T H E G E O R G I A C O A S T A L M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M Georgia APRIL-JUNE , 2004 By: Jill Huntington ~ Coastal Technical Assistant Sound VOL.10, NO.2 What's the Buzz? Well, there is never any doubt when spring arrives in coastal Georgia, because without fail, those buzzing, flying, biting bugs come with it. I do not know what it is, but the mosquitoes seem to seek me out in particular. And that is why I am so grateful that we have figured out how to combat those annoying creatures. But, mosquito control is not as easy as getting out your fly swatter and bug spray. Local governments everywhere are putting a great deal of effort into controlling mosquito populations and ensuring our health and comfort. Mosquito eradication can be tricky, particularly when some of them are breeding in salt marsh areas. So the Georgia Coastal Management Program and its partners from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve assembled mosquito control experts from coastal Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, and North Carolina for a workshop to discuss a technique for getting rid of the salt marsh mosquitoes. This technique is called Open Marsh Water Management, or OMWM (pronounced ahhm-wahm). OMWM replaces grid ditches originally dug through the marsh to control mosquitoes with open water ponds. These ponds provide suitable habitat for small fish (e.g., mummi chogs) that eat mosquito larvae and serve as a biological mosquito control. Several east coast states have been using OMWM techniques for dozens of years, and have found it to be more effective and environmentally friendly than spraying chemicals or grid ditching, as well as less expensive than other currently used techniques. Many also believe that OMWM is a good technique for restoring previously ditched or otherwise human-altered marsh areas. And since there was such a "buzz" about OMWM, we decided to explore its utility and feasibility here in our own state. On January 27-28, 2004, representatives from local mosquito control units, research institutions, and regulatory agencies traveled to the Jekyll Island Convention Center to learn more about OMWM and to discuss its potential use in coastal Georgia. As it turns out, OMWM techniques may not work in all areas, or in all salt marshes. Factors include whether the soil will allow water to stay in a pond or percolate through until the pond goes dry. With coastal Georgia's sandy soils, that may be a real concern. But, the meeting participants did come to the consensus that it may be worthwhile to give OMWM a test here, under the guidance of east coast experts. If the method proves to be as easy and successful as others claim it to be, then we may soon see more open water ponds and restored marsh areas which, incidentally, also provide terrific habitat for those wading birds that I like to watch. If you would like more information about OMWM, feel free to call us with questions or comments at (912) 264-7218. Best wishes for a happy and mosquito-free season. Inside This Issue: What's the Buzz? Ship to Shore Japanese Research Vessel Deployed at Artificial Reef Site "Nature Trail Challenge" Now Offered AT CRD's Earth Day Nature Trail The Dead Marsh Update Boy Scout Builds Homes for Fish New Age Treasure Hunting Volunteers Needed for Blue Crab Population Study Georgia's New Underwater Archaeology Program Short Strikes Beach Monitoring and Notification System Activated Parent-Child Fishing Derby PAGE 2 THE GEORGIA SOUND S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 Susan Shipman From the Director's Desk SHIP TO SHORE... Coastal Resources Division Director Public Involvement In recent months, the Board of Natural Resources adopted a strategy for improved public participation in the Department's decision-making relative to natural resources. The strategy is based on recommendations developed by a public involvement task force comprised of all Divisions and representative stakeholders. The goal is to improve the Department's public participation policies, processes and procedures. Topics addressed included rule-making, public meetings and hearings, development of new policies, access to documents, and permitting. The task force recognized different public involvement mechanisms are appropriate for different situations as opposed to a one size fits all approach. Coastal Resources Division has several initiatives underway to improve public involvement in natural resources management. Within the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP), the Coastal Advisory Council has been revitalized. The Council is an advisory body comprised of representatives from local governments, area Regional Development Centers, state agencies, scientific research organizations, non-governmental agencies, environmental interests, and citizens-at-large. The purpose of the Coastal Advisory Council is to advise the Department in our administration and implementation of the GCMP, and to communicate Program issues and activities to individual constituencies as well as provide feedback to the Program. The Coastal Advisory Council also plays a very important role in setting the annual funding theme for the