Southern Tides July 2017

all about the water

July 2017 Evolution of Zulu Marine - 14 Sharks! - 22

Message in a Bottle - 24 SOUTHERN TIDES MAGAZINE

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2017 HURRICANE GUIDE

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I n the T ides Features

12 Manatee Tracking

Eight new manatees have been tagged near Cumberland Island.

14 The Evolution of Zulu Marine

A local company combines a love of the water with modern technology to grow a successful business.

22 Don't GET in the Water!

Afraid of sharks? Quell your fears with these helpful facts.

24 Message in a Bottle

A St. Simons man finds a bottle on the beach, with a message from the past inside.

Columns & Articles 05 06 08 09 10 11 19 20 21 28 30

Editor’s Note Community Updates Ebb & Flow - Morphing Baits Taste of the Tides - Grouper Stew Around the Reef - Get into It! Did You Know? Plastic Debris Fishin' for Jamie Tournament Symposium Highlights Best of the Coast Survey Reminder What’s Going On - Event Listing The Bitter End - At Eye Level

About the Cover: Overlooking the Harbor River, near Beaufort, SC. Still photo pulled from 4K (high resolution) video. See Evolution of Zulu Marine, page 14. Photo provided by Zulu Marine Services.

Maritime Metalworks Mobile Fabrication and Repair Aluminum Dock & Ramp Repair Boat Railings Towers

all about the water Staff Publisher/Editor – Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com The Bitter End Columnist - Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill jgaryhill@gmail.com Around the Reef Columnist - Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov

T-Tops

Ebb & Flow Columnist - Trey Leggett info@southerntidesmagazine.com

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Taste of the Tides Chef - Joseph T. Richburg info@savannahsaucecompany.com Contributing Writer - Cohen Carpenter cohen33c@gmail.com Contributing Writer - Dory Ingram doryingram@gmail.com

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Contributing Writer - Ryan Holden rehryan@gmail.com Writing & Photography Contributors - John & Lisa Holden jpholden56@gmail.com

Coastal Expeditions Captain Eric Moody Jekyll Island, Georgia

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Copyright © 2015-2017 All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.

Southern Tides is a free magazine published monthly and can be found at multiple locations from St. Marys, GA, to Beaufort, SC.

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Letters to the Editor:

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SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

E ditor’s N ote

Rusty’s. And yep, I definitely wanted to learn more about shipwrecks, research and oil spill clean-ups!

A few weeks ago, Rusty and I were able to align our schedules and Todd and I spent a morning aboard Zulu Chief with the crew. It was a great experience, I learned a lot and more articles will spawn from our conversations that morning.

Also on the boat that day, I met Shannon Marino, one of the UAV pilots who works for Zulu. Shannon told me about his wife, Sundi Marino, who owned Tybee Breeze magazine. He suggested I get in touch with her if I ever want to talk magazine business with someone who’s been there and done that. Let me tell you, when I talk magazine details with most anyone, their eyes glaze over. Occasionally there’s drool. Not the good kind of drool like when eyeing a steak, more the catatonic kind of drool. The opportunity to talk about the magazine with someone who gets it? I’d give my firstborn child for that. Not my grandchild, mind you, but her father, certainly. I’m looking forward to meeting Sundi (and not boring her to the point of drooling) in a few days.

There was another syncrendipitous moment on the boat that

I

have a fairly good-sized vocabulary, but every once in a while I can’t find the word I want. So, unless one of our brilliant readers can provide me with the appropriate word, I’m going to create a new one to aptly define what I want to say, more succinctly than stringing multiple words together.

Yes, I know, as a writer, stringing words together is what pays the bills. But any good editor will tell you that less is better when it comes to word count. There’s a story about Ernest Hemmingway in which he’s having lunch with several fellow writers and the topic of word count comes up. He insists he can craft an entire novel in six words. Bets are placed around the table, Hemmingway grabs a cocktail napkin and scrawls, “For Sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” He then collects his winnings, because the point of good writing is to impart as much meaning as possible into the fewest words.

But, much like our dear Captain Gator tends to do, I seem to have veered off topic. My point is that it’s been an interesting month due to a unique combination of events that lie somewhere between serendipity and synchronicity.

Serendipity can be loosely defined as events that happen by chance with a happy or beneficial result. Synchronicity can be loosely defined as events that seem to have no relationship but are meaningful coincidences. So, unless one of you can come up with a better word, I’m going to refer to this series of events as syncrendipity. Or syncrendipitous, to put it properly. And here's how my syncrendipity occurred.

In 2014, I worked in the service department at a local marina when a boat came in to be offloaded from a truck and launched. I worked with the boat owner to facilitate this and was intrigued by both the boat and the owner’s business, which he described as a little bit of everything, from environmental spill clean-up to shipwreck hunting.

Although I had no firm plans at that time to undertake a magazine, I kept his business card. I collect interesting stories and that one was, though I had no outlet for telling it.

In late 2015, with just a couple issues of Southern Tides under my belt, I was contacted by Captain Shawn Smith, who runs the boats for Savannah State University. Captain Shawn suggested that some articles on SSU’s marine science programs might be of interest to our readers. He was right, and the magazine now has a solid relationship with the school. In fact, SSU students now contribute our “Did You Know?” content each month.

Earlier this year, Captain Shawn again reached out to me to suggest a potential advertiser and topic for an article. (I’m really going to have to put this guy on the payroll!) He put me in touch with Rusty Batey, of Zulu Marine, who he’d worked with on some research trips.

The name rang a bell, but it took me a few minutes to figure out why.

Turns out, that business card I’d saved nearly three years earlier was July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

Rusty and I talking business during our boat ride aboard Zulu Chief.

Photo by Todd Kasper

morning as well. Listening to Rusty talk about how Zulu has grown and evolved over the years made me look more closely at a new idea I’ve been considering for growing the magazine. I was worried because it’s a bit outside what’s considered “common practice” and certainly well-outside industry standards. But the Zulu team has looked past common practices and stepped outside industry norms to build a solid business. Success is often gained by thinking creatively and trying different approaches. So, I’m going to take a page from Zulu and go forward.

What’s my new idea? Well look at that, I’m out of space here. But join me next month and I’ll tell you all about it! Until then, I wish you all many syncrendipitous moments of your own!

Amy Thurman

Editor in Chief

amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

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Community Updates Georgia Anglers Set New State Records for Mako and Tripletail The Georgia DNR announced recently that a new men’s record for the heaviest shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, has been awarded to Tyler Gary, of Richmond Hill.

On April 26, 2017, Gary caught a 440-pound shortfin mako while fishing offshore, 70 miles northeast of Savannah in an area known as The Deli. After a thirty-minute fight, Gary landed a fish that appeared large enough to set a men’s state record. He brought the fish to TravelCenters of America in Richmond Hill where the fish was weighed on a certified truck scale, the only scale in the area capable of weighing a fish that big.

"It was a great day of dolphin fishing topped off with a magnificent catch,” said Gary. “It's a memory that won't soon be forgotten.” Gary will receive a certificate from the GA DNR acknowledging his record catch, which will be added the Georgia Saltwater Gamefish Records list and included in the 2018 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations. Mr. Gary’s new record eclipsed the previous Georgia record of 228 ½ pounds held by Mr. Harry Wooley since 1975. The current International Game Fish Association’s all tackle record for a mako shark is 1,221 pounds. That fish was captured in Chatham, Mass., in 2001.

