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In the Tides Issue No. 81 May 2022
CREW Publisher/Editor Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note 9 Fishing with Captain Jay
Assistant Editor Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com
11 20 Gas Saving Tips
Consulting Naturalist John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu
13 Not an Ashtray! 13 Trawl to Trash
The Bitter End Columnist Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
15 Taste of the Tides 15 GAMBA Summer Social
The Riverkeeper Report Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
16 Featured Artist: Kyle Morgan 20 Blessing of the Fleet
Fishing with Captain Jay Captain Jay Cranford gacharterfishing@gmail.com Contributors
22 Hurricane Season News 24 Buying a Used Boat Pt. III
Kyle Morgan Photograher
27 Sea Turtle Season
Emily Kenworthy UGA Marine Extension & GA Sea Grant
28 Community Updates
Mark Corke & Charles Fort for BoatU.S.
30 The Bitter End
Copyright © 2015-2022
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission. Southern Tides is a free magazine, published monthly, and can be found at multiple locations from St. Marys, Ga., to Beaufort, S.C.
(912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com www.SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on social media: www.issuu.com/SouthernTidesMagazine.com Facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine
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About the Cover:
Star Trails, by this month's featured artist, photographer Kyle Morgan. The bright light in the bottom right of the sky is Venus. For more of his work, see the article starting on page 16. Photo by Kyle Morgan @ k.morganartistry
Letters to the Editor:
We love hearing from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you'd like to share, please do! Send your thoughts to any of our email addresses listed above.
May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
5
Editor’s Note
I’m not afraid of snakes (though I have a healthy respect for the venomous variety), but I am afraid of my pets being hurt. Or worse. I only had two things handy that might prove useful at all – a metal rake and a hose. I worried that if I snagged it with the rake it could still strike at Hemingway, or me, so my only option was to spray my cat with the hose and hopefully he would run far enough from the snake that I could grab him and get him inside. This was a crapshoot though as the silly beast loves water. Thankfully it worked and I was able to get both him and Remington (my German shepherd who was snoozing in the sun 20 feet away, completely unaware of the drama) into the house. I then called a local guy who came out immediately, caught it, and relocated it to a nearby nature preserve. In sharing this story the past few days, I’ve been asked more than once why I didn’t just shoot it. There are multiple responses to this, the first being a question. “Why would I?” I was able to get my animals out of harm’s way, the snake posed no immediate threat, there was a non-lethal solution, snakes are important to our coastal ecosystems, and they eat things I don’t want hanging around, like rats. I see posts all the time on Facebook where people share a photo of a snake and there are dozens of comments identifying it incorrectly, and/or comments such as, “the only good snake is a dead snake.” Which tells me coastal Georgia is in desperate need of a master naturalist course, but I’ll save that rant for another day. Until we’re able to make that happen, I hope we can all at least make use of the resources available to us to educate ourselves about the wildlife we might encounter as we live and work and play in THEIR territories.
Living with Wildlife
W
e’re well into Spring, halfway to Summer, as we put this issue of Southern Tides together, and it’s apparent on multiple levels. First in the plethora of content and story ideas that are coming across my desk, but even more so in nature. Our coastal wildlife, rather than stretching and yawning and waking lazily from their long winter naps, have come roaring into action! Sea Turtle season officially began May 1, but started early this year with a false crawl on Jekyll in April. As of this morning (May 5) there are five nests on Cumberland Island and one on Sea Island, and I have no doubt those numbers will grow substantially by the time this magazine is in your hands, this time next week. Hopefully they’ll have a record year! Readers, please educate your guests from out of the area about not disturbing turtles or their nests, and not interfering or engaging with manatees; and marina operators, please remind your boaters to watch for turtles and for manatees, not just on beach fronts and open water, but also in creeks and rivers. Land-based creatures are active as well. Last Sunday I was working in my garden and had just finished transplanting some seedlings when I realized I shouldn’t be hearing locusts. I looked around and saw my cat, who only gets an hour or so of outside time each day, stalking a pile of leaves. A pile of gold leaves with brown diamonds that was coiling itself in preparation to strike, and the source of the noise I was hearing, which I then realized wasn’t the buzz of locusts but the rattle of a tail. Hemingway is a great mouser with a strong prey instinct, and while that normally serves him well, it absolutely wouldn’t in this instance. The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake he was stalking was bound to win this showdown.
See you out there!
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Snake Tips What to do if you see one: • Try to identify it from a distance. Resources such as georgiawildlife.com/georgiasnakes, which includes DNR’s “Venomous Snakes of Georgia” brochure, can help. • Do not attempt to catch or handle the snake. Give it the space it needs. • Remember that snakes are predators that feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and even other snakes. There is no need to fear non-venomous snakes. Also, Georgia’s native non-venomous species are protected by state law, and one – the eastern indigo – is federally protected. • If a clearly identified venomous snake is in an area where it represents a danger to people or pets, consult georgiawildlife. com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts for a list of private wildlife removal specialists. Most bites occur when a snake is cornered or captured and defending itself. May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Amy Thurman
Above, a very healthy diamondback rattlesnake safely contained in a plastic tub. Right, in its new home at a nature preserve. I'm sure it will be much happier there!