Coastal Incentive Grant Program. Our permitting procedures under the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) and Shore Protection Act (SPA) are another area where strategies are being refined to enhance public involvement. In order to better address the public's accessibility to permitting documents, CRD recently began posting projects proposed for CMPA or SPA permits on our website (http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/ go to Current Events, click on Public Notices). Project descriptions and design details are now available through these web postings. The Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and Shore Protection Committee have instituted a new step in their permitting process. Public hearings are being held for review of substantial projects prior to the meetings where the Committees take action. This better ensures that permit requests coming before the Committees are what went out for public review and comment. This benefits all concerned ----- the project applicant in that they can ultimately bring the best project to the Committee; the general public, in that they know the specifics of the permit request; and the Committee, in that they can better ascertain the public interests associated with a project. It is hoped this step will enhance the information exchange between permit applicants, affected stakeholders and the general public, yield better decisions, and minimize permit appeals. Improved public participation is cross-cutting, and the Marine Fisheries Section is revising several of its citizens advisory committees. Responding to critique in recent months that the blue crab issues subcommittee is too narrowly representative of commercial crabbing interests, the Section is augmenting that committee's membership with recreational harvesters, scientists, and conservation organization representatives. Additionally, the Commercial Fisheries Program is engaging commercial harvesters in a cooperative trap survey, in which commercial crabbers will collect much needed data on adult and juvenile blue crab abundance during their fishing operations. The Department places great value on and invites public participation in our decision making. Our ultimate goal is better ground-truthing of our direction with our constituencies and the public at large, a more informed public, improved government, and good decisions. As opportunities for your input present themselves, don't sit back. Get involved in the stewardship of your coast. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND PAGE 3 By: Nancy Butler ~ Public Affairs Coordinator Japanese Research Vessel Deployed at Georgia Artificial Reef Site Off Georgia's coast, the continental shelf slopes gradually eastward for over 80 miles before reaching the continental slope and the waters of the Gulf Stream. Only an estimated 5-10% of this area supports natural reefs or "live bottoms" that are anchored to scattered rock outcrops. Rather, the shelf is a largely featureless expanse of sand that offers little to fish and fisherman alike. Building on a centuries-old concept, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA/DNR) began in the 1970's to develop manmade or "artificial" reefs to create fisheries habitat and more accessible angling opportunities in adjacent offshore waters. The concept of manmade or artificial reefs is not a new one. In the late 1700's, Japanese fishermen were sinking old vessels and placing rocks in coastal waters to improve their catches. In the United States, South Carolinians deployed wooden crib-like structures as early as the 1830's to improve catches of sheepshead and other fish. According to Henry Ansley, Outer Continental Shelf Program Leader with DNR, "Today, artificial reef development is taking place globally. Worldwide, materials range from so-called `materials of opportunity' like concrete rubble to specially designed units, used extensively in France, Italy, and especially in Japan, the world's leader in artificial reef technology." Steel vessels, however, remain one of the best known and most popular materials used to create artificial reefs. Ranging from 25' - 440' in length, fifty-five vessels have been deployed at Georgia's twenty-two offshore reefs, including ships, tugs, and barges. Other unique materials also used by the State include M-60 battle tanks, New York City subway cars, and more. A recent addition to the offshore reefs occurred in November with the placement of the 152' vessel BOWSTRING at Georgia Artificial Reef G. The sinking of this vessel brought to an end a varied and unique history of service. Initially commissioned in the 1960's as a Japanese research vessel, it later passed into private hands, serving as a diving and survey support craft in the Caribbean. Under new ownership and renamed the BOWSTRING, the vessel was abandoned in the 1990's in Jacksonville, Florida, where it sank in 2003. After re-floating and cleaning by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and North Florida Shipyards, the BOWSTRING still remained at its moorings in the St. Johns River. "GADNR and coastal Georgia fishing organizations then expressed interest in acquiring the vessel for