Georgia sound, Vol. 13, no. 1 (Jan. - Mar. 2007

T H E

G E O R G I A

C O A S T A L

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P R O G R A M

Georgia

Sound

J A N U A R Y - M A R C H

VOL.13, NO.1
By: Catherine Arning ~ Georgia Sea Turtle Center Education Coordinator

Plans Hatch for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

It may still be months before sick and injured turtles will move into the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) on Jekyll Island, but the Center's staff is already looking forward to making a splash with innovative and engaging programs for turtle enthusiasts of all ages.

With a planned opening on June 16, 2007 (World Sea Turtle

Day), the GSTC will be the first marine turtle rehabilitation,

research and education facility in the state. The Center's

veterinary staff will provide state-of-the-art medical care to sick

and injured sea turtles. Currently, there are no facilities in

Georgia to treat sea turtles, and they must be transported long

The highly anticipated, $2-million Georgia Sea Turtle Center will occupy the 1903 Power Plant within the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.

distances to centers in Florida and South Carolina. Visitors to the GSTC will explore interactive exhibits on sea

Photo courtesy of the Jekyll Island Authority turtle rehabilitation, conservation and their amazing journey

from egg to adulthood. School field trips, public programs and special events will

highlight Georgia's unique coastal ecosystem and the mysterious world of these ancient

reptiles.

Construction of the site is well underway, and the facility hopes to begin treating sea turtles in April. In addition to the grand opening festivities, other upcoming events at the GSTC include the fifth annual Turtle Crawl on May 5th and the return of the Center's popular Turtle Walks, held nightly beginning on June 1st.

For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, please visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org. To support the GSTC, please contact the Jekyll Island Foundation at www.georgiaseaturtles.org.

The "new" power plant on Jekyll Island as it looked in 1903.
Photo courtesy of the Jekyll Island Authority

Inside This Issue:
GA Sea Turtle Center Update
Mapping Georgia's Derelic & Sunken Marine Vessels

Dr. Clark Alexander Recognized
Short Strikes
CIG Funds Non-Native Invasive Aquatic Species Work

Ship to Shore
Gray's Reef Regulations Changed

New GCMP/SPC Member Appointed
GCEG Launches New Web Site

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By: Charles "Buck" Bennett ~ Compliance and Enforcement Manager

Mobile GIS Project Mapping Georgia's Derelict and Sunken Marine Vessels
Web-based Maps Encourage Safe Navigation of Waterways

It is estimated that as many as 100 sunken vessels, such as this shrimp boat, are located along Georgia's coastal waterways.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been struggling with mapping abandoned and derelict vessels for several years. Based upon recent estimates, dotting Georgia's coast are as many as 100 sunken vessels that are potential hazards for boaters. On the state's tidal water bottoms, 65 abandoned or derelict vessels have been identified as "non-historic wrecks" (vessels that have no significant historical value). Such vessels include shrimp boats, abandoned recreational vessels, barges and cranes. Recently, DNR's Coastal Resources Division (CRD) began locating, documenting and cataloging these non-historic wrecks with GIS (global information system) technology.

Leading the submerged vessel public information effort in Georgia, DNR is making available vessel location information via an ArcIMS application-based web site. The GIS interface on the site will serve as a conduit between survey data from the field and the general public. The web site will be regularly updated to keep the boating public informed of these coastal hazards in order to minimize the risk of collision and injury. [Editor's note: With the release of ArcGIS 9.2, ArcIMS functionality is now available with ArcGIS Server]
Improving Debris Removal

It often becomes the government's responsibility to remove vessels that have been abandoned in waterways. In many cases, the owners of the sunken vessels cannot be found or ownership cannot be proven. Since sunken vessels are not usually covered in insurance policies, those boat owners who can be identified frequently lack the financial ability to retrieve the vessel. Owners escape financial responsibility through bankruptcy laws or a clause in Federal maritime law that limits an owner's liability to the value of the ship and its contents. Since most abandoned vessels are valueless, the owner's liability would be zero.

During the 2006 legislative session, monies were appropriated by the Georgia Legislature to remove some of these derelict vessels. A team including members of DNR's Coastal Resources Division, Environmental

Staff plan to complete a sunken vessel mapping project by May, 2007 and include the information, along with maps, on the DNR web site for
easy public access.

