Southern Tides all about the water
March 2021
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In the Tides CREW
Issue No. 67 March 2021
Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
9 New Home for Science Center 11 Aquarium Alert
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
12 Exploring Harris Neck NWR 17 Protecting Right Whales
Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov Contributors
18 Call for Content: Paddling 19 USCG Mask Order
Emily Kenworthy UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant
20 Community Updates 22 The Bitter End
Sara Buck Lane Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Copyright © 2015-2021
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission. Southern Tides is a free magazine, published monthly, and can be found at multiple locations from St. Marys, Ga., to Beaufort, S.C.
(912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com www.SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on social media: www.issuu.com/SouthernTidesMagazine.com Facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine Instagram @southerntides_mag Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, Ga.
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About the Cover:
Young of the year alligators, turtles, and birds were all present at Woody Pond and throughout Harris Neck NWR on a recent visit. (Article starts on page 12.) Photo by Amy Thurman
March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
Letters to the Editor:
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Editor’s Note R
eaders, Southern Tides Magazine needs your input. I know you’re picking up the magazines, and I know you’re mentioning the ads to our advertisers and I’m grateful for both of these things. I’m also grateful for the kind words you have about Southern Tides when I see you out somewhere or get email from you! That always makes my day! We need your input on another level now. The state of things this past year has changed how we source content for you. In the past, many of our feature articles have involved a writer participating in some field activity with one of our community partners – the organizations whose missions are compatible with our own, such as the GADNR Coastal Resources Division, Gray’s Reef, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, the Riverkeepers, and others. Or they involved physically visiting a place and talking with people. Now, however, much of this is impossible. The article I wrote this month about Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a good example. In the past, I’d have made an appointment with someone there to spend a morning on a tour, asking questions, learning about the history, the geography, the flora and fauna, and getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the place. But that’s no longer possible with the state of the world
today. While we do have some new, unique and interesting content lined up for this year, we’d still like your input. As you’re reading the magazine or out living your life, if ideas occur to you, send them along to us. Maybe you live in a unique community, or work in a water-related field our readers would find interesting. Maybe you had a fun experience while out boating or took a daytrip that would make for a good article. Maybe you know a colorful local character we could interview and do a story on? Get in touch with us and let us know. I can’t guarantee we’ll definitely do an article on your proposed topic – there are multiple factors involved – but we’ll absolutely consider it. On page 18, you’ll find a call for content for our upcoming paddling issue. Please give that a read and reach out if you can help. We’ll be running a similar call for content prior to our October oyster issue. I’d also like to get our Best of the Coast survey going again this year, but in order to make that happen, you, our readers, will have to participate. Lastly, please let our writers know when they’re doing a good job. When y’all tell me how much you love Captain Gator or how much you enjoyed various articles, I do try to remember to pass it on, but it means so much more coming from you. Drop them a line! This is a community magazine and it takes a community to keep it going. YOU are the community and this is YOUR magazine. See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
There's a large woodstork colony on Woody Pond at Harris Neck NWR. While there's a short overview on a nearby information panel, it's not the same as getting first-hand knowledge. We'll definitely go back when things open up again!
