Summer 2011 Newsletter - Georgia`s Coastal Resources Division

Summer 2011
Vol.17, No.2
Coastal Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan
Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that are common members of freshwater and marine habitats.
Algae are vitally important to marine and freshwater ecosystems and most species of algae are not
harmful. However, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) can occur when certain types of microscopic algae
grow quickly in water, forming visible patches that may harm the health of the environment, plants
or animals. HABs can deplete the oxygen and block sunlight that other organisms need to live and
some HAB-causing algae release toxins that are dangerous to animals and humans. HABs occur in
marine, estuarine and fresh waters. HABs appear to be increasing along the coastlines and in the
surface waters of the United States,
according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In 2007, a harmful algal bloom (HAB)
of Karenia brevis red tide occurred at
Fernandina Beach near the
Georgia/Florida border.
Circumstances around this event made
local and state agencies aware that
coastal Georgia was not prepared to
properly respond to a HAB event on
their coastline. In response, the
Georgia Coastal Health District
applied for and was awarded a Coastal
Incentive Grant to create the Coastal
Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom
Response Plan.
Gould’s Inlet
A vessel crosses a harmful algal bloom.
The Coastal Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan is meant to effectively manage a HAB
event. Agencies participating in the plan include the Coastal Health District (9-1); the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Coastal Resources Division, and
Environmental Protection Division; and the NOAA's Center for Coastal Environmental Health and
Biomolecular Research.
The plan and additional public outreach information can be found at:
http://www.gachd.org/environmental-health/harmful_algal_bloom_hab.php
For further information, please contact Todd Driver with the Georgia Coastal Health District at (912)
262-2342 or tadriver@dhr.state.ga.us
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 2
Summer 2011
The Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail
By Susan Snyder Reeves,
Grants Manager
Interest in kayaking and canoeing has grown tremendously in the past few years attracting both
nature enthusiasts, fishermen and the casual visitor who want to experience the river up close. With
2,200 miles of rivers and winding creeks, the opportunities for kayaking and canoe paddling along
the Georgia coast are extraordinary. Until recently, kayakers have relied primarily on informal
guidance from local outfitters to learn of paddling routes, launch and landing sites and general
information about supplies and services in different areas.
With support from a Coastal Management Program Coastal
Incentive Grant, the Coastal Regional Commission has
developed a Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail Plan and
Guide. The plan shows a 195 mile trail beginning in St. Marys,
Georgia on the Florida border and concluding at Tybee Island at
the northern end of the state's coast. The trail traverses
countless sounds, rivers and creeks and includes ninety-two
miles of alternate and secondary routes. Also included are
landing and launch locations, services and points of interest
along the routes, mileage of segments, safety information and
links to other resources. The Plan and Guide is currently
available online as a PDF document. Coastal Resources Division
has plans to refine the Guide and convert it to a pocket format
for on-the-water use.
Local communities along the coast have welcomed the trail
guide and are using it as impetus to further develop eco-tourism
opportunities. Kayaking is a more affordable boating alternative to a motor boat and is a nonpolluting, more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
The Georgia Saltwater Paddle Trail has become an important part of the larger Southeast Coast
Saltwater Paddle Trail Initiative coordinated by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and
Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA). This project will identify a main corridor for a blueway
that stretches from Virginia, through the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and
connects with the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
To learn more about the Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail
plan, please visit the Coastal Regional Commission web site at:
http://www.crc.ga.gov/docs/bluewayplanfinal.pdf
Note: A ‘Paddle Trail Guide to Coastal Georgia’ which includes
detail maps of paddle trails is currently under development
and will be available free of charge from Ga DNR/Coastal
Resources Division later this year. For more information on
this project contact Sonny Emmert at:
sonny.emmert@gadnr.org
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 3
Summer 2011
Spotlight on Environmental Organizations :
The Georgia Kayak Fishing Foundation now Paddle4Tomorrow
With the new name change, Paddle4Tomorrow has
taken the opportunity to refocus their mission to 3
central goals, increase access, participation and
sustainability.
photo: Heliconia Press
When asked about the name change, P4T Executive
Director David Minich said "It's really very simple, we go
beyond Georgia, we paddle more than kayaks, and we
don't always fish. What we really do is paddle for
tomorrow. We introduce families to a simple, small
footprint method of spending time on the water. And it can
last a lifetime - tomorrow and beyond.”