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Protection Division and the Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section was formed to catalog, evaluate and prioritize the vessels for removal. To facilitate and more accurately document the location of these non-historic derelict vessels, DNR applied for and was awarded the ESRI and Trimble Mobile Government Grant: Coastal Communities Edition.

Upon receipt of the grant funded equipment, staff

began the mapping project by conducting a survey of

Turner Creek in Chatham County near Savannah,

Georgia. Turner Creek has become extremely

congested with recreational sailboats, recreational

fishing vessels, and derelict vessels. Along a quarter-

mile section of Turner Creek there are two known wrecks, one derelict fishing vessel, a public boat ramp with dock, and no less than seven recreational

The sunken vessel web site will provide the public with maps, locations and other pertinent information concerning Georgia's sunken marine vessels. The
site will be updated regularly to remove, add and edit vessel info.

sailboats anchored, along with a large marina, charter fishing docks, and dry dock facility. This popular area of

Turner Creek was the ideal location to begin collecting information and working with the equipment.

Mobile Mapping
Besides GIS mapping of the wrecks, photographs or side scan sonar images have been taken of various wrecks to be used on the web site to allow boaters to see the water hazard as it exists. Because some of the derelict vessels have sunk in deep water and are not exposed, side scan images are being used to enhance wreck site awareness.

These digital photos will be accessible via a link on the finished web site. The test page can be found at http://dev.gadnr.org/dev/imf/imf.jsp?site=sunk. Additional information, such as impact to marsh vegetation from the vessel itself or from fuel and oil leaks will be collected. This information will be available on the site to staff making decisions regarding the removal of these derelict non-historic wrecks. The site also will include a description of the marine debris, the location and condition.

Through the use of newspaper articles, departmental publications, and personal contacts the State of Georgia has also recruited local boaters and charter fishermen to help identify additional wrecks or derelict vessels.

Project Completion
When the project is completed the general public will be able to access the sunken vessel data through the Georgia DNR web site at www.gadnr.org . Please note that on the aforementioned test page, some of the features have not been activated. The site is a basic example of what can be expected at project completion. The site will be updated regularly to add or remove derelict and sunken vessels. The project will assist staff, local governments, and possibly Federal agencies in assessing marine debris as it relates to navigation, fishing, and environmental impacts. Project completion is anticipated for May, 2007.

For more information, contact CRD's Charles "Buck" Bennett via email at buck_bennett@dnr.state.ga.us or at (912) 264-7218.

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Dr. Clark Alexander

Recognized for Service
The Coastal Marshlands Protection and Shore Protection Committees recently recognized Dr. Clark R. Alexander, Jr. for his many years of dedicated participation as a member of both Committees. Dr. Alexander was appointed in 1998, served steadfastly and with distinction, and provided direction and guidance to the Committees through his deliberations and probing approach to addressing resource conservation and management issues. Especially, Dr. Alexander's eight years of service will be remembered by his strong and informed advocacy for resource conservation guided by "Best Management Practices" based on sound science.

Dr. Alexander was commended for his efforts that have helped to lead coastal resource management efforts in Georgia today.

Commissioner Noel Holcomb (R) presents a plaque to Dr. Clark Alexander recognizing his eight years of
service to the citizens of Georgia and the Department of Natural Resources.

Dr. Alexander is currently Director of the Applied Coastal Research Laboratory of the Georgia Southern University and works from the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. He holds the following academic degrees: B.A. Humboldt State University, Geology 1983; B.S. Humboldt State University, Oceanography 1983; M.S. North Carolina State University, Marine Geology 1985; Ph.D. North Carolina State University, Marine Sedimentology 1990.

His research interests and projects include: rates and processes of sediment accumulation and strata formation in estuarine, coastal, shelf, and slope environments using radiochemical techniques and tracers; sediment dynamics and coastal erosion; and historical records of anthropogenic impacts on the coastal zone.

For more info on Dr. Alexander's research and projects, contact him at: Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 3141; (912) 5982329; or email: clark.alexander@skio.usg.edu.

On hand for the presentation in Richmond Hill were (L-R) Coastal Resources Division Director Susan Shipman, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Noel Holcomb, Dr. Clark Alexander, Coastal Marshlands Protection and Shore Protection Committee Members Leslie Mattingly, Richard Eckburg and
Henry Williams, Jr.

