Southern Tides all about the water
January 2022
Working for a Healthy Coast! • Disaster Response • Oil Spill/Environmental Response • Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal • Dredging • Creek, River & Watershed Response • Hydrographic Surveys • Marine Platforms, Transport & Support • ROV Services & Underwater Exploration • Environmentally Sensitive Land Clearing • Infrastructure Inspection • Construction Site Management • Industrial Inspection • Water Tank Inspection • Wireless (Cell Tower) Inspection • Catastrophic Response Program • Disaster Response Mapping
To learn more visit our website or give us a call!
zuludiscovery.com (855) 400-9858
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Visit us on Facebook! New Member Terms: Offer available to new members only. Renewal at standard rate of $165 annually. Must call 912-507-2628 and mention Tides22 to claim offer.
We wish all of you a Happy New Year! Come check us out for great fun in 2022!
• 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
In the Tides
CREW
Issue No. 77 January 2022
Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Assistant Editor Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com
9 Carbon Monoxide Safety 11 Choosing a Dog Life Jacket
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
12 A New USS Savannah 15 Charting Artificial Reefs
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
17 WWII Memorial Webinar 17 Taste of the Tides - Shrimp Pasta
Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov
19 Riverkeeper Report
The Riverkeeper Report Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org Contributors
20 Community Updates 22 The Bitter End - Penguins!
Michael Sullivan Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
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 Instagram @southerntides_mag
About the Cover:
What? A South Georgia Island penguin? You can blame it on the Gator! (Page 22) This rare leucistic King penguin was spotted on the beach of the Salisbury Plain, on South Georgia Island, by photographer Yves Adams. For more of his amazing nature photography, visit him on Instagram or check out his website. Photo by Yves Adams www.instagram.com/yves_adams/ www.yvesadams.com January 2022 Southern Tides Magazine
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!
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
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
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Editor’s Note
R
Save the Date! I’m sure one of the first questions many of you will ask is, “Will you have boats in the water?” Unfortunately, not at this inaugural event, though we’re actively working on plans for an in-water component in upcoming years. We have to start with what we can manage and build on that with each successive year, so this year will be trailerable boats only. The first show will be held at the Alee Shriners Temple off Skidaway Road in Savannah. The space is large, has ample parking, and has the facilities necessary for such an event. The tentative dates for the show are Saturday and Sunday, February 4 - 5, 2023. (That’s next year, not next month!) Why so far away? Because it takes time to organize an event of this size, and with so many components. We have to get vendors committed, presenters and demonstrators lined up, get the scheduling nailed down, arrange for food and beverage needs, find security, deal with countless admin details, and of course, market the show to ensure a large turnout so the event is worthwhile to our vendors. So please save the date! We want this show to be a success and to become an annual event that benefits our community, but for that to happen, y’all have to show up! For information about being a vendor or participating in the show in any other way, please contact me soon. I hope each of you has kicked 2022 off successfully and that we all have a great year ahead of us!
ather than waxing philosophical about resolutions or ranting about how much we all hope this year will be better than the previous two, I wanted to tell you what we’re working on in 2022 over here at Southern Tides Magazine. Some of y’all have been asking me for years to host a boat show, and plans to do so had begun when COVID derailed every aspect of our lives and businesses in 2020. But now I’m happy to announce that plans are officially underway for the first Southern Tides Coastal Marine Expo! All water-related businesses in coastal Georgia will have priority for space. Dealers and other marine vendors from outside the area will only be accepted if space allows, as the purpose of the event is to support our local marine industry, our local boating community, and our local economy. To that end, there will be varying vendor levels so even the smallest marine service provider can afford to participate in the show. In addition to boat dealers, marinas and marine service providers, space will be available to other water and coastal themed businesses, such as nautical artists, apparel creators, charter captains, tackle dealers, and more. Potential vendors will be carefully curated to ensure that they’re local and that their offerings are in keeping with a coastal boat show. Like the magazine, the Southern Tides Coastal Marine Expo’s tagline will also be “all about the water” and if a coastal Georgia business, agency or organization fits that theme, they’ll be welcome to participate. We’re also planning for a range of activities and are actively seeking presenters: hands-on fishing seminars, fly-tying demonstrations, various how-to clinics, sea critter touch tank, art and craft activities, seafood cooking demonstrations, and more. If you are interested in leading a seminar or demonstration, please get in touch with me soon.