“When we first started organizing paddlers together, our mission was somewhat selfish. We wanted
increased access to our waterways.” said Board President and Co-Founder Tony Narcisse. “From there
we discovered that we needed more people involved in our sport. This is where the participation aspect
came in, but that was isn't enough. If we have a million new people out paddling our waterways, but
they're poor stewards of the resource, no one wins. P4T feels the current stewards have the
responsibility to ensure that the next generation of paddlers, anglers and outdoors-people are just as, or
more focused on sustainability than they were.“
Access
At P4T, we believe our nation's waterways should be accessible to all
citizens, and waterways best suited for paddling have adequate, safe and
convenient points of entry/exit. To further that goal, P4T partners with
local, state & federal agencies as well as environmental & recreational
groups to bring about these access points. We also believe those that have
access should properly steward and use the resource. We believe involving
more of our fellow citizens in outdoor activities and demonstrating
sustainable use of the resources is the surest way of protecting them.
Participation
We believe that almost everyone on the planet can participate in paddle
sports. We have seen it. We have been there. Wheelchairs are no
impediment. If you can sit in a chair you can probably sit in a kayak or
canoe. With a small amount of help, the blind can get out to paddle and even to fish. Injury does not hold
you back. Whether you come out with a therapist or with a family member helping you to rehab from an
injury, you can participate. We've done it. Access is the first step and we are committed to it.
Participation is natural once we have the access. We are here to help people participate. Let us know
how we are doing.
Sustainability
We have much to learn from our children. And we must leave them a legacy. Keep it clean. Pack out the
trash. Leave it better than you found it.
For more information on Paddle4Tomorrow and to find out how to help their mission, please visit
http://www.paddle4tomorrow.org
submittted by Zach Yurchuck, P4T
Page 4
Summer 2011
Coastal Incentive Grants Awards Announced
By Susan Snyder Reeves,
Grants Manager
The Georgia Coastal Management Program recently announced the selection of 20 projects to receive
Coastal incentive Grants for the upcoming year. Total funds awarded this grant cycle amounts to
$964,881. Projects include construction of public access, community development and education
programs and research. Grant awards are contingent upon approval of Georgia's annual application
for funds through the Coastal Zone Management Act administered by the National Oceanographic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Projects will begin on October 1, 2011 and be completed within
a year. Grants awarded for 2011 include:
University of Georgia - MAREX
UGA Research Foundation
City of Savannah
Glynn County
Tybee Island
Garden City
University of Georgia - MAREX
Savannah-Chatham Co. School District
Soil and Water Conservation District
Savannah State University
University of Georgia
Chatham County Health Department
University of Georgia - MAREX
Camden County
UGA Research Foundation
Brantley County
City of St. Marys
City of Darien
City of Kingsland
City of Darien
Pilot Oyster Restoration Plan
Georgia Coastal Research Council
Sidewalk to the Sea
Marsh Restoration Pilot Project
Program to Combat Litter & Marine Debris
Planning for a Disaster Resilient Community
Septic Tank Inventory - Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh
Oatland Island Center Education Program
Conservation Education Workshops
Impact of Coastal Hazards on Salt Marsh
Plant Survey of the Lower Ogeechee River
Septic System Location, Inspection & Code Reform
Coastal Hazards: Know the Facts Program
Georgia Rails to Trails
Marsh Wrack Accumulation Study
Waynesville Nature Trail
Upgrades to City Pier
Butler Island Kayak Dock
Kingsland Conservation Park
Butler Island Public Access Project
Approximately one-half of Georgia's Coastal Zone Management funding is passed through as subgrants through the Coastal Incentive Grant Program. Eligible recipients include local governments in
the 11 county coastal area (Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn,
Brantley, Charlton and Camden Counties), state-affiliated research and educational institutions and
regional and state agencies (except DNR). For more information about upcoming Coastal Incentive
Grant funding contact Susan Snyder Reeves, Grants Manager, 912-264-7218, susan.reeves@gadnr.org,
or visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org.