Found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas, mako sharks are solitary, pelagic, fast swimming species that rarely come in close to shore. Makos have a streamlined, well-proportioned body and a conical pointed snout. The back of the shortfin mako is a brilliant blue-gray or cobalt blue, and the sides are light blue, changing to snowy white on the belly and lower jaw.

A new women’s state record was set for tripletail, Lobotes surinamensis, landed in Georgia by Jordan Davis Tyler Gary (left) and Kent Phillips, aboard of Brunswick.

Vindicator, with Gary's record-setting mako shark.

On June 3, 2017, Davis caught a 29-pound, 6-ounce Photo provided by Tyler Gary tripletail while fishing St. Andrews Sound with Captain John Davis aboard the Sea Quest. Ms. Davis’s new state record catch replaces the long-standing women’s record of 22-pound, 7-ounce set in 1994 by Joan Thigpen.

Davis received a certificate from the GA DNR acknowledging her record catch, which will be added to the Georgia Saltwater Gamefish Records list and included in the 2018 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations.

Tagging studies have revealed that Florida and Georgia share a migratory population of the tripletail. Fish spend the winter in south Florida waters before returning to Georgia during the spring, where they remain until November. A unique fishing opportunity exists in the Atlantic Ocean off Jekyll Island during spring and early summer where anglers look for tripletail on or near the surface. The more traditional and still popular approach with anglers is to target tripletail around structures such as pilings and buoys.

A listing of the rules and current men's and women's records can be found at www.CoastalGADNR. Jordan Davis with her record-setting tripletail, org, along with information on how to submit a fish for consideration. For more information, contact caught in St. Andrews Sound.

the Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.

Photo provided by GA DNR

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SC DNR Team Rescues 5-Foot Sturgeon Trapped in Freshwater Lake

Last September, a tagged Atlantic sturgeon swam up the Cooper River in South Carolina and entered Lake Moultrie through the Pinopolis Dam Navigation Lock. Just like manatees that occasionally enter the lake system, this fish could not find a way out. With the increasing water temperatures and potential lack of food, biologists decided intervention was necessary. On May 31, a team of about 20 fisheries biologists participated in a complex, coordinated effort to locate the fish and capture it, after which it was safely returned to the river. Biologists will continue to monitor the fish’s movements and expect to see it return to the Atlantic Ocean soon.

The Atlantic sturgeon is a prehistoric fish that inhabits most of South Carolina’s major river systems.

Historically, it was harvested for its meat and roe (caviar), resulting in a major overall decline in many Southeastern rivers and eventually leading to it being listed as an endangered species in 2012. SCDNR biologists are currently studying the ancient fishes’ behavior in South Carolina by tagging fish with acoustic transmitters and tracking their movements.

SCDNR Freshwater Fisheries Biologist Mark D'Ercole aids in the recovery of the sturgeon from Lake Moultrie.

ESA permit #20528

Savannah Area Southeastern Guide Dogs Welcomes Two New Puppies Two new puppies, Bowen, a black lab, and Grant, a yellow lab, arrived in the Savannah area in late June.

Bowen, named to honor the memory of his sponsor’s father, will be raised

by Alyssa and Ryan, in Bloomingdale, while Grant will be raised by Alexis, a high school junior in Effingham. Grant was named by the University of Pennsylvania’s alumni club to honor a board member emeritus.

The puppies will reside with their raiser families for about a year while they learn basic obedience, socialization, and attend regular training sessions with other Southeast Guide Dog families and dogs.

To learn more about the Savannah Area Southeastern Guide Dogs, visit them on Facebook at Savannah Puppy Raisers.

Photos provided by SEGD.

GA DNR Continues Enhancements to Artificial Reef SAV

The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) recently deployed a deck barge (90 feet long by 30 feet wide by 10 feet high) as the latest addition to Artificial Reef SAV, located six nautical miles southeast of Tybee Island. This is the sixth deployment completed by the GA DNR at SAV Reef over the past three and a half years.

The barge was donated and deployed by Biblia, Inc., of Savannah, at 31°55.008’N / 80°47.111’W in 35 feet of water. The barge will soon be colonized by barnacles, soft corals and sponges, providing the basis of a food web that will attract saltwater gamefish, as well as numerous species that use the reef as foraging and refuge habitat. CRD staff will monitor the site using side scan sonar and diver surveys to document the structural integrity of the materials, as well as the fish and invertebrate abundance and diversity.

“Donated materials help us to stretch our limited funds for offshore artificial reef enhancement. Instead of having to use those funds to purchase suitable reef material, we use them to cover the costs of transportation and deployment. Thanks to this donor, saltwater anglers in the Savannah area have a new fishing destination,” commented Spud Woodward, director of CRD.

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’ve used, and heard, many stories in my fishing days about “throwing everything at ‘em but the kitchen sink,” or how “they wouldn’t bite anything I threw.” We’ve all had those days when you know the fish are there, and they’re actively feeding but you still can’t get a hook-up. “What’s going wrong here and how do I strive to combat it?”

Fishing can be much more than grabbing some lures or bait, your rod and reel, and heading out to the water. Sometimes you have to take several elements into consideration in order to be successful: water clarity, time of year, barometric pressure, moon phase, overcast or sunny, morning or evening, tides, water levels, spawning habits, possibly holding your mouth just right … and the list goes on.

What some anglers don’t realize is sometimes you have to throw out something similar to what the fish are hungry for. We’ve all had those hankerings for a certain food or meal, either out of necessity, want or abundance. Fish are very similar in that respect.

During certain times of the year (depending on your location), the local bait changes and/or becomes more abundant. Shrimp, grass shrimp, glass minnows, worms, shad, crabs, mullet, etc. Predatory fish key in on abundant baits and make every attempt to gorge themselves in these times of plenty.

On several occasions, I’ve had to change up different artificial baits to accommodate the fish and get them to bite.

Recently I’ve resorted to altering my soft plastic baits to make my presentations closer to the size of what the fish Original lures on top, with modified lures underneath.

Photo by Trey Leggett are feeding on; what anglers sometimes refer to as “matching the hatch.” When you fish with lures of the same type or size as prevalent baitfish, you’re mimicking what the fish are eating. Although it sounds like a simple thing to do, we all neglect this practice on many of our fishing trips.

One of the ways I alter my soft plastics is to simply use a pair of scissors and cut the plastic lure to a particular size and shape that matches the area bait. I sometimes trim the bait a ¼– to a ½-inch and use the tail end. I may even trim the leftover front end to a similar shape as the original front end, or sometimes not. I try not to upset the original performance of the bait's tail action or swimming action.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your baits in order to induce better strikes and hook-ups.

Tight lines and stay safe!

Trey fishes for Hobie Kayaks, Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, ENGEL Coolers, and SouthEast Adventure Outfitters. Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com 8

SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Taste of the Tides

Grouper Stew

By Chef Joseph T. Richburg

Chef in Residence, Savannah Sauce Company

We're doing something a little different this month with a recipe contributed by the Savannah Sauce Company, to promote the release of their cookbook, Tiny Homes for Big Heroes. Some proceeds will benefit homeless veterans, so check it out! And remember to get your fish from your local seafood market!