See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Coastal Marine Expo Hosted by Southern Tides Magazine
February 4 - 5, 2023 Savannah For vendor information:
amy@southerntidesmagazine.com (912) 484-3611 January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
7
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Carbon Monoxide Safety Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is produced when a carbon-based fuel � such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil � burns. CO sources on your boat may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, propane or charcoal grills, and space and water heaters. Even engines with catalytic converters produce some CO. Carbon monoxide enters your bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations, or short exposure to high concentrations, can kill you. You can't see, smell or taste CO, and even a few breaths can be fatal. Know your CO facts!
Protecting Yourself and Others
• Know the signs of CO poisoning. • Treat symptoms of seasickness as possible CO poisoning. • Get the affected person into fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. • Know where and how CO can accumulate in and around your boat. • Know where engine and generator exhausts are and keep everyone away from those areas. • Stay off back deck while engines or generators are running. • If exhaust is detected or suspected, immediately ventilate the area. • If you can smell engine exhaust, you are inhaling carbon monoxide. • You may be inhaling carbon monoxide even if you can't see or smell it. • Changing course and speed to head boat into the wind can help improve ventilation. • Maintain fresh air circulation at all times. • Install and maintain approved, marine-grade CO detectors. • Keep your engines and generators well-maintained (improperly maintained equipment can produce more CO). • Educate all passengers about symptoms and accumulation areas. • Confirm that water flows from exhaust outlet when running. • Listen for change in exhaust sounds. • Look for visible signs of exhaust leaks. • Be aware of exhaust from other boats nearby. • Test CO dectectors before each trip. • Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for damage; replace as needed. • Check engine compartment ventilation for blockages. • Inspect raw water strainers for debris and clean as needed. • Replace CO detector when it expires. • Annually, have your boat's systems inspected by a marine professional for any wear or damage and have repairs made as needed.
If you could see carbon monoxide accumulating around your boat, it might look like this. Image provided by NMMA
CO poisoning symptoms are often confused with seasickness or intoxication! Early CO symptoms include: • Irritated eyes • Headache • Nausea • Weakness • Dizziness
can If you ine g n smell e ou are st, y exhau carbon g inhalin xide! mono
Where and How Does CO Accumulate?
• Inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures or enclosed spaces, such as under enclosed awnings or biminis, or in cabins. • Near blocked exhaust outlets. • At slow speeds, while idling or stopped. • From other vessels positioned next to yours. • Back-drafting or the "station wagon effect." • Under swim platforms
For more on carbon monoxide poisoning and CO detectors, visit these organizations: United States Coast Guard • Office of Auxilliary & Boating Safety uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/carbon-monoxide.php National Marine Manufacturer's Assocation (NMMA) www.nmma.org/certification/products/brochure/21403 American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) abycinc.org/mpage/CarbonMonoxide January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
9
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Choosing a Dog Life Jacket Your canine crew can come in all shapes and sizes, so learn how to pick the right personal flotation device (PFD) for your cherished companion. Touch tape closures work well, and they’re easier to put on and take off, but consider that they tend to attract hair/fur and need cleaning so they maintain their cling. For straps, the wider the better, since they’re less likely to chafe your dog. Straps under the belly should be padded. And you don’t want excessively long dangling straps after fitting, since they’re just asking to be chewed or could get tangled on something. Size and fit: Make sure you’re purchasing a dog life jacket that is the proper size for your dog, so a prepurchase fitting is ideal. Stores like West Marine, Petco, and PetSmart allow customers to bring in their dogs to try on life jackets.