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By: Spud Woodward ~ Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries

Short Strikes

Coastal Anglers Donate to Artificial Reef Project
During December 2006, the Coastal Outdoors Artificial Fishing Reef Initiative funded the deployment of 50 prefabricated concrete fish habitat units at Artificial Reef KTK, located east of Blackbeard Island. During January 2007, the 95-foot tug "Margaret Turecamo" was sunk on Artificial Reef J located 17 miles east of St. Catherines Island. This first deployment of 2007 was made possible by a $20,000 donation from Jackie Sommers of Savannah. This new habitat will be designated the "Jackie/Judy" tug to recognize Mr. Sommers' financial contribution and the efforts of Savannah fishing guide Capt. Judy Helmey, who helped make this deployment possible. For more information contact CRD's Tony Blount at (912) 264-7218.
New Citizen Advisory Group Meets
From issue specific stakeholder panels to public meetings to advisory councils, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides many venues for citizens to share their knowledge and perspective. Recently, Commissioner Noel Holcomb authorized the creation of a Marine Fisheries Advisory Council (MFAC) to replace the Saltwater Advisory Council and Coastal Fisheries Advisory Council. Consolidation of these two groups will facilitate better interaction between the various sectors of Georgia's marine fisheries. The group held its first meeting on January 25 in Midway. Agenda items for the first meeting included council governance, a legislative update, and a briefing on coastal fishing and boating access issues. The MFAC includes individuals who represent the seafood industry, recreational saltwater fishing and diving, nature-based tourism, and non-governmental organizations. The group will meet a minimum of twice a year. For more information contact CRD's Doug Haymans at (912) 264-7218.

Co-op Crab Project Underway
A steaming pile of boiled blue crabs is the centerpiece of many enjoyable gatherings of friends and family along the Georgia coast. Each year thousands of residents and visitors harvest crabs for personal consumption while over a hundred commercial crabbers make their livelihood supplying these delectable crustaceans to seafood markets and restaurants. How does this harvest affect Georgia's blue crab populations? The Department strives to answer this question through a variety of scientific surveys including the cooperative crab trap study. Using federal funds made available from the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program, the Department pays commercial crabbers a nominal daily fee to allow an observer to accompany them for the purpose of collecting data about their fishing activity and catch. This information is combined with the results of other surveys to give Department biologists a better understanding of the status of Georgia's blue crab population. To date, observers have recorded data from almost 6,000 of the 82,000 blue crabs caught during 87 observed trips. For more information contact CRD's Patrick Geer at (912) 264-7218.

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By: Alan Power ~ UGA MAREX Shellfish Research Laboratory in Savannah
Coastal Incentive Grant Funds Non-Native Invasive Aquatic Species Work

The southeastern U.S. has the largest number of non-indigenous aquatic species in the nation. The primary reasons for this include: warm year round temperatures, significant growth in worldwide trade in the region, considerable coastal population growth and increased recreational water use. Should new, introduced aquatic species become invasive locally, the ecomomic impacts could very likely be widespread and substantial. Costly outcomes and impacts to water supplies, irrigation, water treatment, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism and shipping industries have been documented in numerous areas of the world. Our coastal natural resources and biodiversity could also be threatened due to increased competition for food and space, along with increased vulnerability to new predators, pathogens, and parasites. Worldwide, invasive species are recognized as the second cause of species extinctions, after habitat destruction. It has been estimated that invasive species cost the U.S. about $120 billion/year in environmental damage and loss.

The National Aquatic Invasive Species Council recogizes that monitoring is a

critical component of an effective Early Detection & Rapid Response Management

On the Savnnah River, Ellie Covington pulls Plan. That effective management is also dependent on the public's understanding

up baited crab and minnow traps that had been soaked overnight to capture mobile
crustacea and fish.

of the issue and acceptance of the actions needed to protect natural resources. In response to this ever-increasing need, the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (MAREX) applied for and received a two year Coastal Incentive Grant.

MAREX is currently conducting baseline biological surveys, in conjunction with physical and chemical characterizations and

literature reviews on native biodiversity, shipping movements, ballast water reports, and current and potential invasive species

at the Savannah and Brunswick ports. Despite recent advances in ballast water management regulations and hull anti-fouling

technologies, shipping related vectors remain a significant threat.

