Southern Tides Magazine March 2020 by Southern Tides Magazine

Southern Tides all about the water

March 2020

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Southern Tides

In the Tides

all about the water

Issue No. 55 / March 2020

CREW Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman

7 Editor's Note

amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill

9 Ebb & Flow - Topwater Mayhem

theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com

11 Around the Reef

Around the Reef Columnist Michelle Riley

12 Seasick!

michelle.riley@noaa.gov

17 Fishing News

Ebb & Flow Columnist Trey Leggett

19 Commissioning Checklist

info@southerntidesmagazine.com

20 Community Updates

Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford

22 The Bitter End - Sealab 2020

crawfish@uga.edu

Contributing Writer Erin Weeks weekse@dnr.sc.gov

Copyright ÂŠ 2015-2020 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 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.

Subscribe to Southern Tides: Visit www.squareup.com/store/ southern-tides-magazine $25 for one year/12 issues. (plus $1.15 credit card processing fee) Thank you for your support!

About the Cover:

Letters to the Editor:

This cover, featuring a photo of a loggerhead sea turtle, is in memory of Greg McFall. Greg was a marine biologist, manager of the NOAA dive program, and an underwater photographer. He worked at Gray's Reef for 13 years and was a long-time member of our local marine community. Photo by Greg McFall/NOAA

March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

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from ever finding their way into our coastal waters. Sea turtles can’t distinguish between a deflated balloon and jellyfish – one of their favorite foods. May Paddling Issue Reminder to all, May will be our second annual paddling issue, featuring SUP, kayaking and canoeing. Please get in touch ASAP with article ideas, to advertise, and to be included in the lists of resources. Last May’s paddling issue was a huge success and one of our most-read issues and we look forward to making this one even better! Speaking of Kayaks If anyone would be interested in doing a little bartering for a gently-used kayak, please get in touch. Speaking of Special Issues I could have doubled the page count of this issue and still dedicated it entirely to fishing with the plethora of fishingrelated content submitted this month. This sparked the idea of making next March (2021) a special fishing issue, much like the May paddling issue and October oyster issue. If you have a fishing-related business, please get in touch to see how you can be included! Correction In last month’s Around the Reef column, I failed to change the author byline. The column was written by Vanly Dang, communications intern with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. He did a great job and deserves full credit for his efforts! Coming Soon We’re looking at lots of great articles in the coming months, such as: • Another Featured Artist segment with Tybee Island artist Jim Marsh • Exploring the west side of the Okefenokee Swamp by boat with Chip and Joy Campbell • Retiring the GADNR’s RV Anna Also coming soon, the return of “Taste of the Tides,” “Did You Know?” and more! We hope you enjoy this issue! Please get in touch with our writers to let them know you read and enjoyed their efforts, and please let our advertisers know you saw their ads!

Editor’s Note L

ike most things in nature, the seasons don’t follow manmade rules. Spring has arrived with no regard whatsoever for its official March 19 start date. We know this by the 30-degree temperature changes in a period of six hours, having both sweaters and shorts in the same laundry cycle, and the two things we all dread – gnats and pollen – have returned in force. But it also means the start of our season: the season of boating, fishing, kayaking and all things water-related! After several months of relative quiet, things are waking up. My inbox is filled with content ideas, potential advertisers are showing a lot of interest, and my calendar is filling up with events. All good things! And as a result, I have list of things to share with you this month. Welcome Back Gator! Yep, Captain Gator has graciously agreed to resume writing The Bitter End, in large part due to the requests of countless readers. Thank you all for hounding him about it and thank you Gator for agreeing to return! Welcome New Advertisers! VisitDarien.com will be advertising their events over the course of the year, starting with The 52nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet, March 27 - 29 (page 15). Also new this month is In My Waters, featuring artwork and apparel by local artist Jim Marsh (page 16). Thank you for joining the Southern Tides Family! Balloons Most of us who live or work on the water know that trash on land eventually finds its way into the water. Most of us also know the serious hazard balloons present to marine life, but visitors to the area or weekend boaters may not. If you’re hanging out on the beach at Ossabaw or St. Catherines and see kids playing with water balloons, or attend a party where balloons are used as decorations, please gently remind everyone to be sure all parts of the balloons are disposed of in a way that prevents them

See you out there!