Whether on the dock, or on deck while under way, keeping Rover safe from drowning gives any captain peace of mind. Photo by Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore, BoatUS
By Rich Armstrong Senior Editor, BoatUS Magazine
D
og owners love to brag about how well their pooch can swim, but even true “water dogs” can only doggie paddle for so long before exhaustion sets in and drowning becomes imminent. Although it’s not a legal requirement, BoatUS encourages all boaters to outfit their dogs with a life jacket — and put it on them every time — whether on the docks or out on the water. There are well over a dozen brands of canine life jackets, each with its own design details. Unlike human life jackets, where Coast Guard certification is the gold standard, there are no standards for dog life jackets. Here are some features you should look for: Handle(s): Regardless of size, chances are you’ll have to lift your dog out of the water and back onto the boat. Most brands have a handle on the top center of the jacket aligned with your dog’s spine, so you can pick him up (like a briefcase). Some designs for larger dogs incorporate two handles. Keep in mind the added weight of a wet dog. Check the handle stitching (preferably double stitching), since it’s going to be put under a lot of strain. Buoyancy: Superior dog life jackets have flotation under the belly as well as on the back and sides. Some jackets have flotation sections under the neck to help keep your dog’s head above water. Color: Earth tones may look cooler on your boat, but should your four-legged buddy go overboard, high visibility is essential. Bright colors, preferably with a reflective strip, make a dog easier to spot in the water. D-ring: This is a nice feature to look for, so you can attach a leash. Straps: In general, the more adjustments, buckles, and closures, the better the final fit. January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
11
To zero in on the perfect size for your pooch, use a ribbon-like tailor’s tape to take the following measurements: 1. GIRTH (most important) – dog’s chest at the widest point just behind the front legs, 2. NECK – around the base of the neck at the widest point, 3. LENGTH — base of neck (at the bottom of the collar) to base of tail. Write down these three measurements, along with your dog’s weight, since they’ll help you determine which size to order. Just like for human wardrobes, “medium” in one manufacturer may be different from another. This article was reprinted with permission from BoatUS Magazine, flagship publication of the membership organization Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS). For more expert articles and videos to make your boating, sailing and fishing better, visit BoatUS.com.
A New USS Savannah
T
he United States Navy will be commissioning the Littoral Combat Ship, USS Savannah (LCS-28), in Brunswick, Ga., on February 5, 2022. This ship is the sixth Navy warship to bear the name Savannah. Mrs. Dianne Davison Isakson, the wife of the Honorable Johnny Isakson, former Senator from Georgia, is the ship’s sponsor. Their daughter, Julie Isakson Mitchell, will serve as the Matron of Honor. The Savannah was built by Austal Shipyards in Mobile, Ala., and is slated to be homeported in San Diego, Calif., once commissioned. Over 400 feet in length and displacing 2,307 metric tons, the ship has an operational crew of over seventy. The aluminum tri-hull ship is capable of a top speed in excess of 40 knots. Savannah will be designated an antisubmarine warfare vessel carrying a mixture of MH-60 helicopters and Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicles. Because of the current shipping backlog in the Port of Savannah, the Georgia Ports Authority offered up berthing in Brunswick to ensure the ship’s commissioning remains in the state of Georgia. The Savannah Council of the United States Navy League is planning a number of events involving the crew, state, congressional, and navy dignitaries in the week leading up to the commissioning. They are seeking both corporate and individual sponsorships to fund these events. Those wishing to support these efforts can find additional information for the commissioning, events, and sponsorships on the Savannah Navy League Council’s homepage at www. savannahnavyleague.us. Savannah and surrounding area businesses and residents are encouraged to help demonstrate that Savannah remains the “Hospitality City.”
USS Savannah The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a high-speed, shallow draft multi-mission ship capable of operating independently or as part of a battle group. The LCS provides the Navy a lethal platform to conduct littoral and open ocean operations. SPECIFICATIONS Hull: Trimaran Length: 419 feet Beam: 104 feet Draft: 14 feet Full Load Displacement: Approx. 3,300 metric tons Speed: More than 40 knots Range: More than 3,400 nautical miles at 14 knots
For more about the ship, visit:
usa.austal.com/featured-ship/ littoral-combat-ship-lcs For more about the commissioning, visit:
www.savannahnavyleague.us All images provided by Austal USA
GOOD TIMES
G R E AT S AV I N G S
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.