Part of the research project involves building upon a previous Sea Grant funded effort to develop a GIS database that detailed 36,502 mapping points for 1,738 species of mollusk, crustacean and polychaete fauna throughout the South Atlantic Bight region. The current funding will be used to add a fish component, add the port of Brunswick and to continue the compilation of other phyla. Thus far, an additional 14 documents have been entered representing 96,601 locations for 347 fish species. If you have biological survey reports or references that you would like to include in this database please contact Tom Bliss (912-598-2348 tbliss@uga.edu). A technical report on the history, geology, hydrology, and shipping movements of both ports has also been completed. All physical sampling was conducted between May and July 2006, using each of the following gear types: sediment corer, crab trap, fouling plate, minnow trap, seine net, otter trawl, and tri-net trawl. The material collected is currently being sorted and identified to species level.

Now in its second year, the public outreach component of the campaign is being developed to mobilize community action to prevent new aquatic species introductions, and to control the spread of and address impacts associated with those already documented here, thereby maintaining and protecting the natural diversity of native species and community functions. Some outreach efforts associated with the monitoring component have already resulted in the reporting and identification of the green mussel Perna viridis, the Charrua mussel Mytella charruana, and the barnacle Megabalanus coccopoma. Through fouling capabilities, these species could represent a significant new economic and environmental problem in the region. Population and gametogenic studies are underway for these recent arrivals. Public awareness flyers have been developed and distributed coast wide and are also available on request from MAREX. We encourage you to submit a report of any unusual sightings, as this information is useful in identifying environmental tolerances, and predicting the potential spread of the species.

For more information on MAREX's non-native, invasive aquatic species work, contact Alan Power at alanpowr@uga.edu or 912-598-2348.

Georgia's overall invasive species management plan is currently being developed. For more information on this plan, contact Ted Hendrickx with the GA Department of Natural Resources via email at Ted_Hendrickx@dnr.state.ga.us or 770-9186418.
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Have You Seen Me?

August 2006

Mytella charruana Charrua Mussel
This mussel is a member of the Mytilidae family, one that includes our native ribbed, scorched, hooked, lateral, and horse mussel species, and another non-indigenous visitor to Georgia, the green mussel. This family characteristically cling to hard surfaces with byssal threads and form dense colonies. The Charrua mussel is native to South America (Venezuela to Argentina) and to the eastern Pacific Ocean (Guymas, Sonora, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Galapagos Islands). In its native range, it typically occurs in shallow water on mudflats and attached to mangrove roots. Maximum lengths are reported to be 45mm. The shell varies in color (light green, yellow, brown or black) and can be uniform or banded. Salinity tolerances are reported to be between 14 and 41 ppt. In 1986, the species was reported in Jacksonville, Florida, however, a cold winter prevented the population from establishing. A separate introduction occurred later in 2004, in the Indian River Lagoon System, Florida, however the population has remained small. In summer 2006, a large reproducing population was found in Liberty County, Georgia. The immediate concerns associated with this invasive species are both economic (heavy fouling potential) and ecologic (competition with native shellfish species).

Liberty County Population Facts v Are Reproducing v Shell Lengths up to 56 mm v Shell Widths up to 26 mm v Occurring in Densities up to 6,967 m2

PLEASE REPORT ALL SIGHTINGS

University Of Georgia

Phone: 912-598-2348

Marine Extension Service

Fax: 912-598-2399

20 Ocean Science Circle

www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish

Savannah, GA 31411

Email: alanpowr@uga.edu

G. E. . R. G. I. A.
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service has an excellent opportunity for the coastal community to participate in Georgia's oyster reef restoration. G.E.O.R.G.I.A. (Generating Enhanced Oyster Reefs in Georgia's Inshore Areas) is a community-based restoration program that promotes the recycling of oyster shell to create new oyster reefs and educates the general public of the importance of restoring, preserving, and enhancing oyster reefs along the Georgia coast.
One Saturday per month, volunteers shovel shell into mesh bags that will be used to create new oyster reefs. We will include an education program to inform participants about the importance of oysters in an estuarine environment and what their effort will do to help restore oyster reefs in Georgia.
SKIDAWAY ISLAND
Saturday March 24, 2007 / 9.00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-2:00pm Saturday April 21, 2007 / 9.00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-2:00pm
Saturday May 19, 2007 / 8:00am-10:00am
JEKYLL ISLAND
Saturday March 10, 2007 / 9:00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-2:00pm Saturday April 07, 2007 / 9:00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-2:00pm
Saturday May 05, 2007 / 8:00am-10:00am
If you are new to the program, we encourage you to arrive 30 minutes early for a short presentation. We can also accommodate group events upon request. For more information or to register for events please call Erica LeMoine (912) 598-2348 Ext. 4, email lemoine@uga.edu or visit our website at www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish.

