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June 2022
Last of the Right Whales
Film Premier July 12, Article Page 20
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Sea Turtles Dig the Dark!
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In the Tides
Issue No. 82 June 2022
CREW Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Assistant Editor Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com
9 Fishing with Captain Jay
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
13 Resiliency Video Series
11 Savannah's Titanic 15 Taste of the Tides
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
16 2021 Georgia Report Card 20 Last of the Right Whales
The Riverkeeper Report Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
22 Shrimp Season 24 Seabird Nesting Season
Fishing with Captain Jay Captain Jay Cranford gacharterfishing@gmail.com Contributors
27 Riverkeeper Report 28 Community Updates
Michelle Riley for Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
30 The Bitter End
Emily Kenworthy UGA Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant IFAW for LastoftheRightWhales.com Eddie Leonard GADNR Coastal Resources Division 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.
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A right whale fluke. A 92-minute documentary following right whale migration is premiering in Savannah on July 12. See Last of the Right Whales on pages 20-21. Photo provided by HitPlay Productions
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Editor’s Note S
ome of you may be wondering why there’s a right whale on the cover in June when they’re not here this time of year. There are two reasons. The first is to promote a documentary premiering in Savannah on July 12 about right whales, and the second is a gentle reminder that just because they’re out of sight, they shouldn’t be out of mind. Georgian’s have long felt a kinship with right whales, who migrate to our coast every winter, even having the species declared our state marine mammal in 1985. This kinship has never been been relied on more heavily than it is right now. With only 336 of these animals left on the planet, they are literally on the verge of extinction and every single one of them is critical to the survival of their species. The loss of even one is devastating. There are two things you can do this summer to help save these creatures: attend the documentary at the Lucas Theater in July, and download an app called WhaleAlert. The documentary will provide insight into the lives and habits of right whales and help raise awareness about them. I’ve often said that in order to want to protect and conserve anything, you must first care about it, and caring about anything is fostered by understanding it. So go see the film, tell friends about it, share it on social media. The WhaleAlert app is a must for all boaters and anyone who spends time on the water, either recreationally or commercially. These large animals often swim at or just below the surface making them difficult to see and at great risk for boat strikes. Not just large ships, but even small recreational boats can fatally injure adults and outright kill the calves. WhaleAlert allows anyone with the app to pinpoint the locations of whales they spot, alerting other vessels in the vicinity and potentially avoiding impacts and injuries. The more people who use the app, the more effective it becomes! It allows users to see real-time sightings of reported whales and can include photos. We’ve been tracking sharks for ages and I’m thrilled we can now track the whales we care so much about! www.whalealert.org Two of the three biggest threats to right whales are entanglements in commercial fishing gear and boat strikes. Organizations in New England and Canada are working hard to remove the entanglement threat, and we on the southern end of their migration route need to be working equally hard to remove the threat of boat strikes. Get the app. Use it. It could be the easiest thing you ever do to save a life. See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Catalog #3560, "Snow Cone" and calf were sighted about 10 nautical miles off Cumberland Island, Ga., on Dec. 2, 2021. Snow Cone was first seen entangled in commercial fishing gear in March 2021 in Cape Cod Bay. Several disentanglement efforts in the Northeast and Canada removed some of the rope, though she was still trailing two lines at the time of this photo. Photo provided by Florida FWC/taken under NOAA permit 20556
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Fishing with Captain Jay Understanding Speckled Trout
The old timers who know what to look for have learned to look at all signs and not necessarily look just at surface conditions. I once had a very good angler tell me, "Pay attention. The fish will show you where they are, and they will usually be concentrated in that area.” Which usually means those who make the effort to learn about fish and their habits, rather than just casting around in hopes of finding them, often found them in abundance. And they’re usually nice-sized fish, too. The "how to" when it comes to salty water Fish near deep structure and work it close to the bottom. Use an ample weight and slow it down; too little weight or working it too fast, you won't catch many fish. It’s okay if you catch a snag every once in a while. That means you’re in the right place for the bigger fish. If you’re looking for big trout, look for big structure liked docks, rock piles, etc. Oyster bars are a given, especially in the early morning or late evening, according to the tide, when water is moving. Croaker and mullet are probably a trout’s favorite summertime foods, so if you see these fish running, there are probably quite a few trout around. Don’t let the surface salinity determine if you are going to fish or not, and if the water column from top to bottom is fresh all the way down, you won’t find any trout there. As the incoming salty tide creeps under the freshwater you will usually find trout in that lower water column where there is a minimum salinity in the 1-5 ppt range. Here's your sign.... Still, there’s no real need for you to go looking for salty water with a salinity meter. Just go look for the "signs" of speckled trout. Slicks, baitfish, deep oyster reefs, drop-offs, and deep underwater structure. Cast in those areas with live bait or the lures that have worked best for you in the past. We've had much success with the Egret Baits 3 ½-inch mambo mullet. Fish close to the bottom, and continually move around until you start getting bites. Remember, abide by all boating laws, be sure you have all of your safety gear and keep your licenses and registration up to date. Be safe!
By Captain Jay Cranford www.coastalgafishing.com
Speckled trout. Photo by Jay Cranford
T
here are a lot of important factors that go into having a successful day when searching for and catching speckled trout. Tide changes, location and water clarity are a few but the most overlooked, in my opinion, is the salinity of the water. Salinity is measured in parts per thousand (ppt). Speckled trout need salinity in the range of one to five ppt to survive and 17 ppt or higher to spawn. Average salinity in coastal Georgia is 35 ppt, though that level can vary in inshore waters due to rain and freshwater river stages. See waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/rt for more info on salinity changes and other conditions. The spawn Speckled trout spawn during the summer and, as stated above, in order to have a successful spawn they need to be in water with salinity of 17 ppt (or higher). Water temperatures rise on sunny days and when they do speckled trout to go deep and rest until it's time to spawn. You can still catch them here and there, but the best way to get a few in the cooler is to fish in the morning. Early in the morning, when water temps are a bit cooler. That's the normal summer pattern of the speckled trout. With all the heavy rains we've had lately, saline levels have varied a lot. From a science standpoint you can do a little research to learn how speckled trout adapt with freshwater inflow into an estuary. Some of the more seasoned anglers do not fish for trout until the "water gets right." Those who make the effort to learn these factors waste very little time "finding" the fish and are catching more speckled trout. June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Don't wish ... let's go fish!