This photo of sunbathing juvenile alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp serves a duel purpose: a tribute to our own returning Gator, and a preview of an upcoming article on the Swamp. Photo by Alex Batey, Zulu Marine Services

March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

Amy Thurman

Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

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with several balls. The rattling chambers have varying-sized ball bearings inside that create a low or high pitch knocking sound when the bait is twitched. The popping type topwater lures have a concave front that induces a pop, or thud sound when twitched, while creating some water disturbance. This action alerts nearby predators to the the possibility of an easy meal. There have been many discussions on the best way to retrieve top water lures, steady or to have a pause periodically. I usually start off with a steady retrieve, then vary my retrieve to incorporate some pauses, to hopefully induce strikes. My pauses are sometimes frequent and may last for several seconds. My son’s personal best topwater speckled trout was caught utilizing a paused retrieve after several casts using a steady retrieve. Some fish may be a bit wary or lethargic and will follow the bait; varying your retrieve may induce a strike. Typical hard bait comes packaged with two or more treble hooks attached. Having the treble hooks will assist in hook-ups during violent strikes. There are a couple ways to enhance your experience and help out a bit with the safety of the fish. Smash the barbs on your treble hooks or replace the treble hooks with single hooks. These techniques enhance the fish’s survivability and creates an angling challenge for you. It will also help in removal when (not if) you get the bait hooks embedded in your hand, finger, leg, foot, or face. The lure industry puts out many different colors and patterns of lures nowadays in an effort to give the angler a choice that best suits their fishing habitats and weather conditions. While some of the patterns, in my own opinion, are outlandish and have little to no bearing on whether you’ll catch fish or not, they do have a place in our tackle boxes. I prefer bone, speckled, flash, or dark colors for my fishing in inshore waters. I’ll choose which baits to use based on water clarity, sun light (or lack of), and species sought. Some of us prefer a lure pattern based merely on the fact that we’ve caught fish on it successfully and have confidence in it. Try a few and see what works for you. Join the top water fishing mayhem! You’ll have a blast!

Ebb & Flow Topwater Mayhem! By Trey Leggett

ve done a lot of fishing over the years and caught fish in many different ways and many different places, but nothing comes close to the excitement of topwater fishing. Topwater fishing is like a cult following, attracting members for the sheer excitement and rush of watching a fish annihilate bait at the surface. I’ve had fish blow up at the bait without getting hooked; they stalk the bait as you work it, and, eventually sensing a kill strike, they inhale it or launch it from the water. It’s just awesome to watch! There are many different topwater baits on the market today. They range from typical hard bait ‘walk-the-dog’ lures, popping lures, segmented, buzz baits, one knockers, high pitch/low pitch, pencil poppers, frogs, etc. Each have their own application for various species, waters, and conditions. Many anglers have their favorites and oftentimes will nickname them because of their value to the angler’s fishing experience. Working the lure: The typical topwater lure is retrieved in a ‘walk-the-dog’ motion, making the lure dart from side to side to simulate a disoriented or injured bait fish. These lures either have no rattling chamber, a rattling chamber with one ball, or a chamber

Stay safe and tight lines.

A topwater lure in action! Photo by Butch Newel

Trey Leggett is an avid outdoorsman sponsored by Engel Coolers and Hobie Polarized sunglasses. Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

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Around theReef By Mary Dillard Communications Intern Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

ray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is perhaps known chiefly for its “live bottom.” About 900 species of invertebrates – animals without a backbone – live on and around the rocky outcrops and ledges found in the sanctuary, and that’s not even counting the 200 different backboned species that come and go throughout the year. Those kinds of numbers are why Gray’s Reef Research Coordinator Kimberly Roberson and her colleagues are studying occurrences known as “hot spots.” Hot spots are ledges found throughout Gray’s Reef that serve large groups of both predators and prey. They also harbor species such as the threatened loggerhead turtle. Monitoring these spots has led to some interesting discoveries regarding biodiversity. Tracking both abundance and diversity of species is how biodiversity is rated in natural environments. Most only score high in one category. However, the hot spot ledges demonstrate that Gray’s Reef has plenty of both. To put it very simply, Roberson says, “When you find an area that has a lot of a lot, that’s where we start to talk about pretty unique places on the planet.” In addition to the number and variety of species, researchers

The live bottom of Gray's Reef is teeming with marine life, including sponges, soft corals, tunicates, and other invertebrate animals. Photo provided by NOAA