Wetland Conservation Through Volunteer Monitoring
(912) 598-2348
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service presents volunteer opportunities for wetland conservation
through education, data collection and restoration. If interested, please attend the following FREE training workshops at the Shellfish Research Lab on Skidaway
Island in Chatham County.
Saturday March 3rd, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Chemical Monitoring
Thursday March 22nd, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Biological Monitoring
Thursday April 19th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Chemical Monitoring
Saturday April 21st, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Biological Monitoring
For more information and to register, call Ellie Covington at (912) 598-2348 ext. 3 or email ellieluv@uga.edu or check the web site at: www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish

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From the Director's Desk

Susan Shipman

SHIP TO SHORE... Coastal Resources Division Director

Saluting CRD's Henry Ansley for 32 Years of Service

I would like to exercise a personal privilege with this quarter's column to salute a recently retired Coastal Resources Division associate----- Henry Ansley. Henry has been a treasured colleague and dear friend throughout my 28 years at DNR. I began my career as a fledgling research associate working for Henry in the Outer Continental Shelf program, and learned more from him about the offshore environment than I could have possibly imagined.

After moving to Georgia from Alberta, Canada as a youngster, Henry Ansley grew up in the Brunswick area and attended Glynn Academy in Brunswick. He attended Vanderbilt University, studying geology and anthropology. Henry received his Bachelor of Science degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in Athens, studying entomology and biology. He won several awards as a standout on the UGA Rugby football team. He spent summers home from college working as a lifeguard, general laborer, and veterinary assistant in the St. Simons and Brunswick area.

In July 1975 Henry began a temporary labor position with the Georgia

Henry accepts a custom made reef buoy plaque at his DNR Coastal Fisheries Artificial Reef Project. While much of his time was

retirement send off.

spent aboard the 52' research vessel George T. Bagby performing vessel and

equipment cleaning and maintenance, he assisted the vessel captain and crew

in SCUBA, capturing and tagging fish, and many aspects of biological research and record keeping. Henry gained many hours

of valuable dive and vessel handling experience while on the R/V Bagby. He achieved and has maintained both NAUI and

YMCA Scuba diving certifications. During this time Henry also accumulated and refined his skills as a research technician.

In January 1978 Henry was appointed to a Wildlife Biologist Associate position with DNR's Marine Fisheries Unit, continuing to work with the artificial reef project. He was promoted to Wildlife Biologist I in December 1979. In May 1983 Henry was promoted to Wildlife Biologist Senior and became the Leader of the Outer Continental Shelf Program. In September of 1987 Henry was recognized with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Service in State Government. In January 2001 Henry was promoted to Marine Fisheries Program Regional Supervisor.

For over a quarter of a century, Henry provided the fundamental underpinnings for Georgia's very successful Artificial Reef Program. He is largely responsible for the State's development and maintenance of an extensive network of 23 nearshore, offshore, and deepwater artificial reefs. Leading Georgia's Offshore Artificial Reef Development Program is no small task, and includes site selection, securing raw materials, transportation and staging. Henry accomplished much of this with little or no cost by finding derelict vessels, concrete culvert, and by product and scrap materials from numerous sources, in many cases getting the transportation cost covered by outside sources. He was a guiding force in the procurement, maintenance programs, and sale or retirement of many State research vessels and other capital equipment items, resulting in substantial cost savings to the state. His leadership was integral to the successful deployment of used military tanks comprising Georgia's component of Operation REEFEX. Among Henry's more unique reef material acquisitions are subway cars obtained from the New York Transit Authority.

Henry (L-R), his brother and co-worker David Ansley and Cameron Winship work on a CRD Fisheries project.
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Henry served as CRD liaison to work closely with other state and federal environmental agencies, the Coastal Conservation Association, various sport fishing groups, material suppliers and other governmental authorities exploring potential sites and utilization of new and different construction materials. He is highly regarded by those who have worked with him from the US Navy, BLM and MMS, NAVSEA, USCG, NOAA-NMFS, NOAA-NMSP, FWS, GSA, DOAS, and GADOT, as well as the Division's Saltwater Advisory Council. Henry participated on the ASMFC Artificial Reef Committee since its inception, serving as Vice-Chairman and Chairman.