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Savannah's Titanic Exhibit of worthiness, that everything happens for a reason, and that our lives are destined to end up in certain ways,” Callahan says. The author was only three weeks into her research and plotting the storyline for Surviving Savannah when a headline appeared on her computer screen stating the shipwreck of the Pulaski had been found. Since then, Patti and shipwreck hunter Micah Eldred have spoken numerous times, and together they can provide a full picture of the Pulaski, past and present. Rising to the Surface “Patti and Micah’s input has been integral to the Rising to the Surface exhibition,” said Melton. “Since the Titanic sank in 1912, the Pulaski has been known as the ‘Titanic of the South’ in maritime circles. Incorporating some of Patti’s research and Micah’s artifacts helped us create a richly layered exhibit that brings the tragic story back to life.” About Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum was founded in 1966. The museum exhibits ship models, paintings, and maritime antiques, and interprets the rich story of Savannah's illustrious maritime history. Ships of the Sea is housed in the William Scarbrough House, built in 1819, and is home to the largest private gardens in Savannah’s historic district. Many consider Ships of the Sea to be one of the best maritime museums in the country.
By Michelle Riley for Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
O
ne of the greatest disasters known to Savannah and Charleston was nearly forgotten. The explosion of the Steamship Pulaski during the night of June 14, 1838, killed wealthy businessmen and families from Savannah and Charleston, enslaved individuals, seamen, and a former U.S. Congressman. Now the story is being told at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in a new exhibition, Rising to the Surface: A Summoning of Savannah’s Titanic. The display is curated by museum curator and interim executive director of Ships of the Sea, Wendy Melton, and is bolstered by contributions from New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan and shipwreck hunter Micah Eldred, who found the wreckage of the Pulaski in 2018. Rising to the Surface opens at Ships of the Sea on Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m., with one of America’s most captivating storytellers, Patti Callahan, examining what we know and can imagine about that fateful night. Joining Patti is Micah Eldred, who reveals the reallife story of solving one of our country’s most durable maritime mysteries. Tickets to the event are $25 and can be ordered in advance via Eventbrite. After the lecture, guests will enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition. A cash bar will be available. The exhibit will be open through December 30, 2022. Patti Callahan and Surviving Savannah Patti Callahan believes that some stories want to be told. “Discovering untold stories is like having a great secret whispered in your ear,” she says. “And this story is one of those secrets.” Further, Callahan declares her deep-rooted feeling that the explosion of the Pulaski “impacted places I love, Savannah and Bluffton.” Determined to find the story, Patti undertook intense research, utilizing materials from Ships of the Sea and the Georgia Historical Society that inspired her fascinating, dual-timeline historical novel, Surviving Savannah. The novel tells the story of one of the families on the Pulaski, and also explores “our collective idea that survival merits some kind June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Savannah www.shipsofthesea.org (912) 232-1511 Top left: Depiction of the Pulaski explosion depicted in an 1848 book by Charles Ellms. Image provided by the NC Dept. of Cultural Resources Top right: Cover of Patti Callahan's novel Suviving Savannah. Bottom: A pocket watch found in the Pulaski shipwreck. Image provided by Endurance Exploration 11
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Faces of Resiliency By Emily Kenworthy Public Relations Coordinator UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Videographer Matt Hanner with Motion House Media films Meghan Angelina with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division as part of the Faces of Resiliency video series. Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
G
eorgia’s low-lying coastal communities are on the front lines of sea level rise, storm surge and flooding. A new video series developed by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant shares how communities are responding to these challenges by identifying solutions that protect infrastructure and coastal habitats. The six-part series, “Faces of Resiliency,” features interviews with coastal residents and researchers who share stories of adapting to coastal hazards through community engagement and collaboration with scientists, nonprofits and government agencies. “The videos can serve as a roadmap for other communities facing similar issues,” said Anne Lindsay, associate director of education at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and lead on the project. “They show how resilience projects can be successful by involving communities in planning and implementing science-based solutions.” Each video highlights a different example of how communities are increasing resilience, including preserving salt marsh habitat, implementing green infrastructure, restoring dunes, engaging in environmental justice and community planning, and improving science communication. Descriptions for each video are provided below. Watch all of them at gacoast.uga.edu/faces/ Conserving Georgia’s Salt Marshes Georgia’s extensive salt marshes protect the coast by reducing erosion, buffering wave energy and filtering runoff. Rising sea levels are causing marshes to migrate inland; however, development along estuarine shorelines can impede their natural migration. Living shorelines are a form of green infrastructure that uses oysters and native plants to stabilize shorelines while providing space for marshes to migrate in the future. Adapting with Green Infrastructure Roads, buildings, or parking lots are a necessary part of communities but these impervious surfaces lead to stormwater runoff that carries pollutants to local waterways, impacting human and environmental health. Green infrastructure uses naturebased materials to treat and filter stormwater, like the large-scale June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