artificial reef material," states Ansley. Working closely with North Florida Shipyards, USCG, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, arrangements were made to have the BOWSTRING towed to Georgia Artificial Reef G, located 21 miles east of Little Cumberland Island. Funding for the deployment operations was provided through donations from the Golden Isles King Fish Classic fishing tournament, the Two Way Sport Fishing Club, and the Golden Isles Sport Fishing Club. Sunk in 70' of water, the BOWSTRING joins several other vessels at the reef site, including the 440' WWII Liberty Ship E.S. NETTLETON. According to Ansley, barnacles, corals, sponges, and other small animals that make up the typical reef community rapidly colonize wrecks like the BOWSTRING. Taking advantage of the shelter and new grazing opportunities, fish also quickly inhabit the wrecks. These smaller fish attract the larger predators, including popular gamefish such as groupers, snappers, jacks, and barracuda. "The sinking of the BOWSTRING was a true partnership of private and governmental interests. Without this level of cooperation, we would never have been able to complete these operations and gain what will surely be a valuable resource for many years to come," noted Ansley. For more information on Georgia's artificial program, contact the Coastal Resources Division Headquarters in Brunswick, Georgia at (912) 264-7218. Once a 1960's Japanese research vessel, the BOWSTRING now makes its home on the ocean floor at Georgia's Artificial Reef G. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M PAGE 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 "Nature Trail Challenge" Now Offered at Coastal Resources Division's Nature Trail GA DNR Brunswick For more than 10 years, visitors have been encouraged to explore Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) Earth Day Nature Trail and Marsh Walk to discover the wonders of our coastal marshes and uplands. The Nature Trail winds through two small hammocks adjacent to the Department of Natural Resources (GA/DNR) Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick. Now a new component has been added to this self-guided trail tour that encourages Girl and Boy Scouts to take the "Nature Trail Challenge!" The Challenge is a modern day scavenger hunt with environmental trivia questions that can be answered by walking the Earth Day Nature Trail. Through participation in the Challenge visitors take a more active role in the environmental educational offerings of the trail. Information plaques are posted throughout the Nature Trail, giving details about the marsh and hammock habitat. CRD staff member and Girl Scout Brownie Leader Elizabeth Cheney knows how much Boy and Girl Scouts like uniform patches and enjoy earning them. She came up with the idea to offer a patch at CoastFest, CRD's annual environmental festival, and also for the Nature Trail. Together Elizabeth and staff member Lea King modified a pre-existing Nature Trail scavenger hunt, turned it into the Nature Trail Challenge, and then introduced it to Girl and Boy CRD staff member Elizabeth Cheney and her daughter Ann display Elizabeth's Scout troops. Response from the Scouts has been enthusiastic and troops brainchild - the very popular embroidered have been busy signing up to "Take the Challenge" and earn the patches. Nature Trail patches. Girl Scout Troop #258 of the Marshes of Glynn Service Unit became the first group to tackle the Challenge. Led by Scout Leaders Donna MacDonald and Karen Butler, this energetic group of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders conquered the Challenge, found the answers to every trivia question along the trail, and earned their Challenge Patches - the original embroidered "Nature Trail Challenge Patch," available for a nominal cost, to sew on Scout uniforms, jackets, or backpacks. Members of Girl Scout Troop # 258, the first Scout Troop to take the Nature Trail Challenge, include from left to right: Kari Butler, Grace Donahue, Sunny Tapp, Allison Bennett, Taylor Rayhon, Chelsea Outhwaite, Jami Carmine, Sarah Ferra, Alyssa Outhwaite, Renee Dewitt, Hannah Sanchez, and Esther Maloof. For more information about the Nature Trail Challenge or to schedule a visit to the Earth Day Nature Trail, contact CRD at (912) 264-7218. If scheduled Nature Trail visits occur on weekends, arrangements can be made to acquire the Nature Trail Challenge materials and patches in advance. Scout Leaders will be provided with answer keys. Non-scout groups and individuals are also welcome to "Take the Nature Trail Challenge." THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND PAGE 5 By: Jill Huntington ~ Coastal Technical Assistant The Dead Marsh Update In case you have not driven along Interstate-95 lately and seen it for yourself, you may not realize that Georgia has been experiencing a marsh dieback phenomenon since the winter of 2002. To date, we have lost nearly 1,000 acres of salt marsh in patches up and down the coast, but most notably in Liberty and Bryan Counties. Understanding that Georgia's salt marshes are an essential part of the ecosystem that produces millions of dollars worth of commercial and