Parties • Open Houses Fishing Tournaments • Poker Runs Full Range of Refit and Repair Services: Mechanical & Electrical Fiberglass & Painting Woodworking & Varnish Rigging & More
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Charting Artificial Reefs By Michael Sullivan External Affairs Manager UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
B
eginning in 1970, the Georgia DNR built a series of artificial reefs to provide habitat for marine life. However, until recently, there were gaps in some of the key information about those reefs, such as the precise locations of the materials placed on the bottom and water depth over the materials. Now, researchers at the University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography are using cutting-edge bathymetric side-scan sonar and high-resolution geographic positioning systems (GPS) to provide coastal managers and fishermen a detailed picture of the location and condition of reef materials. Georgia’s shelf is relatively shallow and extends approximately 80 miles offshore before dropping into the deep ocean. Most of the shelf bottom consists of shifting sand, which does not provide the kind of conditions to develop and support diverse reef communities. “Much of the continental shelf is like a vast sandy desert,” UGA Skidaway Institute scientist Clark Alexander said. “So, what we need is more hard substrate, because that is really the most important thing for establishing stable live-bottom communities.” Over the past 50 years, the state has placed hard-surface materials in 18 sites, each about 15 square kilometers in size. Eight of the sites are located along the coast approximately 10 miles off shore and another eight approximately 25 miles off shore. There are also two “beach reefs” that are closer to shore and accessible to fishermen with smaller boats. The reefs are made up of a wide range of materials, including old ships, battle tanks, pieces from the original Talmadge Bridge, retired subway cars from New York City, concrete pipes and pilings, and purpose-built, concrete tetrapods. “The materials that were placed on the bottom in the 1970s and 1980s were sunk in place or deployed from barges using Loran-C, a radio-based navigation system that was significantly less accurate than current GPS, or dropped from Army helicopters, so their precise locations are not always exactly known,” Alexander said. “In addition, we have had a number of hurricanes and winter storms come through or offshore Georgia, and we don’t know whether some of the material has been moved from its original location.” Alexander proposed a program to survey the reefs and develop a more accurate set of data on their locations and characteristics, which was subsequently funded through the Georgia Coastal Management Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division. “Our goals were to document the status of what is on the bottom, and to give more precise locations for the objects we identify,” Alexander said. “We used real-time kinematic GPS, so we know within a few centimeters where things are on the bottom.” January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
A tank is pushed into the ocean to form part of an artificial reef. Photo provided by GADNR
Alexander’s team began field work in 2018 and continued into 2021, using the 28-foot RV Jack Blanton. They spent an average of six days surveying each reef. They started with the beach reefs to work out any kinks in the planned survey approach and then moved on to the reefs 10 miles off shore. Along with high-resolution GPS, the team used an interferometric side-scan sonar that gives the depth and co-registered side-scan sonar imagery that provides images of the seafloor and objects sitting on it. “Based on an object’s general location, and existing location data, we were able to make some good guesses as to ‘Oh, that must be a certain barge or ship’ and so on,” he said. “And we found a few objects that were not on existing maps and several others that had fragmented into several pieces since being placed.” Another important parameter the team measured was the amount of clearance between the various structures and the ocean surface. “You don’t want to have to worry about anything you put down being a hazard to navigation,” Alexander said. “Ten kilometers off shore, you are in about 10 meters of water or so, about 30 feet. So, if one of these sunken vessels was sticking up a significant height above the bottom, that is something you need to know.” Alexander and DNR are making plans to survey the eight reefs that are about 25 miles off shore. They present a greater challenge than the reefs closer to shore. The longer distance means greater transit time and less time on-station actually conducting the survey. The team would also be constrained by the weather. Conditions must be very good and forecast to remain calm throughout both the transits and survey. “Because when you are that far offshore, you are at the mercy of sea conditions, which can change quickly” Alexander said. The data Alexander’s team collected is now being added to the DNR’s marine artificial reef fishing website. These new data products enhance the data available to anglers, and now allow users to zoom in to the individual features, see what they look like, and how they are distributed in relation to other features on the bottom. The data collected by the project can be found on the DNR’s artificial reef website: coastalgadnr.org/HERU/offshore 15
2022
1 - 5 p.m.
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WWII Memorial Webinar
Taste of the Tides Creamy Shrimp Pasta Although shrimp season has closed, it's still possible to get fresh shrimp from your local seafood market - or maybe you planned ahead and stuck some in the freezer. This shrimp and pasta dish makes for great comfort food on cold winter evenings. Pick your own pasta and experiement with seasonings. Round out the meal with a salad and garlic bread.