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New Location for Science Center By Sara Buck Lane Tybee Island Marine Science Center
T
he Tybee Island Marine Science Center recently announced plans for the phased opening of its new facility, nearly two years since construction on the new center first began. Just in time for spring and summer visitors, the much anticipated opening will begin with the opening of the expanded gift shop. As visitors shop, they can also get a behind the scenes look at staff assembling the exhibits in both galleries. Additionally, visitors are welcome to enjoy the views from the new 50 seat amphitheater and the Ship Watch Loft, that overlooks the sand dunes and beyond, to the mouth of the Savannah River and north to Daufuskie and Hilton Head Islands. Beginning on Thursday, March 25th, the center’s West Gallery will be open Thursdays through Sundays, 10am-4pm. Following the opening of the West Gallery, the East Gallery, Sea Turtle Workshop, and Open Air Classroom and Gallery will open on Saturday, May 1st with the same hours of operation. The new center is located on four-fifths of an acre and is strategically situated for minimal impact on the dune system and to capitalize on prevailing winds for passive cooling and ventilation. The conditioned interior space is 5,400 square feet and the groundlevel, open air undercroft of the same dimension, doubles the usable area for classes and programs. This move has been a long time coming for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. For thirty years, the non profit organization operated out of the City of Tybee Island’s former police station on the south end of the island. Since 2007 (previous data unknown), over a half million people, children to retirees, were connected to the coast through the Center’s education and conservation programs. While it’s hard to believe, the Center accomplished that with just 750 square feet of exhibit space and a single classroom. The new facility boasts 3,500 square feet of gallery exhibits and seven classrooms. The new location will also feature hands-on exploration activity, demonstrations, displays, exhibits, films, presentation kiosks and nature-based play sites throughout the facility and grounds. Other highlights include a lifesize model of a North Atlantic right whale fluke and five sea turtles that nest on Tybee beaches as well as a husbandry animal care area for collection and rescue activity, which will be a working exhibit. The new Center is located at 37 Meddin Drive on Tybee Island’s north end. To stay up to date on all the happenings at the new Center and for information on the return of Sea Camp and the Center’s programming, visit TybeeMarineScience.org. March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
A lifelike American alligator awaits visitors to the new center! Photo by Sara Buck Lane
Display showing the five sea turtles that nest on Georgia beaches. Photo by Sara Buck Lane
View from the amphitheater. Photo provided by TIMSC 9
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Aquarium Alert Invasive Species Found in Popular Aquarium Product
T
he Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), along with wildlife agencies across the U.S., are urging pet stores, aquarium stores and aquarium owners to remove and safely dispose of any moss ball plant designed for aquariums after invasive zebra mussels were discovered inside the product. “Zebra mussels pose a significant risk to our state, so we urge anyone who may have purchased this type of product in the last month or has them on store shelves to remove it immediately, if they have not already done so,” said Jim Page, WRD Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. “But, don’t just throw it away anywhere! The concern with this specific mussel is that its’ release into the wild via septic systems or from being discarded in nearby ditches, creeks, or other waterbodies could result in establishment of the species in our state and lead to major ecological and economic damage.” Found in Georgia Pet Stores Georgia officials were alerted to this situation after reports from Washington State indicated zebra mussels were discovered attached to and inside these moss ball plants, like the “Betta Buddy Marimo Ball,” found at a local PetCo store. Visits to multiple chain pet stores in Georgia confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in this and other products. PetCo stores across the nation, including Georgia, have since removed the product from their shelves. However, other pet store owners and operators are encouraged to check for this product, and if found, to immediately remove it and safely dispose of it. Consumers are urged to not purchase this product from stores or online. If you have purchased this item in the last month, dispose of it properly and sanitize your tank(s). Disposal and Sanitation Guidelines This product can be safely disposed of by freezing (for 24 hours) or boiling (for at least one minute) before disposing of it in the trash. Consumers may also contact their local WRD office (www. georgiawildlife.com/about/contact) for additional information on proper discarding techniques. Most importantly, DO NOT flush this product, or the mussels, down the toilet and DO NOT discard them outside. March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
Aquarium owners who may have infected aquariums are urged to remove the fish from their aquarium and thoroughly clean their tanks, applying household bleach (one cup of bleach per gallon of water) and letting it set for 10 minutes before disposing of the water down a sink or toilet. Additionally, owners should disinfect filters, gravel and structures with a solution of bleach before disposing of the water down the toilet. Devastating Damage is Preventable Zebra mussels cause millions of dollars in damage to boats and water intake pipes while creating ecological harm to native mussels and other aquatic biota. As such, WRD officials are actively seeking the help of the public to maximize efforts to prevent the introduction and establishment of these destructive mussels in our state. “Currently, there is not a known established population of zebra mussels in Georgia state waters, and we are hopeful that with the public’s help that we can keep that streak going,” said Page. For more information on zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit georgiawildlife.com/ans. Photos provided by US Geological Survey
11
Huge old live oaks, like this majestic beauty alongside Wildlife Drive, are frequent sights the refuge.