7
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Fishing with Captain Jay Fishing for Whiting By Captain Jay Cranford www.coastalgafishing.com
I
f you like to eat fish or wanted to plan a family fish fry, whiting are usually easy to catch, very predictable, plentiful, and delicious. Whiting will move into the sounds this time of year and stay throughout the summer. For instance, Sapelo Sound offers excellent places to find whiting. Go out into the ICW towards the ocean and find a protected area where the bottom rises from deeper water up to 17 to 20 feet. In the mouth of bigger creeks in the intracostal is also a good place to set up as long as the water depth is in that range. Rigging Because they’re bottom feeders, our bait needs to be right on the bottom. I like to use a rig with a slip sinker on the line, a swivel under the sinker, a 10- to 12-inch leader and a 1/0 or size 4 hook. (Pictured is a modified hook that seems to work really well.) This rig will keep your bait right on the bottom. When the current is strong, I rig it so the sinker is at the end of the leader, and the hook (or hooks if you're running a double) are a foot or two up the leader. I also like to use the very sensitive Octant Series rods that are made by Six Gill Fishing Products. Choose your bait I use shrimp and I’ve fished with others who’ve used cut baits, like mullet, but readily available dead shrimp seems to work as good as anything else I’ve tried. Remove the shrimp’s shell. With whiting you want to use a small bait, so depending on the size of the shrimp, use about a third or a quarter of the body. I use a small hook and one piece of the peeled shrimp large enough to cover the hook. The peeled shrimp always works better because it allows the smell of the shrimp to seep into the water. Whiting feed more by smell than sight, so the more smell we can get out of the bait, the more successful we will be. Find the fish Look for that 17- to 20-foot bottom and anchor out. Let your boat get settled, then cast down current. I usually begin fishing with the slip-sinker configuration. If whiting are in the area you should begin getting bites right away. If the fish are really active, I’ll switch to a double rig. If you get into a feeding school, catching two whiting at the same time is not uncommon and is easy with this rig. When to go During April and May the whiting will be in the inlets and sounds. In June, July and August whiting will be farther up into and May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
A useful rig for whiting. Photo by Jay Cranford
onto the sandy bottoms of the sounds still at the 17-20-foot depth. How many can you catch? Whiting are out in great numbers this time of year and it's a great way to fill up the cooler when you find them. Because this species is so plentiful, there are no size or daily limits on whiting in Georgia, but please, fish responsibly and keep only what you plan to eat in the next few days. Whiting doesn’t freeze well, becoming soft when thawed, and the flavor can become very strong or “fishy.” So get out and look for whiting this month, and don’t be surprised if you pick up other bottom feeders, such as sharks, stingrays, or redfish. Remember to abide by all boating laws, be sure you have all of your safety gear and keep your licenses and registration up to date. The whiting should bite all summer and give you the opportunity to catch plenty of great tasting fish and have a boatload of fun! Don't wish ... let's go fish!
Captain Jay has over 20 years experience fishing the Georgia coast. He's passionate about fishing and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with you! gacharterfishing@gmail.com • www.coastalgafishing.com/ 9
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20 Gas Saving Tips for Boaters
G
as prices are up. What can boaters do to prepare for a summer of boating? BoatUS has 20 fuel-saving tips boaters can use to help save on fuel and still enjoy a fulfilling season on the water. While some of these techniques may sound obvious, there may be some you've never considered. Before Heading Out: 1) Tune your engine now. A once a year for a tune-up and service will help it run more efficiently. 2) Match the boat’s prop to the boat and activity. Propellers are most efficient when they’re matched to the kind of boat you have and what you use it for (e.g., towing water skiers, fishing). Ask the pros at a propeller shop for recommendations and experiment with different models. The right prop can potentially increase fuel efficiency by as much as 10%. 3) Check your WOT. Take your boat out on a calm day and run wide-open throttle (WOT). The WOT rating is the RPM range the motor should achieve when running at wide open throttle. If it’s not able to reach WOT — or overruns it — you’ve got the wrong prop and you’re not getting the most bang for your fuel buck. 4) Check for propeller damage throughout the season. A dinged or broken propeller will hurt your fuel economy, so regularly inspect yours and replace it if it’s damaged. 5) Keep the prop clean. Barnacles and other growth can attach to the propeller, which will slow it down and impact fuel economy. 6) Keep a slick hull. For boats that spend a lot time in the water, barnacles or stuck-on grass can create drag on the hull and make the engine work harder. Boats in warm places may need to be cleaned weekly. 7) Measure your fuel flow. Install a fuel-flow meter, which can show you in real time how many gallons per hour your engine is burning, and allow you to dial in the most efficient speed for your boat. 8) Upgrade your motor, if possible. With the supply chain issues, engines have been hard to come by, but newer engines tend to be significantly more efficient than older models. The fuel savings alone might not be enough to justify an upgrade, but you’ll likely also benefit the environment. If your vessel is suitable, there are more options for electric and hybrid propulsion than ever before. 9) Join BoatUS. Yes, this is a pitch, but it will save you gas money. Members receive exclusive marina fuel discounts (up to 10 cents off per gallon) at nearly 400 BoatUS Partner Network marinas across the U.S. 10) Refuel smartly ashore. Most recreational boats in the U.S. are refueled at roadside gas stations. It may be wise to enroll in their customer loyalty or “cash back” programs. Just read the fine print on how your discount is delivered. Your credit card company or grocery store may also offer percentage-based “cash back” program on fuel. At the Dock 11) Ditch extra stuff. Additional weight means more drag. Clean out anything you won’t need, from extra anchors to old, unused lines and tools. Of course this does not include safety gear or necessary ground tackle. May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
12) Lighten your tanks. Don’t run with a full freshwater or fuel tank unless you absolutely need it. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and some boats have freshwater tanks that can hold 100 gallons, so emptying half can add up quickly. Gasoline weighs six pounds per gallon, so if you don’t need a full tank to safely return (you obviously don’t want to worry about getting stranded), lighten your load and bring less. A rule of thumb when planning for fuel use on any outing is you need to have one-third of your fuel to your destination, one-third back home, and one-third in reserve. 13) Avoid excess idling. It’s a common misconception that engines need time to warm up. Modern engines are fuel injected, so when you start them, they’re ready to go in a minute or two. A note on safety: Self-refueling your boat while it’s in the slip at a marina with portable containers may be prohibited due to fire hazard or potential for a spill, and depending on the volume of fuel needed for a fill-up may be impractical. It’s also problematic as the risk of fire and explosion goes up when gas is transported in your vehicle. This type of refueling is better suited to small vessels with portable tanks that can be removed, filled at a gas station and returned to the boat. Regardless of how you refuel, follow all safety guidelines. On the Water 14) Rearrange your passengers. Evenly distributing the load aboard your boat is the simplest way to help run efficiently when the boat’s trimmed, which is roughly parallel to its at-rest waterline and not leaning too far to one side or the other. 15) Get on plane. Recreational boats run most efficiently when they’re on plane, so once you’re out of the no-wake zone, safely get on plane as soon as you can. If your boat has trim tabs, experiment to find the sweet spot where your boat moves most efficiently and achieves the best trim. 16) Watch your wake. One sign you’re blowing gas is the size of your wake. While sometimes you have no option, slowing down to no-wake speed saves fuel. It’s a matter of plowing a wall of water rather than efficiently slipping over or through it. Of course, wakesurfers will take umbrage to this tip. We get it. 17) Try slowing down. Yeah, that’s a hard one for a lot of us, but in addition to stretching a tank of gas, it’s safer. You’ll see more things and have more time to react in the water, such as other boats or approaching traffic. 18) Reduce wind drag. A canvas or bimini top is great for protection from the sun, but you can improve fuel efficiency while underway by taking it down if you can. Just be sure to bring — and apply — sunblock. 19) Navigate smartly. The ultimate trick to saving fuel, of course, is running your engine less. Travel to closer destinations or drop anchor somewhere nearer to home to enjoy your fun afternoon on the water. If possible, take the shorter routes in synch with current and tides, and try to avoid a lot of banging into head seas. 20) Share your angling outings by “buddy boating.” This weekend invite the guy in the slip next to you, and then rotate on next weekend’s fishing trip. This fuel-saving technique is especially popular with anglers who fish canyons far offshore. Of course, this also improves your social aspects of fishing life as well. 11
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Georgia Coast: Not an Ashtray!