are examining the different characteristics of these ledges in an effort to find out what might make them hospitable to certain organisms. It won’t surprise you to find that the ledges are almost as diverse as the species’ themselves. Continued dives have revealed structures varying in width, depth and height. Roberson believes these characteristics could determine what kind of organisms live there. “We’ve done surveys on ledges where we consistently see larger grouper, snappers and sea turtles.” Although they’ve made inroads, researchers aren’t exactly sure what specific features attract these “larger, more charismatic” species. While the evidence certainly seems to point to ledge structure impacting population, there’s exciting new research being done that may explain how structure also encourages certain behaviors. Using underwater videography, Dr. Peter Auster from the University of Connecticut and Mystic Aquarium is working with Roberson to investigate interactions between predator and prey. Roberson says she sees hunting techniques similar to what terrestrial biologists might observe on the African Savanna. “Some of the top predators, like the amberjacks, swim through and chase down the prey species, trapping them and treating the predators underneath the ledges to a tasty feast.” Marine Scientists can build on these findings by practicing “seascape ecology.” Taking its name from the term “landscape ecology”, this practice involves studying the different components of a space and how different organisms might interact with it. It’s clear that the connection between land and sea has played a critical role in the discovery and examination of the hot spots. This larger commentary on biodiversity speaks to just how valuable Gray’s Reef is. As I said before, having one of the few “live bottoms” in the country provides us with a unique opportunity to study and interact with rare levels of diversity right here at home. As Roberson puts it, “Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is a magical place; it’s beautiful and abundant. I hope that as people begin to understand more about the beauty of the ocean, they also understand that their behavior can affect it directly.”

For Information contact Michelle Riley: (912) 598-2417 michelle.riley@noaa.gov

stomach. Next, we’ll follow up with specific strategies for preventing and addressing motion sickness on the high seas.

SeaSick!

1. You’re Not Alone You might think that jobs in marine biology self-select for ironstomached individuals. In fact, 80% of our survey respondents said they’d been seasick in some capacity before, the majority more than just once or twice. Although research has shown higher susceptibility in women and lower susceptibility in the elderly, motion sickness can beset anyone – salty veterans and seafaring novices alike. It’s not a personal failing or sign of frailty, but rather an unlucky affliction influenced by a

5 Things to Know About Seasickness

According to SCDNR Marine Biologists

By Erin Weeks Media & Communications Coordinator SCDNR Marine Resources Division Graphics by Kaitlyn Hackathorn/SCDNR

hether it’s weekly sampling in small boats or weekslong expeditions offshore, SCDNR’s marine biologists spend regular time on the water – and for most of them, seasickness is an unfortunate fact of life. Motion sickness is an oft-experienced but seldom-discussed malady caused by an imbalance between what the inner ear feels and what the eyes see in a moving car, vessel, or plane. An estimated 30% of the population are considered highly susceptible, but almost anyone can suffer from motion sickness under the wrong conditions. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lessen both your chances of becoming seasick and your misery if it strikes. We surveyed our marine staff on all things seasickness, with questions ranging from its causes to treatment options to worst experiences. Around 100 SCDNR biologists, educators, captains, and deckhands responded, offering many decades’ worth of wisdom on one of life’s most unpleasant experiences. Here, we’re sharing five takeaways from the survey – reminders for fellow seasick boaters that should soothe your ego, if not your

Heavy seas with strong wave action, like this image taken during a boat delivery in the southern Caribbean, can contribute to seasickness. Photo by Southern Tides Staff

complex set of factors (including, even, your genetics). “Everyone ‘gets got’ eventually,” one respondent to the survey wrote. “It is something to consider and prepare for seriously, because it can affect you severely both physically and mentally.” 2. Wave Action is Most Important Factor When we polled our staff about the most important factors contributing to seasickness, one consideration was a clear outlier. Over 90% of respondents said that the size of the swell influenced whether or not they felt nauseated. The bigger the wave action, the greater the imbalance between what the body feels and what the eyes/brain process visually. Extreme waves can be debilitating for even the most hardened mariners. Unpleasant smells (such as diesel fumes and fishy odors) and one’s physical state (i.e., going out while ill) were ranked as important factors by 46% and 45% of respondents, respectively. The size of the boat and one’s proximity to land were deemed less important contributors. Checking the marine forecast is second nature for those who spend time on the water, but it’s worth reiterating – if you’re prone to motion sickness and have a choice, you’ll have a better time if you avoid going out on days with high wave action. 3. Things May Get Weird The misery of severe seasickness can engender some unexpected and extreme mental responses, oftentimes giving the sufferer existential tunnel vision. One of our staffers wrote about feeling

100 marine biologists surveyed. 12

Southern Tides Magazine

March 2020

When asked to describe the experience in one word, these are some of the descriptions given by survey respondents.

People also have differing opinions about how to respond to seasickness. Severe nausea deprives a person of agency, making throwing up an increasingly tempting option as one of the few actions available to a sick person. But our staff were evenly split about whether vomiting was beneficial or detrimental to the seasick boater. Most agreed that throwing up will make you feel better – but only temporarily, in all but the mildest cases. “At a certain point it's unavoidable,” one person wrote. “Vomiting definitely helps – you feel much better instantly; however, if it's bad, approximately 15 minutes later you feel bad again and you most likely will vomit again.”

progressively sicker aboard an offshore dive trip, until vertigo and nausea reduced them to contemplating the decisions that had brought them there: “I was wondering why I consciously put myself in these situations, and how I could ever consider that feeling this way would be worth anything,” they wrote. “What is life? Why did life suck so much at this particular moment? Would I ever recover?” Others jokingly admitted to considering more direct solutions to their suffering: “After feeling rough for several days, nonstop, I sat down on the side of the boat during off hours for about 20 minutes, debating whether to just roll overboard, so that the horrible feeling would go away. Decided to stick it out,” they added.1 Extreme cases of motion sickness can also create haunting negative associations. One survey respondent wrote about how fetching ice aboard SCDNR’s largest research vessel had become a trigger for nausea. Another wrote about why they are no longer able to drink coffee on research cruises (we’ll spare you the details).