bioretention project implemented at Howard Coffin Park in Brunswick that is improving water quality of the surrounding area. Restoring Dunes to Protect Coastal Communities Storm surge from hurricanes has significant impacts on coastal communities. Healthy dune systems act as a natural barrier to storm surge. Communities like the City of Tybee Island are conserving and restoring Georgia’s coastal dunes by raising their elevation, planting grasses and installing beach fences that help build and protect these habitats. Enhancing Equity in Flood Resilience Marginalized communities in coastal Georgia are at risk of flooding due to higher density housing, less green space and failing stormwater management systems. Residents in Savannah and Brunswick are getting involved in the decision-making process by working with municipalities to raise awareness of the need to adapt infrastructure in flooding hotspots and build resilience. Planning for Future Flooding and Sea Level Rise As sea levels rise and flooding becomes more frequent, Georgia’s coastal municipalities and resource managers are proactively planning ahead by elevating homes and participating in federal programs that reward communities for implementing resilience measures. Improving Flood Literacy in Coastal Georgia Terms related to flood hazards are being used inconsistently among professionals that work in coastal management and emergency response. This can create confusion among residents who rely on experts for information during extreme weather events. The Georgia Flood Literacy Project is establishing consistent definitions and flood terminology to be used by professionals, improving communication and public safety. The Faces of Resiliency project was funded by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division. Learn more about the project at gacoast.uga.edu/faces/
13
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Taste of the Tides:
Creamy Creole Shrimp I adapted this recipe from one by Chef John Folse (my food hero): Jumbo Shrimp in Creole Mustard Cream. My changes were entirely due to what I had on hand, and it ended up tasting great anyway. I found the original in my copy of The Encyclopdia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine. If you love to cook, you need this book! Remember to support your local seafood markets! DIRECTIONS • Leaving heads intact, peel tails and devein shrimp, rinse under cold water. • Melt half of butter in large skillet over medium high heat, being careful not to brown or burn. • Saute shrimp in batches (do not overcrowd), 1-3 minutes just until pink, then remove and keep warm. If you just can’t bear to look at shrimp heads on your plate, you can remove them now, but the heads do add flavor during the cooking process. • Add chives, green onions, peppers and tarragon; saute 2-3 minutes until wilted. • Deglaze pan with wine, then simmer until all but about a tablespoon or so of liquid is left. • Sprinkle in flour and stir with whisk until blended. • Whisk in creole mustard until blended • Whisk in whipping cream, followed by shellfish or chicken stock, whisking continually until sauce begins to thicken. • Reduce to simmer and add remaining butter, a few squares at a time, whisking to incorporate. • Add shrimp back to pan, stirring to coat, and allow to simmer for a minute or so to warm. • Serve shrimp and sauce over pasta.
INGREDIENTS 2 dozen large wild Georgia shrimp, head-on 2 tbsp creole mustard 1 stick butter, sliced ¼ cup chives, chopped ½ cup green onions (bulbs and stems), sliced ¼ cup jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and diced 2 tsp dried tarragon ½ cup cooking wine 2 tbsp corn flour 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup chicken or shellfish stock Salt and pepper to taste Cooked pasta
Attention Seafood Markets! Southern Tides is seeking a recipe sponsor. Contact us to have your company name and logo included here. Attention Coastal Cooks and Chefs! Have a recipe featuring local seafood you'd like to share? Reach out to us! amy@southerntidesmagazine.com June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
15
Coastal Georgia Ecosystem Report Card 2021
B+
Moderately good ecosystem health Overall health
Scoring Legend
Qu a
I
dex
In
ie
A
>80-100% good
B
>60-<80% moderately good
C
>40-<60% moderate
D
>20-<40% poor
F
0-<20% very poor
s
rd
B+
ndex
Bi
nd
Wate r
yI
Sea Tu r
t
ex Ind
lit
le
Overall, Coastal Georgia received an A-, a moderately good score (81%). The highest scoring indicators were shrimp, red drum, blue crabs, spotted sea trout, and sea turtle nesting, and all had perfect scores (100%). The twelve indicators that examine human health, fisheries, and wildlife are used to define Coastal Georgia health.
ex
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Grading scale A
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Indexes highlights Fisheries index The fisheries index scored 100% in 2021. All four fisheries indicators scored 100%, which means sustainable fishing practices are used, and the coastal environment is able to support most commercial and recreational species.
Water quality index The water quality index scored 86%, an A, in 2021. Overall, water quality indicators are good, meaning that it is generally safe to swim, to eat local shellfish, and that oxygen levels support fish and other species. Dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform had good scores, while enterococcus had a moderately good score.
Sea turtle index The sea turtle index scored a 80%, an A-, in 2021. Overall, sea turtle indicators are good. Sea turtle nesting had a good score, while sea turtle hatching had a moderate score. Sea turtle management is supporting populations and maintaining excellent nesting.
A
Bird index The bird index scored 59%, a C+, in 2021. Overall, bird indicators are moderate. Bald eagles and wood storks had moderately good scores. American oystercatches had a moderate score. The lower oystercatcher score was mostly likely due to increased predation and overwash events.
C
June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Many remote barrier islands in coastal Georgia continue to provide safe havens for a variety of species. Photo provided by GADNR 17
Report card highlights in 2021 American Oystercatcher American oystercatchers received a moderate score of 47% in 2021. While populations fluctuate annually, increased predation and overwash events at nesting sites can influence their rate of success.
Marine Fisheries Each of the fisheries indicators scored 100% in 2021. This was the first time the fisheries indicators had a perfect score since the inception of the Coastal Georgia Report Card in 2012. American oystercatchers depend on healthy estuaries for reproduction and habitat for productivity and health. Photo by Tim Keyes, GADNR
Comparing scores 2014-2021
To see the full report, visit: coastalgadnr.org/ReportCard 18
Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
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Last of the Right Whales
A documentary premiering in Savannah on July 12, at Lucas Theater.