Trawl to Trash Recycled Shrimp Nets
UGA
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has come up with a creative way to clean up the Georgia coast and provide financial support to local commercial shrimpers whose income was limited during the pandemic. Through Trawl to Trash, funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, commercial shrimpers are recruited to sew bags made of recycled shrimp net material that can be used to collect marine debris. “It’s exciting to find a new purpose for these trawl nets and who better to make the bags than the shrimpers who have spent countless hours mending their nets ahead of shrimping season?” said Dodie Sanders, marine educator at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and lead on the Trawl to Trash project. The shrimpers earn $20 for each bag they sew. One fisherman, Jonathan Bennett, used the money he earned from the nets to pay the people working for him. “It was extra money, it helped us out,” said Bennett, a fifthgeneration commercial shrimper from Brunswick, who now captains his own boat, the Flying Cloud. Bennett has been shrimping since he was four. His grandfather taught him how to repair the shrimp nets. In an effort to produce more bags for outreach efforts, Sanders teamed up with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium to recruit additional shrimpers into the program. As of January 2022, 15 shrimpers in both Georgia and South Carolina have earned a total of $30,700 for 1,535 bags. With more than a thousand bags in hand, Sanders and other educators at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island have been working to distribute them to the public through education programs and community science efforts. “We’re educating and engaging ecotour guides, students, recreational boaters beach goers and others who can make a difference by alleviating the impacts of marine debris,” Sanders said. As part of their outreach effort, the team launched a Marine Debris Community Science Program, which engages volunteers in removing marine debris from barrier islands and salt marshes along the Georgia coast while tracking what they collect using the Marine Debris Tracker App. Since April 2021, community scientists involved in the program have conducted more than 25 marine debris cleanups across three sites on the Georgia coast and collected thousands of items. They are also working with ecotour guides who have been certified through Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Coastal Awareness and Responsible Ecotourism program. The guides are providing bags to their customers and encouraging them to collect debris while exploring Georgia’s beaches and barrier islands. “These efforts illustrate and reinforce the importance of building community capacity and encouraging behavior change as a way of supporting the long-term prevention of marine debris,” Sanders said.
E
ntities in Georgia’s six coastal counties are continuing a joint battle against the nation’s number one most littered item: cigarette butts. Providing comprehensive coverage of Georgia’s coastal area, Keep Liberty Beautiful, Keep Savannah Beautiful, Keep McIntosh Beautiful, Keep Camden Beautiful, Keep Pembroke Beautiful, Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers, the City of Tybee Island, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB) have again united in a coast-wide cigarette litter awareness educational initiative: Georgia’s Coast is Not an Ashtray. 1:27 PM Made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic, cigarette butts do not easily biodegrade. Discarded butts have a negative impact as land litter, but once blown into storm drains or tossed directly into water sources, this toxic litter becomes marine debris, leaching chemicals into marine and aquatic environments and potentially being ingested by those inhabitants. With coastal Georgia’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean as well as its abundance of streams, rivers, lakes, creeks, salt and freshwater marshes and ponds, the coast-wide initiative focuses on cigarette butts in relation to water bodies. Funded by a $20,000 Keep America Beautiful cigarette litter prevention program grant, the latest initiative consists of cigarette waste receptacle placement, radio public service announcements, social media/video promotion, educational outreach, and messaged drink coaster outreach. The combined five-year effort has resulted in a total of 499 public space receptacles placed in coastal Georgia. While simultaneous project-specific outreach activities will occur in all six coastal counties during the effort, community-specific outreach activities are encouraged as well. “We are excited to continue the joining of forces across Georgia’s coastal region in addressing cigarette litter,” said KGIB executive director Lea King-Badyna. “With this project we aim to positively impact Georgia’s coast regarding cigarette litter and serve as a guidepost for other coastal communities around the nation.” For more Georgia’s Coast is Not an Ashtray program info, contact: Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, info.kbgib@gmail.com or (912) 279-1490 or log onto georgiascoastisnotanashtray.org May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
13
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Taste of the Tides Cheddar Bay Pepper Jack Shrimp Balls Recipe by Sassy Henry Pawley's Island Specialty Foods Oh. My. Who knew only three ingredients could create little bites of Southern-style heaven? To find the cheese visit www.pimentocheese.com/locations/ Remember to catch it yourself or support your local seafood market! INGREDIENTS 1 Box (11.6 oz) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix 1 Tub (11 oz) Pawley's Island Pepper Jack Palmetto Cheese 1 lb. wild Georgia shrimp, raw, chopped DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 375F • In a bowl, mix together biscuit mix, Palmetto cheese, and shrimp until combined. • Form into 1oz balls and place on a greased baking sheet. • Bake for 15 minutes at 375F. • Garnish with a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning.
2022
SUMMER
l a i c o S July 28
Attention Seafood Markets! Southern Tides is seeking a recipe sponsor. Contact us to have your company name and logo included here. Attention Coastal Cooks and Chefs! Have a recipe featuring local seafood you'd like to share? Reach out to us! amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
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Driftwood tree at sunset on St. Andrews Beach , Jekyll Island.
Featured Artist:
Venus, Mars, the Moon and the Milky Way , Jekyll Island.