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Summer 2011
Page 5
CZM News and Notes
By Brad Gane, Chief of Ecological Services
Governor's South Atlantic Alliance Update
The Alliance has continued its forward motion, building on the Action Plan to develop an
Implementation Plan. The Steering Committee, comprised of Commissioners from each of the
four South Atlantic states, recently endorsed an Implementation Plan work summary and gave
the "full speed ahead" to the four Issue Area Teams to continue their work. The Issue Area Teams
have been identifying and compiling the Implementation Plan that is scheduled to go before the
Steering Committee within weeks for their approval. The four Issue Area Team subject areas are
Working Waterfronts, Clean Coastal and Ocean Waters, Healthy Ecosystems, and DisasterResilient Communities. For more info, please see the Governor's South Atlantic Alliance website
at http://www.southatlanticalliance.org, and stay tuned for the Implementation Plan's release.
GCMP Survives Federal Evaluation!
During the week of May 23, 2011 an evaluation team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) traveled to Georgia to conduct a routine periodic evaluation of Georgia's
Coastal Management Program(GCMP) from 2005-2011. The evaluation was to determine whether
DNR/CRD, as the State's lead agency, is: implementing and enforcing essential elements of the
federally-approved Coastal Management Program - playing a leadership role in coastal issues;
monitoring actions of State and local agencies; basing decisions on enforceable policies; assuring
opportunities for public participation; addressing coastal management needs; and adhering to
terms and conditions of federal financial assistance awards. The evaluation also reviewed the
GCMP's implementation of Federal Consistency and recent Program Changes. During the site
visit, NOAA evaluators attended meetings throughout the coast and met with over 40 individuals
representing a variety of GCMP partners and stakeholders. A public meeting provided additional
opportunity for input.
NOAA is currently preparing their evaluation findings which may include a summary of program
accomplishments, suggestions and/or necessary actions. Overall, staff feel that the evaluation was
very positive and are looking forward to NOAA's report coming sometime this summer.
CRD Staff…Coming to a Wetland Near You.
This summer, Georgia is joining other states and tribes
in participating in the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) National Wetland Condition Assessment
(NWCA). Wetland sites were randomly selected across
the country. Georgia received a total of 50 sites
statewide, while 30 of those sites were located in
saltmarshes on the coast. CRD staff are spending an
average of five hours at each site gathering data on
soils, vegetation, hydrology, water chemistry and algae.
Once the data is analyzed for all states, a report will be
submitted to Congress on the status of the nation's
Matt Mason and JT Bennett collect soil samples
at a wetland site in McIntosh County.
wetlands. Stay tuned to CRD's website for the report.
Contact Jan Mackinnon at
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
jan.mackinnon@dnr.state.ga.us for additional information.
Page 6
Summer 2011
Georgia Healthy Beaches
By Elizabeth Cheney
Coastal Resources Specialist
Remember - before you go to the beach - ‘go online or check the sign’
Summertime, and the weather is hot! It's time to hit the
beach! While you are packing your beach bag, be sure to
check on your favorite beach by visiting
GeorgiaHealthyBeaches.org.
DNR, in partnership with the Coastal Health District,
monitors Georgia's beaches for the presence of harmful
bacteria. The DNR samples the beach water on Tybee
Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island every week. The Health
Department Laboratory analyzes the water samples. When elevated levels
of bacteria are found, The Health District issues a swimmers advisory. An
advisory does not mean that the beach is closed, but that DNR and the
Health District recommend that you do not swim at that beach.
DNR updates the GeorgiaHealthyBeaches.org website whenever a swimmers advisory is issued.
DNR has also installed bi-lingual signs at beach access crossovers on Tybee, Jekyll, and St. Simons
islands. These permanent metal folding signs are activated whenever there is an advisory at a
particular beach.
‘CoastalGaDNR.org’
CRD Web Site Gets New Look
Coastal Resources is proud to announce that CRD’s
redesigned web site is ready for viewing! On July
1st, we flipped the switch on a user-friendly new site
with updated content and enhanced graphics.
Staff member, Paul Medders, led a team of dedicated
CRD associates through this year-long redesign
project and the results are fantastic.
Web sites are always a ‘work in progress’ and our is
no exception. We will continue to expand and refine
our site in the coming months. Bookmark CoastalGaDNR.org’ and watch our progress!
FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT:
We invite you to tour the redesigned site at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org
and tell us if we are on the right track. Email your comments to: paul.medders@gadnr.org
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 7
Summer 2011
Road Trip:
National Hurricane Awareness Event Lands in Savannah
On May 5, 2011, CRD's Coastal Ark traveled to the Savannah International Airport for National
Hurricane Awareness Month, sponsored by NOAA. The national event is held annually before the start of
the hurricane season which begins June 1st and continues through November 30th. Savannah was the
first of several stops for the 2011 event that rotates
each year between the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf
Coast.