5. Compassion and Good Humor are Key Whether you’re among the lucky percentage who don’t get sick or are susceptible like the rest of us, our staff all agreed that maintaining a positive attitude on the water is the key to getting through a rough day. Our biologists underscored the importance of looking out for those who do get sick – and not being hard on yourself if you’re the sick one. Your self esteem may be bruised, but you’ll at least be able to laugh about it later. One staffer summed it up thusly: “Cry a little if you must, but keep a good attitude; it will pass.”

4. Everyone Handles it Differently “We were out on the R/V Silver Crescent a few miles offshore in January,” one of our biologists wrote, by way of illustrating how differently people respond to the same marine conditions. “The swell was not too bad, but the type of sampling we were doing required us to align perpendicular to the swell, making the boat roll quite a bit. We already had one staff lose their breakfast. Captain Bo was at the helm, fresh off a bout of the flu. I came off the deck into the cabin, and here was Bo bracing against the counter and making tuna salad from scratch. “The whole cabin was rocking and rolling, smelled like tuna, and Bo was totally unphased.”

Next page: Treatment options

1Despite the painful memories, SCDNR boasts a 100% survival rate

for seasick employees. March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

concentrate (most notably, drowsiness). If you routinely suffer from seasickness, you’ve likely tried motion sickness pills before. Trial a few brands/formulations to find one that works best for you. Multiple SCDNR staff members recommended taking the pill the night before an offshore trip to reduce drowsiness on the morning of. Eating or drinking something – In their write-in comments, SCDNR survey takers wrote again and again about the preventative importance of staying hydrated and keeping something on your stomach while at sea. One respondent summed up their overall strategy for long research trips like this: “After one especially memorable experience on a particular SCDNR vessel, I learned to take dramamine the night before I departed and two every morning I was on it, whether I felt I needed to or not. I also drink something carbonated and eat lots of crackers, and when it gets rough, I stay outside in the breeze.” Ginger products – The spicy ginger root has been used for millennia in traditional medicine to treat stomach problems, and today it remains one of the safest treatments for nausea. Clinical studies have confirmed its value during pregnancy and chemotherapy, and boaters have likewise used it for preventing and reducing seasickness. Whether you prefer it fresh, dried, candied, crystallized, or powdered, most studies suggest 1,000 mg of ginger per day is a safe dose. It’s not likely to reduce vomiting in extreme cases, but the side effects are slim, and chewing on a ginger candy is a pleasant distraction when you’re working at sea.

How to Treat Seasickness

What Works, What Doesn't

We’re digging into how those 100 staff members ranked the effectiveness of all the seasickness treatments they’ve tried over the years. Motion sickness pills were the most widely cited method among our staff, although they were not the most effective. If ever you’ve found yourself seasick on the deck of a boat and wondering if there were better treatment options, read on for more insights.

Least effective Laying down – Laying down on a cooler or a bench in the fresh air may not cure your nausea, but some individuals swear by it for keeping vomiting at bay. Others say it does nothing; the effectiveness appears to vary by person and condition. One thing is more certain – most write-in responses were in agreement that a seasick person should avoid going below deck to lay down. Acupressure – Following the same principles as acupuncture, acupressure is the use of pressure on certain points of the body to address different ailments. Whether you use your own thumb or a commercially made wrist band, steady pressure on the spot three finger-widths below your wrist is said to help manage nausea, including from seasickness. The medical literature is mixed on the effects of acupressure on nausea. A handful of studies have shown it to be effective, like ginger, for managing nausea among pregnant women and chemotherapy patients, but most studies on the topic have been small and subject to bias. Anecdotally, it may help reduce seasickness on low-wave days but is powerless in rougher seas. That said, acupressure is another low-cost (or even free) strategy with few drawbacks, making it worthwhile for most chronic seasickness patients to give it a shot. Said one SCDNR marine staffer, "When working, my best solution is to stay active, eat and drink extra, and maintain a visual on the horizon if it gets bad... and stay away from gas/diesel fumes!"