Kyle Morgan By Neva Parsons Assistant Editor Photography by Kyle Morgan
S
carlet skies mirrored on calm waters. Bright planets hovering between dark horizon and starry space. Gnarled driftwood against a vibrant, moody sunrise. These are images captured by a camera and rendered into art by photographer Kyle Morgan. Looking at his work, it’s hard to believe that Kyle has only a year of photography experience under his belt. Currently a resident of Brunswick, Kyle grew up in rural Brantley County but spent much of his time exploring the coastal islands. As a consequence, his landscapes reflect his love for the natural world. “Being out in nature is therapy for me. There’s just something about being on a beach, hearing all the wildlife and ocean waves, while looking up at the Milky Way on a clear night. Really makes you focus on the bigger picture of life and let go of all the small things.” “The important thing is not the camera but the eye,” famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt once said. Kyle credits his father in helping him develop his own “eye” having watched Wayne Morgan take photos for as long as he can remember. After taking many photos on his phone, Kyle asked his father if he could borrow his camera. “Of course, he let me, and it took off from there, asking him countless questions about settings and equipment and going out shooting. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without him.” What might the future hold for Kyle? “My dream is to own an art studio and travel for magazines such as National Geographic, Traveler, Discovery, and Planet Earth.” In the meantime, he’s working in a variety of niches, including portraits, weddings, real estate and drone shots. But landscapes and nightscapes remain his favorite modes of expression. He maintains an Instagram gallery and is anticipating the launch of his own website. When he’s not pursuing his art, Kyle can be found kayaking or mixing drinks behind the bar at the Jekyll Island Club’s Wharf Restaurant. Not to mention enjoying time spent with his family, whose support obviously means a great deal to him. “I would like to give a big shout out to him [father Wayne] and also my mom, Bonnie Morgan, who is my biggest fan. Thanks so much for all your support.” May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Sydney Lanier Bridge at sunset, Brunswick. 17
Pelican "Freeload George" in front of St. Simons Light.
Shrimper Grave Digger at Sunset, Darien
Boardwalk at sunset , Jekyll Island.
To view more of Kyle's work, please visit his instagram gallary: @k.morganartistry or email him: k.morganartistry@gmail.com 18
Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
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Thunderbolt Blessing of the Fleet Mark your calendars for May 28 and set your GPS for Thunderbolt!
Photos from previous Blessing events in decades past. This page above, and opposite page: Shrimp boats decorated to the nines paraded up and down the Wilmington River to receive the blessing. Left: Family-friendly fun is always in order! Photos provided by the Thunderbolt Museum Society, Inc.
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Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
T
he Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition practiced in fishing villages around the world, meant to safeguard boats and their crews, and to encourage an abundant harvest from the sea. Thunderbolt’s Blessing of the Fleet was an annual tradition for decades, but hasn’t been held since the 1980s. Until now. “Thunderbolt is filled with rich history and I am honored to bring back the Blessing of the Fleet,” said mayor Dana Williams. “For years, everyone has been talking about the return of the Blessing and I wanted to do it to bring our people together and celebrate our town’s unique history.” The event will pay tribute to the shrimping and fishing industries that have been interwoven with the history and culture of the community for generations. Although Georgia’s shrimping industry has been in decline for years, events such as this help keep the traditions and history alive. A parade down River Drive kicks off the festivities at 10:00 AM, with vendors set up along the route. Bishop Parkes of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, in Savannah, will pronounce the blessing. Live music, a beer garden with a VIP area for sponsors, and other entertainments will round out the day until close at 6:00 PM. Come and show your support for the men and women who help to fill your plate with the bounty of the sea and have a fabulous day! To become a sponsor or learn more, check in at botfga.com.
Blessing of the Fleet Saturday, May 28 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. River Drive, Thunderbolt
Vendor Set-Up: 9–11 a.m. Parade: 10 a.m. Start of the Festival: 11 a.m. Stage engertainment 12 - 5 p.m. Blessing: 4 p.m. Grand Prize Raffle: 5 p.m. End of festival: 6 p.m. Vendors Breakdown: 6 - 7 p.m.
To become a sponsor visit: botfga.com May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
21
Hurricane Season News Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. We’ll take a look at last year, the science involved, as well as 2022 predictions. Remember, regardless of what’s predicted for the season, you should prepare for the worst. Coastal Georgia has been lucky since 2016 when Tropical Storm Hermine came through in early September, followed just a month later by Hurricane Matthew, which spun up the Georgia coastline about 50 miles offshore as a Category 2 storm. It only takes one storm to make this a bad hurricane season.
By Amy Thurman The 2021 season track map. To see a larger version visit: bit.ly/2021trackmap Map provided by NOAA
2021 Season Recap It was another one for the record books: • 21 named storms, making 2021 the 3rd most active season on record (following 2005 with 28 named storms and 2020 with 30 named storms). • It was the first time on record that all 21 storm names have been exhausted two seasons in a row. • It was the 7th consecutive season with named storms forming prior to the official start of the season on June 1. • It was also the 6th consecutive season in which the number of named storms exceeded predictions. Of the 21 named storms last year, seven became hurricanes and four became major hurricanes. Eight storms made landfall in the U.S., the worst of which was Hurricane Ida. The storm made landfall in Louisiana at Port Fourchon as a Category 4 hurricane with 130 knot winds; the eye was 15 nautical miles wide. Ida resulted in 55 deaths and $75 million in damages. It was the fifth strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. The closest call for coastal Georgia was Tropical Storm Danny, which made landfall at Pritchards Island, S.C., on June 28, 2021, with 35 knot winds. In summary, 2021 was the sixth consecutive year of above average hurricane activity. Why?
very interesting topic of AMOs, visit: www.aoml.noaa.gov/phod/ amo_faq.php) 2021 was also a La Nina year. El Niño and La Niña are climate patterns that originate in the Pacific and can impact weather worldwide. In El Niño years, stronger upper atmosphere winds can prevent storm development in the Atlantic and Caribbean, while La Niña has less wind sheer, which leads to a more active hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. To learn more about El Niño and La Niña, visit the government climate website at bit.ly/nino-nina-QA. Other factors in the busy 2021 season included higher than normal sea surface temperatures early in the season, and an above average West-African monsoon rainfall. In years with heavy rainfall in SubSahara, or Sahel, data shows an increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin. What does all this mean for this year? 2022 Hurricane Season Predictions Southern Tides follows three hurricane forecasting centers: NOAA, Colorado State University (CSU) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). CSU and NCSU have both issued their predictions and both foresee higher than average activity. NOAA will issue its prediction on May 24, and it's unlikely it will vary much from the other two.