Exploring Harris Neck By Amy Thurman
A
1.6-mile path winds along a 50-acre lake, dotted with small islands. These islands were constructed and planted with Cyprus trees to provide nesting habitat for a large wood stork colony. There were a number in attendance, along with cormorants and herons. My progress on this trail was impeded by the presence of a young gator sunning himself on the path. I assumed the toll to pass was higher than I was willing to pay and turned back. As I explored a couple smaller trails marked with signs indicating foot and bike access only, it was easy to imagine the Guale Indians, who once lived here, making their way along game trails and seeing the same views I was seeing, hearing the same species of birds I was hearing. About halfway around the drive you’ll come to the old Army airfield that was established in 1940s and served as a gunnery training facility for World War II fighter pilots. Some of the original airstrip is still visible on Airfield Perimeter Loop, a 3-mile triangular walking trail surrounding Snipe Pond, Goose Pond, Greenhead
fter weeks of chilly rain, we were finally graced with a warm sunny day. With a new camera to break in, I laced up my hiking boots and headed out to Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge to do a little exploring and see what I could find to photograph. I decided to start with the 4-mile Wildlife Drive that loops through the refuge, to get an overview and lay of the land. The posted speed limit is 20 mph and it was good to let go of my usual “hurry up and get there” mentality and just enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. On my second pass, I stopped at multiple points long the drive to explore trails and take photos. My first stop was the 1.1-mile Bluebill Pond Loop. Much of the surface of this freshwater pond was covered in duckweed, giving it a pretty green appearance. Common duckweed (Lemna minor) are the smallest flowering plants known and are found in freshwater lakes and ponds throughout North America. A little further along the drive was Woody Pond Trail. This 12
Southern Tides Magazine
March 2021
Above left: Bluebill Pond. Top right: Natural beauty is evident everywhere you turn, such as this aqua-colored lichen and pink buds that might be swamp azalea. Center right: This approximately 8-foot gator was lounging across Woody Pond Trail. Below: Resurrection ferns looking vibrant and alive after our recent rains. During dry periods these ferns revert to a dormant state and look almost dead, only to "return to life" after receiving enough water.
Pond and Teal Pond. I spent a little time on Goose Pond Loop with great views of a rookery. After leaving the old airfield, I came to a junction in the road and took a left, to Thomas Landing Loop Road. At the furthest point in the loop I came across a small clearing beside a short section of fence that opened onto a shaded path. I can never resist seeing where a path might lead and I wasn’t disappointed. Just after the first turn, the path opened onto a narrow sandy beach on the Newport River. Also along this section of the drive was a path marked “Historical Trail.” Being a history buff, I wanted to explore it, but there was another group setting out on it and I was running out of daylight, so I saved it for a future visit and returned to Wildlife Drive. Back at the junction in the road where Thomas Landing turned back into Wildlife Drive, was another trailed called Bunting Loop. According to the Harris Neck NWR website, it's named for the painted buntings that can be seen in the refuge in summer months. Just a little further along Wildlife Drive I came to one of the most magnificent live oaks I’ve ever seen. Its massive trunk supports dozens of limbs, covered in resurrection ferns and Spanish moss, twisting and winding out away from the center to form an enormous canopy. I must have snapped a hundred photos of it from various angles. As I was taking pictures, another refuge visitor drove up, rolled down his window and said, “Isn’t that a spectacular tree?” “Amazing,” I agreed, before he went on his way and I took a few last shots. There was still a bit of daylight remaining as I drove through the exit gate, so I turned left and went down the road a short stretch to Barbour River Landing boat ramp and Gould’s Cemetery and took a look around before calling it a day. It was so good to get out in the fresh air and do a little exploring. I’ll definitely go back and explore more of the trails. If you’re looking for a quiet and pretty place for an easy hike, to jog or ride a bike, bird watching or nature photography, I highly recommend Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
A rookery on Goose Pond. There are several nesting areas throughout the refuge. Binoculars or a good zoom lens help.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge Quick Facts • Designated as a wildlife refuge in 1962 • 2,824 acres • 342 species of birds have been seen in the refuge, 83 species breed here and it serves as an important resource for migratory birds • Six man-made freshwater ponds • Six named trails and multiple unnamed secondary trails • Four-mile Wildlife Drive linking the trails • Open daily from sunrise to sunset (refuge office is currently closed due to COVID-19) • No entry fees
Above: Who can resist a shaded path? Below: A gnarled tree on strip of beach at the end of the path.