Most Effective The patch – Prescription drug scopolamine is generally regarded as the gold standard in reducing nausea and vomiting, whether due to seasickness or opioid usage after surgery. Unfortunately, as many users learn the hard way, the patch also comes with a catalog of warnings. Scopolamine is commercially available in just one dosage, a onesize-fits-all patch that delivers the same amount of drug whether you’re 100 or 300 pounds (the patch is not recommended for children). The 1 mg dosage may therefore be overwhelming for those on the small or drug-sensitive end of the scale, resulting in side effects that can range from dry mouth to drowsiness to blurred vision and disorienting hallucinations. Many users also experience significant withdrawal symptoms after returning to land and removing the patch, which can take several days to abate. Verdict: For long, multi-day trips like our Coastal Trawl and Reef Survey research cruises, the patch can be a lifesaver. But if you’ve never tried scopolamine before, familiarize yourself with the potential side effects and consider the risk/reward payoff. Moderately Effective Motion sickness pills – Over-the-counter motion sickness pills are the most commonly used treatment for seasickness. A number of formulations are available (the most common are dimenhydrinate, brand name Dramamine, and meclizine, brand name Bonine), all of which are antihistamines. Drugs like meclizine are inexpensive, but they do come with side effects that can affect your ability to

Most of us have at least one funny seasick story (even if it wasn't funny at the time!). Share yours on the Southern Tides Facebook page! facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine 14

Southern Tides Magazine

March 2020

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Southern Tides all about the water Southern Tides Magazine

March 2020

Fishing News Fishing Forecasts for Georgia Waters

Earn $100 for Red Drum Data

Updated information about fishing Georgia's reservoirs and rivers is now available online at georgiawildlife.com/fishingforecasts. Click the name of the reservoir or river for info about the water body, predominant species, techniques, bait, identification and more.

The Georgia Cooperative Angler Tagging Project recently announced that red drum along the state’s 105-mile coast have been tagged with pink tags worth $100 per return. When a red drum with a pink tag is caught, anglers should remove the tag (pink tag only, do NOT remove yellow tag), record the date, location and total length of the catch, and mail in the tag and info to: Coastal Resources Division Attn: Cooperative Angler Tagging Project One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 Anglers should also include their name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Rewards will be mailed in the form of a check payable to the angler. Again, do NOT remove yellow tags.

Large mouth bass, a Satilla River key species. Image provided by GADNR

Useful Websites for Fishermen • Map of Ga. boat ramps: bit.ly/boatramp_map • Ga. fishing license purchase: bit.ly/ga_fishinglicense • Map of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, camping. boating and more: georgiaoutdoormap.com • NOAA Fisheries electronic reporting bulletin: bit.ly/ fisheries_new_rule • New fishing forecasts: georgiawildlife.com/fishing-forecasts • Angler Awards bit.ly/angler_awards

New Rules for Charter Fishermen NOAA Fisheries is implementing the final rule for the South Atlantic For-Hire Reporting Amendment. The new rule takes effect in September and will require electronic reporting of specific species for vessels with a federal charter/headboat permit for Atlantic coastal migratory pelagics, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, or South Atlantic snapper-grouper and modifies the reporting deadline for headboats. NOAA Fisheries will send out more infomation this spring and summer, but you may also call (727) 209-5950 with questions.

Angler Awards Adults and youth can be rewarded for catching quality size fish (kept fish or catch-and-release) that meet or beat a specific weight or length. Qualifying anglers will receive a certificate, hat and a t-shirt. The Georgia Angler Award Program recognizes anglers in Georgia who catch exceptional fish in Georgia waters. It also allows DNR to collect information on the genetics, age, growth, and habitats of big fish to help manage our fisheries to their greatest potential. ALL categories require the submission of an application and photos. In some cases, more information is required. For more info, visit: bit.ly/angler_awards March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

Visit georgiaoutdoormap.com to locate activities such as fishing, boating, hiking hunting camping and more. 17

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Spring Boat Commissioning Checklist