Right whale #4615, a five-year-old male, entangled in rope and with visible wounds, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Contributed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Photos provided by HitPlay Productions
for their oil-rich blubber during the time of whaling. Though harpoons are no longer a threat to the species, this population, once rich in abundance, now faces very different humandriven threats a century later, namely entanglement in commercial fishing gear and unintended vessel strikes. Since 2017, a staggering 50 right whales have died or are presumed to have died in U.S. and Canadian waters, necessitating NOAA to declare these elevated mortalities an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). It was these multiple deaths, according to Pequeneza, that grabbed her attention. “When I started researching this film, I had never heard of a North Atlantic right whale, let alone so many dying, seemingly inexplicably, all at once. When I learned it was us that was unintentionally killing them and that we could change our behavior to prevent those deaths, I had to tell this story.” To Pequeneza and her team at HitPlay Productions, it was critical to tell this story – not only from the creative lens of a moviemaker – but from the lens of scientists, photographers, rescuers and fishermen – all of whom are collaborating to turn this crisis around. Partnering with key wildlife conservation groups including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Canadian Wildlife Federation, Canadian Whale Institute, Oceans North, the New England Aquarium, and Oceana, Last of the Right Whales intends to attract an audience far beyond the conservation crowd. Pequeneza is quick to point out that North Atlantic right whale has faced and surpassed an extinction crisis more than once before. However, both times help has come from man. “The first was when mankind ‘helped’ by banning hunting them in the 1930s and more recently when we slowed ocean traffic and moved shipping lanes in conjunction with the whale migration.”
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he veil separating life and death is borne by all species, yet it is far thinner and more tattered for some than for others. Rarely do we truly perceive the fact that some species are under pressures so great, that the loss of even one individual reverberates with devastating consequences on the population at large. Facing such a tipping point is the North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, whose ongoing struggle for survival has inspired a breathtaking documentary by award-winning Canadian producer/director Nadine Pequeneza and her team at HitPlay Productions, aptly titled Last of the Right Whales. The documentary follows the right whale migration across 1,000 miles of critical habitats including coastal Florida, Cape Cod Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence – culminating in 92 minutes of breathtaking cinematography of this elusive, 70-ton right whale, the film’s central character, as well as the people so deeply committed to saving them. Migrating yearly from their breeding and calving grounds off the coasts of Georgia and Florida to their feeding grounds in coastal New England and Canada, these majestic whales travel through some of the most heavily industrialized ocean in the world. Its population now hovers around 336 individuals, a cataclysmic decline from tens of thousands in the early 1900’s, when originally hunted 20
Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
But it is this third threat which potentially poses the most holistic threat of all – climate change – where warming water temperatures force right whales further north in search of food, putting them on a direct collision course with deadly ships and fishing gear. According to Kathleen Collins, Marine Campaign Manager for IFAW, “Collisions with right whales are sadly far too common. Right whales are notoriously slow, often swimming just beneath the surface of the water. This makes them very difficult to spot and ultimately increases the probability of a vessel strike. This is why implementing seasonal speed restrictions in critical habitat areas is so important. Just like reducing speed limits on land – we need to do the same on the water.” Oceana field representative Hermina Glass-Hill emphasized a recent report from Oceana that found that vessels are exceeding speed limits in key areas designed to protect this critically endangered species. This is particularly true in the southeast where noncompliance has become an ongoing problem. This includes noncompliance from both commercial as well as recreational boats. Recently, recreational boater speeding was cited as the cause of death of a few right whale calves. One tool that can help mitigate this issue is to expand the adoption of citizen science apps including Whale Alert www.whalealert.org. The app allows public whale sightings to be submitted which helps alert mariners in real-time and can help establish safer speed zones to further reduce the risks to right whales and other marine mammal species. The other major threat to North Atlantic right whales, according to both Oceana and IFAW, comes from entanglement in the ropes used in the iconic fisheries of lobstering and crabbing. “Whales are migrating through industrial waterways incredibly dense with these thick, heavy lines. They are in many ways unavoidable. Once that animal becomes entangled, the effects can persist for months or even years. The weight and drag of this type of gear, often upwards of hundreds of pounds, affects the whale’s ability to swim or feed freely and severely impacts their ability to reproduce.” Collins goes on to add a sobering fact – an alarming 85% of North Atlantic right whales show signs of being entangled at least once in their lifetimes. One solution she points out however, comes from the fishermen themselves – on-demand or “ropeless” fishing gear, an innovative technology that removes the need for vertical lines in the water, except during the moment of active retrieval, therefore dramatically reducing the risk of entanglement. Regardless of the particular threat involved – from a single collision affecting one animal to an entanglement affecting a mother and calf, to the broader all-encompassing threat of climate change affecting the species. The cross-section of collaborators from scientists to filmmakers to fishermen to policymakers is hell-bent on facing one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time. “Without a general public aware of the situation facing the species, success will prove elusive,” adds Pequeneza. “This is one of the many reasons I felt so compelled to tell this tale through this film.” Naturalist and documentarian Cathy J. Sakas, president of the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation, discovered the first neonate (mammal less than four weeks old) stranded on Little St. Simons Island off the Georgia Coast over 30 years ago in 1981. Ever since, her focus has been to educate about the issues surrounding North Atlantic right whales as they struggle to survive in an ever increasingly hostile environment. According to Sakas, “No one wants to kill a whale, but we all do every day with the choices we make. When we make the best choices for the whales, we make the June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
best choices for all of us.” Currently, Last of the Right Whales is being shown in various festivals and theatrical screenings across both Canada and the US with an accompanying campaign that includes a coastal tour that follows the actual migration of the whales along the eastern seaboard. These special screening events (locally in Savannah, Ga. at the Lucas Theatre on July 12th) feature expert panels alongside scientists, fishers, mariners, industry stakeholders, as well as policymakers. All this in conjunction with a yearlong impact campaign focused on reducing vessel strikes, reducing gear entanglement and raising public awareness. “Right whales are magnificent, fascinating creatures," concludes Pequeneza. "There is still so much we don’t know about them. By sharing this film with audiences, we can engage people to help protect these great whales and their habitat so that the few remaining can bring this critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction.”