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INGREDIENTS 1 cup water 6 slices Smithfield bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 cup chopped onion 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste 1/2 jar of Savannah Sauce Company's Bacon Salsa 3 cups diced potatoes Savannah Sauce Company's "Home of the Not So Brave But Still Slightly Adventurous" Cayenne Hot Sauce 2 pounds grouper, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS • Place water and bacon in a large pot, cover and cook over medium-high heat, until bacon is evenly cooked.

• Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel, leave drippings in the pot.

• Add onion to bacon drippings, cover and cook about five minutes.

• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bacon salsa, diced potatoes, bay leaf, and hot sauce.

• Simmer for 30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Stir in grouper pieces, simmer until fish is cooked.

• Serve with crumbled bacon and enjoy!

SAVANNAH SAUCE COMPANY is publishing a cookbook using recipe submissions from local chefs and chefs across the United States. The recipes feature our sauces, salsas,and relishes. A portion of the profits from the cookbook will help build and furnish tiny homes for homeless veterans.

The cookbook will be published July 2017, and will be available online at www. savannahsaucecompany.com.

We aspire to help the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless build a tiny home community in Savannah, Georgia. We believe that together we can forge partnerships between private industry and public entities that enhance our communities and empower our citizens. As we galvanize our resources as stakeholders for a greater good we help create a sustainable future.

Grouper Stew Photo byTracey Richburg

July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

The Tiny Homes for Big Heroes Project is inspired by WholeFoods Market’s generous 5% days. Their efforts positively impact many lives.

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A round the Reef

Get Into Your Sanctuary!

By Michelle Riley & Brennan Perry Communications and Public Outreach Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

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hose of us lucky enough to work at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary want to share Georgia’s amazing underwater park, and we’ve been pleased to see fishermen and divers in the sanctuary. Just last month, our research divers saw more than a dozen fishing boats in the sanctuary during a kingfish tournament – the winners wouldn’t give up their fishing holes, but we know there are big kingfish in Gray’s Reef!

Not everyone can get out to Gray’s Reef, so we’ve partnered with Live

Oak Public Libraries to bring the sanctuary indoors. On August 12, we’re offering a special treat at the Islands Library to celebrate the third annual “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day. On that day, we invite young and old to drop by and take an in-depth dive to Gray’s Reef, using special virtual reality goggles so you won’t need to get your feet wet!

Our interactive traveling exhibit, “Gray’s Reef on the Road,” is set up at the Islands Library already. We’ve heard rave reviews from the islanders, mostly about how surprised they are to hear snapping shrimp and oyster toadfish noises coming from the selfie photo spot. On August 12, Gray’s Reef staff will enhance that experience by offering 360-degree virtual dives, telling ocean tales during story time and offering some giveaways to library visitors.

Prior to “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is sponsoring a photo contest July 1 – August 12. We encourage you to take photos while out at Gray’s Reef and join the fun nationwide!

Tell your out-of-state friends and family about “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day on August 12. The vast majority of national marine sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing, birding, wildlife watching, diving, surfing or kayaking, so there’s a good chance they can get on the water at one of our sister sanctuaries, including Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Monitor National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of North Carolina.

Email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov

How to Get Involved

Take a virtual dive to Gray’s Reef: On Saturday, August 12, visit the Islands Library at 50 Johnny Mercer Blvd on Whitemarsh Island in Savannah.

Participate in the photo contest: Send your favorite fishing, diving and boating photos from inside Gray’s Reef and share them with #ILoveMySanctuary hashtag, then send to NOAA at earthisblue@noaa. gov. Photos must be at least 1200 pixels wide.

Check out last year’s photos from around the U.S.: Visit http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ earthisblue/photo-contest-winners-2016.html

D id Y ou Know?

The Landings Marinas Landings Harbor Marina

The global reliance and use of plastic materials has valuable and beneficial usage for humans. However, larger plastic material is often disposed of without proper care. Plastic pollution has a direct effect on large marine organisms and pose extreme threats to aquatic life.

• Sea turtles consume plastic debris (ex. grocery bags, straws, and other plastic material).

• Consumption of plastic material in large quantities tricks animals into believing they have consumed enough food and can lead to starvation.

• Widespread plastic debris on beaches reduces sea turtle nesting activity.

• Large marine organisms can become entangled in fishing line debris leading to growth deformities and loss of appendages.

• Larger plastic materials in the oceans and estuaries break down over time by physical and chemical weathering processes, turning them into microplastics.

• Microplastic particles are found on most beaches, including our coastal region.

• Tiny fibers of plastic have been found in the stomachs of fish.

Data compiled by Davielle Drayton, Savannah State University Marine Science graduate student.

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Below, images of litter, including plastics, that have washed into the marsh and could be carried out to sea on high tide or during storms.

Photos provided by SSU Marine Sciences Department

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July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

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Tracking Manatees I

n a project led by Sea to Shore Alliance, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) and Georgia Aquarium, eight manatees were recently caught, fitted with GPS transmitters and returned to Cumberland Sound. Two of the 13 manatees tracked the past two summers are also still transmitting.

The goal is to map the protected species’ movements near Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, document migratory paths and habitat use in the region, and collect baseline data to help assess manatee health.

Although researchers are dealing with expected challenges, such as some manatees quickly shedding the satellite tracking devices that look like miniature buoys, they are also reaping needed insights into the mammals, which were reclassified from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act last year.

The highly accurate GPS data have shown that manatees regularly venture into the submarine base, they’re able to find artificial freshwater sources to drink from, and a few have traveled into the open Atlantic. Biologists are also confirming things they long suspected but had no way to prove, such as the importance of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for manatees moving along the Georgia coast.

“The Intracoastal Waterway is like a manatee highway,” DNR wildlife biologist Clay George said. “But the ICW is also a primary

passageway for boats moving up and down the coast, so this behavior may place manatees at added risk of boat strikes.”

Of the 13 manatees tagged in recent years, only three have traveled the length of the Georgia coast. “We’re hoping some of the new batch will migrate up the coast toward Savannah, or even South Carolina,” George said. So far, most of the manatees have spent the winter months in Brevard County in east-central Florida, although one migrated more than 500 miles and wintered in Fort Lauderdale.

Understanding habitat use and migration details can benefit manatee conservation efforts, according to Monica Ross of Sea to Shore Alliance.

“We know manatees need warm water to survive,” said Ross, a research scientist with the nonprofit focused on conserving coastal environments and species. “Unfortunately, several manatees are

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rescued or die from cold stress outside of Florida each year. Through this study, we are gaining a better insight into when manatees make their migration south.”

Most of the tracked manatees returned to Florida in late summer, long before water temperatures begin to decline, Ross said. “Yet a few individuals wait until a trigger temperature to make the migration, stopping off at manmade warm-water sites that are not always in operation. This is when a late migration can be critically detrimental.”

Manatees migrate from Florida to Georgia in spring, drawn by abundant marsh grass and other aquatic vegetation. They occur in tidal waters throughout coastal Georgia from at least April through October. Yet shorter winters and warming waters have widened that window. Manatees were reported at Kings Bay this February.

Weighing more than a half-ton, these slow-moving animals swim just below the surface, often putting them in harm’s way of boats.