The CRD exhibit featured an interactive wave tank
that staff used to demonstrate storm surge and the
importance of Georgia's Barrier Islands for storm
protection.
Joining CRD at the NOAA event were representatives
of local Emergency Management Agencies, Salvation
Army, Red Cross, Amatur Radio clubs, US Coast Guard
and Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
For years NOAA pilots have flown P-3s into hurricanes
at low altitudes (1,500-10,000 ft.) to collect researchmission data critical for computer models that predict
hurricane intensity and landfall.
The highlight of the day was a visit by the NOAA
National Weather Service Lockheed WP-3D Orion
‘Hurricane Hunter’.
P-3 Aircraft—Into the Storm
Slicing through the eyewall of a hurricane, buffeted
by howling winds, blinding rain, hail, and violent
updrafts and downdrafts before entering the
relative calm of the storm's eye, NOAA's two P-3
turboprop aircraft probe every wind and pressure
change, repeating the grueling experience again
and again during the course of a ten-hour mission.
Scientists aboard the aircraft deploy GPS
dropwindsondes as the P-3 flies through the
hurricane. These devices continuously radio back
measurements of pressure, humidity, temperature,
and wind direction and speed as they fall toward the
sea, providing a detailed look at the structure of the
storm and its intensity.
The Orion aircraft has flown through more
than 97 named storms in 35 years.
The P-3s are based at NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
NOAA Corps pilots and civilian flight engineers, meteorologists and electronic engineers are highly
trained to operate in the kind of adverse weather conditions that keep other aircraft on the ground.
During non-hurricane season months, NOAA aircraft are tailored for use in other severe weather and
atmospheric research programs, and flown by NOAA Corps pilots worldwide in a variety of weather
conditions.
For more information on NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations visit:
www.nmao.noaa.gov
Page 8
Summer 2011
Georgia’s Hurricane History
Did you know that the costliest disaster in Georgia's history was from
a tropical storm? In 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto came ashore along
the Florida panhandle on July 4th and stalled over western Georgia
producing catastrophic flooding. Alberto produced damages exceeding
$750 million and over 30 deaths.
Georgia has been extremely fortunate that a hurricane has not made
landfall along the coast in recent history. The most recent threat to the
Georgia Coast was Hurricane Floyd. In September 1999, Georgia,
Florida, and South Carolina experienced the largest evacuation effort
in American history in the face of Hurricane Floyd. An estimated 3
million people took to the highways to flee Floyd's wrath, jamming
Many people are surprised to learn that
interstates in search of safety and shelter.
Georgia is an extremely vulnerable state
The last hurricane to make landfall on the Georgia Coast was
Hurricane David (1979). David made landfall on the Georgia Coast
south of Savannah as a Category 1 hurricane. In the U.S.,
Hurricane David caused $320 million in damages and 15 fatalities.
In total, four hurricanes made landfall on the Georgia Coast during
the 20th Century: 1911, 1940, 1947, and 1979.
to hurricane-related hazards. The
geographic location of Georgia makes it
susceptible to impacts from tropical
storms and hurricanes from both the
Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean
that have caused widespread damages
and coastal evacuations.
Georgia's hurricane history along the coast was much more
turbulent in the 19th century. In total, 14 hurricanes made
landfall on the Georgia coast, six of which were major
hurricanes (Category 3 or greater): 1898, 1893, 1854, 1824,
1813, and 1804 These infamous hurricanes ravaged the coast
causing widespread damages and thousands of fatalities.
The first known pictures of storm surge were
taken in Brunswick, GA following landfall
of the 1898 hurricane.
The major hurricane of 1898 made landfall on the southern
Georgia Coast on October 2. The first known pictures of storm
surge were taken in Brunswick, GA following the landfall of
the storm. The Cumberland Island Pilot Boat Maud Helen was
left on 20 feet above sea level on a bluff at High Point and a
storm surge of 16 feet was recorded in Brunswick, GA.
The major hurricane of 1893 made landfall on the northern
Georgia Coast on August 27. This devastating hurricane is responsible for causing over 2,500 fatalities
and is one of the worst weather-related natural disasters in Georgia's history.
There are many additional resources for obtaining historical information about hurricanes that have affected Georgia
and the U.S.