Surface Active Group of North Atlantic right whales from above.
For more information: www.lastoftherightwhales.com
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SHRIMP SEASON
... opened June 1 and CRD celebrated 20,000 trawls.
Above: Shrimpers trawling on last year's opening day of shrimp season, June 8, 2021. Photo by Tyler Jones, GADNR/CRD
By Eddie Leonard Marine Biologist GADNR Coastal Resources Division
The EMTS samples 36 pre-determined locations along the Georgia coast once per month, 12 months per year. Six sites are sampled within six of Georgia’s estuary areas or “sounds”, (Wassaw, Ossabaw, Sapelo, St. Simons, St. Andrew, and Cumberland Sounds). The sample sites were selected to represent three “sectors” of each estuary: rivers and creeks, sounds, and offshore within state waters. At each of these locations, the R/V Reid W. Harris pulls a 40-foot net, called a flat otter trawl, along the seabed for 15 minutes. The net is then hauled aboard the vessel and the contents are placed in a large sorting area. All animals in the catch are identified, separated by species, measured, weighed, and cataloged in a database. The primary data collected for shrimp are abundance, size, and reproductive condition. While shrimp and crabs are the primary targets, all species captured are recorded. This “bycatch” data collection was permanently added to the sampling effort in 2003, and provides information on several species of interest to commercial and recreational fishers. The data are also a very useful tool for monitoring general estuary health. Once the data are collected and stored in the database, they can be used for a variety of purposes from informing management decision making, inclusion in federal compliance reporting, and more. The most immediately impactful use of the data is in helping to decide on the annual opening and closing date for the commercial and recreational food shrimp harvest in Georgia’s state waters. According to Georgia law, the fishery may be open in the spring as early as May 15 and will close on December 31, unless extended.
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he GADNR Coastal Resources Division (CRD) marked a milestone in April when the division’s Ecological Monitoring Trawl Survey (EMTS) pulled its 20,000th trawl. The ETMS, formerly conducted aboard the now-retired R/V Anna, and continuing aboard the 2020-christened R/V Reid W. Harris has been gathering data about shrimp, blue crab and finfish populations on the Georgia Coast since 1976, and represents one of the longest-running datasets of its kind on the East Coast. Wild-caught shrimp are the most economically important of Georgia’s commercial fisheries and, many would argue, the most delicious shrimp on the market. The long-term viability of this fishery is critical to the well-being of many harvesters and coastal communities, and CRD is responsible for the management of this important fishery. To best accomplish management goals, the EMTS conducts direct sampling of coastal waters, independent of the commercial fisheries’ landings. This data gives biologists a look at target populations before they are vulnerable to harvest. This provides a holistic and unbiased view of the animals’ population. 22
Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
The actual opening and closing dates must be established by the Commissioner of the DNR. The Commissioner receives a recommendation from CRD on when to open and close the fishery from the Shrimp Advisory Panel (SAP). The SAP is a group of citizens from the commercial fishing industry, academia, and other representative user groups who meet on at least a biennial basis to review and discuss current conditions and make a recommendation to the Commissioner for the spring opening and winter closing. The Commissioner’s decision is constrained by law to shrimp of a certain size range, but reproductive status and shrimp abundance are also considered. The EMTS survey provides the only scientific data considered by the SAP, who also discuss industry forces and other observations. Each May, CRD closely evaluates and characterizes the status of the shrimp population as harvesters prepare for the spring opening. This May was no different. With a relatively warm winter and no major rainfall or drought conditions at hand, we should see a good harvest in the spring in Georgia’s state waters. Preliminary data from the EMTS for March and April are showing white shrimp in good numbers and early spawning condition. To learn more about the EMTS, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/ EcologicalMonitoringSurvey.
R/V Reid W. Harris heading out to trawl. Photo by Tyler Jones, GADNR/CRD
June 2022
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Give 'Em Space Beach-nesting season for shorebirds By Rick Lavender Communications and Outreach Specialist GADNR Wildlife Resources Division
Adults frightened from a nest will often call loudly and exhibit distraction displays, such as dragging a wing as if it’s broken. Sometimes the birds will dive-bomb people who get too close to their nest, said wildlife biologist Tim Keyes of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Keyes also encouraged visitors to leave dogs at home or keep them on a leash when visiting a beach where dogs are allowed. Owners who let their dogs chase shorebirds can be cited for harassing federally protected species. “Dogs and beach wildlife are incompatible,” Keyes said. Pets are excluded by regulation or law at sites including Tybee Island, the beachfront portion of Little Tybee, Pelican Spit, Satilla Marsh Island, Jekyll’s south end, and St. Catherines and Little Egg Island bars. (The bars, Pelican Spit and Brunswick Dredge Island, another key nesting site, also are closed to people.) Beach-nesting birds nest above the high-tide line on wide, terraced beach flats or in the edge of dunes. In Georgia, the birds lay eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand from mid-March through July. After hatching, chicks hide on the beach or in the grass. Disturbance by people or pets can cause adult birds to abandon eggs and chicks, exposing them to heat and predators. On a hot day, Keyes said, “in as little as 10 minutes, the eggs can be cooked.” The threats are similar for migrating seabirds and shorebirds. The coast provides vital stopover sites for species such as federally threatened red knots flying from South America and the Arctic. Red knots flushed from feeding might not gain the weight needed to