Since 2000, boat collisions have caused 27 percent of manatee mortalities documented in Georgia, highlighting the need to better understand manatee movements in the state.

Staff from wildlife agencies and organizations in Georgia and Florida netted the eight manatees in Cumberland Sound May 31-June 2. With a DNR helicopter helping spot the animals, a custom manatee capture boat from Clearwater Marine Aquarium was used to encircle them with a net. They were then pulled onto the boat, or a bank, to tag and examine. Biologists and veterinary staff, led by veterinarians from Georgia Aquarium and the University of Florida, examined the six male and two female manatees, took samples, fitted each animal with a transmitter, and released all unharmed.

Ross monitors the manatees daily online and, along with DNR staff, regularly checks them on the water.

“At least every two weeks, we’ll physically locate each animal to see what they are doing, check the equipment and take the opportunity to photo ID other animals they might be with,” Ross said. “If at any point the tag activity is abnormal, we will get eyes on the animals immediately.

“This year we are exceptionally excited to have two females to monitor, the first two captured for this study. Females use habitat differently than males, so it will be exciting

to gather their movement data.”

As of this week, seven of the manatees were still within 10 miles of their capture site, near Cumberland Island and Florida’s Amelia Island. One had ventured north to the Brunswick area. Of the two manatees still tagged from 2016, one was near Richmond Hill and the other was in the Charleston, SC, area.

Opposite page: Close up of a manatee.

This page: Preparing for release.

Manatees are fitted with transmitting devices prior to beng released. Each transmitter, tethered to a belt that fits around the small area of the body near the tail, floats at the surface behind the manatee. The device does not impede movement or pose a risk of entanglement. The belt, the tether linked to the transmitter and the tag itself are each designed to part easily.

Both photos provided by Sea to Shore Alliance, under USFWS research permit MA37808A

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The Evolution of Zulu Marine

Jim, Alex and Rusty Batey, aboard Zulu Chief, in the Gulf of Mexico, preparing for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill clean-up.

Photo provided by Zulu Marine Services

T

By Amy Thurman

he Zulu story begins in the early 80s on Daufuskie, the southernmost of South Carolina’s barrier islands. Jim Batey purchased the Bloody Point Lighthouse, moved his family from Hilton Head, to undeveloped Daufuskie, and set about restoring the light. To supplement his income, he used his boat to transport items to and from the island for residents, hauling anything from cars, to building supplies.

As this side business grew, Jim realized his boat needed a name and spread the word to residents that he’d buy a case of beer for anyone who came up with one. Shaka Zulu, a TV series about the ruler of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa in the early 1800s, was popular with Daufuskie residents at the time. When one suggested naming the boat Zulu Chief, it stuck, without Jim having much say in it. In time, as often happens in the world of boats, the owner and the boat became synonymous. “They couldn’t remember my name, I was just ‘the Zulu guy,’” Jim recalled, chuckling.

In 2007 Jim replaced the previous Zulu Chief with a Munson

In a journey from shipwrecks to side scan sonar, and debris location to drone mapping, Zulu Marine Services has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of technology.

I spent a morning aboard Zulu Chief with members of the Batey family and Zulu team members, learning about the unusual evolution of their family business that has played a role in researching theories on the movement of ancient man, and used modern technology in new applications.

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SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Examples of side scan sonar readings.

Above, a fishing drop that shows a ledge approximately seven feet high, with a close-up of the ledge and the position on a chart.

Right, an image of a shipwreck, with enough detail to make out the rudder and a section of hull at the top of the image.

Images provided by Zulu Marine Services

workboat and equipped it with side scan sonar. This new technology allowed him to venture into locating shipwrecks, something he’d been fascinated with since his teenage years. He brought his son, Rusty, aboard, who had previously owned an IT company and brought his technology background to the business.

While looking for shipwrecks off the coast of Wilmington, NC, the Bateys made an interesting discovery. Side scan sonar

Right: Rusty Batey displays a piece of the novaculite outcropping retrieved from waters off Wilmington, NC. It resembles shale or other hard structure at first glance. When broken open (inset), it reveals the dark, flint-like substance used by early man to form arrow heads, spear tips and other tools.

The Zulu team was permitted to name this strain and chose to call it "seaviculite."

The only other known source in the U.S. is in the Ouachita Mountains, in Arkansas.

Further research is pending.

Images provided by Zulu Marine Services

showed an unusual formation approximately 25 miles offshore and a dive team was dispatched to investigate. They surfaced with a large, tabular piece of rock that was later identified as novaculite, a flint-like type of chert, often used by early cultures to make arrowheads and other tools.

What made this discovery so important was that it could give additional credence to the Solutrean Hypothesis, which proposes that early man came to North American not only across the Bering Strait, but also across the frozen North Atlantic, from Europe. It’s based on U.S. finds of Clovis tools, a European tool-making technique using novaculite.

Prior to the discovery of the outcropping off Wilmington, novaculite deposits have only been found in the U.S. in the Ouachita Mountain Range, in Arkansas. Research is still underway, though has experienced several delays due to funding, but the Zulu team hopes to participate in future research.

(Look for an article on their novaculite find and novaculite research projects in a future article.)

Searching for shipwrecks can be a costly venture.

As Jim said, “Everyone thinks when you find a shipwreck you’re going to find gold. You don’t.” So, the Zulu team developed other operations to build revenue, such as environmental clean-up. Using high speed boom deployment, OSHA certified Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), and even side scan sonar, the team is able to clean up spills and other marine debris.

In 2010, after the BP oil spill, Zulu Marine deployed to the Gulf and participated in the clean-up, along with about 170 other vessels. Due to the extent of the spill, previous clean-up methods were pushed to the limits, requiring operators to think outside the box in response to challenges that hadn’t been faced before. One such issue was the retrieval of lost anchors that had been cut away from booms during the containment process.

Zulu Chief crew used side scan sonar to locate the anchors, then

deployed ROVs to retrieve them.

Later, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy deposited excessive amounts of underwater debris in the Northeast, creating potentially deadly hazards to navigation and fouling of the waterways and marshes.

After Sandy, Zulu Marine participated in the clean-up using side scan sonar to locate debris hidden underwater. It was the largest side scan sonar operation in U.S history.

When the Zulu team finished working on the Sandy clean-up, they commissioned a custom-built 41-foot Silver Ships vessel to add to their small fleet of work boats. In 2014, the new boat, Zulu Witch, was being trucked from the shipbuilder to Wilimington, NC, when Zulu got a call to assist in clean-up after the rubber warehouse fire at the Port of Savannah. They diverted to Savannah, offloaded at a local boat yard, launched, and immediately went to work at the port.

Over time, Zulu Marine added a variety of services to their operation. A few decades earlier when Jim Batey was running his first Zulu Chief between Daufuskie and the mainland, word got around that his boat was for hire. “It was like that kid in the commercials, ‘give it to Mikey, he’ll eat it,’” Jim said. “We’d hear, ‘give it to the Zulu guys, they’ll do it!’” That reputation holds true today.

In addition to clean-up operations, the team also does marine salvage, underwater inspection, dive operations, equipment hauling, and has assisted local colleges in research projects. To build on their technological capabilities, they added an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) division with four FAA licensed UAV pilots.