etting the boat ready for the summer boating season is an exciting time for America’s nearly 12 million recreational boaters. BoatUS has developed a Spring Commissioning Checklist to help boaters start the season right. Before You Launch □ Inspect and replace hose clamps as necessary. Double clamp fuel lines and exhaust hoses with marine-rated stainless-steel hose clamps. While not technically required, it’s a wise move to double clamp whenever possible on all hoses - especially those below the waterline. □ Inspect all hoses for stiffness, rot, leaks and cracking, and replace any that are faulty. Make sure they fit snugly. □ Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. □ Grip the prop (on inboard drive systems) and try moving the shaft up and down and side to side. If it’s loose and can be wiggled, the cutless bearing may need to be replaced. □ Check the rudderstock to ensure it hasn’t been bent. Operate the wheel or tiller to ensure the steering works correctly. □ Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks. □ Make sure your engine intake sea strainer (if equipped) is not cracked or bent and is free of corrosion, clean and properly secured. □ With inboards, check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for correct adjustment. A stuffing box should leak no more than two drops each minute when the prop shaft is turning. □ Inspect, lubricate and exercise seacocks. □ Use a garden hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary. □ Inspect and test the bilge pump and float switch to make sure they’re both working properly. □ Check stove and remote LPG tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses. □ Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafe and wear. □ If equipped, ensure that the stern drain plug is installed. □ After the boat is launched, be sure to check all thru-hulls for leaks. Engines and Fuel Systems □ Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks, and make sure all lines are well supported with noncombustible clips or straps with smooth edges. □ Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Ensure portable tanks and lines are completely drained of stale fuel before filling with fresh fuel. Clean or replace fuel filters and/or fuel-water separators if not done before winterization. □ Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifolds for corrosion (for inboard-powered and inboard/outboard boats). □ Charge battery. □ Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Use a wire brush to clean battery terminals, and top up cells with distilled water (if applicable). □ Inspect the bilge blower hose for leaks and run the blower to confirm correct operation. Engine Outdrives and Outboards □ Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds) and replace if suspect. □ Check power steering and power trim oil levels. □ Replace anodes/zincs that are more than half wasted. March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

□ Inspect the outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable must be replaced. □ Inspect lower unit oil level and top up as necessary. Sailboat Rigging □ Inspect swage fittings for cracks and heavy rust (some discoloration is acceptable). Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for “fishhooks” and rust. □ Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape but don’t wrap airtight. □ If you suspect the core around a chainplate is damp, remove the chainplate to inspect and make repairs. Trailers □ Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure; don’t forget the spare. □ Inspect wheel bearings and repack as necessary. □ Test all lights and replace any broken bulbs or lenses. □ Inspect winch to make sure it’s working properly. Inspect hitch chains. □ Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration. □ Inspect brakes and brake fluid reservoir. Safety □ Check expiration dates on flares. □ Inspect fire extinguishers. Replace if more than 12 years old or if age is unknown. More than 40 million Kidde extinguishers with plastic handles were recalled on Nov. 2, 2017. □ Ensure you have properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids. Check inflatable life jacket cylinders and dissolvable “pill” bobbins in auto-inflating models. □ Test smoke, carbon monoxide, fume and bilge alarms. □ Check running lights for operation and spare bulb inventory. □ Update paper charts and chartplotter software. □ Replenish first-aid kit items that may have been used last season or are expired. □ Check the operation of VHF radio(s) and that the MMSI number is correctly programmed in. (BoatUS members can obtain a free MMSI number at BoatUS.com/MMSI.) □ Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Find out more at SafetySeal.net. For the Dock □ In addition to checking its entire length for wear or abrasions, check both ends of the shore power cable connections for burns, which indicate the cable and/or boat’s shore power inlet or the dock’s receptacle must be replaced. □ Test ground-fault protection on your boat and private dock and know how to prevent electric shock drowning. The Paperwork □ Make sure your boat registration is up to date. Don’t forget your trailer tags. □ Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Provide a copy to your marina or club. □ If you are a BoatUS member, ensure your membership is in good standing. Yu can also download the free BoatUS app to make it easy to summon on-water assistance and speed response times.

Community Updates Teams Sought for Youth Birding Competition

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DNR's Tim Keyes with the Bufford Bluebirds Youth Birding Competition team. Photo by Chris May

experienced birders as they hone their skills. “From 7-year-olds who can identify 20 bird species to teens who can identify 160, this program offers a fun opportunity to spend a day outdoors finding birds as part of a friendly competition, complete with T-shirts, a banquet and prizes,” said Keyes, who works with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section. “In a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology, the Youth Birding Competition is one of the leaders in recruiting kids outside into the natural world learning about birds.” March 31 is the deadline to register for the 24-hour statewide birdathon. Register and learn more at www.georgiawildlife.com/YBC. Mentors are available for birding novices, but please sign up soon. Tim Keyes can be reached at (912) 222-0424 or tim.keyes@dnr.ga.gov.

Superfund Workshops in Brunswick The first of nearly a dozen programs on Glynn County Superfund Sites was held at First Baptist Church on Saint Simons Island this week. The Glynn Environmental Coalition and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light partnered to host the program designed to introduce participants to what a Superfund Site is, how the cleanups are managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and what Glynn County residents can do to get involved in the process. Glynn County is home to four Superfund Sites, out of a total of 16 in the State of Georgia, whose cleanups are managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thousands of contaminated sites exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. In 1980, Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, informally known as the Superfund program. The Glynn Environmental Coalition works to involve the surrounding community and Glynn County’s vast number of visitors in the cleanup process, and also help mitigate health impacts to our local community from exposure to the chemicals present at each Superfund Site. The Superfund cleanup process has many steps and each Superfund Site in Brunswick is at a different place in the process, many of which require public involvement and participation. The Glynn Environmental Coalition and Georgia Interfaith Power and 20