The Science One explanation for the increase in hurricane activity in recent years is that we're in a warm phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, or AMO. This is basically long-term warm and cool phases of the sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic. These phases last 20 – 40 years and we’re in a warm phase that began in 1995. Warm phases can mean stronger, and longer-lasting storms, and more of them - often double the number of storms over cool phases. It’s impossible to predict how long we’ll remain in this warm phase, but we are still definitely in it. (For more on this
Named Hurricanes Major 22
2022 Predictions NOAA CSU NCSU TBA May 24 19 17 - 21 TBA May 24 9 7-9 TBA May 24 4 3-5
Avg 14 7 3
Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
In looking back over the past seven years, all three agencies have routinely forecasted fewer storms than what were actually recorded. It is also possible that these forecasts may be revised as new weather data becomes available or changes significantly, so check periodically for updates. We're currently in a weak La Nina season, and an internet search will turn up varying reports on how long this will last, with some reporting through May and others reporting it will last through the summer and into fall. Additionally, when La Nina does subside, it will mean a return to ENSO-neutral (the phase when neither El Nino or La Nina are present). ENSO-neutral can also mean increased hurricane activity. Eastern and central tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are about average right now, but Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic surface temps are warmer than normal. In addition, CSU predicts a 47% chance of at least one major hurricane striking the east coast (the average for the last century is 31%). The bottom line is another busy season and you should begin preparing for it now. Also, please keep in mind that Ida went from a weak tropical storm to a major hurricane with 150 mph winds in less than 48 hours last year. If you'd like a copy of the Southern Tides Hurricane Guide, email amy@southerntidesmagazine.com. Stay safe!
2022 Hurricane Names Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fionna Gaston
Southern Tides Magazine
Owen Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter
If more than 21 named storms occur in the season, the Greek Alphabet will be used. If these names look familliar that's because it's the same list used in 2016 when TS Hermine and Hurricane Matthew impacted the Georgia coast. Matthew was retired and replaced by Martin. Owen replaces Otto, also retired in 2016. Storm names repeat every six years, though the names of storms resulting in high death numbers or excessive damages are retired.
Saffir-Simpson Scale
Tropical Storm (not part of Saffir-Simpson) Sustained winds of 39 – 73 mph Dangerous winds, will produce some damage. Category 1 Sustained winds of 74 – 95 mph Very dangerous winds, will produce some damage. Category 2 Sustained winds of 96 – 110 mph Extremely dangerous winds, will cause extensive damage. Category 3 (major) Sustained winds of 111 – 129 mph Devastating damage will occur. Category 4 (major) Sustained winds of 130 – 156 mph Catastrophic damage will occur. Category 5 (major) Sustained winds of 157 mph or higher Catastrophic damage will occur.
START PREPARING NOW Threats from hurricanes can include strong winds (downed trees, downed power lines, damage to your home), storm surge, flooding from excessive rain, and tornadoes. Begin preparations now: • Determine where you'll evacuate and plan multiple routes. • Check your insurance coverage, make changes if needed. • Create a home inventory. • Scan and make copies of all important documents. • Make repairs to your home (roof leaks, etc.). • Inspect trees for poor health or dangerous limbs. • Service your generator or consider purchasing one. • Plan for your pets - supplies, records, pet-friendly evacuation site. • Have a plan for your boat. • Plan for what you'll do with family heirlooms. • Begin stocking up, a little at a time, on emergency supplies. Supply List: With supply chain issues being what they are, and how quickly store shelves clear at the first sign of bad weather, it's important to begin now or you may find yourself doing without in the event of a storm. • Food and water • Medications, first aid kit and any special health needs • Pet food, meds, and other supplies • Generator fuel and fuel stabilizer • Flashlights, camping lanterns and batteries (avoid candles if possible) • Box or floor fans • Hand tools, gloves, safety glasses • Things to do - books, games, cards, etc. • Cash (ATMs won't work without power) • Keep your vehicle gas tank at least half-full during storm season This is a starting point only, not a complete list. Begin your own plans now so you'll be ready later. May 2022
Hermine Ian Julia Karl Lisa Martin Nicole
Emergency Management Sites Chatham www.chathamemergency.org/ Bryan bit.ly/BryanCo_EMA Liberty www.libertycountyga.com/244/Emergency-Management McIntosh www.mcintoshema.com/ Glynn bit.ly/GlynnCo_EMA Camden www.camdencountyga.gov/81/Emergency-Management
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Buying A Used Boat What Your Surveyor Wants You to Know The third of three articles from BoatU.S. on purchasing a used boat.
By Mark Corke and Charles Fort For BoatU.S.