Zulu Aerial Imaging Resources (Zulu AIR) has once again been able to help Zulu delve into advancing technology.

Zulu AIR was put on display subcontracting for Ashbritt Environmental after Hurricane Matthew devastated Beaufort County waterways. Drones were used to locate and map the marine debris, helping to provide for precision and low-impact removal.

Zulu has begun mapping the extensive debris in Chatham County with the hope of participating in clean-up there, as well.

The Zulu team also believes wholeheartedly in giving back to the community. They’ve offered their vessels, equipment and crew, pro bono, to assist with several local projects, including the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography’s Fort Pulaski beach nourishment monitoring, a single beam bathymetric survey for Savannah State University, and utilized their side scan sonar in

Opposite Page Top: Two Zulu team members deploy a containment boom to retreive oil in the Gulf.

Opposite Bottom: At the end of a long oily day.

Top Right: A VideoRay ROV, underwater shipside.

Image provided by VideoRay Middle: The Zulu team aboard Witch during the Savannah rubber warehouse fire in 2014.

Right: Alex Batey deploying an ROV. Except where noted otherwise, all photos these two pages provided by Zulu Marine Services

July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

17

An orthomosaic is peiced together with multiple still images from drone footage, such as the inset, above.. The file can then be enlarged to see extremely clear detail, such as the partial enlargement at left, from the yellow box in the top center of the inset image.

Below: Large amounts of debris from Hurricane Matthew last fall still awaiting clean-up. This image of the Wilmington River in Chatham County was taken with a drone, in June.

Bottom: Jim Batey aboard his Zulu Chief at sunset.

Images provided by Zulu Marine Serices

navigable waterways around Hilton Head Island after Hurricane Matthew.

They also strive to do the right thing at a more personal level. Zulu has created a "Second Chance" program, hiring individuals who have faced challenging situations and who have proven they're ready to make a fresh start. The program enforces strict guidelines and places individuals on fieldwork crews in oil spill recovery and marine salvage operations. And it works. “We’ve found these amazing people to be hard workers and they hold up our high bar for ethics and job performance,� said Rusty Batey.

Zulu Marine has carved out a niche in the marine industry through a combination of advanced, and ever-changing technology, and their love of the water that makes our region unique. Their ability to think outside the box and willingness to take chances has developed into a business strategy that works.

To learn more, visit: www.zuludiscovery.com

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SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Fishin’ for Jamie 2017 Tournament

Come by boat!

July 14 - 16 Hogans’ Marina Wilmington Island, Georgia

• Apps, burgers & fresh local seafood • Full bar • Indoor & outdoor dining • Live music on weekends • Open seven days

Opening in March!

Friday night Tournament registration, captain’s meeting, poker run registration, cornhole tournament Saturday Adults and kids fishing tournaments, poker run for boats & jet skis, cornhole tournament Sunday Adults and kids fishing tournaments continued, followed by awards All Weekend Great food, live music, raffles, and a waterslide for the kids!

ZACHRY'S - Providing fresh seafood in Glynn County for over 35 years!

Kids tournament too!

Help Fight

Melanoma!

New this year: Offshore Bottom Fishing Tournament!

Robert Hale, proudly showing off his winning “Smallest Fish” in 2016!

JEKYLL HARBOR MARINA

• • • • • • •

Dockage and Dry Storage Gas/Diesel Wifi, Cable TV Courtesy bicycles Pool Pump-out Ship’s Store

912-635-3137

inquiry@jekyllharbor.com www.jekyllharbor.com

To donate raffle prizes, call: Joy Wainright (912) 398-3394 For general information, call: Chris Caldwell (912) 667-4861 Visit us on Facebook for updates!

Facebook.com/Fishin-For-Jamie

All proceeds benefit the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion

1 Harbor Road Jekyll Island, Georgia

ISLE OF

HOPE

MARINA Complimentary Loaner Cars!

• Located in scenic and historic Isle of Hope • New water, electric, fuel, and pump-out systems • High-speed Wi-Fi and TV available at every slip • Laundry facilities on premises, bicycles, Wall Street Journal, and more!

• 4000 feet of concrete floating docks (including 600 feet of deep-water face docks)

YACHTS UP TO 220 FEET AND TRANSIENT BOATS WELCOME! Join us for our Pavilion Series with music, drinks & dancing July 28, 6:30-10 p.m.!

(912) 354-8187 50 Bluff Drive Savannah, GA VHF Channel 16

Symposium Highlights Impacts of Research

By Emily Woodward Public Relations Coordinator UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

W

hen Hurricane Matthew hit the Georgia coast last October washing away some of its sandy shoreline, UGA was ready.

With funding from Georgia Sea Grant, the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography already was studying sand resources and creating an inventory of sand deposits along the coast. Researchers are using that inventory to identify areas where sand was available to replenish the coastline that was lost during the storm. Replacing the lost sand is important to protect lives and property, as well as critical habitats, from coastal hazards.

“The sand resources in our state waters are the most poorly known of all the states along the east coast,” said Clark Alexander, interim director of Skidaway Institute. “This research enables us to create maps identifying offshore areas that are suitable for beach nourishment and habitat restoration projects. With these data, we can know where suitable sand exists if we need it in the future after major storms.”

Alexander was one of many researchers across Georgia who presented a project during the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Research Symposium in Athens on June 1.

The annual symposium provides an opportunity for researchers to share their Sea Grant-funded work, network with others in the scientific community and look for collaborative ways to tackle the latest issues impacting the coast.

“Case studies presented during the symposium aptly illustrated Georgia Sea Grant’s success in elevating awareness of coastal issues, increasing local communities’ resilience to the effects of a changing climate and developing models that can be replicated to improve conditions on a global scale,” said Paul Wolff, chair of the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Advisory Board.

From projects that look Mark Risse, director of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, at how to get local seafood discusses the organization's accomplishments and impacts. into inland markets to those Photo by Emily Woodward that measure the productivity of Georgia’s expansive salt marshes, Sea Grant-funded research spans a variety of topics and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary, collaborative research and outreach to effectively enhance coastal communities and ecosystems.

Research proposals submitted to Georgia Sea Grant are expected to include an education and outreach component to ensure that results reach beyond the research community and are delivered to a diverse audience. Education and extension faculty and staff at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant work to incorporate Sea Grant-funded research into public programs, workshops and curricula targeted to pre-k through college age students, resource managers, decision makers, the seafood industry and beyond.

“We received a record number of research funding preproposals this year and many of those submitting full proposals attended the research symposium,” said Mark Risse, director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “Being able to learn from projects that have proved successful should strengthen research efforts and allow us to support projects that move rapidly to application and impact.”

Georgia Sea Grant is part of a national network of 33 Sea Grant programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, Lake Champlain and Guam. These programs serve as a core of a dynamic university-based network of over 300 institutions involving more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, educators, students and outreach experts.