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eorgia beaches are not only vacation destinations, they are prime spots for nesting shorebirds and seabirds and for migrating species feeding for long flights to the Arctic. American oystercatchers, Wilson’s plovers and least terns use sites such as Little Tybee Island, Pelican Spit off Sea Island, Cumberland Island and the southern end of Jekyll Island. Among other species, black skimmers, royal terns and gull-billed terns also nest on Georgia beaches and offshore sandbars. For these birds are nesting, human disturbance is a significant threat. Shorebirds and seabirds also face risks from native predators and high spring tides. Pets can be destructive, too, killing or scaring birds. Visitors to Georgia’s beaches can help beach-nesting birds and migrating species by: • Avoiding posted sites. (Eggs and chicks are camouflaged and easy to overlook or even step on.) • Walking below the high-tide line. • Watching beach birds only from a distance. • Backing away from any nesting birds you accidentally disturb. 24
Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
BEACH BIRD TIPS How can you help birds when visiting a Georgia beach? • Stay in high-traffic areas; birds are less likely to nest where crowds gather. • Walk below the high-tide line or on wet-sand beaches. • Avoid posted nesting sites. (Eggs and chicks are camouflaged and easy to overlook or even step on.) • Observe beach birds only from a distance. Back away from any nesting birds you accidentally disturb. (Adults frightened from a nest will often call loudly and exhibit distraction displays, such as dragging one wing as if it’s broken.) • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, respectfully tell them how their actions can affect the birds. If the people continue, contact DNR’s Law Enforcement hotline, (800) 241-4113 or rangerhotline@dnr.ga.gov. • Leave dogs at home or keep them on a leash when visiting a beach where they’re allowed. (Owners who let their dogs chase shorebirds can be fined for harassing protected species.) • Keep house cats indoors, and don’t feed feral cats. Cats often prey on birds. • Help spread the word through family, friends and social media about the importance of giving beach-nesting birds the space they need to thrive. Beach-nesting bird tips and video are available at georgiawildlife.com/conservation/birds (click “Share the Beach”).
survive their more than 9,000-mile migration. “With a little bit of effort and concern, we all can enjoy the beach,” said Keyes, who works for the DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Wildlife Conservation Section. The effort is worth it. Recently on St. Simons’ East Beach and a bar in Gould’s Inlet, at the north end of the popular beach, Keyes counted a pair of oystercatchers, 46 black skimmer nests, 21 gull-billed tern nests and 25 least tern nests, plus about 10 pairs of Wilson’s plovers. A Beach Stewards program powered by volunteers helps monitor least terns nesting on East Beach. Participants inform the public and steer dogs and beachgoers away from the roped-off colony. Interested in being a Beach Steward? Contact Keyes, (912) 222-0424 or tim. keyes@dnr.ga.gov. As with all migratory bird species, shorebirds and seabirds in Georgia are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Some species, such as piping plovers and red knots, have additional protections under the Endangered Species Act. DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section works to conserve shorebirds, seabirds and other Georgia wildlife not legally fished for or hunted, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency depends primarily on fundraisers, grants and contributions. That makes public support critical. Georgians can help by contributing to the state’s Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund. Here’s how: • Buy a DNR eagle or monarch butterfly license plate, or renew any of the older designs, including the hummingbird tags. Most of the fees are dedicated to wildlife. Upgrade to a wild tag for only $25! Details at georgiawildlife.com/licenseplates. • Donate at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com. Click “Licenses and Permits” and log in to give. (New customers can create an account.) There’s even an option to round-up for wildlife. • Donate directly to the agency. Learn more at georgiawildlife.com/donations. Visit georgiawildlife.com/conservation/annualreport to see how support is put to work for wildlife.
Opposite page: Red knots feeding in the tide. Photo by Brad Winn, GADNR Below: Least tern chicks on the beach are easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Photo provided by GADNR
Attention bird lovers! Take a look at birdcast.info to learn what your migratory feathered friends are up to in your county. Simply enter your county in the migration dashboard and click the search button. You’ll see how many birds flew over your county the previous evening, altitudes, miles per hour, and more. The site also lists “expected nocturnal migrants” based on the month of the year, along with photos for easy identification. There’s also a link to The Cornell Lab’s Merlin app, providing global bird identification and field guide powered by user sightings.
Visit Birdcast.info June 2022
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The Riverkeeper Report Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
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he Satilla Riverkeeper has been working to get trash cans at the landings to prevent littering. The organization deployed five out already, and put these trash cans at 121 Landing last week. Litter is an expensive problem -- a survey conducted by Keep America Beautiful found that the U.S. spends more than $11.5B on litter removal annually (KAB, 2009). Help everyone prevent litter by throwing trash away and picking up trash you see by the river. satillariverkeeper.org
tarting this Memorial Day, trained Veteran citizen scientists will collect weekly water samples from at least 20 sites along the Savannah River and its tributaries. The water quality initiative through Veteran’s For Clean Water is a mission to keep citizens safe with a purpose for those looking for one more mission. The samples undergo testing for temperature, clarity, oxygen, and E.Coli. The results are accessible to the public through the SwimGuide App and KnowYourRiver.com. If you’d like to learn more about the VFCW program, get involved, sponsor a testing site, or learn how you can help, visit savannahriverkeeper. org
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re you interested in learning more about St. Marys Riverkeeper? Join us for a Happy Hour Mingle at Mocama Beer Company in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Come mingle, drink local beer, and talk about how we can better enrich our St. Marys River. Learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, fun events, and how you can engage with us this year. stmarysriverkeeper.org
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geechee Riverkeeper is encouraging people to get out in nature and explore the watershed by participating in a virtual scavenger hunt. Instead of physically gathering items, the rules are to photograph and geotag them, using the geolocation app @what3words. The event runs through June 30, 2022. Participants can find the list of scavenger hunt items and all the rules at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/ scavenger-hunt.