The Atlantic and Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) provides a comprehensive listing of tropical
cyclones affecting North Florida and Georgia dating back to 1565 at http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/history/index.html
The National Hurricane Center provides a website on hurricane preparedness that contains many notable historical
hurricanes at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml
The NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC) provides an online mapping tool that queries and displays historical hurricane tracks
at http://csc-s-maps-q.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes
Page 9
Summer 2011
CRD Staff News
Interns for the 2011 Summer Sampling Season
The Research and Surveys Program has two summer interns with a
common tie, yet different career tracks. Both Graham Carithers and
Julie Creamer have affiliations with the University of Georgia's Warnell
School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Graham is a 2009 alum with
a dual degree in wildlife and forest resources and Julie is an up and
coming senior with a focus in fisheries.
As summer interns with CRD’s
Marine Fisheries Program, Graham
works with the shark nursery and
Summer intern Julie Creamer will
red drum longline projects; Julie is
graduate from UGA in 2012.
assigned to the red drum, spotted
seatrout and tarpon netting surveys.
This is Julie's second summer on the coast working with CRD. She plans
to continue her studies in a graduate school program and pursue a career
in fisheries. This is Graham first summer with Coastal Resources. After
a few years of field experience, Graham plans to pursue a graduate
degree in his area of interest.
Waverly native Graham Carithers is a
summer intern on the longline surveys.
CRD Staff Member Joins Other Government Officials to
Develop Climate Adaptation Strategy
The Department of the Interior and the Council on Environmental Quality
with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as lead agency are developing a national,
government-wide climate adaptation strategy addressing fish, wildlife, plants
and related ecological process. To achieve this goal by 2012, the USFWS has
requested representation from all federal, state and tribal governments with
management authorities for fish, wildlife, plants or habitat to sit on a
technical team.
Coastal Resources Division's Coastal Hazards Specialist Jennifer Kline serves
on the coastal technical team of the National Fish Wildlife and Plants Climate
Adaptation Strategy. The first meeting and work session was held in
Alexandria, Va in March. Watch for updates from Jennifer in coming issues of
Jennifer Kline,
the Georgia Sound on this important project.
Coastal Hazards Specialist
The Georgia Sound is produced by the Georgia DNR/Coastal Resources Division. If you would like more information please visit our web site at:
www.CoastalGaDNR.org or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.
Editor: Nancy Butler, CRD Communications Outreach, GA DNR. Email: nancy.butler@dnr.state.ga.us
This publication is made possible through the efforts of the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division staff and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Grand Award #NA10NOS4190211
Page 10
Summer 2011
GaSound Bytes
Junior Angler Has a Great Day on the Water
Four year old Jake, a.k.a. “The Shark Hunter”, earned his new
nickname recently when he reeled in two whiting, two bonnethead
sharks and one red fish on his SpongeBob SquarePants rod and reel.
Proud grandpa, Rick Adams reported to CRD’s Angler Survey
Manager, Kathy Knowlton that, “Jake would wake me up in the
morning with the greeting, “Grandpa, the shark hunter is here!””
CoastFest 2011 Update
2011 CoastFest Logo Artist Honored
Payton Dowling got a big surprise the last week of school when
she was presented with the first CoastFest 2011 poster featuring
her very own artwork from the 2010 CoastFest Art Contest. With
more than 1,200 enties to the CoastFest Student Art Contest,
judges selected Payton’s entry for the 2011 logo. Congratulations,
Payton!!
CoastFest 2011 - Saturday, October 1st
Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick,GA
CRD to Host Leave No Trace Awareness Program
Join CRD staff and members of the Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers in a free family-oriented workshop that
provids tools and training to help everyone enjoy the outdoors in an
environmentally sustainable way.
Games…Prizes…Lunch !!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
9am – 1pm
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is the international leader in
sustainable recreation practices. The nonprofit organization teaches
children and adults vital skills to minimize their impacts when they
Meet the Subaru Leave No Trace
are outdoors.
Traveling Trainers on July 16th.