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SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Southern T ides Magazine is pleased to present our nd 2 Annual

Best of the Coast Survey

es s i u r C t e Suns Cruises Dolphin Tell Tale Charters www.telltalecharters.com

Survey deadline is Friday, August 18, so get us your entries! There are multiple ways to participate: • Visit www.SurveyMonkey.com/R/Southern_Tides to complete the survey online

843.295.8735 info@telltalecharters.com Departs from Pickney Island Landing

• Email us for a digital copy to complete and return • Our advertisers will have print and digital copies of the survey to hand out to their customers and guests • Visit our Facebook page for a link to Survey Monkey site

Categories Include:

Best Marina Best Boat Ramp Best Kayak Tour/Rental Best Jet Ski Rental Best Dolphin Tour Best Dive Company Best Eco Tour Best Bait House Best Inshore Charter Best Offshore Charter Best Fishing Club Best Tournament Best Sailing Club Best Sailing Program Best Regatta/Series Best Seafood Market

Best Seafood Restaurant Best Dockside Bar Best Boat Dealer Best Boat Service Best Boat Detailer Best Canvas Shop Best Boat Supply Store Best Boat Show Best Boat Daytrip Best Boat Weekend Best Lighthouse Best Island Best Beach Best NFP Organization Best Dock Builder Best Turtle Program

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Closed Mondays

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912-667-1703

Don't GET in the Water!

According to sharkattackdata.com, in 2016 South

By Cohen Carpenter Carolina had four shark attacks, Georgia had none,

and Florida had 30. According to the United States Life Guard Association, in 2016, beachgoers in South Carolina were estimated at 7.5 million, 500 thousand were estimated in Georgia (though the only data point was from Tybee Island and doesn’t include those who beach on barrier islands every weekend, so the numbers are likely substantially higher), and 83 million were estimated in Florida. Therefore, the probability of a shark attack could be roughly estimated as 0.0000005% in SC, 0.0000004% in Fla., and still less than 1% in Ga.

I

always tell people that if each shark in our coastal waters had a visible flag attached to it, many people, given only that information, would not swim here. Luckily though, there’s much more information that should help in dispelling fear. Thus, if the old adage, “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t provide the comfort level you desire in the water, hopefully these words will.

Several species of sharks use the coast of the southeastern U.S. as nursery habitat, where newborn and young sharks spend their first years.

The coast provides a large amount of nutrients for developing sharks, as marshes are some of the most productive habitat on Earth in terms of biomass. The inshore, shallow waters also provide protection from larger predators, which are less suited for such areas, meaning many of those “sharks with flags” are young and small!

Nursery use is not the only use though. Productive areas like estuaries are just as attractive to hungry adult sharks. Therefore, adult sharks are also feeding along our coast, but most of them are small as well, with the overwhelming majority maxing out at four feet. At this size, simple physics should alleviate your fear. Nevertheless, larger, potentially more dangerous sharks do utilize our coastal waters as well.

To ease your uncertainties about these larger sharks, let’s look at some numbers:

The point I’m trying to make is that it’s statistically irrational to fear a shark attack. Things that are more likely to be fatal to you include coconuts, tripping, vending machines, champagne corks, hot dogs, and actual dogs … yes, our best friends! However, we do still fear sharks when we’re in the water, and I’m not an exception. I don’t think about choking while eating a hot dog nearly as often as I think about sharks while swimming at the beach. Ultimately though, I think our comfort in the water is highly correlated to our mindsets. While you are in their habitat, the odds are slim; plus, they just aren’t that into you. A statement which is unpleasantly reminiscent of most of my dating life.

However, one can’t be too safe, so check out these safety tips based on information from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

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SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Safety Tips for Swimming in Our Waters • Stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.

• Don't wander too far from shore as this isolates you and can place you far away from assistance.

• Avoid being in the water at twilight or at night, when sharks are most active and have a sensory advantage.

• Don't enter the water if bleeding from open wounds; shark's olfactory abilities are acute.

• Don't wear shiny jewelry; light reflecting from it can resemble fish scales.

• Avoid swimming where people are fishing, or if there are signs of bait or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.

• Sightings of dolphins don't indicate the absence of sharks, as both often eat the same foods.

• Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning or bright colored clothing; sharks see contrast particularly well.

• Refrain from excessive splashing and don't allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements.

• Exercise caution in areas between sandbars or near steep dropoffs; these are favorite hangouts for sharks.

• Evacuate the water if sharks are visible, and, of course, don't harass a shark if you see one!

For more on shark behaviors, visit: www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/fish/isaf/reducing-risk/advice-swimmers/ Southern Tides has been invited along on a Georgia DNR field research trip in July, with lots of info about sharks, so look for more in the August issue!

Opposite page: SC DNR biologist Ashley Shaw with a mature bonnethead shark. Photo by Erin Weeks, SC DNR This page, top right: Side and bottom views of a neonate sharpnose shark, hauled up in a shrimp net. These young sharks are often confused with juvenile blacktip sharks because of the dark coloring on their dorsal fins. Photos by Amy Thurman Right: A young of the year scalloped hammerhead, or Carolina hammerhead, two species which cannot be distinguished by appearance alone. Photo by Erin Weeks, SC DNR Bottom: Cohen displays a spinner shark.

Photo by Cohen Carpenter with his GoPro

July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

23

Ryan displays the bottle immediately after finding it on the beach, still lightly crusted with sand. You can almost make out the rolled piece of paper inside.

Photo by Ryan Burchett

Message

Determined to abide by the writer’s wishes, and enjoying the mystery, Ryan looked up the address online. Unfortunately, the house in Chamblee, Georgia, had been sold several times; he'd hit a dead end.

Ryan next called an attorney friend, told him the story and asked his opinion on how to locate Stephens. His friend suggested Ryan contact Southeast Adventure Outfitters, on St. Simons Island, and ask them to post it to their facebook page.

Later that evening, Michael Gowen, of Southeast Adventure Outfitters, posted, “1981 message in a bottle found today, 36 years later on Little St. Simons! Anyone know Douglas Stephens from Chamblee? Let's share this around and find him! #littlestsimons.”

All hail the power of social media!

That facebook post was shared hundreds of times until it came to the attention of the daughter of Pat Stephens, Doug Stephens’ twin brother.

The following afternoon, Sunday, June 18, 36 years and eight days after he set the bottle adrift, Doug called Ryan to learn what had become of his bottle and share with Ryan how the bottle came to be.

Doug originally got the bottle from his older brother.

“I assumed it was some kind of high-end beer because of the

in a

Bottle

By Amy Thurman

O

ne Saturday afternoon in June, Ryan Burchett went out to do a little fishing with his son, their girlfriends, and a buddy.

They anchored off the south end of Little St. Simons Island, behind a sandbar at the mouth of Bungalow Creek and fished for a few hours. After catching their limit, Ryan and his son decided to take the girls ashore to look for seashells.

They made their way around to the front side of the island, picking up shells and stray bits of trash along the way. Just before the tide turned, as they were about to head back, Ryan spotted a bottle in the sand. His friend, Brian Morgan, thought at first that it might have been a Red Stripe beer bottle, but closer inspection revealed it was a Grolsch beer bottle with a flip-top ceramic closure.

“That ceramic top was pretty cool,” he said. “I held it up to the sun and could tell there was a piece of paper inside!”

Ryan had found a message in a bottle.

He wasn’t able to immediately get the note out, but when he’d returned home that afternoon, his step-father, Jay Stewart, twirled a small stick inside the bottle, caught the paper and pulled it out.