recreationally harvested fish, shrimp, and blue crabs each year, the research and resource management community has been working to find the cause of the dieback. A big step forward was made earlier this year when the Georgia Coastal Research Council hosted the Marsh Dieback Workshop, held February 3-4, 2004 at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah. The workshop afforded Since the winter of 2002 nearly 1,000 acres of salt marsh in patches up and down Georgia's east coast have been lost. researchers investigating Georgia's dieback an opportunity to meet and discuss the issue with those working on the "Brown Marsh" phenomenon in Louisiana (Louisiana experienced a widespread dieback in 2000 that resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of acres of salt marsh). Workshop participants discussed both the similarities and differences between the diebacks in each state and detailed ongoing research efforts. By the end of the workshop, researchers felt confident that they could point to the drought as the culprit that caused the dieback in Georgia as well as Louisiana. The drought seemed to have triggered an as yet unknown secondary or tertiary event that actually killed the marsh plants. It is possible that we may never know the details of how and why the marsh dieback occurred. However, Georgia's researchers are now armed with new information that may help narrow the search. For more information about the Marsh Dieback Workshop, please visit the Georgia Coastal Research Council's webpage at: htttp://alpha.marsci.uga.edu/ coastalcouncil/index.htm#top. By: Buck Bennett ~ Habitat Management Program Manager Boy Scout Builds New "Homes" David McIntyre, (front center) posing with helpers, constructed and deployed three artificial reefs in Jekyll's Rixen Pond for his Eagle Scout project. for Residents of Jekyll's Rixen Pond On the surface, Rixen Pond on Jekyll Island provides a wonderful setting for islanders and visitors to relax and fish. But underneath the surface the pond offers very little habitat for marine life. David McIntyre, a Life Scout and member of Boy Scout Troop 248 on St. Simons Island, decided to make a difference in the waters of Rixen Pond. For his Eagle Scout project, David, with help from his peers and DNR Coastal Resources Division (CRD) staff, spent weeks planning and constructing environmentally friendly artificial reefs. The end result of David's efforts included the placement of three new artificial reefs in Rixen Pond; two made from recycled plastic barrels and one made from clean concrete blocks. When properly constructed, artificial reefs serve as a safe haven for fish and become homes for numerous and different types of marine life. Thanks to David's hard work under CRD's guidance, this soon-to-be Eagle Scout's artificial reefs will become new homes for the aquatic residents of Jekyll Island's Rixen Pond. For more information on artificial reefs contact CRD's Henry Ansley and for Two of the deployed artificial reefs were information on environmental Boy Scout projects contact CRD's Buck Bennett, constructed from recycled plastic barrels. both at (912) 264-7218. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M PAGE 6 THE GEORGIA SOUND S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 By: Lea King ~ Public Affairs Coordinator New Age Treasure Hunting ..."Geocaching" Have you ever dreamed of searching for hidden treasure with the aid of Blackbeard's crusty old treasure map? Have you longed to find the spot that "X" marks? Then modern day treasure hunters look no further than the Earth Day Nature Trail at DNR's Coastal Resources Division (CRD) in Brunswick! The entrance to CRD's Earth Day Nature Trail is also an entranceway into the high-tech world of "geocaching." When walking along the Earth Day Nature Trail, the average nature lover taking in the sights and sounds of the salt marsh surroundings might not realize they are also standing at the site of a new technological craze "geocaching!" Geocaching is a challenging adventure experience that utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) units and their capabilities in locating "caches," or secret containers hidden all over the world. With coordinates normally given in longitude and latitude, a GPS unit is an electronic device that can determine the user's approximate location (within 6-20 feet) on planet Earth. With geocaching individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the location coordinates on the internet. GPS users can then use these shared coordinates to find the caches, or hidden containers. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards or treasures. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave something in the container if they take something out. The rules are pretty simple for the relatively new phenomenon of geocaching: 1) Take something from the cache; 2) Leave something in the cache; 3) Write in the cache's log book. Cache "treasures" can be anything ranging from coins, to tape measures, post cards, trinkets, whatever the visitor decides to leave. Cache logbooks typically include information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information and might even contain local attraction information and coordinates to other unpublished caches. And what does this have to do with CRD's Earth Day Nature Trail? Well, the Nature Trail is the sight of a geocache! Told about geocaching by a neighbor, CRD staff member William Hughes and his youngest son thought geocaching would be a fun activity for them to do together on weekends. William and his son have placed a total of five geocaches in various locations (and found many) and decided to locate one on the Nature Trail. According to William, "The key to placing a good cache is having something else in the area for people to do or see and CRD's Nature Trail fits that bill." In fact, from reading through site-specific participant comments on the web site http://www.geocaching.com, it seems as though folks have really enjoyed touring the Earth Day Nature Trail as they look for the geocache site. Thanks to geocaching, the Earth Day Nature Trail is reaching an entirely new audience that otherwise might never have experienced the trail! Said one participant, "This is our second trip to the Golden Isles, and we never knew this beautiful place existed. We thoroughly enjoyed the hunt for this cache. We'll be back just to enjoy the scenery and wildlife." Another satisfied geocacher reported, "Great place for a cache! If you have ever wondered what it's like on those salt cedar islands that dot the Spartina grass on the Georgia coast, then don't miss this cache! We found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of birds feeding and roosting in the cedars." So, if you are ready to hunt for hidden treasure and enjoy the thrill of the search, geocaching might be for you! And the Earth Day Nature Trail is a great place to begin the adventure. CRD staff member William Hughes visits the Earth Day Nature Trail and demonstrates a GPS unit, the technological equipment needed to participate in geocaching. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND PAGE 7 Volunteers Asked To Help Study Georgia's Blue Crab Population By the time this article goes to press, the March female blue crab harvest prohibition will have been lifted. This unprecedented management action was designed to increase egg production by reducing the harvest of both already mated and soon-to-be-mated females in March. Protection of female blue crabs during this critical month will complement the yearlong egg-bearing (sponge) crab prohibition and should result in greater egg production. Hopefully, conditions in the near shore Atlantic Ocean and the estuarine nursery grounds will be favorable to larval blue crab survival and growth. Did this management action help Georgia's blue crab population? There is no quick answer as only time will tell both crabbers and scientists if there are more blue crabs in our coastal waters. Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) scientific surveys conducted during April and May of this year will provide some insight as to whether the abundance of egg bearing (sponge) crabs is recovering to levels similar to that observed before the 1998 to 2002 drought. The catch of female crabs in April 2003 was approximately 90% below the pre-drought average. A notable increase in female sponge crab abundance this spring would be a strong positive sign of recovery. However, CRD will continue to be vigilant and determine if further management actions may be necessary. While there is little doubt that blue crab abundance is strongly influenced by environmental conditions such as rainfall and wind patterns, all management tools including a permanent prohibition on the harvest of sponge crabs must be evaluated. The Georgia Blue Crab Management Plan, which will be updated in 2004, will address many concerns about the fishery including management options. Throughout the process that led to the March 2004 blue crab management action, some individuals have been critical of the use of CRD's scientific survey and commercial crab harvest data. However, reviews by independent scientists support the conclusion that Georgia's blue crab population is at very low levels of abundance. Whether we like it or not, human and fiscal resources dictate the scale of scientific sampling that is particularly challenging in complex coastal waters. CRD staff are confident that ongoing surveys will provide credible relevant information on the status of Georgia's blue crab population. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why CRD is asking both commercial and recreational crabbers to help with a study of Georgia's blue crab population. In March, a small group of commercial crabbers were briefed on the details of a cooperative study that would involve using commercial-style crab traps as a scientific sampling tool. Eighteen of these individuals have agreed to participate and collect data on the catch from five of their traps. On each fishing day they will count the exact numbers of male, female, sponge, peeler, and juvenile crabs in each of the five traps. Though it sounds easy, the task is time consuming and will mean more time on the water for those who have volunteered to help. On a monthly basis, observers from CRD and the University of Georgia's Marine Extension