Dealer

Explore the outdoors, see birds and other wildlife, compete for fun and enjoy free food: What’s not to like about Georgia’s Youth Birding Competition? The 15th annual event is April 2425, and youth from kindergarten to high school seniors are invited to join the adventure. No birding experience is necessary, only a desire to learn and get outdoors. Coordinator Tim Keyes, a Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist who started the competition in 2005, is excited about the opportunity to introduce birds to a new group of youth and encourage

Southern Tides Magazine

March 2020

(cont. from previous page) Light plan to host 10 to 15 workshops in Glynn County this year to engage local faith communities in the Superfund cleanup process. The next Superfund 101 Workshop is scheduled to be held with the Unitarian Universalists of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick on March 22nd from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. You can RSVP to this event and find more information on Glynn County Superfund Sites by visiting www.glynnenvironmental.org. In addition, if you would like to bring this workshop to your congregation or place of worship, please contact the Glynn Environmental Coalition at gec@glynnenvironmental.org or call their office at (912) 4660934.

Sea Grant Funds Coastal Research Projects Georgia Sea Grant has announced funding for seven new projects that will advance coastal science in Georgia. The diverse projects include investigations into policy barriers related to oyster aquaculture, tidal river flooding in upland communities, the development of artificial bait for the commercial blue crab fishery, impacts of black gill on shrimp, oyster pathogens, and

the function of salt marsh ecosystems. The projects are part of Georgia Sea Grant’s request for proposals process, which occurs every two years to address research priorities identified by coastal stakeholders. This year, Georgia Sea Grant is partnering with the NOAA’s Office of Ocean Acidification to fund a project looking at whether sediments increase or decrease the susceptibility of Georgia’s coastal waters to ocean acidification. “These projects will help coastal communities, allow resource managers to plan and implement better policies, and engage scientists throughout Georgia in applied research and outreach,” said Mark Risse, director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. The two-year projects include researchers from five universities in the state, including: The University of Georgia, Savannah State University, Georgia College, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia Southern University. The 2020-2022 research projects and the lead investigators are: • Optimizing Georgia’s Shrimp Fishery in the Age of Black Gill – Marc Frischer, University of Georgia • Addressing Policy Barriers and Promoting Opportunities for the Success of Oyster Aquaculture in Georgia – Scott Pippin, University of Georgia • Tidal Channel Network Dynamics and Salt Marsh Ecosystem Functioning along the Georgia Coast – Amanda Spivak, University of Georgia • Expanded Head of Tide Determination of Georgia’s Coastal Rivers: Influences of Upland Riverine Flooding, Tidal Inundation, and Stochastic/Storm-surge Events – Christopher Hintz, Savannah State University • Field Testing a New Synthetic Sustainable Bait for Georgia’s Blue Crab Fishing Industry – Charles Derby, Georgia College • Role of Sediments in the Susceptibility to Ocean Acidification in Coastal Habitats – Martial Taillefert, Georgia Institute of Technology • How do Environmental Conditions and Oyster Population Genetics Influence Pathogen Prevalence and Intensity? – John Carroll, Georgia Southern University Information about Georgia Sea Grant research topics, funding and current opportunities can be found at gacoast.uga.edu/research/funding/current-projects/ March 2020

Southern Tides Magazine

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The BitterEnd

first episode dealt with an undersea quake that ruptured barrels of radioactive waste that had been dumped in the 1970’s. One concept that struck a chord with me on the show was that by 2020 humans had learned from their mistakes of the past and no longer dumped waste and trash in the ocean. Fast forward 48 years, and sadly we have yet to learn from something so simple as a cartoon, that clearly taught us about polluting our ocean environment. In September of 2019, Japan started testing the waters, so to speak, concerning how they were going to deal with some 1,200,000-plus tons of radioactive water being held in some 1,000 storage tanks from the 2011 Fukushima Disaster. One of the ideas they were kicking around was to send it into the Pacific Ocean. The Fukushima disaster is one of the worst nuclear disasters on record. The reason Japan needs to start the process of where to put it is simple, they only have room for 1.37 million tons on site. These numbers grow by about 170 tons every day due to about 4,700 fuel rods that are spread out over the three melted reactors and the two surviving reactors. To put it in perspective this disaster is on the magnitude of six times greater than Three Mile Island, which suffered a partial meltdown in 1979. An estimated 880 tons of melted nuclear material still requires cooling as well as cleanup. Although not to be considered as severe as Chernobyl, it is safe to say “Um, don’t dump that water in the ocean, thank you very much!” As of January 2020, Japan has (for now) backed away from the idea of use the ocean as a waste dump, thank God. However, as horrid as this would have been, there are still tons upon countless tons of waste, chemicals, plastics and a host of other assorted manmade debris that end up in our waterways great and small. So please folks, go watch a cartoon, encourage your children to do so as well, for if Hanna-Barbera can get it right with this message, so should we. As always thank you for your indulgence! Peace and love, shrimp and grits, and I'll see you on the water!