5000 Wildlife Dr. NW Townsend, GA 31331
www.fws.gov/refuge/Harris_Neck/ 14
Southern Tides Magazine
March 2021
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Ropeless Gear to Protect Whales By Emily Woodward Kenworthy Public Relations Coordinator UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
UGA
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is working with commercial fishermen to test advanced gear that could expand their catch while protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The ropeless fishing gear would allow boats easier access to black sea bass, which are caught using pots that are lowered to the ocean floor with vertical fishing lines connected to floats that sit on top of the water. Fishermen set those pots for a period of time before retrieving the pots and lines at the end of each trip. Currently, from November to April the fishing boats have to go about 30 miles offshore to set their pots in order to avoid the right whales that migrate south during the winter to calve. That makes the trip more expensive and more dangerous. “The use of ropeless gear could potentially remove nearly all entanglement risks to the whales and other marine animals,” says Bryan Fluech, associate director of extension at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. From New England to Florida, researchers and fishermen are exploring ways to adapt their gear to spare the right whales. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries estimates that 85% of right whales have become entangled in fishing gear at least once. NOAA has identified two areas critical for right whales: off the coast of New England, where the whales forage for food in warmer months; and off the southeast coast from North Carolina to Florida, where the whales reproduce between November and April. Fluech is collaborating with Kim Sawicki, project lead and doctoral student at the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Sawicki serves as the president of Sustainable Seas Technology, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the use of innovation and technology in the safe and sustainable harvest of seafood. In the summer of 2020, the research team secured a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service to test eight different ropeless gear systems with black sea bass pots off the coast of Georgia. It was the first time the ropeless gear had been tested in the South Atlantic. “It’s nice to know that for this area, we’re really on the front end of this,” Fluech says. Each gear type is rigged, deployed, and retrieved in a different way. Some devices use lines stored on spools or in bags or traps that sit on the ocean floor. Others have inflatable lift bags or buoys that float the pots to the surface. The devices are triggered by acoustic technology or timers that activate their release. Fishermen use fishery-specific GPS software to locate the pots from above water. “Normally you would just have a line and buoy in the water 247, but what we have to do is purposely tell these devices when to release the line and buoy and then we simply drive up to it, and keep fishing as normal,” Sawicki says. Retrieving the gear takes less than two minutes and the fishing vessels stay within 20-30 feet of the line and traps during the retrieval process, leaving little opportunity for the whales to become entangled, a problem that has nearly eliminated the right whale. Only about 360 remain in existence in the wild, according to NOAA. March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
Fluech prepares a ropeless fishing device for deployment. Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Fluech and Sawicki tested the devices alongside local fishermen, who provided boats and crew for the field experiments. This relationship has been the key to determining the practicality of the gear. “Is it time effective? How long will it take for the average fisher to learn to use these gears?” Sawicki says. “We wanted to look at all of the issues surrounding the use of this gear through this very particular fishery.” Throughout the testing period, the research team leaned on commercial fishermen for their institutional knowledge and feedback. “The project, it holds merit in my eyes,” says Bill Nutt, a fisherman from Deland, Florida, who recently got back into commercial fishing after a 20-year hiatus. Nutt volunteered his time for the project, working as a mate on one of the fishing vessels the team used to conduct field studies. “You definitely don’t want to endanger the whales, but you’ve got to make a living, so the devices have to be cost effective,” he says. “If there’s something you can do, you should do it.” Next steps for the project team include reporting their findings to NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council early this year, and hopefully obtaining funds for additional trials and research. “We hope this pilot study will serve as a catalyst for more formalized research into the application of this gear as an approved gear that would ultimately allow these fishermen to fish in areas that are currently restricted,” Fluech says. “At the end of the day if we can show that this gear is efficient and these guys can still catch fish and protect the whales, that might be incentive to grow the fishery and still meet conservation goals.” 17
Join us at Fish Tales and Ft. McAllister Marina!