Service will accompany the volunteers to collect more detailed data on the catch from each of the five traps. They will also collect information on water temperature, salinity, and other environmental conditions. When combined with information gathered in other CRD scientific surveys, the data from the cooperative trap study will help determine if Georgia's blue crab population is recovering to more healthy levels. If collected in a consistent manner coast wide, these data will also help harvesters and managers evaluate current and proposed management practices. If you are a commercial or recreational crabber and would like to know how you can help, or if you have additional blue crab questions, please contact Patrick Geer or Doug Haymans with the CRD's Marine Fisheries Section at (912) 264-7218. Observers will collect additional information including individual crab measurements from each of the five study traps. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M PAGE 8 THE GEORGIA SOUND S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 DNR Historic Preservation Division Georgia's New Underwater Archaeology Program and the Management of Coastal Archaeological Resources: DNR's Historic Preservation Division and the Archaeological Services Unit. Recently, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA/DNR), Historic Preservation Division (HPD) hired underwater archaeologist Jason Burns to help build a statewide underwater archaeology program for Georgia. Jason joins the staff of HPD's Archaeological Services Unit (ASU). Within the DNR, the ASU works closely with our agency's land managers to survey, identify and protect archaeological resources on state-owned lands and water-bottoms. The ASU strives to protect archaeological sites all over the state by reviewing the development projects that are required under state and federal laws to consider their impacts to archaeological resources on land and in the water. The ASU also provides assistance to the public by offering technical advice, information and educational opportunities related to archaeology in Georgia. Historically Georgia has always been tied to maritime commerce and much of this history lies on the bottom of Georgia's waterways. If it was in or on the water or built next to it or over it, Jason probably wants to take a look at it and record it. Georgia's underwater realm includes its coast (out to the three mile limit), rivers, lakes, streams, swamps, impoundment areas and anything else water related. The submerged cultural heritage of Georgia includes much more than shipwrecks however. The maritime cultural landscape can include piers, wharves, seawalls, docks, jetties and other historic shore protection, prehistoric canoes, drowned terrestrial Archaeological Services Unit (ASU) Inspection Dive in West Point on the Chattahoochee River. Divers (L-R) Charles Kelly, West Georgia Underwater Archaeology Society; Dr. Dave Crass, State Archaeologist; Jason Burns and Ronnie Rogers, ASU archaeologists. sites, fish weirs, fish traps, dams, landings, ferries, water control structures (trunks), mills, bridges, canals, locks, aids to navigation and submerged timber. The underwater archaeology program is currently working throughout the state to build a network of individuals to help record Georgia's submerged heritage. Working closely with sport diver groups and other interested individuals, underwater surveys are on-going on the Chattahoochee River in West Point and on the Coosa, Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers in Rome and Cartersville. The Savannah River, as well as Brunswick Harbor, continues to be documented thoroughly through the efforts of archaeologist Judy Wood with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah. Finally, working in partnership with the Coastal Resources Division, planning is underway to conduct underwater archaeology surveys on the Ogeechee River as well as other high development areas on the coast. The Archaeological Services Unit needs your help! If you know the location of a shipwreck or an underwater site in Georgia, please report it to Jason Burns through the on-line reporting form at: www.gashpo.org or call the Archaeological Services Unit at: (404) 656-6607. For further information on DNR's Historic Preservation Division or the Archaeological Services Unit, please check out the website listed above or call (404) 656-2840. Unidentified 19th Century Vessel Remains, Hutchinson Island, Georgia (Drawing: Tidewater Atlantic Research, Inc.). THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND PAGE 9 By: Spud Woodward ~ Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries Short Strikes G-8 Conference To Impact Coastal Fishermen During the second week of June, world attention will focus on Sea Island and the Golden Isles area as the Group of Eight (G-8) Conference is held at the Cloister Resort. Leaders and delegates from the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia will meet on the tiny barrier island to discuss economic and political issues of global importance. It is expected that delegates from several other countries will ` be in attendance as well. Along with the delegates will come