O
ver the years, BoatU.S. Consumer Protection has written plenty on the importance of getting a marine survey on a boat you’re considering buying, and for good reason. For many people, a boat may be the second biggest purchase they make, after a house, and there’s a lot at stake financially. Many insurance companies and banks require a Condition and Valuation survey in order to provide coverage or financing. But if you’ve never had a boat surveyed you might be wondering what to expect when you do need one. BoatU.S. Magazine associate editor and accredited marine surveyor Mark Corke offers up this advice. Do some research on what you want Decide what sort of boat you want and need. Have a look at a few models, then narrow the list down to one or two before you engage a surveyor. A surveyor has looked at hundreds or thousands of boats during his career and can offer advice on many boats, but he does not know which boat will suit you. One of my clients, after having me check out several boats, eventually asked me if I thought he should buy a power or sailboat! You’ll need to have your choices much narrower than that. The last thing a surveyor wants to do is tell you what kind of boat is best for you. It’s not just about the cost Don’t choose a surveyor on price alone. Of course, you need to know up front what the cost of the survey will be, but it could be a case of “if you don’t pay now, you’ll pay later.” That bargainbasement-price survey could cost you in the long run should the surveyor miss some important fault on the boat. If problems are caught before inking the deal, you have the option of renegotiating the price or getting faults corrected before you take delivery of the boat. While there is no guarantee that you will get more from a more expensive surveyor, as in all things, you typically get what you pay for. Prices are generally around $20 to $22 per foot, but if you’re quoted $12 per foot you need to ask yourself why. Surveyors often get concerned when a client asks for a cheap survey because “it’s only for insurance.” Most surveyors are professionals and want you to be happy with your boat and ensure your safety on the water. In return, you want him or her to spot any deficiencies with the boat. Surveyors need to be able to stand behind
The condition of hoses and rigging are just a couple of things that the surveyor will check. Photo by Mark Corke
their work (possibly even in the courtroom), and doing a “light” survey doesn’t help anyone. Most surveyors have a set fee based on the size and type of boat, the type of survey, travel costs, and so on. By all means ask how much the surveyor charges, but don’t wait until the day of the survey and then try to start negotiating the fee. You have the right to back out of the purchase up until the appointed survey date, but if you change your mind about the boat and have already had the survey done, the surveyor still has to be paid. Most surveyors expect payment on the day the service is completed. Surveyors typically won’t send out the completed survey report until they get paid. It’s the surveyor’s version of “no cash, no splash.” The surveyor works for you only You will be paying the surveyor’s bill, so it’s important that you understand that he reports to you and only to you. The surveyor doesn’t share his findings with anyone else unless you specifically request it. If you have a broker acting as your buyers agent, then you may ask that the surveyor send a copy of the survey to the agent as it makes your broker’s job easier if he’s asking for things to be addressed. Keep in mind that a survey is only good for a specific time because it’s really a snapshot of what the boat was like on a specific day. Old surveys should not be relied upon. Make sure the boat is prepared If you are asking a surveyor to come to your boat to perform an insurance survey, make sure that the surveyor has access. Don’t expect him or her to empty out lockers of heavy anchors, bags of sails, and boxes of spare parts. The surveyor needs to look at the mechanical parts of the boat, and it causes delays to have to move tons of stuff out of the way. If in doubt, ask the surveyor what he needs before he arrives. He won’t expect everything to be off the 24
Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
don’t understand. Surveyors are on boats every day, but owners and buyers may not always understand some of the technical terms. Relationships are important Surveyors want to build a solid relationship, because their reputation is at stake. There’s a saying experienced surveyors tell newbies: You’re only as good as your last survey. Marine surveyors are often independent businesses and want you to call them first when you buy your next boat and also to recommend them to friends and family. If you have a problem with a survey (or a surveyor) don’t hesitate to bring it up.
boat, but he will appreciate reasonable access. One client asked me to survey his 33-foot sailboat, but it turned out that the entire contents of a small apartment seemed to have been crammed aboard. If that wasn’t bad enough, the little boat also had a Great Dane aboard! Don’t get in the surveyor’s way Most surveyors like it when the buyer is at the survey. They can answer questions and point things of interest out on the boat that may not find their way into the survey report. That being said, it makes the job slower if you hover. Allow the surveyor to do his job – you’ll get a complete written report about everything he sees. A sea trial is not a boat ride The purpose of a sea trial is to check the boat’s systems, engines, generators, electronics, and other parts that cannot be inspected while the boat is not under commission or is “on the hard.” The surveyor will need to pay close attention to the engines, helm, and systems, and how the boat handles. To get the most from a sea trial, leave the kids, dog, and Aunt Kate at home. They can get a ride on the boat later, assuming that you buy it. Too many folks on the boat makes it difficult for the surveyor to do the job properly. Surveyors are happy to talk things over with you before and after the survey Most surveyors are only too happy to talk to you about the survey process, especially if this is your first time employing a surveyor. They will also answer questions after the survey, so don’t be scared to call them up if you see something in a survey report that you
May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
This article was reprinted with permission from BoatUS Magazine, flagship publication of the membership organization Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.). For more expert articles and videos to make your boating, sailing, or fishing better, visit BoatUS.com.
Below: It’s not hard to make a surveyor smile. All it takes is a little prep work on your behalf. Photo by Mark Corke
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Sea Turtle Season Underway about 800 nests a year and we’re now up to about 3,500.” Like other marine turtles, loggerheads – named for their large heads – crawl ashore on barrier island beaches, dig a hole at the base of the dunes and lay their eggs, usually at night. To prep for the season, Dodd and staff have been training interns, working with volunteers, partner agencies and organizations, and teaming with DNR’s Law Enforcement Division, all while navigating social distancing and other requirements involving the coronavirus pandemic. Game wardens enforce regulations including the use of turtle excluder devices, or TEDs, in commercial shrimping. The process followed on Cumberland and Sea islands that morning will be repeated hundreds of times this year. An egg from each nest – less than 1 percent of the average clutch size on the island – was collected for UGA genetic analysis documenting the number and relatedness of loggerheads nesting in Georgia. The nest was then covered with a screen to protect the eggs from predators.