Paddling Issue Call for Content the all about
19 May 20
water
g Issue
addlin The P
Southern all abou
t the w
ater
Tides May 20
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The 2n dA Paddli nnual ng Issu e
Drink specials • Great menu items Live bait Dockage Dry Storage
I
n May, Southern Tides Magazine will present its Third Annual Paddling Edition featuring articles on kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding (SUP). In previous years, topics included safety and self-rescue techniques, kayaking and SUP instruction, paddling business spotlights, and kayak fishing. Our writers also took you along on paddling trips in St. Augustine Creek, Ebenezer Creek, the Okefenokee Swamp, and the entire 100-mile Georgia coast. We’re looking forward sharing more great content this May, and we invite your input! What would you like to read about in this year’s paddling issue? Is there a particular topic you’d like us to cover? A nearby area you’d like to know more about paddling? Tips, techniques or products you want to know more about? A great guide or instructor you’d like to recognize? If you are a paddler and/or a writer and would like to contribute, please get in touch. We want to hear from you! If you own a paddling business and would like to be considered in our business spotlight, send us an email and tell us about it. Tour companies or guides, boat or SUP builders, gear companies, any paddling-related businesses are welcome to reach out to us, though local companies will be considered first. We’d also like to send out a special appeal to paddling-related businesses asking for your advertising support for this dedicated issue. Our rates are highly competitive and you’ll be reaching your local target market, as well as visitors to the area. Your support will help us make the 2021 paddling issue the best it can be! Please send us your ideas – anything paddling related will be considered. If you’d like more information, submission guidelines, advertising info, or just have questions, please email the editor at: amy@southerntidesmagazine.com We look forward to hearing from you and to bringing you the best paddling issue yet!
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Southern Tides Magazine
March 2021
USCG Bulletin Reguarding Masks The following is a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB Number 02-21) issued by the US Coast Guard on February 1, 2021. To prevent legal action, please read this information and related links, carefully.
The President issued Executive Order (13998), Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel that requires masks be worn on all “public maritime vessels, including ferries” to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued order, Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks while on Transportation Hubs, 29JAN2021 [to read order visit: http:// bit.ly/transport_mask_order], requires all persons travelling on all commercial vessels to wear a mask.
implement the mask wearing order above may be subject to civil or criminal penalties from the CDC. Furthermore, based on the scientific determination of the CDC, the Coast Guard finds that failure to wear a mask creates an undue safety risk by increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 between passengers, the crew of the vessel, and port operators. COVID-19 is known to cause severe illness and death which impacts the safe operations of ships and port facilities. The Coast Guard has broad authority to control the movement and operations of a vessel based on a hazardous condition found on that vessel (see 33 CFR § 160.111). Vessels that have not implemented the mask requirement may be issued a Captain of the Port (COTP) order directing the vessel’s movement and operations; repeated failure to impose the mask mandate could result in civil penalties and/or criminal action.
This Order requires conveyance operators to use best efforts to ensure that any person on the conveyance wears a mask when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Depending on the circumstances, best efforts may include: • boarding only those persons who wear masks; • instructing persons that Federal law requires wearing a mask on the conveyance and failure to comply constitutes a violation of Federal law; • monitoring persons on board the conveyance for anyone who is not wearing a mask and seeking compliance from such persons; • at the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply; • providing persons with prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of this Order to wear a mask; best practices may include, if feasible, advanced notifications on digital platforms, such as on apps, websites, or email; posted signage in multiple languages with illustrations; printing the requirement on transit tickets; or other methods as appropriate.
This release has been issued for public information and notification purposes only. Persons that wish to report vessels not operating in accordance with the Executive Order or CDC Order may email the Coast Guard at wearamask@uscg. mil. This shared email inbox is not monitored on a continuous basis. If there is an emergency, it should not be reported to this email inbox, but rather to local authorities through proper emergency channels. Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to monitor the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/ for the most up to date guidance.
The CDC has guidance on the definition of a mask and how to properly wear a mask at the following link https:// www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html
State, local, Tribal, and territorial laws or rules imposing public health measures that are more protective of public health than those required by the CDC, are an acceptable equivalency for these requirements. Vessel operators who believe local mask wearing requirements fit this exemption should contact the local COTP.
Under Title 42 of the United States Code section 268, the Coast Guard is charged with enforcing CDC quarantine orders. Owners, operators, and crew of vessels that fail to
Questions concerning this notice may be forwarded to Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, at wearamask@uscg.mil.