swarms of international media, most of which will be based in Savannah. It is expected that hundreds, if not thousands, of protestors could also flock to coastal Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA/DNR) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have been tasked with water security for this landmark event. More than 200 DNR officers and over a dozen vessels will be deployed as part of the security force. A portion of the inland and Atlantic Ocean waters around Little St. Simons, St. Simons, Sea, and Jekyll Islands, including a part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, will be closed to most commercial and all recreational boating traffic during the event. The public boat ramps at Village Creek, the MacKay River, and Jekyll Creek will be closed during the event. In Savannah, part of the Savannah River near the downtown area will also be closed. Boating security zones will be established in these areas and GA/DNR and USCG vessels will maintain a 24-hour patrol during the event. Security planners may allow commercial interests such as fishing guides, crabbers, and shrimp trawlers to transit through the boating security zones on their way to the fishing grounds. Any commercial vessels moving through the security zones will be subject to rigorous inspection and escort. Passengers aboard any such vessels will be required to have photographic identification. No commercial activities such as fishing or sightseeing will be allowed within the boating security zones during the event. Road access to Jekyll, St. Simons, and Sea Islands will be also impacted by security measures. Consequently, all fishing structures along the Torras and Jekyll Causeways will be closed during the event, as will the Jekyll Island Pier. The security plans will be finalized in the coming months and detailed information about the boundaries of the boating security zones should be available by early May. For more information contact Capt. Homer Bryson, DNR Region VII Law Enforcement at (912) 264-7237. G-8 Member Nations The United States of America French Republic Republic of Italy Russian Federation European Commission Canada Federal Republic of Germany Japan United Kingdom THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 THE GEORGIA SOUND P A G E 11 ~ Continued from Page 10 ~ New Phase of Beach Monitoring Begins in April Beginning April 1, additional beaches were added to the Monitoring Program to give coast-wide coverage. New monitoring sites were established on Cumberland, Little Cumberland, Ossabaw, Sapelo, and Williamson Islands and other smaller estuarine beaches while the beaches on St. Simons, Jekyll, Tybee, Sea Islands continue to be monitored as well. All the beaches are monitored for fecal coliform and for enterococcus bacteria. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing for enterococcus because studies have shown that in salt water, enterococcus is a better indicator for swimmer health. By: Reid Jackson - DNR Environmental Protection Division EPD's Sanitary Survey William Hughes of CRD's Beach Water Quality Program collects a water sample. A sanitary survey is a search for "areas of concern" that may be a source of contamination to the recreational water or bathing beach. This intensive survey, or series of surveys in this case, focuses on any nearby sources of bacterial contamination such as septic tanks, broken sewer lines, boat anchorage areas, agricultural areas, pet waste, and wildlife. Before a sanitary survey is conducted, EPD associates determine what permitted facilities could have an effect on the nearby water quality. In this case, the island's wastewater treatment plant was found to be two miles upstream from the beach site. The plant was inspected and found to be operating correctly. No evidence of leaks or discharges of untreated sewage were found. All the wastewater is treated thoroughly to kill bacteria before it is released into the river. During the sanitary survey, EPD and JIA found a few septic tanks to be near the beach sampling site. To determine if the septic tanks were working properly EPD injected a dye into selected septic systems. If the septic system wasn't functioning properly, the dye would appear on the ground surface or in the water nearby. No dye leakage was seen, but could potentially appear when used more frequently this summer. EPD, with the help of JIA, inspected all sanitary sewer lines and lift stations in the area. One leak was found in a sewer lateral line serving a nearby restaurant. The restaurant closed until their plumber fixed the leak. EPD also looked at the nearby garbage transfer station. The station temporarily stores all the island's household garbage until a time when it is hauled to a landfill on the mainland. Household garbage can be a source of fecal bacteria because of diapers and other items commonly found within the trash. The transfer station was not found to be a potential source of bacteria in the waterway. Animal waste can also be a common source of fecal bacteria in our waters. Racoons, birds, and deer are found to be abundant on the beach area and adjacent marshes. This stretch of beach hosts a large number of shorebirds and is