The note read, “This bottle was set adrift off Fernandina Beach, Florida on the 10th of June 1981. To the finder, I would appreciate it if you would respond as to where, when and found by whom. My permanent address is as follows, on the back. Thanks, Douglas H. Stephens.”

July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

Continued on page 27

"This bottle was set adrift off Fernandina Beach, Florida on the 10th of June, 1981.

To the finder, I would appreciate it if you would respond as to where, when and found by whom. My permanent address is as follows, on the back.

Thanks - Douglas H. Stephens" With only minimal water damage, the note held up well for 36 years!

Photo by Ryan Burchett

25

The bottle was launched near the southern end of Amelia Island (see bottom red tack, at left), and found on the southern end of Little St. Simons Island (tack at top of chart).

A distance of about 48 miles point to point, though it's anyone's guess where the current took it during the 36 years before it was found.

The ceramic top and metal closure that holds it in place are originally why Doug thought it would serve well for a message.

Photo by Ryan Burchett

BED & BREAKFAST INN Four standard guest rooms & two suites, all with large private bathrooms.

Whole house rental available for families & groups (includes use of kitchen & two kitchenettes).

Full, hot, gourmet breakfast included with stay (dietary needs accommodated).

Lovely parlor for socializing with your party and other guests.

Walking distance to great restaurants, historic downtown, & the Cumberland Island Ferry.

CIRCA 1870

GOODBREAD HOUSE

Pet Friendly!

(912) 882-7490 www.g dbreadhouse.com info@g dbreadhouse.com 209 OSBORNE STREET ď ?

‰. Marys, GA 31558

Boater Safety Course Presented by the Georgia DNR and Chatham County Marine Patrol This is a Georgia approved class, required for anyone born after January 1, 1998 to operate any vessel on Georgia waters.

The course is instructed by CCMP and GA DNR Resource Rangers. It covers all required equipment and Georgia boating laws.

All students must pass an exam and provide their social security number to receive the ID card.

3rd Saturday every month Must register at

www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com Doug Stephens (left) with his grandmother and his twin brother, Pat, on Amelia Island. Circa 1981 Photo provided by Douglas Stephens

metal and ceramic top,” he said. “It just seemed like it would be good for a message.”

During those summer vacations with his family, Doug spent a lot of time in or on the water. They fished off a boat ramp on the south end of Amelia island and in his dad’s Boston Whaler in Nassau Sound.

“It’s pretty likely it I put it in the water at the boat ramp,” he said. He admits to being a little disappointed that it didn’t end up in some exotic faraway location, but he’s still stunned at how much time has passed.

“I was shocked at the number of years it’s been,” said Doug. “When you’re a 20-yearold kid, you don’t think about something like this … a bottle coming back to you all these years later. It brings back a flood of good childhood memories! I’ve been going there with my family since I was a kid and take my own kids there.”

"I was watching The Flintstones and playing with Hotwheels when he threw the bottle," Ryan joked.

Ryan and Doug plan to meet up for a visit in early August so Ryan can return the bottle to Doug.

“I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Ryan said. “It’ll be a great ending to the story to give the bottle and the note back to him, so many years after he put it in the water.”

Ryan with his girlfriend, Stacie Wiggins, in a photo taken minutes before he found the bottle.

Photo by Stacie Wiggins

July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

27

Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

(912) 264-7237

Captain Tripp Lang’s Charters

Inshore Fishing & Sightseeing Cruises 912-674-1085 or 912-674-0838

www.FishSaintMarys.com

July 14

Aqua Vista Art Show

Ogeechee Riverkeeper

An opening night reception for the show Aqua Vista, works inspired by life on the water. Proceeds from sales benefit Ogeechee Riverkeeper.

July 14, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location Gallery, Savannah Cost - No entry fee jennifer@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events

14-16

Fishin' for Jamie

Fishin' for Jamie Tournament

Come out for the 11th annual tournament to fight skin cancer! Adults and kids tournaments, poker run, cornhole tournament, raffles, music, food, and more!

July 14-16, 2017 Hogans' Marina, Wilmington Island See promo on page 19 for details Chris Caldwell (912) 667-4861 Facebook.com/Fishin-For-Jamie

15

Boater Safey Course

GA DNR Resource Rangers and Chatham County Marine Patrol

Anyone born after 01-01-1998 must have a Boater Safety ID Card to operate a vessel of any kind on Georgia waters. See promo on page 27.

July 15, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Event free for all ages Register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237

16

Purrysburg Paddle

Savannah Riverkeeper

We'll meet at Beck's Ferry Landing to paddle downriver to Millstone Landing, exploring some of the oxbow lakes and creeks off the main stem.

July 16, 2017 1:00 p.m.

Beck's Ferry Landing, Hardeeville, SC Cost - $25 ($45 with kayak rental) (912) 454-8048 jacob@savannahriverkeeper.org

What’s Going On ... 22

Moon River Kayak Race

Ogeechee Riverkeeper

Try out kayak and SUP racing! Choose either the 3-mile course, or the 4-mile course, starting and ending at Butterbean Beach.

18

Friends of a Feather Field Trip

Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant

Explore the UGA Aquarium learning garden and hike the maritime forest with our educators in search birds of all shapes and sizes.

July 18, 2017 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

UGA Aquarium, Skidaway Island $15 (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu

21-24

Becoming an Outdoorswoman

Coastal Georgia Beyond BOW

Join other women and try crabbing, fishing, kayaking, tree-climing, shotgun shooting, sea turtle exploration, and more, on Sapelo Island.

July 21 - 24, 2017 Sapelo Island, GA $825/person For more information or to register contact Jody Rice (770) 784-3059 jody.rice@dnr.state. ga.us or visit www.georgiawildlife.com/bow

22

Swallow-Tailed Kite Outing

Lower Savannah River Alliance

We'll shuttle you out to a popular kite feeding area, then return to the education center for a presentation by Jim Elliot, of the Avian Conservation Center, and a luncheon.

July 22, 2017 8:30 a.m.

LSRA Education Center, Allendale, SC Cost - $40/person (912) 454-8048 jacob@savannahriverkeeper.org

28

July 22, 2017 7:00 a.m.

Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp, Skidaway Cost - $35/person jennifer@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/2017-moonriver-kayak-sup-race

25

Family Field Trip: Marsh Mucking

Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant

ST

Pull on your mud boots and join our educators on a trek through Georgia's expansive salt marshes. See how animals use this important coastal habitat.

July 25, 2017 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

UGA Aquarium, Skidaway Island $15 (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu

28

Isle of Hope Pavillion Series

Isle of Hope Marina presents:

Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food and drinks.

July 28, 2017 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Isle of Hope Marina, 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Cover charge TBD (912) 354-8187

29

Fishing 101

Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant Learn to identify fish species while fishing off our floating dock, or try crabbing during this half-day family camp. Gear & bait provided, must register by Friday, July 30.

July 29, 2017 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

UGA Aquarium, Skidaway Island $15 (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

August 29

13th Annual Gala

Satilla Riverkeeper

Please join us for dinner, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Satilla Riverkeeper!

July 29, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Strickland's Satilla Lodge, near Raybon, GA $100/person (sponsorships available as well!)

Reservations required (912) 510-9500 riverkeeper@satillariverkeeper.org

30

Southern Tides River Cruise

Southern Tides Magazine

Join Captain Gator and First Mate Amy aboard the Island Explorer as we journey along tidal creeks and rivers. Soft drinks and light snacks included in ticket price. BYOB if desired.