Loggerhead at dawn on Ossabaw Island (2021). Photo by Caleigh Quick, GADNR
T
he annual cycle of sea turtles returning to beaches in the Southeast to lay their eggs began early in the morning on May 3, with a nest on Sea Island and four on Cumberland Island. All were found by members of the Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative, a DNRcoordinated network of about 200 volunteers, researchers and agency employees that patrols beaches daily during nesting season. The rush for first nest of the year may have been unusual but not the timing. Georgia Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd said first nests “come like clockwork … around the first of May.” While predicting how the season will go is anyone’s guess, computer modeling of loggerhead nesting in the region points to an average year, according to Dodd, a senior wildlife biologist with the GADNR. “Somewhere around 3,000 to 4,000 nests,” he said. The Georgia record since comprehensive nesting surveys began on the state’s barrier island beaches in 1989 is 3,950 nests, set in 2019. The count in 2020 dipped to 2,786 nests and last year to 2,493 (plus another seven nests mostly from species other than loggerheads). The loggerhead population has been increasing at approximately four percent annually since the early 1990s. However, a new population model developed by UGA and the U.S. Geological Survey using nesting and genetics data indicates the population will plateau at current levels for about the next 20 years, its progress hindered by low recruitment during the early 2000s, Dodd said. If current protections remain in place at least through that period, the model suggests loggerhead numbers would then start to increase again, possibly reaching levels not seen since the late 1950s. Supporting that rebound is the goal of Georgia’s Sea Turtle Cooperative. Working under a federal permit, members mark, monitor and protect all loggerhead nests, plus those of other species that seldom nest in Georgia, such as green and Kemp’s ridley. The effort not only eases predation and increases the number of young that hatch, the data collected is used to assess loggerhead populations, assess threats and inform management. Cooperators also help with beach management. The program has been in play on Georgia beaches for more than 30 years. “The cooperative has done a tremendous amount of work, and with a measurable impact,” Dodd said. “We started out averaging May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
Sea Turtle Tips
To help conserve them: • Minimize beachfront lighting during sea turtle nesting season. Turn off, shield or redirect lights. • When walking the beach at night, don’t use flashlights and flash photography. They can deter turtles from coming ashore to nest or cause them to abort nesting. • If you encounter a sea turtle on the beach, remain quiet, still and at a distance. • Leave turtle tracks undisturbed. Researchers use them to identify the species and mark nests for protection. • Properly dispose of your garbage. Turtles may mistake plastic bags, Styrofoam and trash floating in the water as food. After ingesting trash, it can kill them by clogging their intestines. • Protect beach vegetation: It stabilizes sand and the natural coastline. • When boating, stay alert and avoid turtles. Of the 84 sea turtles found dead or hurt in Georgia last year, 45 percent that could be assessed had suffered injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. Boaters who hit a sea turtle are urged to stand-by and immediately call DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). • Also report any dead or injured sea turtles seen at 800-2728363. (If the turtle is tagged, include the tag color and number in the report if possible.) If an angler hooks or entangles a sea turtle: • Call DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363), and … • Keep your hands away from the turtle’s mouth and flippers. • Safely land the turtle using a net or by walking it to shore. Do not lift the turtle by the hook or by pulling on the line. • Leave the hook in place; removing it can cause more damage. (Anglers are encouraged to use non-stainless, barbless hooks when possible.) • Keep the turtle out of direct sunlight and cover it with a damp towel. • If you cannot reach DNR, cut the line as short as possible and release the turtle. 27
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Community Updates New Vermilion Snapper Record The GADNR announced a new men’s state saltwater gamefish record for vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens), also known as beeliners. Mark Brandon Neville, of Richmond Hill, landed the 5-pound, 11.68-ounce vermilion snapper on Monday, April 11, 2022, at Artificial Reef DW, about 70 nautical miles east of Sapelo Island. Neville’s catch beats the previous 3-pound, 11-ounce record of Scott Funderburk of Guyton from 2018. Neville, 34, caught the fish while jigging in about 160 feet of water. His catch was weighed at DNR’s Richmond Hill Hatchery using a certified scale. Vermilion snapper are found in the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Hatteras, N.C., to southeastern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico. They can live up to 15 years, grow to be as long as two feet and weigh up to seven pounds. In 2020, recreational anglers landed approximately 2.5 million pounds of vermilion snapper, according to NOAA
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Fisheries. Neville will receive a certificate acknowledging his record catch, and the record will be added to the list published at CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords. It will also be included in the 2023 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide. For the current list of men's and women's saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch to the Georgia Saltwater Gamefish Record, please visit CoastalGaDNR.org/RecreationalFishing. Applications should include color photographs. There are minimum weights for several species. Anglers wishing to enter a fish for a new state record must have the fish weighed on a Georgia Department of Agriculture certified scale in the presence of at least one witness. Certified scales can be found at local seafood markets, grocery stores and agricultural supply stores. During business hours, anglers can have their catch weighed at the Coastal Regional Headquarters, One Conservation Way in Brunswick.
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Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants to serve on its volunteer advisory council. The council provides NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary. • Citizen-At-Large, 3-year term • Conservation (2 seats), 3-year term • Education (K-12), 3-year term • Fishing Industry, 3-year term • Research (Non-Living Resources), 3-year term Applications are due by June 1, 2022. Late applications will not be considered. Applications should include (1) a completed and signed application form, and (2) responses to the 10 written questions in the application. The SAC application form is available at bit.ly/ReefSeat Please also contact Scott Kathey for support materials which will assist in fully understanding the role and responsibilities of council members. scott.kathey@noaa.gov or (912) 598-2381. Applications can be emailed to Scott Kathey or physically mailed to Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411. 28
Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
Build a Rain Barrel Workshop You are invited to join the Georgia Coastal Management Program in partnership with Coca-Cola United for an upcoming Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop. Did you know: A rain barrel can save most homeowners 2,000 gallons of water each year which can be used for watering gardens, washing cars and other projects around the house? At the workshop, rain barrel installation, maintenance and safety are discussed, along with instructions for the conversion kit which includes ALL parts needed for installation. Staff will be on hand with the hardware supplies and tools necessary to help you assemble the barrels on-site – ready to take home and use. The conversion kit uses a diverter system which eliminates the need for cutting off gutter downspouts, mosquitoes and over-flow valves. The workshop will be held at the GADNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick, GA. Registration fee is $35 and includes the 35 gallon drum, instructions and all supplies needed to build your own rain barrel. Please note that if registering for this workshop you must attend the educational presentation and construct your rain barrel at the workshop. Registration will be limited and is available on a first come basis through the links belowthese are specific to each workshop so please ensure you click on the link that corresponds to the month you are interested in. June 23rd, 2022 9AM-11AM rainbarrelworkshop_june2022_brunswick.eventbrite.com July 20th, 2022 9AM-11AM rainbarrelworkshop_july2022-brunswick.eventbrite.com We will be sending out more information prior to the workshop for registered participants but please feel free to contact Kelly Hill with questions at any time: Kelly. Hill@dnr.ga.gov or (912) 264-7218.