The Leave No Trace Awareness Program is open to children and adults of all ages. The event will be held
at Coastal Regional Headquarters, Brunswick, GA (adjacent to the Sidney Lanier Bridge). For more
information or to register, contact Paul Medders at (912) 264.7218 or paul.medders@gadnr.org
For more information about the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics of The Subaru Leave
No Trace Traveling Trainer Program visit: www.LNT.org
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 11
Summer 2011
Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project
By Dr. Carolyn Belcher, Marine Biologist
Kirby Wolfe, Marine Biologist
In the fall of 1997 the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated the Marine
Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project. This project takes advantage of the fishing efforts of
hundreds of anglers by turning filleted fish carcasses that anglers would normally discard
into a source of much needed data on Georgia's marine sportfish. The project is a true
partnership of saltwater anglers, marine businesses, conservation groups, and the Coastal
Resources Division (CRD). The Georgia Power Foundation has been instrumental in
providing supplemental funding for this project.
The approach is simple, yet effective. Chest freezers are placed near the fish cleaning
stations at selected locations along the Georgia coast. Each freezer is marked with an
identifying sign and a list of target fish species. Inside the freezer is a supply of plastic bags,
information cards, and pens. Cooperating
anglers can place the filleted carcasses, with
head and tail intact, in a bag, drop in a
completed angler information card, and then
place the bag in the freezer.
The filleted fish carcass with the head and tail
intact can provide a wealth of information to
scientists studying the trends in fish
populations. Each fish is identified as to
species, the fish length is measured, sex is
determined when possible, and the otoliths
(commonly called ear bones) are removed. The
otoliths are then evaluated using computeraided image analysis to determine an accurate
age of the fish. This is accomplished by
taking a thin section of the otolith and
counting the rings like the rings on a tree.
The information provided by fish carcasses help
biologists and managers better understand the status
of Georgia's coastal fish populations.
Data from fish carcasses are used in very sophisticated analyses such as the coastal
stock assessment for Atlantic coast red drum in which length and age information collected
from donated red drum carcasses are used by stock assessment scientists with the National
Marine Fisheries Service.
Today, the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project provides every angler the opportunity
to help determine the future of saltwater fishing in the state of Georgia. Fisheries
management is a work in progress. The data provided by Georgia's saltwater anglers are
priceless in helping to determine the status of important sportfish species and allow anglers
to have a direct impact on the stewardship of coastal Georgia's fishery resources.
From 1997 through 2010, 1137 different anglers have participated in the Marine Sportfish
Carcass Recovery Project. In 2010, 166 anglers donated 367 bags of fish carcasses, with
participation ranging from 1 to 23 bags per angler.
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 12
Summer 2011
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
10
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
02
20
01
20
00
20
99
20
98
19
19
97
0
19
Figure 1. Annual totals
for 1997 through 2010.
Total Carcasses Processed
Since 1997, a total of 41,818 carcasses have been donated by anglers and processed for
information. In 2010, Georgia DNR personnel processed a total of 4,343 sportfish carcasses.
The number of carcasses processed this year is down from last year's total of 5,325, and
above the long-term annual average of 2,987.
Year
Carcasses from eight different species were processed this year. The top three sportfish
species were spotted seatrout (56.4%), red drum (30.7%), and black drum (3.6%). Southern
kingfish (whiting), Southern flounder, sheepshead, tripletail and Atlantic croaker made up
the remaining 9.3% of carcasses processed this year.
2450
spotted seatrout
1333
red drum
black drum
157
Southern kingfish (whiting)
150
Southern flounder
134
sheepshead
100
Figure 2.Species totals by
number for 2010.
12
tripletail
7
Atlantic croaker
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Total Carcasses Processed
Carcass Freezer Locations:
Hogan's Marina
36 Wilmington Island Rd, Savannah GA 31410
(Turner's Creek) ph:(912)897-3474
Two-Way Fish Camp
250 Ricefield Way- Brunswick, Ga 31525 (Altamaha River)
ph:(912)265-0410
Yellow Bluff Fish Camp
118 Yellow Bluff Rd; Midway GA 31320 (St. Catherine's) ph:(912)884-5448
Shellman Bluff Marina
1254 Bland Rd NE; Townsend GA 31331(Sapelo Sound Julienton River) ph:(912)832-4331
Half Moon
171 Azalea Road, Midway Ga. 31320 ph:(912)884-5819
Landings Yacht Club
1 Marina Dr, Savannah, Ga 31411 ph:(912)598-0023
Bahia Blue Marina
2812 River Dr. Thunderbolt, GA 31404 (Wilmington River)
Coffee Bluff Rescue Squad 2A 14915 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31419 (Forrest River)
Fort McAllister Marina
3203 Fort Mcallister Rd, Richmond Hill, GA
(Ogeechee River - Richmond Hill) ph: (912)727-2632
Bull River Marina
8005 Old Tybee Rd, Savannah, Ga 31410 (Bull River) ph: (912)897-7300
Coffee Bluff Marina
14915 Coffee Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31419, Phone: (912)925-7474
Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Summer 2011
Page 13
Marine Fisheries Research
By Patrick Geer
Chief of Marine Fisheries
Fishing, boating, and beach activities are in full swing in Coastal Georgia this time of year. During
outdoor activities, many of you may encounter one (or more) of our field crews as they conduct their
monitoring and research surveys - as they do throughout the year. While students and many
families use the summer for well-deserved vacations, our staff are at their busiest between May
and November.