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Satilla Riverkeeper Chris Bertrand giving a thumbs up with trash cans placed at a boat landing. Photo provided by Satilla Riverkeeper June 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
27
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Community Updates New Dolphin Record A 53-year-old Midway man is the new state record holder for dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as mahi mahi, after the GADNR certified his catch in late April. James Roberts of Midway landed the 68-pound, 1.6-ounce dolphin April 26 while fishing over Deli Ledge approximately 80 miles east of St. Catherines Island, according to DNR’s Coastal Resources Division, which administers the Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records Program. “The last fish we caught that day was that mahi mahi,” Roberts told DNR by phone. “It wore me out. I couldn’t hardly breathe. … It was a blast, the best time of my life. I haven’t hardly been able to sleep since.” Roberts, who has been fishing offshore for about 20 Roberts with record dolphin. years, caught his mahi mahi aboard Capt. Michael Bell’s boat Salty Intentions. He used a 6-foot Star stand-up rod with Photo provided by GADNR a Penn Squall 16VS reel spooled with 60-pound line rigged with ballyhoo. It took Roberts about 30 minutes to land the record-setting fish. “This achievement recognizes not only the size of the catch, but Mr. Roberts’ skill as an angler and the sportsmanship he displayed in landing a record-setting game fish,” said Doug Haymans, director of DNR’s Coastal Resources Division. DNR staff weighed Roberts’ fish on a state-certified scale at the Georgia DNR Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery the same day it was caught. Roberts will receive a certificate signed by Gov. Brian Kemp acknowledging his accomplishment, and his record will be added to the list published annually in the Georgia Saltwater Regulations Guide and at CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords. Dolphin are prized for their food value and colorful markings. They are common up to 30 pounds, but can grow as large at 80 pounds, according to NOAA. They live for about five years, are highly migratory and are found from Florida to Massachusetts. For more information on the Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records Program, or to view current records for other species, visit the website above.
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Each year, NOAA Fisheries announces the season opening dates for red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic, in addition to the recreational season length. For the 2022 season: The recreational sector will open for harvest on the following 2 days: • July 8 and 9, 2022 – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 8, 2022, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 10, 2022. • The commercial sector will open for harvest at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 11, 2022, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2023, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date. During the Limited Open Seasons: • The total annual catch limit is 42,510 fish. • The recreational annual catch limit is 29,656 fish. • The recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit). • The commercial annual catch limit is 124,815 pounds whole weight (12,854 fish). • The commercial trip limit is 75 pounds gutted weight. There are no minimum or maximum size limits for the recreational or commercial sectors. 28
Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
CRD Launches Coastlines Georgia Magazine In May, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia DNR relaunched a magazine aimed at informing the public about the division's activities, mission, and staff. “Coastalines Georgia will be published quarterly in a digital format, including an e-reader edition that allows readers to turn the pages and read articles on computers, tablets, and mobile phones,” said Tyler Jones, CRD’s public information officer and editor of Coastlines Georgia. “The online format will enable Georgians from the mountains to the coast to access Coastlines Georgia whenever and wherever it’s convenient,” he said. The magazine was originally published in 1978 shortly after CRD was created. At its height, it had a circulation of more than 5,000 and highlighted not only CRD activities but other DNR divisions working across Georgia’s 105-mile coast. “We chose to revive this publication to give a historic nod to the dedicated CRD staff that came ahead of us,” said Doug Haymans, CRD director. “Throughout the years, CRD has done important work, and educating the public about how to be good stewards of conservation is part of our mission. Coastlines Georgia helps continue that tradition.” The inaugural re-issue released today highlights the importance of tarpon conservation and also features updates from the Georgia Coastal Management Program, new saltwater game fish records, artificial reef deployments, and various other activities at CRD. “We hope the public will enjoy reading Coastlines Georgia,” said Jones, the editor. “Our goal is to tell the story of CRD in a way that connects with and entertains the public.” To read Coastline Georgia, and to see historic editions published in the 1970s and 80s, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/Coastlines. To subscribe, visit CoastalGaDNR.org and navigate to the bottom right corner of the home page. Select “Sign up to receive news and information.” Be sure to select “News Releases” as a subscription topic.
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GAMBA Summer Social - July 28 The Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA) will host its annual Summer Social on Thursday evening, July 28, at the TMI crew lounge in Thunderbolt. The event is open to all marine and marine-related businesses. As in years past, guests will enjoy a buffet provided by Tortuga's Island Grille, and an open bar, as well as door prizes. www.georgiamarinebusiness.org New with this year's event is a charity raffle. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be split, with half benefiting Maritime Bethel Savannah and half benefitting GAMBA's Tom Wright Memorial Marine Trades Scholarship Fund. Raffle items are still being collected but will include charters, concert tickets, merchandise and more. To donate raffle items, please contact Robert Hale, halemarineinc@gmail.com. This annual event has had a large turnout each year and serves as a great networking and marketing opportunity for coastal marine businesses. For more information visit georgiamarinebusiness.org or email amy@ southerntidesmagazine.com.