Field of stars. Photo provided by NOAA
T
he National World War II Memorial, in Washington, D.C., honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis. The memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004 and was dedicated one month later on May 29. It is located on 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, and is flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. The memorial is operated by the National Park Service and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A webinar about the Memorial is being presented on January 18. Join Holly Rotondi, executive director of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, as she shares the stories and people behind the building of the National World War II Memorial, one of the most visited memorials on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Learn about the 17-year odyssey to create a memorial to honor the 16-million-strong men and women who wore the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and to pay tribute to a generation of Americans and Allies who helped to bring freedom to millions around the globe. Discover how the Memorial that faced strong opposition has now become, in the words of Ambassador Haydn Williams, "Washington's village square, the town green on the Mall, a place for silent solemn remembrance, for public commemoration and celebration, also a place, to linger, to stroll, to talk, to listen, to share memory and meaning." To register for the webinar visit: bit.ly/3n2TNVc
January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
INGREDIENTS Your choice of pasta (Fettucine shown, but rigatoni holds the sauce well and bowtie pasta presents well.) 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tbsp. olive oil Salt, pepper and paprika to taste (or your favorite seasoning) ½ medium onion, diced 2 tbsp. butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1⁄3 cup white wine 1 ½ - 2 cups heavy cream ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (not from a can!) 1 tbsp minced parsley (2 tsp if dry) DIRECTIONS • Cook pasta according to directions. • While pasta is cooking, season shrimp with salt, pepper and paprika, then saute in medium skillet, in olive oil, just until done. Remove from skillet and set aside. • In same skillet, saute onion in butter over medium heat until translucent, then add garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes. • Add wine to skillet. Deglaze pan then simmer until slightly reduced. • Add heavy cream to skillet, whisking to blend well. Reduce heat slightly to avoid scorching. • When cream has begun to simmer, add parmesan cheese and parsley, whisking gently to blend. • When cheese has melted and sauce has thickened, remove from heat and add shrimp back to pan. Stir to coat. • Plate the pasta and top with shrimp and sauce. • Serve with a side salad and garlic bread. 17
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The Riverkeeper Report
Photo provided by St. Marys Riverkeeper
Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
S
atilla Riverkeeper remains vigilant as regards the proposed spaceport in Camden County. Camden County proposes to use coastal marshlands and portions of the Satilla River as the "blast-zone" for rocket launches from the Spaceport facility. The blast zone is the most likely area to be damaged by rocket blasts, fuel spills, and debris. www.satillariverkeeper.org/
T
he St. Marys Riverkeeper will hold the 14th Annual River Blessing on Saturday January 29, 2022, 9a-11a, at Alpine Groves Park, Switzerland, Fla. This event is a spiritual but nonreligious experience to honor the water of the Earth, on which all life depends. The Riverkeepers of the St. Johns, Matanzas, and St. Marys Rivers will speak about their connection to Florida rivers. Representatives of the Santa Fe and the Florida aquifers will also join and offer more inspirational words. www.stmarysriverkeeper.org 19 January 2022 Southern Tides Magazine
T
he ORK will host an Adopt-aStream training for chemical and bacterial monitoring at the Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center in Guyton on February 5. Manuals, training, and technical support are provided. New citizen scientists or those seeking recertification are encouraged to attend. The training is free but attendees should bring their own lunch and water. Pre-registration is required. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/
A
ltamaha Riverkeeper continues to push for more funds to clean up oil and debris from the Golden Ray wreck. The location was included on the 2021 Dirty Dozen report issued by Georgia Water Coalition. Riverkeeper Fletcher Sams says it is imperative for the state to require a more comprehensive damage assessment. A live map of oil spill locations is available on their website. altamahariverkeeper. org/
S
avannah Riverkeeper shared its volunteer and cleanup totals for 2021. They counted 271 active volunteers who worked 3,441 hours to gather more than 65 tons of trash. SRK also conducted more than 350 water quality tests and partnered with 62 local businesses. www.savannahriverkeeper.org
Ken’s Seafood Support Your Local Seafood Industry! Oysters Shrimp Fish Gator Tail Crawfish Blue Crabs Scallops And More!