March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
19
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John S. Ramsey, Owner Authorized
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Winter is annual maintenance time for many anglers, and respooling with new line and recycling the old is a common task. Ever thought about what happens once you dispose of the old line in a fishing line recycling tube? It’s not pretty. Turning fishing line into new products is labor-intensive, requiring a series of workers to manually comb through, sort, clean, remove hooks and weights, and separate out miles of encrusted debris in entangled fishing line. So as you pile up a few reels of line to be recycled this winter, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is asking for your ideas on how to help grow the volume of line recycled each year. Teaming up with fishing tackle company Berkley, the BoatUS Foundation’s Recast & Recycle Contest seeks out new ideas and improvements to the process, new ideas for recycled products, or technology breakthroughs for the current process that will increase the volume of line and soft baits that are recycled. Entry is simple – all you have to do is send a short video or one-page summary explaining your idea. Thirty thousand dollars in prize money is at stake for the three best ideas submitted through May 14, 2021. “It’s great that anglers recycle,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Outreach Alanna Keating. “Now we need to ask for help with scaling up recycling with a greater volume of line, whether it’s a time- and labor-saving process improvement or creating a new market to fully sustain recycling efforts.” Judges will add weight to contest submissions that actually work, are practical, innovative, and have the potential to have a significant impact. The first-place prize is $15,000, second place receives $10,000, and $5,000 will be awarded for third place. Contest submissions can address any part of the process (or multiple parts) of taking discarded fishing line and soft plastics from end of life to a new beginning. Professionals, amateurs and students alike are encouraged to apply, as are school teams and groups. Contest entries can be submitted with as little as a link to a video demonstration of the idea or a one-page graphic summary. Videos are limited to 4 minutes. Contest rules and conditions, details on the current recycling process and videos on how various plastics and soft baits are recycled can be found at the Recast & Recycle website BoatUS.org/Contest.
Sea Grant Request for Proposals Georgia Sea Grant is soliciting two year research proposals in response to its FY20222024 funding cycle. Proposals must address priorities outlined in our 2018-2023 Strategic Plan (bit.ly/uga_strategic_plan) The overarching goal of Georgia Sea Grant’s research program is to support useinspired research projects that span broad areas of natural, physical, social, behavioral and economic sciences and engineering. We aim to make research investments in projects that will generate substantial social, economic or environmental benefits in Georgia. Investigators are encouraged to integrate social science approaches, economics and the use of information technology into the research where appropriate. Some form of educational training, outreach, and/or dissemination of research results (beyond publication in peer-reviewed journals) is required for every research project. Georgia Sea Grant has allocated approximately $800,000 for this research competition. We anticipate making 5-7 research awards with a maximum budget of $150,000 for two years (including indirect costs). Potential investigators are required to submit a pre-proposal in response to this call. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. For more information, eligibility, and submission guidelines, visit: gacoast.uga.edu/ research/funding/sea-grant-request-proposal/ 20
Southern Tides Magazine
March 2021
Ken’s Seafood
Awards Program Celebrates Anglers Last year, 181 anglers reeled in an Angler Award for outstanding catches! You could have made it 182. The Angler Award program recognizes those who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that particular species, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). “Participation in the Georgia Angler Award program has increased significantly, and we continue to be excited to recognize even more Georgia anglers catching some great fish,” says Scott Robinson, Assistant Chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “The Angler Award program has multiple recognition opportunities, including youth and adult anglers, for those catching big bass, and those reeling in the big ones from our Public Fishing Areas.” Anglers submitting successful applications Youth Angler Autumn Schmidt receive a frame-able certificate, a t-shirt and an showing off her record bass. embroidered personalized hat! Photo provided by GADNR Angler Award Opportunities: Angler Award-Adult: Anglers (age 16 and up) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Angler Award-Youth: Anglers (age 15 and younger) can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Note: weights and lengths reduced for youth Angler Awards. Trophy Largemouth Bass: Recognizing catches of largemouth bass weighing 10+ pounds. Catch one that is 13+ pounds? Get a free replica mount! PFA Record: Recognizing the largest fish of each species caught and properly documented at each PFA. Species include Largemouth Bass, Black or White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish. Anglers should be sure to review all Angler Award program rules before submitting applications. Find the need-to-know info, including rules, weights/lengths, 2020 angler award winners, and award recognition information, at georgiawildlife.com/fishing/ anglerawards. Other Fishing Recognition Programs: State Records: In addition to the angler award program, the division also maintains a freshwater fish state-record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record catch weight by one ounce or more. More information at georgiawildlife.com/ fishing/recordprogram/rules. Kids First Fish Certificate: The division wants to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with the online kid’s first fish award certificate available at georgiawildlife.com/my-first. Georgia Bass Slam: Recognizing anglers that catch five of the 10 black bass species found in Georgia. Find more info at www.bassslam.com. Spending any amount of time fishing is time well spent. Angler Awards might just make that fishing trip even more fun. More on fishing in Georgia at http://georgiawildlife. com/fishing/angler-resources.