SeaLab 2020 By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill

ell here we go again folks, round two of Gator’s whacka-mole writing for Southern Tides! First, I want to thank Captain Dan for taking the reins for a bit, also thanks to Amy for indulging a senile old git. [It would be hypocritical of me not to! ~AT] Here we are in 2020 and ever since I was a child I’ve been looking forward to this year. Why would this year in particular inspire a child? To answer that, I pose this question to you: What’s one of your favorite memories as a child? For most of us growing up in the 60s and 70s it was pretty simple: Saturday morning cartoons. Of course, I’m not here to wax nostalgic on Bugs Bunny, though I did get my first taste of classical music from him. No, I want to get back to the whole 2020 thing. How many of you remember the cartoon from way back appropriately named Sealab 2020? A shortlived series set in the year 2020, ran from September to December of 1972. At the time this series premiered, I found it to be very novel. Having already fallen in love with Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and devouring anything I could find about Jacques Cousteau, the seed that would eventually lead me to the sea was planted. For those who may not remember the series, the premise of Sealab was an experiment that placed 250 men, women and children on top of the Challenger Sea Mount. There they lived, researched, worked at aqua culture, and mined the mineral-rich ocean. The

Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com

Southern Tides Magazine

March 2020

!! NEW !!

109 Park Avenue Downtown

The exterior has a distinct Southern Victorian look with a wrap-around balcony and pillars. The veranda is truly stunning and has lots of seating, light fixtures and ceiling fans for a nice evening outside. Inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to feel the rich Southern charm of this property with a living room right out of a novel. Glossy wood floors, brick and wood decorative fireplace, elaborate chandelier, leather furniture and an antique coffee table make up this charming room. However, modern conveniences are not forgotten and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find a large TV in an entertainment center. Head into the next room to find the formal dining area with a dark wood table and seating for six. The galley kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, a double sink and ample counter space. A small laundry room with stacked machines and an ironing board are located in the expansive hall. Two Bedrooms are nicely appointed with lots of windows, two full baths, ceiling fans, seating areas and comfortable beds. 4 years of STVR history. $425,000

BURNSIDE ISLAND

355 Island Road REDUCED

Beautiful, totally renovated waterfront home on Burnside Island. Four bedrooms with three full baths and over 2600 sq ft all on one floor. Fantastic flow for entertaining with a huge screened porch. Amazing water views. A personal dock has an area for entertaining and a floating dock for your water toys. The finishes in this home are all high end and it presents like a dream. Located just off the community park for easy family access to the playground and tennis courts. Burnside Island is one of the few golf-cart friendly communities in Savannah. $524,500

MIDTOWN

1205 E. 51st Street

Wow!! No lots like this in Parkside. 4 total lots with amazing outdoor space. This charming bungalow will draw you in and make you want to settle in for life. Two bedrooms and bath down and a fantastic master suite and sitting area with bath on second floor. Hardwood floors and contemporary kitchen. There are two outdoor screened areas. Detached single car garage with lots of extra storage. Parkside is such a welcoming community with lots of friendly neighbors. Walk to Daffin Park for the dog park, watching games or enjoy the Banana games and fireworks. Ready for you now. $349,000

374 Casey Drive

This 4 BD, 2.5 BA home is one of the largest in the neighborhood. All of the family is together upstairs with lots of family rooms to boot. Huge bonus room upstairs. Large open floorplan downstairs with separate dining room, living room, sun room and an additional office. Great open kitchen with two counters for eating and a large breakfast room. Directly off this room is the double sized patio. Private backyard. No building behind you. Located on a cul de sac. The master bedroom is oversized with a sitting area. The master shower is huge and has a separate water closet. Directly off the master bath is a huge walk in closet and with access to the laundry room. Lots of amenities. Playground and pool. $265,900

281 Shipyard Road

OMG!! 4BRs, 3BAs. That is all you can say about these views over the marsh and Vernon River. The sunsets alone are breathtaking. This traditional Low Country home is located on 2.8 acres and has views out of every window. Inground pool and screened porch overlooking the view as well. This estate is perfect for the discerning owner with privacy and lots of potential for gardens or a family compound. Burnside Island is a unique island with single family homes and lots of walking, riding, etc. Golf cart approved island. Owner may apply for membership in the Burnside Island Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway. $699,900