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Beware Vessel Registration Scam BoatUS is advising boaters with vessels that have a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation to be wary of any letter arriving by U.S. mail offering renewal. While the Coast Guard does send official annual renewal notices by U.S. mail, other notices being received by BoatUS members are not from the Coast Guard but rather third-party companies whose name or return addresses may appear similar to that of the official U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). BoatUS members have complained that these letters direct them to websites that may be mistaken for the actual Coast Guard NVDC located in Falling Waters, West Virginia, and appear to show a significant increase in the annual fee to renew Coast Guard documentation. While third-party companies may legitimately provide services to assist with vessel documentation renewals, the Coast Guard’s own renewal process is simple for most vessels and the price ranges from $26 for one year up to $130 for a 5-year expiration, which is often much lower than what third-party services may charge. To renew, go to the Coast Guard National Documentation Center website at www.uscg.mil/nvdc and click on “instructions and forms,” then “Certificate of Documentation Application for Renewal.” To be documented, a vessel must measure at least five net tons and, with the exception of certain oil-spill response vessels, owned by a U.S. citizen. Boats about 27 feet in length or longer generally meet the weight requirement. Why do boat owners choose to federally document vessels with the U.S. Coast Guard versus the more common practice of state registration? The boat was purchased with a bank loan and the lender required it, or the boat has plans to travel beyond U.S. waters. A Certificate of Documentation is internationally recognized and makes it easier for American vessels to enter and leave foreign ports. BoatUS also advises boaters who may have received mail that they believe is misleading or deceptive to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455 or through its website postalinspectors.uspis.gov. May 2022
Southern Tides Magazine
29
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The Bitter End Terrapin what? By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
"H
ey Grandpa, what's for dinner?" Some of you may remember that question posed to Grandpa Jones on the classic hit Hee Haw. Usually, the reply was some colorful country classic cuisine from possum to squirrel or anything in between. But long before then, the answer could have been Terrapin soup. This month our sea turtles return to our beaches, and we will be looking for turtle nests – not to raid them for their eggs, but rather to protect them from any that would seek to devour them. While our majestic sea turtles always seem to garner much of the limelight and love, there is another little feller that gets overlooked so often today: yep, the terrapin, or more precisely the diamondback terrapin, dweller of saltwater marshes and brackish backwaters. This shy little guy is the only turtle that calls the saltwater marsh home. Many years ago, this turtle was on everyone’s lips, quite literally. The name terrapin comes partially from the Algonquin, Abenaki and the Delaware languages mean good tasting, and in the 1800s terrapins were considered a daily staple for some, and a delicacy for others. First Nations Peoples found the terrapin an abundant food source, and later those enslaved from Africa were give these turtles as part of their daily fair because they were plentiful and cheap. Later, by the time of Andrew Jackson’s presidency, they were starting to show up on the plates of Washington’s elite. I remember reading somewhere long ago that Secretary of State William Seward (Lincoln’s administration) ate terrapin soup every day for lunch. (It seemed he had quite the exotic appetite and often hosted parties with as many as seventeen courses.) Even companies like Heinz and Campbells jumped on the bandwagon and sold canned terrapin soups nationwide. Sadly, by the early 1900s this creature was pushed to the brink of extinction. What had been purchased for just a few dollars a dozen had skyrocketed to a hundred dollars or more for a single turtle. Though eating terrapins was far from unique, many other turtles have found their way from the rivers and woods to human’s dinner tables. From the snapping turtles of my mountain home to green sea turtles which are still being eaten in the Cayman Islands, though they are grown and harvested in breeding farms. Fortunately, many turtle species, including our seas turtles, have been protected since 1973 with the Endangered Species
A diamondback terrapin snagged in a net, prior to being released. Photo by Amy Thurman
Act. However, prior to that, the only thing that slowed down the terrapin soup craze (aside from astronomical pricing) was Prohibition. Yep, that’s right. Why, you might ask? It seems that one of the main ingredients needed to make an awesome turtle bisque is booze, either sherry or Madeira. No alcohol, no soup. Although our diamondback terrapins have grown in numbers since being removed from the menu, they’re still considered vulnerable. Humans continue to impact this species through diminished habitat and encroachment on their breeding grounds, and another danger is from crab traps. Traps that have been abandoned in the water, have been lost, or cut away from their buoys, and even those still actively used for crabbing, as the same food that attracts crabs also attracts our other shelled friends, namely turtles and terrapins. When I was a paddle guide, I would collect abandoned and cast-off traps and clear them out of my areas. When fish or other creatures get caught in them and die, the traps are essentially baited, enticing terrapins and other sea life to become trapped and suffocate. I have literally dumped 10 or more dead turtles from a single trap. This sea turtle season let’s pay special attention to, and try to protect, all of our shelled friends. If you see obviously abandoned crab traps (no buoy, embedded in mud, rusted or with growth) please remove and dispose of them. Crabbers, please pull your traps before storms to avoid them being lost. 'Til our wakes cross again, peace and love, and shrimp and grits. I'll see you on the water!
Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com 30
Southern Tides Magazine May 2022
Create Your Own Sustainable Garden The Food Not Lawns movement contends that growing sustainable, edible plants is better for the environment than a manicured lawn is. Many people across the country are embracing this idea. If you want to plant a garden at your house, what do you need to know to get started? Let’s take a closer look.
Food Not Lawns movement
Food Not Lawns is a grassroots movement designed to show homeowners how to grow sustainable gardens using permaculture techniques. The idea is that purely decorative lawns are not habitable for birds and bees, which make up an essential part of our ecosystem.
Choosing the right plants
The right plants for your new garden will depend on where you live because your location affects the number of seasons you get and the amount of sun you get each day. Many people choose edible gardens and plant easy-to-grow vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers.
Educating your family
The best part about planting a garden instead of a lawn is that it can be a family activity. Maintaining a lawn is about mowing and fertilizing, which are solo activities. But planting, maintaining and harvesting a garden can be done by the whole family.
Harvesting your garden
Speaking of the harvest, if you’ve chosen to grow fruits and vegetables in your garden, you can expect great rewards. For example, you can get strawberries in the early summer, pick tomatoes all summer long and find many squash varieties ready in the fall.
6349 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA
912.352.1222 • MyCBHomes.com
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927 lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com Find me on:
@lynmccuen
Isle of Hope Marina
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi 30-50-100 amp electrical service 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks 600 feet of deepwater face docks
Voted Best Marina in Savannah!
50 W Bluff Drive Savannah, GA 31406
Complimentary loaner cars and bicycles Ship's Store and Laundry Facilities 2,000 sq ft overwater pavilion Private restrooms and showers Gas, Diesel, and Pump-out facilities
Introducing
marker 46a Introducing our new addition, Marker 46A, exclusively for Isle of Hope Marina guests! Featuring an outdoor deck with comfortable seating and picturesque water views. Inside, you can find complimentary coffee, WiFi, high definition TV, and ceiling fans.
912-354-8187 www.iohmarina.com
Scan to learn more about the Carefree Boat Club