Marine Fisheries has at least twelve ongoing surveys, with just as many time- and species-specific
research projects. Much of this work is performed on the Department's two large research vessels
(R/V Anna and R/V Marguerite) and a suite of small trailerable vessels. This fleet allows us to
reach our artificial reefs 40 miles offshore, while at the same time sample the smallest of the
upriver creeks. The vessel and field crews are extremely dedicated, logging nearly 2500 man-days
in the field on any given year. Background information on several of our ongoing project includes:.
Ecological Monitoring Trawl Survey
The “EMTS” is our longest running survey with its origins dating
back to 1971. By 1976 it was established as a monthly survey to
assess shrimp and crab abundance and work has continued
uninterrupted aboard the R/V Anna since. The survey is responsible
for determining when to open and close food shrimp season in state
waters. As such, the staff become celebrities of sorts in late May to
early July when newspapers and news stations eagerly search for
information on the season opening. It's
pretty routine for the staff, but still
exciting to see staff quoted in the New
York Times or Washington Post! On a
serious note, the work conducted on this
survey has been vital to managing
Georgia's shrimp and blue crab fisheries
Captain Dwight Varnedoe deploys
for over 35 years. In recent years we
the trawl net on the R/V Anna.
have been examining all species
captured in the trawl net, allowing us to
assess the abundance and health of numerous finfish and invertebrate
species. Most finfish observed by this survey are juveniles, so by
estimating their abundance and tracking it over time, we should be able
to forecast potential adult populations of these species in future years.
R/V Anna
Marine Sportfish Population Health Survey (MSPHS) is actually several projects under a single
moniker. Since 2003, staff have conducted netting surveys (gill and trammel) from June through
November adjacent to marsh edges in Wassaw and Altamaha Sounds to assess recreational fish
abundance (primarily juvenile red drum and adult spotted sea trout). Data from these surveys
have been used in both state and federal stock assessments for managing these two species.
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 14
Summer 2011
Present research projects being conducted by MSPHS
biologists include acoustic and radio technologies.
Biologist Chris Kalinowsky is fitting tripletail with
acoustic sensors to track their movements. Fish tagged
by Chris in Georgia's estuaries have been reported
overwintering in Florida and returned to Georgia the
following spring. Kirby Wolfe is using radio tags (similar
to those in cats and dogs) to examine salt water
impoundments to determine when and how these fishes
use such water bodies.
Red Drum and Coastal Sharks Longline Survey.
The Longline Survey was established in 2006 with its
CRD Biologists Chris Kalinowsky (right) and Gabe
main objective to monitor, assess, and tag adult red drum Gaddis fit tripletail with acoustic sensors to track
as they move from the estuaries to offshore waters. The
movement.
60 hook longline sets also produce numerous sharks
(16 species to date), making it an even more valuable project. Each shark is measured, weighed and
certain species tagged and released. Dr. Carolyn Belcher has also utilizes
acoustic technology by field testing a water proof ultrasound to determine
the number and size of shark pups developing inside a female. This work
is cutting edge and will allow specimens to be released unharmed at sea
while gathering valuable data of fecundity.
The Marine Recreational Information
Program (MRIP) is a national program
that gathers catch and effort data by
interviewing recreational fishers at docks
and boat ramps. Biologist Kathy
Knowlton and her staff are the most
visible of the Marine Fisheries staff,
surveying the coastal counties with more
than 360 assignments annually, producing
over 1500 angler interviews.
Sharks are measured, weighed,
tagged and released as part of
the longline survey.