July 30, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hogans' Marina, Wilmington Island $50/person (only 35 seats available) (912) 484-3611 amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

3

Jasper Ocean Terminal Talk

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum A discussion with Dr. Thomas G. Anderson about the Jasper Ocean Terminal, a container ship terminal planned for the Port of Savannah.

August 3, 2017 6:00 p.m.

Ships of the Sea Museum, Savannah Cost - No entry fee (912) 232-1511 sarahshartzer@shipsofthesea.org

4-6

E

Loggerhead Turtle Weekend

Ossabaw Island Foundation

Spend two nights on Ossabaw Island; at daybreak, accompany turtle biologists as they record hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean!

August 4-6, 2017 4:00 p.m.

Departing from Delegal Creek Marina Cost: $350 - $450 per person (912) 233-5104 robin@ossabawisland.org

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Blue Crab Workshop

Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant Try handcrabbing & talk with scientists about the role this important fishery plays in our state's history, economy and culture, in this two-day Coastal Stewards Workshop.

Have a date to share?

Email us for our event listing form: info@southerntidesmagazine.com

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July 2017 SouthernTidesMagazine.com

August 11, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

August 12, 2017 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

UGA Aquarium, Skidaway Island $100 Registration required by August 4 (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu

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19

Boater Safey Course

GA DNR Resource Rangers and Chatham County Marine Patrol

Anyone born after 01-01-1998 must have a Boater Safety ID Card to operate a vessel of any kind on Georgia waters. See promo on page 27.

August 19, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room Event free for all ages Register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237

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The Big Float

Savannah Riverkeeper Join us to celebrate clean water with a day on the Savannah River! Kayak, canoe, tube, SUP, or join in our annual homemade raft competition!

August 26, 2017 9:00 a.m.

328 Riverfront Drive, Augusta, GA Cost - $35 ($85 homemade raft competition) (706) 826-8991 info@savannahriverkeeper.org

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Isle of Hope Pavillion Series

Isle of Hope Marina presents:

Gather under the pavilion for music, dancing, food and drinks.

August 26, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Isle of Hope Marina, 50 Bluff Drive, Savannah Cover charge TBD (912) 354-8187

T he Bitter End At Eye Level

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill Kayaking on a flood tide gives you more access into the marsh.

Photo by Captain Gator

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TripAdvisor to find a quality establishment.

• If you’re in a tidal area, go during the higher tide cycle as it allows you to access the inner marsh.

• If you have a GoPro, or similar action cam, take it. If you take your cell phone, I recommend a waterproof pouch. But remember to spend less time snapchatting and more time paddling.

• Water. Water. Water. It’s easy to become dehydrated while paddling, so drink lots of it.

Though I’ve paddled extensively alone, I recommend having a paddle partner. That being said, I also recommend one person to a kayak, rather than a tandem kayak. The reason being, as a novice it's much easier to learn to paddle in a single, rather than as a team. The only reason for a tandem, in my opinion, is if one person is physically challenged or doesn’t feel they have the upper body strength. Though in reality it doesn’t take Herculean strength to paddle; it’s technique rather than strength.

A couple of other points to touch on before I sign off. Wind. Wind has a huge effect on kayaks, due to the amount of sail (you and the boat) above water, versus the much smaller area below the water, exposed to the current.

Understand the tides and use them, as well as wind, to your advantage.

Remember that at the end of your trip you’ll be more fatigued. You should try to plan it so you use less energy on your return trip than you do when you start out. In other words, paddle out against a current, then let it aid you in your return. Or better yet, try to time it so you ride the tide both ways. Again, I’ll mention wind. Don’t fight it, use it, and learn to avoid it by staying to the lee side of a shore if possible.

Lastly, generally the middle of the rivers, creeks and sounds have the strongest current, so stay closer to the sides when possible. Boats under power tend to avoid the side of rivers as a rule of thumb.

In closing, I encourage you to take the time to "get your Lewis and Clark on" this summer, and like Timothy Leary said (though in a different light), turn on, tune in and drop out.

Slow down and smell the marsh grass along the way.

See ya’ll on the water!

elcome back guys, gals and submarine watchers, it’s time for The Bitter End again. This month finds many of us rushing around, trying to squeeze as much into our summer as we possibly can. From family vacations, to fishing tournaments, and everything in between. So, in this installment I’m going to urge you to slow down and drop off the beaten waters, so to speak. How do we do that, you may be wondering? Kayaks!

I can already hear the moans and groans! Yeah, those plastic boats that tend to annoy some power boaters. As a former paddle guide, some of the most peaceful times I’ve spent on the water were on these engineless conveyances. Dollar-for-dollar, they’re the best and most affordable way to start your H2O adventures.

Light enough to be handled by one person, they can be transported on the roof of even the smallest gas-miser automobiles and are able to take on everything from backwaters to the ocean itself. These ancient marvels can be found for rent at most any tourist destination with water nearby.

However, the true beauty of these boats is that they force us to slow down and see life at eye level.

Dating back thousands of years, credit for these versatile watercraft is given to the Inuits or Eskimos of the far north. Just like in Nanook of the North, you can find kayaks on rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans around the world. However, the word kayak isn’t Inuit in origin; instead, it comes from the Greenlandic word qajaq. Today’s kayaks may not always resemble the originals, as many of the kayaks found for rent are sit-ontop, as opposed to cockpit styles. The reason being, some people feel confined, or trapped, fearing roll overs.

I’ve spent most of my life on the water, from rivers and lakes in my early life, to the ocean in later years. My first “boat” was a car top from a 55’ Dodge that I used to run trap lines as a kid. Later, I upscaled to canoes, then back in the 70s while life guarding I was exposed to kayaks. I found these odd-looking boats to be much more stable than canoes. Back then all that was available were cockpit boats, so we learned to Eskimo-roll, or right ourselves, if we did flip over.

Pardon me, I digress. I want to challenge you to slow down this summer. Take a few hours, rent a kayak, paddle back into the saltwater marsh, and see a whole world right at eye level that most have missed out on.

A few tips.

• If you feel nervous or have never kayaked before, contact one of hundreds of paddle excursion companies found most everywhere. Use

Email: jgaryhill@gmail.com 30

SouthernTidesMagazine.com July 2017

Selling Savannah with Southern Hospitality

6349 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 912.352.1222

UFF SHEFTALL BL of Hope and its

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EFFINGHA

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Private estate with rais ed organic vegetable bed s, grape arbors and fruit tree orchard. Morton bui ld barn. Garage and a hug e green house. 3 Bedroo ms and a bonus room that could be your 4th bedroo m, plus an additional 1 bed room, 1 bath guest suit e.

Beautifully appointed hom e with billiard room, offi ce and loft. Screened enclosu re with pool and hot tub and an adjoining screene d porch. Additional pro perty with 10 horse stab le including apt., caretak er cottage, equipment shed, pasture, lakes. $2,700,00 0 ISLE OF HOPE AREA

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What a wonderful loc ation. The secret area of Salcedo. Thi s home, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, boa sts an open floorplan with room for the whole family. One garage is heated and cooled so perfect for a workshop.

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2411 Salcedo Ave