popular for bird-watching. Dolphins can often be seen hunting for fish in the shallow waters off the shoreline. Human waste can also be dropped into the river by passing boats or from anchored or docked boats. EPD and CRD inspected the marina just up-river from the beach and found everything to be in accordance with their marina permit. The marina has a pump-out station, which the boats use to empty their holding tanks of human waste. This practice helps prevent raw human sewage from being directly dumped into our rivers and oceans, potentially causing health problems to swimmers and wildlife. To get a better idea for where the bacteria could be coming, EPD and JIA took water samples from many of the nearby creeks, which eventually flow to the beach site. By doing this, EPD was able to better determine areas where bacteria levels were high. A majority of these areas were found to be undeveloped, usually consisting of marsh or wooded land. EPD concluded that this particular beach area is exposed to a number of naturally occurring processes that may well lead to future swimming advisories. To see the full report of the investigation, please contact EPD Coastal District Office at (912) 264-7284. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M PAGE 10 THE GEORGIA SOUND S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 By: Elizabeth Cheney ~ Water Quality Monitoring Program Beach Monitoring and Notification System Activated In January, Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) new beach monitoring notification system was put into use when routine monitoring showed moderately high levels of fecal coliform bacteria at the St. Andrews Sound beach sampling site at Jekyll Island. The bacteria levels were higher than the State standard allows for recreational waters. CRD immediately notified the Coastal Health District office of the Georgia Division of Public Health (GDPH) and the DNR Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The GDPH issued a swimmers health St. Andrews beach on the south end of Jekyll Island is a popular spot for beach seining and bird watching. advisory for the small stretch of beach from the St. Andrews Picnic area to Macy Lane on the southern tip of Jekyll Island. Local newspapers and radio stations picked up the advisory. Being early January, the weather was cold and not very conducive to swimming and one radio announcer humorously commented about the swimmer advisory being intended for polar bears. The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA), which manages the beaches on the island, was notified and immediately activated the advisory sign at the St. Andrews picnic area so that visitors would see the sign as they walked onto the beach. The JIA also briefed their hospitality workers so that visitor questions could be answered. EPD began their investigation into the contamination source by completing a sanitary survey of the surrounding area (see page 11) while CRD continued to sample the beach water daily. Bacteria levels gradually decreased, and by the end of January, bacteria levels were below the state threshold. GDPH then removed the swimmers health advisory, indicating that the waters were now safe for swimmers. CRD returned to their routine weekly monitoring. CRD monitors and tests beach water on Tybee, Jekyll, and St. Simons Islands weekly for fecal coliform bacteria. High levels of fecal coliform are an indication that other harmful organisms associated with human waste may be present in the water. The beach advisory sign is located near the path leading to St. Andrews Beach. THE GEORGIA COASTAL M A N A G E M E N T ~ Continued on Page 11 ~ P R O G R A M PAGE 12 THE GEORGIA SOUND T H E G E O R G I A C O A S T A L M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M A P R I L - J U N E , 2 0 0 4 Georgia Sound VOL.10, NO.2 Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 S P R I N G , 2 0 0 4 Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! 14th Annual Golden Isles Parent-Child Fishing Derby Saturday, June 19, 2004 The catch-and-release derby competition is open to children age 5-12 years old. 8:30 am - 12:00 noon All participants must be pre-registered. Contact the Brunswick YWCA at (912) 265-4100 or DNR Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218 for details and registration forms. West Mackay River Fishing Pier Brunswick, Georgia Registration May 10 - June 17, 2004 Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! The Georgia Sound is produced quarterly by the Georgia Coastal Management Program. If you would like more information on the Georgia Coastal Management Program, visit our web site at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218. Layout & Design by: Lea King For address corrections or to be added or deleted from the mailing list, please contact Lea King at (912) 264-7218. Lea_King@dnr.state.ga.us Contributors to this issue: Nancy Butler, Buck Bennett, Jason Burns, Elizabeth Cheney, Doug Haymans, Jill Huntington, Reid Jackson, Susan Shipman, and Spud Woodward, This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Deadline for the Summer 2004 edition is June 1, 2004. We welcome suggestions of articles and photography.