A full description of all the Marine Fisheries projects and surveys is
available on our website at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org
CRD biologists gather catch and
effort data from recreational
anglers at public docks and boat
ramps along the coast.
Summer 2011
Page 15
The American Eel
By Jim Page
Marine Biologist
‘Slimy’... perhaps no other word is used more frequently to
describe the American eel
(Anguilla rostrata), a common
yet very unique finfish found
along the Georgia Coast. For many anglers, the strong dislike of this snake-like
fish is often the result of its desire to coil tightly around the lines and hands of
anglers when hooked. But regardless of whether you love it or hate it, the
American eel is a truly interesting species with a unique life history.
The GA DNR, along with all states along the eastern US coast, has been
mandated by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission(ASMFC) to annually
conduct a ‘'young-of-the-year' American eel survey. The six-week survey is conducted in January and
February and is designed to assess eel populations in Georgia's coastal and inland waters. Detailed
information, including length, weight and pigmentation development is recorded for each eel encountered.
Staff also collects information on fishing gear, tidal stage and hydrological data to determine their impact on
catches. Data is provided to the ASMFC for use in stock assessment and fishery management decisions for
this species.
One year old glass eel.
Until recently, scientists considered the American eel to be a
freshwater eel. The latest
data shows that some eels
swim up freshwater streams
to mature, others remain
and mature in both
estuarine and marine
waters, and still others
move between habitats.
Males typically spend much
their adult life in coastal
brackish waters while
females continue the
journey to freshwater.
CRD biologists Jim Page (left) and Billy
Female American eels can
Readdick set Japanese-style fyke nets to
collect migrating young eel.
grow to five feet in length,
and males usually reach
American eels begin their lives as eggs
about three feet.
hatching in the Sargasso Sea, a 2million-square-mile warm-water body
in the North Atlantic between the West
Indies and the Azores. After hatching,
the eggs float to the ocean surface and
hatch into small, transparent larvae
that drift with the Gulf Stream and
other currents, taking about a year to
reach the Atlantic coast. By this
time,the larval eels- known as glass
eels because they are still transparent have developed fins and the shape of
adult eels.
EEL FACTS
Eels can cover their entire bodies with a mucous layer, making
them nearly impossible to capture by hand —
“slippery as an eel” is more than just a figure of speech.
Adult eels spin their bodies to break apart food, and have been
recorded at six to fourteen spins per second. In comparison,
Olympic ice skaters can spin five times per second.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Page 16
Summer 2011
Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier
Upgrades and Improvements
Bryan County, Georgia
By Shawn Jordan
Marine Biologist
History: Existing facility was built by Bryan County on State of Georgia (GA-DNR) land in the mid
1980's to give the public fishing access in the Tivoli River. Original site included wooden fishing piers
located, one on either side, of the Belfast-Keller Bridge. The downriver pier (south of the bridge)
extended into the river approx 100' and blocked
more than 80% of the waterway.
In 2009, the Bryan County Commissioners and
GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division partnered on
a project to modify the two existing public fishing
piers on the Tivoli River. Over time, the wooden
pilings had deteriorated, taken on an 'hourglass'
shape - creating a safety issue. The walkways
were also beginning to deteriorate and were in
need of repair. The $150,000 improvement project
would replace the aging structures with new
longer lasting materials and relocate the southern
fixed pier to run parallel to the shoreline. Funding
for the project was provided by Bryan County
Board of Commissioners ($100,000) and the
Federal SportFish Restoration Program ($50,000). The new Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier features a 6' x 90'
walkway, leading to a 10' x 80' fixed pier; a gangway leads to
a dedicated 12' x 25' floating kayak/canoe launch.
New Structure: Oriented parallel to the riverbank,
the new downriver aluminum and concrete fishing
pier features a 6' x 90' walkway, leading to a 10' x 80' fixed pier; a gangway leads to a dedicated 12' x
25' floating kayak/canoe launch. Tivoli Fishing Pier meets ADA accessibility guidelines. The entire
structure now extends approximately 15' (12%) into the waterway at a point where the Tivoli River is
approximately 120' wide from mean low water (MLW) to MLW.
Project contractor: Nichols Construction, Hoboken, Georgia
Kayak/Canoe Launch Designed by Jon Fleischman,
Gator Dock/CMI, Atlanta, Georgia/Sanford, Florida
Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier - BEFORE
Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier - AFTER