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March 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
21
DOG FRIENDLY
The BitterEnd A Tale of a Fort with Two Names By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
I
intended this column to be about the updated mask rules for the maritime community as a result of a presidential executive order, but my editor hijacked that idea and ran the order in full. If you work on a commercial vessel of any kind, please do give that a read [page 19]. Instead, let us sally on and walk in the footsteps of history. Last year I wrote a piece on Ft. King George and plans were laid to do a series on the forts of the lowcountry. This month we pick back up with Old Fort Jackson, formerly known as Mud Fort. During its history as Mud Fort, it was a simple earthen fortification, dating back to the Revolutionary War as far as documentation shows. It is suspected that even earlier, gun batteries were located in this general area to protect against a Spanish incursion, being ideally situated at the junction of the main Savannah River Channel and the Back River. In March 1776 the first shots of the American Revolution that were fired in Georgia happened just outside of Mud Fort. Prior to that, in January, four British warships anchored at the Port of Savannah and demanded that colonists sell them rice. They were flatly refused, so they sailed up the Back River to a spot where 12 ships loaded with rice were anchored and helped themselves. This became known as the Battle of the Rice Boats. This earthen fort was supposed to host 25 “ship killer” canons, though it never reached those numbers, and with the death of the fort commander in 1778, Mud Fort was abandoned. The loss of this strategic point of control allowed the British to waltz in and take Savannah. If the fort had been manned a totally different outcome may have resulted. By 1794, a less than effective effort was put into strengthening coastal fortifications and gunboats. The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair became an eye opener in 1809 when the British warship HMS Leopard opened fire on the American warship USS Chesapeake in Norfolk, Va., and took four sailors, who were tried for desertion, thus demonstrating our coastal weakness. It was during this time that Fort Jackson was being built, over the remains of Mud Fort. Fast forward to the 1800s. The early part of the century was both boom and bust as far as adequate preparations go, and the British made good use of it, as demonstrated in the burning of Washington D.C. A push was made from about 1815 thru the 1850s to strengthen coastal fortifications. Although many improvements had been made to Fort Jackson, it was abandoned yet again in 1828. Around the time of the completion of Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island, military minds were realizing that steam power was becoming a new threat, being both more reliable than wind, and faster. It was thought that modern navies such as the French could run the gauntlet of Pulaski’s 146 guns and continue upriver to invade Savannah once again. In light of that, from the 1850s leading up and into the Civil War, the U.S. was steadily improving Jackson’s fortifications. This came as a great asset to the Confederates who took control of the
Views of Old Fort Jackson. Photos by Captain J. Gary Hill
fort when Georgia seceded from the Union. When Fort Pulaski fell in April of 1862 it was up to the forces at Ft. Jackson to hold the line, which they did quite admirably. Until the fall of Savannah in a month-long battle from mid-November to December 21, 1864, Jackson served as naval headquarters for the Georgia fleet. After the war she was abandoned yet again, but after changing hands several times, Old Fort Jackson, as it’s now known, is currently owned by the state, and operated by the Coastal Heritage Society. Who, I must say, does an excellent job of being a good steward to this important piece of Georgia and national history. As always, peace and love, shrimp and grits, wash your hands, and I'll see you on the water!
Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com
22
Southern Tides Magazine
March 2021
UNDER CONTRACT
101 Edgewood Road Gordonston
Located on a huge corner lot with welcoming open arms. The main home has four bedrooms and two baths. Large open floor plan. Living Room with FP opens to the DR and then Kitchen with breakfast room. A full wrap around screened porch. Beautiful staircase to upstairs with two large bedrooms and a full bath. There is a carriage house that is ready for your guests. Studio apartment on second floor of garage. Washer/dryer hookups for main house on one side and for apartment on the other. Great area for walking and biking. Very close to downtown and the beach. $384,900 UNDER CONTRACT
1217 Bay Street, Unit A 232 UNDER CONTRACT
6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222 Find me on:
TYBEE ISLAND
BURNSIDE ISLAND
Relax and enjoy in this recently converted 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom vacation condo. All new updates including a brand new King-Sized Bed, and a new in-unit Washer and Dryer. The living area features updated furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar seating for 2, additional table seating for 4, stovetop and oven and full sized fridge/freezer. The living room is furnished with a sleeper sofa and a 32in flat-screen TV, with DVD player. Furnished private balcony with a glimpse of the ocean. $239,900
Total renovation, 3BR, 2BA! New electrical, plumbing, foam insulation in exterior walls and attic. Interior walls has additional insulation. Open with a fantastic new gourmet kitchen. Huge GR, Sun Room, Covered Patio, Butler’s Pantry and separate laundry room. Wait til you see the master bedroom and bath. Luxurious shower and sitting area in master. Fenced backyard and two driveways with access to backyard for the larger “toys”. Great storage over the carport with a pull down access. Golf cart approved!! $299,000
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THE LANDINGS
WILMINGTON ISLAND
Here is the one that you have been waiting on. Sweet brick bungalow with open great room. A kitchen that is big enough for all the cooks. Eat in area and bar in the kitchen. Large master bedroom with en suite bath. Two more good sized bedrooms and a hall bath. No carpet in the entire house. Single car garage with laundry on an elevated area at the rear. Lots of storage. The lush backyard with extended patio is ready for your outdoor cooking and oyster roasts. Totally fenced in so you can bring your family pets. Very easy to show. $242,000
This Deer Creek Home Features 10ft Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Foyer Open to Great Room with Gas Fireplace and Built-In Bookshelves, Formal Dining Room, Spacious Family Room with Brick Hearth, Gas Fireplace Open to Kitchen with KraftMaid Cabinets, Granite Tops, Walk-In Pantry. Master Suite Offers Sitting Room/Study/Nursery, His/Her Closets, Dual Vanities, Walk-In Shower. Upstairs Features Loft Space, 2 Additional Bedrooms with On-suite Bath and Huge Bonus Room. Many Additional Upgrades. $665,000
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SOUTHBRIDGE
MONTGOMERY
Build Your Dreams on this Vacant Lot in Established Beaulieu/Montgomery Area! Property Features Gorgeous Oaks and Mature Foliage with Private Well & Septic. Located Near Bethesda, Burnside Island, & Rio Vista, Yet Convenient to Truman Parkway. Offering Desirable Frontage on Ferguson Avenue, The Two Adjacent Lots “0 Lehigh Ave” and “10001 Bethesda” MUST Be Sold Together as One for $125,000. The Property Features Combined Acreage Totaling 1.32 Acres. So Much Potential!! Make Your Appointment Today! $115,000
Beautiful home in Southbridge coming to my listings, SOON!
HERB RIVER BEND Amazing home in Herb River Bend coming to my listings, SOON!
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435 Hunt Drive UNDER CONTRACT
3 Sundew Road UNDER CONTRACT
0 Ferguson Avenue It has been a crazy time for everyone. I have been fortunate to have great buyers and sellers. So much so that I’m running low on my own listings. Please consider allowing me to present my work strategies to you. As you can see my properties are under contract or sold! I can get it done for you, no matter if you are selling or buying!
Living Shorelines
We Prepare and Install Living Shorelines Living shorelines provide a natural and stable alternative to sea walls. Zulu is pleased to offer installation where stabilization and shoreline restoration is needed. • • • • • •
Assembled with bags of recycled oyster shells Stabilizes eroding shorelines or failing bulkheads Plantings of native grasses enhance stabilization Encourages growth of oysters, which provides water filtration Provides habitat for multiple fish and crustacean species Increases resistance to flooding
To get a copy of our Guide to Living Shorelines, email jamie.king@zuludiscovery.com!
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