo! Current owner has redone all the floors and numerous other updates. Split bedroom plan. Each bedroom has its own bath and a walk-in closet. Large open living area open to dining room and kitchen. Eat-in bar at kitchen. Separate laundry room off kitchen area. Screened porch and a separate office off the living area. Wonderful double pool, grilling area, workout room, tennis and a place to use for a common office. Reserve the main building for private get togethers to include a kitchen. A billiards room too. Gated community, close to downtown and the beach. $149,500
7108 Walden Park
SOUTHSIDE
Sold in 24 Hours!
37 Kingslan Court $120,000
6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222 Find me on:
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com @lynmccuen
TYBEE ISLAND
Relax and enjoy in this recently converted 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom vacation condo. All new updates including a brand new King-Sized Bed, and a new in-unit Washer and Dryer. The living area features updated furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar seating for 2, additional table seating for 4, stovetop and oven and full sized fridge/freezer. The living room is furnished with a sleeper sofa and a 32in flat-screen TV, with DVD player. Furnished private balcony with a glimpse of the ocean. $239,900
!! NEW !!
1217 Bay Street, Unit A 232
GEORGETOWN
Spacious 3BR and 2BA home on corner lot. This neighborhood is located close to all roadways. Shopping and amenites close by. Georgetown amentites very close. Elementary school even closer. This home has a very open floorplan with a separate master on one side and the other three bedrooms on the other. Easy access to the hall bath from all three secondary bedrooms. One has a double entry door which would be a great office if needed but has a closet. The neighbors are looking for some amazing new next door buyers. Great community. $239,000
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1 Emmet Court
SOUTHSIDE
This 3 BD 3BA town home is located in a gated community and is the last remaining duplex lot to back up to woods. Inside the home, no attention to detail was spared. Hardwoods throughout the common areas. Foyer has beautiful wainscoting, chair railing and 2 piece crown molding. Granite in the kitchen, master bath, and secondary bath downstairs. The master bath has a tiled stand up shower with a bench, tile flooring, double vanities and framed mirrors. A covered 12X12 porch will be perfect for enjoying the quiet back yard! $267,000
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122 Wild Heron Villas Road
THE LANDINGS
This Deer Creek Home Features 10ft Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Foyer Open to Great Room with Gas Fireplace and Built-In Bookshelves, Formal Dining Room, Spacious Family Room with Brick Hearth, Gas Fireplace Open to Kitchen with KraftMaid Cabinets, Granite Tops, Walk-In Pantry. Master Suite Offers Sitting Room/Study/Nursery, His/Her Closets, Dual Vanities, Walk-In Shower. Upstairs Features Loft Space, 2 Additional Bedrooms with On-suite Bath and Huge Bonus Room. Many Additional Upgrades.
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$665,000 3 Sundew Road
Living Shorelines
We Prepare and Install Living Shorelines Living shorelines provide a natural and stable alternative to sea walls. Zulu is pleased to offer installation where stabilization and shoreline restoration is needed. • • • • • •
Assembled with bags of recycled oyster shells Stabilizes eroding shorelines or failing bulkheads Plantings of native grasses enhance stabilization Encourages growth of oysters, which provides water filtration Provides habitat for multiple fish and crustacean species Increases resistance to flooding
For more information or to discuss your shoreline stabilization project, email us: rusty.batey@zuludiscovery.com.
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(912) 544-5520