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Richmond Hill
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Community Updates 2022 Sport Fishing Regulations Available Start planning your fishing adventures for the new year and be sure to review the updated 2022 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide, issued by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). “Whether you are brand new to fishing or an experienced angler, you can always find something of interest in the Sport Fishing Regulations Guide,” said Scott Robinson, Chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “This publication is developed with the help of fisheries biologists and staff to ensure it has the most current and accurate information on regulations and new opportunities. Anglers can access it in multiple ways, including online, from our Outdoors GA app or in the printed copy.” Anglers should note there was delayed production of a printed copy of the 2022 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations guide due to paper accessibility and manufacturing issues. It is anticipated the print version will be available by the end of January. The guide can now be found online at www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/, or through the Outdoors GA app (free app for iPhone or Android users). If you need a printed copy sooner, a pdf of the publication will be available online (you can choose to print the full book or only the information you need). The 2022 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 so much more. What’s New for 2022? • Minnow trap use is now legal in freshwaters. • Waters Creek trout regulations have changed. • Largemouth bass regulations have changed on two Public Fishing Areas. Check out the guide for more!
Federal Fishing Regulation Changes CIRCA 1870
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Fishermen are reminded that several changes to federal fishing regulations occured beginning January 1st as we rang in 2022. The first day of January begans a new fishing year for some species in the snapper grouper management complex. The South Atlantic regulation changes apply to federal waters ranging from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore of N.C., S.C., Ga., and the east coast of Florida. See the Regulations Summary (bit.ly/SAFMC_regs2022) available from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for changes effective January 1, 2022. To keep up with federal regulations and changes throughout the year, download the Fish Rules App or the Fish Rules Commercial App. Additional regulation information and other helpful resources are available from the Council's website at: safmc.net/regulations/.
20
Southern Tides Magazine
January 2022
Charges Issued in Sea Turtle Nest Disturbance Three individuals in the Lowcountry of South Carolina are facing fines and restitution in the form of community service work with the SCDNR sea turtle program after filming themselves digging up a loggerhead nest on Folly Beach this past summer. The incident occurred during the peak of South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season in July. In early September, SCDNR officers in Charleston County were provided with a copy of a “Snapchat” video that appeared to show two young men digging up a sea turtle nest marked with the highly visible orange tape and signage used by members of SCDNR’s Marine Turtle Conservation program staff and volunteers. The video showed two individuals digging up – and later attempting to replace – eggs from the nest. One egg was smashed on the ground during the video, which was being filmed by a third individual. SCDNR Officer Freddie Earhart led the investigation into the source of the video. During the course of his investigation, Officer Earhart was able to identify and locate the three individuals involved. On Sept. 5, Officer Earhart and SCDNR Officer Courtney Angotti-Smith made contact with the three individuals, who were all under the age of 21 and were vacationing with family at the time of the incident. A meeting was set up with all three suspects and their parents, at which time the young men made voluntary statements confirming their involvement and that they were aware such actions were against the law. The suspects admitted that some of the eggs were damaged and that they tried to rebury the eggs, which ultimately resulted in additional damage. SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation program coordinator Michelle Pate, using data collected by the Folly Beach Turtle Watch team, was able to confirm that out of ninety eggs remaining in the nest, seventy-one did not hatch. While they could have been charged for each egg disturbed, based on the cooperation of the suspects, five summons for unlawful taking of loggerhead turtle eggs were issued to the three suspects (two each for the individuals who dug up the eggs and one for the individual who filmed them). These charges can carry jail or fines of up to $2,000, as well as restitution. In addition, SCDNR will recommend that all of the individuals charged be required to dedicate community service time to working with SCDNR’s Marine Turtle Conservation program so they can learn first-hand about how much work goes into protecting sea turtles in South Carolina. “Educating residents and visitors about how they can provide a positive outcome for sea turtles on our beaches is a never-ending endeavor,” said Pate. “Volunteers involved with conservation work in South Carolina have contributed countless hours to this task. Our volunteers engage with the coastal community daily during the season to share their excitement about the natural world and our impact sharing the beach with wildlife that need these beaches to survive. Education provides a pathway to inform and foster stewardship, and combined with boots-on-the-ground work, ensures the continued protection and successful recovery of sea turtle populations.” The decades of research and hard work supported by Turtle Network volunteers in South Carolina’s coastal communities have paid off. Recent years have seen turtle nest numbers rebounding, though much remains to be done. It was a successful nesting year for South Carolina’s sea turtle population, with 5,649 nests laid in 2021. Because nesting exacts a high energy toll on the large reptiles, female sea turtles do not come ashore to lay eggs every year. This pattern results in nesting fluctuations from year to year – 2019 broke all records with 8,795 nests, but 2018 saw just 2,767 nests. Overall, sea turtle nest numbers across the Southeast have trended up over the past decade, making biologists across the region optimistic that these threatened reptiles are beginning to recover after several decades of conservation efforts. “I applaud the work of our officers in conducting this investigation in a thorough and prompt way,” said Col. Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for SCDNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “Hopefully, giving these individuals a chance to make amends by working with the dedicated staff and volunteers who work with our turtle protection program as a part of the Community Service component of their punishment will make a lasting impression on them about the importance of this work and why all of us, as South Carolinians, need to support it.”