Henry participated in the early assessments of Georgia's snapper-grouper

fishery in the 1970's, including extensive tagging studies of black sea bass. In

Henry (L) and Nick Nicholson prepare to evaluate recently deployed reef materials.

the 1990's he led Georgia's participation in regional migration studies of gag grouper. He conducted extensive habitat assessments on Georgia's outer continental shelf, overseeing the Program's ongoing live bottom surveys.

Early work in this area included BLM-funded surveys to catalogue the lease

blocks targeted by Tenneco and Exxon during oil and gas exploration in the area of the Brunswick snapper-banks. Particularly

noteworthy was a collaborative roller-trawl study with SCDNR at Gray's Reef in the 1980's. Study results eventually led to the

prohibition of this destructive fishing practice by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in 1990. During the 1990's,

Henry participated in the efforts of the State / Federal Offshore Mineral Mining Task Force. He served for years on the South

Atlantic Council's Marine Protected Areas Advisory Committee, and was Georgia's liaison with NOAA for Marine Protected

Areas. Henry also held the distinction as the Division's Highly Migratory Species (HMS) expert, serving for several years on the

federal HMS Advisory Panel.

Henry was instrumental in developing Georgia's nomination to Congress to designate Gray's Reef as a national marine sanctuary. He collaborated on the first management plan for GRNMS, and was actively involved in the Division's management of the Sanctuary in its formative years. Fittingly, he served on the GRNMS Advisory Panel since its inception.

Henry led or aided in the design and production of numerous charts, posters and other literature on Georgia's reefs, saltwater fish species, and recreational saltwater fishing regulations. He served as weighmaster at fishing tournaments too numerous to count, and provided invaluable assistance to the founders of the Georgia's Governor's Cup Billfish Series.

An ardent advocate in the campaign against marine debris, Henry participated in countless beach sweeps, and was a charter volunteer for DNR's Adopt A Highway participation since the program's inception locally, almost 20 years ago. In the 1990's he helped initiate the Trashbusters project to raise angler's awareness of marine debris, and he served on the agency's Solid Waste Task Force.

During all of his years of service, Henry always found time to give back to his community. From volunteering in search and rescue efforts for missing vessels, downed planes, or individuals, to countless hours spent with local schools and students helping with various science fair and other educational projects, to volunteering for the Boy Scouts, Henry was always willing to help offer his help wherever and whenever possible.

I cannot think of a more selfless, committed or dedicated public servant than Henry Ansley. The fishermen, Georgia's fishery resources and especially his DNR colleagues are indebted to Henry Ansley. We salute and commend him for his 32 years in State Government and wish him only the best in his future endeavors!

During his career with CRD, Henry oversaw and monitored countless reef deployments.

David Ansley (L) and Henry worked many long hours and on many projects together at CRD.

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Gray's Reef
National Marine Sanctuary
Our regulations have changed to better protect your resources.
Effective February 16, 2007
Quick Reference To Regulation Changes:
1. Fishing is allowed only by rod and reel, handline or spearfishing gear without powerheads. 2. No anchoring except in emergency.
The following activities are unlawful for any person to conduct or to cause to be conducted within the Sanctuary:
Injuring, catching, harvesting, or collecting, or attempting to injure, catch, harvest, or collect any marine organism, or any part thereof, living or dead, within the Sanctuary by any means except by use of rod and reel, handline, or spearfishing gear without powerheads; there shall be a rebuttable presumption that any marine organism or part thereof referenced in this paragraph found in the possession of a person within the Sanctuary has been collected from the Sanctuary;
Except for possessing fishing gear stowed and not available for immediate use, possessing or using within the Sanctuary any fishing gear or means except rod and reel, handline, or spearfishing gear without powerheads;
Anchoring any vessel in the Sanctuary, except when responding to an emergency threatening life, property, or the environment or except as it may be permitted by the Director.
For a complete listing of all Sanctuary regulations and the full legal language of the regulations, see the sanctuary website at http://graysreef.noaa.gov
Coordinates of Gray's Reef
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary consists of 16.68 square nautical miles (NM) of high sea waters off the coast of Georgia. The Sanctuary boundary includes all waters and sea floor within a rectangle described as: Datum: NAD83 Geographic Coordinate System.
(1) N 31.362732 : W 80.921200 (2) N 31.421064 : W 80.921201 (3) N 31.421064 : W 80.828145 (4) N 31.362731 : W 80.828145 (5) N 31.362732 : W 80.921200