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sécurité, pan-pan, or mayday. Say, for example, you’re in a well-traveled body of water and you see a huge piece of a piling or dock floating down the waterway that could cause damage. That would be known as a security issue. On channel 16, you would say, “Sécurité, sécurité, sécurité (it’s pronounced seh-KYURih-tay, and yes, you must say it three times), all vessels in the immediate area of (your location) be advised there is a (what-ever the issue is). Be advised it may be a menace to navigation.” If possible, give the direction the tide is moving for folks approaching the area. If possible, also hail the coast guard and give them the same information. Another example of when to make a sécurité call is just prior to entering major shipping channels. Simply say, “Sécurité, sécurité, sécurité, all vessels in the (area you’re approaching), name of your vessel will be entering (that area) in five minutes.” These calls should be made By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill on channel 13, as all the commercial vessels will be monitoring that channel and it would be nice for them to know what boat traffic they may need to be aware of. Once the security information has been transmitted, end the call by saying (vessel name) will be standing by on channel (16 or 13). This will allow anyone concerned to contact you for any follow up information they may require. Next is the pan-pan message, elcome back to another installment the next level up from securite. of What Irritates a Gator! This month I’d like to This is for situations considered rant about proper radio usage, or a lack thereof, urgent but with no imminent either of which can be annoying at best and danger of loss of life or vessel. This dangerous at worst. From the title, you may is also issued on channel 16 and can gather where I’m going with this. Some people be given as a general call such as “all seem to think of their marine VHF radio as a stations,” or specific station near glorified CB radio. But I’ll do my best to educate you. rather than offend y’all. For example, you’re taking on First, I’ll run through the most common water and the bilge pumps seem to channels and their proper usage. be keeping up, but you’re worried Channel 9 – This channel is used for vessel to about a failure. Give the nature of vessel contact, as well as ship to coast, such as in the call and your location, this alerts hailing drawbridge operators. Although there’s boats in the area just to listen out in only one drawbridge left on the Georgia coast, case your condition deteriorates. there are still some remaining in other areas, such Finally, the mayday call. This is as Florida. Channel 9 is also used in some areas the scary one – things have gone (such as the northeast) as a hailing channel in lieu pear-shaped and loss of life or of channel 16. vessel is imminent. As with securite Channel 13 – This is strictly for navigational and pan-pan calls, Mayday should purposes for commercial vessels, such as near the also be said three times to start the Captain Gator exercising proper radio etiquette (and look, entrances to the Port of Savannah and the Port hail. Always be clear and concise as of Brunswick, as well as military vessels. If you he trimmed his beard!). to nature of call, your location, your are near these areas I’d advise monitoring this Photo by Connor McGuinty vessel name, and if possible a cell channel versus 16, as it will allow you to listen in phone number. Many radios today and have a better understanding of where the big ship traffic is. have a distress button feature – PLEASE be sure yours is functional. Channel 16 – This is your hailing channel. Hailing means to initiate When a mayday call is issued, all vessels in the area are to stop their a conversation. Once initial contact has been made, select another activities and lend aid in whatever capacity can be done safely. In other working channel, such as channel 72, and have your discourse there. DO words, do not increase the severity of a marine accident by placing your NOT ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION ON CHANNEL 16. own vessel in peril as this compounds the situation, but you are required Channel 22A – This channel is for Coast Guard use only. It may be to help if it’s safe to do so. Also be aware that in most areas, making a used to talk between the Coast Guard and a vessel in distress, or to make false mayday call is a criminal offense. marine safety/security broadcasts. I hope my monthly rant helps clarify some of this and I’m sure y’all Channels 24-28 – These are public telephone call channels. Note: will make every effort to use the radio properly! Also, please always be there must be a marine operator present to fulfill a ship to shore call. sure your gear (radio included) is functional. You never know when your Channels 67-69 – These are recreational channels sometimes used life or family might need to rely on it. by fishing fleets, such as shrimpers, to stay in touch with one another. Now that we know where and what the channels are used for, let’s 'Til our wakes cross again, peace and love, dissect proper usage! Channel 16 is the most often misused channel out and shrimp and grits. I'll see you on the water! there. Each fall and spring, we have a huge armada of snowbirds traveling the ICW and I’ve heard most everything under the sun being said over the radio. Channel 16 is NOT a place to be giving someone Aunt Martha’s recipe for rhubarb pie, nor is it to be used by marinas or boat captains to yell at someone for two solid minutes about their wake. Trust me when I tell you, the people leaving a huge wake are not listening! Now let’s look at what else channel 16 is used for, namely the sharing of important information, which can fall into three types of calls: Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com
VHF: Not the CB of the Water
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Southern Tides Magazine June 2022
4 Summer Home Decorating Tips Seasonal decorating doesn’t have to mean pulling out boxes of decorations every time. You want to keep your home decorating simple and clean in the summer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of extra fun in the summertime. Here are four decorating tips to help you feel more summery in your home this season. Switch Your Bedding You can throw off those fuzzy down comforters and swap in lighter blankets. The color can change, too, to reflect the season. Instead of the dark cozy colors of winter, opt for lighter, brighter colors to feel more like summertime. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space Now that it’s summer and the days are longer, you’ll spend a lot more time outside. Make sure you optimize your outdoor seating to make it inviting for yourself and guests. Add lighting to your outdoor space to continue gathering after dark. And you can even make it more comfortable underfoot with an outdoor rug. Light Summer-Scented Candles While colors and comfort are essential for summer, you can also consider the scents of the season. Buy some delightful summer-scented candles to light throughout your house. Some scents to consider include beachy themes and tropical fruits. Put Out Bowls of Citrus Fruits To enjoy the summer with all of your senses, consider decorating with a bowl full of citrus fruits. The greens, yellows and oranges are gorgeous on a countertop or table, but they can also be useful as you can snack on them or use them to make delicious summertime beverages.
6349 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA
912.352.1222 • MyCBHomes.com
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927 lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com Find me on:
@lynmccuen
Isle of Hope Marina
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi 30-50-100 amp electrical service 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks 600 feet of deepwater face docks
Voted Best Marina in Savannah!
50 W Bluff Drive Savannah, GA 31406
Complimentary loaner cars and bicycles Ship's Store and Laundry Facilities 2,000 sq ft overwater pavilion Private restrooms and showers Gas, Diesel, and Pump-out facilities
Introducing
marker 46a Introducing our new addition, Marker 46A, exclusively for Isle of Hope Marina guests! Featuring an outdoor deck with comfortable seating and picturesque water views. Inside, you can find complimentary coffee, WiFi, high definition TV, and ceiling fans.
912-354-8187 www.iohmarina.com
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