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January 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
21
Dealer
The Bitter End Penguins. Yes, I said Penguins.
By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
A
hhh, the return of winter and with it comes the return of penguins to South Georgia Island. What tomfoolery is this, you might ask? You’ve never heard of the Georgia islands having penguins? As a tour guide, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Winter provides a chance to take you, the reader, and other folks who might want to tag along, outside the bubble. You never know what you might see. In 2019, a Belgian photographer named Yves Adams happened to be in the right place at the right time and spotted a very rare yellow penguin. Obviously, this penguin didn’t get the memo on dress code and the standard black and white tux was forgone. Instead, a white suit with a large yellow blaze down the front and a yellow cap were worn. Quite the fashion statement, I think. I’m sure by now you’re wondering if the cheese done slid off Ol’ Gator’s cracker (and you may not be too far off base). But this is truth: there is a rare and exotic penguin on South Georgia Island. The caveat being that South Georgia Island lies some 800 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of the Falklands. But I had ya’ going for a minute, didn’t I? As we know, an animal's genetic code determines what they will look like. For example, we don’t expect to see a blue cardinal. But occasionally we get thrown a curve ball. We’re familiar with albinism, the absence of pigmentation, like in my reptile cousin the albino alligator, or the pink dolphins that appear from time to time. In this penguin’s case, the proper term for his coloring is leucistic, meaning that not only melanin, but other pigments, are reduced. This yellow penguin discovery took place in in 2019, but the pictures were only released in February of 2021. I’d never heard of Yves Adams before, so I figured he had to be some hotshot National Geographic or similar shooter. A quick trip to his website revealed that he is a passionate photographer and photo tour guide whose travels have taken him to over 30 countries, racking up nearly 2 million photos over twenty five years. Check out his work at yvesadams.com/portfolio/. [Editor’s note: I want to be him when I grow up.] Ok, let’s poke our heads back out the rabbit hole before
No tuxedo for this guy! This King penguin sports a more tropical look! Photo by Yves Adams, www.instagram.com/yves_adams/ www.yvesadams.com
we meet some chick headed for a tea party. As we know, most albino aberrations are a result of a lack of pigment, specifically melanin. But without a genetic sample you can’t whether an animal is albino or leucistic, the latter of which was likely the case with this bird given the color of its head. Its beak, feet and eyes seem to lack normal pigmentation, and generally the rare albino tends to lack the black plumage and exhibit a more austere white which is much more common. Whatever the case, no other King penguin among the estimated 125,000 birds that were observed displayed this unique marking. It will be interesting to see if this one can be found again or to see if any others exist. And speaking of rare birds, my plans are being laid for my annual Tybee Beach Owl tours that begin mid-January. These fascinating creatures are found only on Tybee Island and only mate during the full moon cycle. Sadly, there are only seventeen of these rare, big-eyed birds left in existence and they are all male! However, they don’t seem to know, and they keep trying anyway, bless their hearts. Looks like its going to be one of those years. If you’d like to go along on a tour, use that there email address below! May your new year be blessed, filled with love and happiness, good health, and may we move past the craziness of the last couple of years and return to a real normal. 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
January 2022
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2022
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