To Report Violations
NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline 1-800-853-1964
Georgia Department of Natural Resources 1-912-264-7237 or 1-800-241-4113
U.S. Coast Guard Station Brunswick Contact the USCG on VHF Channel 16
1-912-267-7999

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H. E. "Sonny" Timmerman Appointed to the Georgia Coastal Marshlands Protection and Shore Protection Committees

H.E. "Sonny" Timmerman from Midway/Savannah, Georgia has been appointed to a 4-year term on the Georgia Coastal Marshlands (GCMP) and Shore Protection Committees (SPC) beginning January 1, 2007.

On January 1, 2007, H.E. "Sonny" Timmerman began a 4-year term on the Georgia Coastal Marshlands and Shore Protection Committees.

A professional engineer (B.S.) and planner, Mr. Timmerman holds certification/registrations in engineering, planning and management. He served as the Director of the South Carolina Department of Transportation planning office and as the Executive Director of a bi-state (North Carolina-South Carolina) transportation compact through the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Mr. Timmerman headed up Florida's planning agency as Director of Planning for the Florida Department of Community Affairs.

His private sector experience includes planning and environmental impact studies for private consulting firms in Florida and Georgia. Mr. Timmerman is currently Executive Director the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission which serves all governments in Liberty County. Recognizing his expertise in marinas, land use practices, and watershed protection, he was tapped to serve on the CMPC's Marinas and Community Docks Stakeholders Group and the Coastal Uplands Stakeholders Group.

Mr. Timmerman was nominated for the CMPC and SPC by nine non-governmental organizations: Center for Sustainable Development, The Georgia Conservancy, Georgia River Network, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Glynn Environmental Coalition, Ogeechee - Canoochee Riverkeeper, Satilla Riverkeeper, Savannah Riverkeeper and the Southeast Georgia Group Sierra Club.

The Board of Natural Resources unanimously supported Mr. Timmerman's appointment to serve on the CMPC and SPC. Currently, the same members are on both the CMPC and the SPC. The committees derive their authority from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) and Shore Protection Act (SPA). Both consist of five members, the commissioner of Natural Resources and four persons appointed by the Georgia Board of Natural Resources. Each of three persons appointed by the board shall be a resident of Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Liberty, Bryan, or Chatham County.

Members of the committees are Commissioner Noel Holcomb, Mr. Sonny Timmerman, Mr. Richard Eckburg, Mrs. Leslie Mattingly, and Mr. Henry Williams, Jr. The committees are the permit-issuing authority for projects that impact the jurisdictional areas. Coastal Resource Division (CRD) is staff to the committees. For more information about the CMPC and SPC contact Karl Burgess at karl_burgess@dnr.state.ga.us or (912) 264-7218.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

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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

J A N U A R Y - M A R C H

Georgia Sound
VOL.13, NO.1

Department of Natural Resources
Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687

KNOW
THE CONNECTION
COASTAL GEORGIA
Don't forget - the GA Sound is on the web! Log on to the CRD web site http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us
& look under "Education & Outreach" to find the current and archived pdf versions of the Sound.

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 7

Georgia Coastal Education Group Web Site Up and Running

The Georgia Coastal Education Group (GCEG) is a partnership of coastal federal and state government agencies that educates the general public about the importance and value of Georgia's coastal resources and promotes responsible stewardship. GCEG serves as a "clearinghouse" for coastal environmental educational information.

GCEG has launched a brand new web site. Log on today to www.georgiacoastaleducationgroup.org to learn more about the group, its members and what educational offerings they provide.

Wwww.georgiacoastaleducationgroup.org

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. Past issues of The Georgia Sound can be found on the CRD web site.
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: Catherine Arning, Buck Bennett, Lea King, Gail Krueger,
Alan Power, 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 Spring 2007 edition is May, 2007. We welcome suggestions of articles and photography.