Georgia sound, Vol. 13, no. 3 (July - Sept. 2007

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

Sound

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VOL.13, NO.3

Coastal Incentive Grant Update

Research Summary: On the shoulders of giant plants...

Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Long-term Monitoring Sites
Average Annual Salinities in 2002 and 2003

Four Mile Island: 25-29 Eulonia: 12-15

Sapelo Sound

North Sapelo: 28-32

Meridian: 20-25

Folly River: 22-25

Doboy Sound Dean Creek: 25-29

Carrs Island: 0-0.03 Alligator Creek: 2-6

Rockdedundy Island: 14-19 Altamaha River

When you stand in a marsh, a lot of what you're standing on is dead plant material from the grasses that you see all around you. And, according to a recent study published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography, if you're standing in a fresh or brackish water marsh you're a bit taller than you would be in a saltier area. Dr. Christopher Craft, a soil scientist participating in the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecosystems Research Project (GCE-LTER, http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/lter/index.htm), compared soil properties of marshes along three Georgia estuaries: the Altamaha, Doboy Sound, and Sapelo Sound. Marshes along the Altamaha experience much lower salinities than those in the other two regions. Dr. Craft found that marshes in this area have higher proportions of organic carbon and nitrogen in the soil and are increasing in elevation at a faster rate than those in saltier areas. These disparities are not because of differences in plant growth at the study sites. Rather, they are due to the fact that when marsh plants die, those in fresher water take a longer time to decay than those in saltwater. The organic material accumulates and helps to build more marsh.

The paper compared the Georgia results with those from studies in marshes throughout the U.S. and found that most patterns were general. Increases in elevation were related to freshwater input in all areas, as was soil nitrogen. These results are especially interesting in the face of sea level rise, as increased upstream salinities can be expected to affect numerous soil properties in tidal marshes, as well as their elevation.

Source: Christopher Craft, 2007. Freshwater input structures soil properties, vertical accretion, and nutrient accumulation of Georgia and U.S. tidal marshes. Limnology and Oceanography, 52(3): 1220-1230.

This research summary was prepared by the staff of the Georgia Coastal Research Council (GCRC), which receives support from the Georgia Coastal Management Program, Georgia Sea Grant, and the GCE-LTER. Visitors to the GCRC website, http://www.gcrc.uga.edu/ can find summaries of many other research projects and short biographies of affiliated scientists
and managers.

Inside This Issue:
CIG Research Summary
CIG Project Update
Coastal GA Adopt-A-Wetland Who to Call List

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers UGA Marine Extension Workshops
CoastFest 2007!

Ship to Shore Cumberland Harbor Ruling
Cumberland Harbor Decision Synopsis
New GCMP Faces

Short Strikes
GA Legislature Updates Shrimp-Fishing Regs
wwaterSmart Magnets are HERE Get Yours Today

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Coastal Incentive Grant Update

By: Dr. Alan Power ~ University of Georgia Marine Extension Service

Coastal Incentive Grant Funds Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Wetland:
"Increasing Public Awareness & Participation

In Wetland Conservation"

Georgia has approximately 384,000 acres of some of the world's most biologically diverse and productive estuarine wetlands along its one hundred miles of south Atlantic shoreline. These wetlands face increased threats from accelerating commercial and residential coastal development. Engaging the community on the important flood control, water quality, rare, endangered and commercial species habitat, aesthetic and recreational functions that these wetlands perform is a critical step in their preservation and conservation.

Volunteers of all ages can get involved in Adopt-A-Wetland activities.

Adopt-A-Wetland is a coast-wide volunteer based water quality monitoring program that serves as the marine counterpart to the statewide, freshwater Adopt-A-Stream program developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. The program's goals are to increase public awareness of wetland and water quality issues and to encourage responsible stewardship by involving citizens in ecological monitoring.

Workshops, manuals, and brochures emphasize the connection between inland uses, stormwater runoff, and water resources. Since the University of Georgia's Marine Extension Service (MAREX) initiated the program through Coastal Incentive Grant funding in 2003, over 1,000 individuals have been trained to evaluate water quality, and to identify and assess plants and animals living in these ecosystems. Data is currently being submitted for 39 active AAW sites coastwide.

Water quality data is available online (www.riversalive.org/aas_google_earth.htm) and plans are currently underway between Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Wetland to develop a new website to display all volunteer collected water quality data in Georgia and provide summary reports, certifications, charts, photos, and maps. Volunteers will have the ability to enter data directly into this statewide database. The website will also provide environmental information, resources, links, a discussion forum, a calendar of events and educational activities.

A technical report synthesizing the coastal data collected thus far has recently been completed and is available on request. In addition, a coastal wetland educational curriculum is currently being completed that will be promoted at several teacher workshops throughout 2007.

AAW volunteers have played an important role reporting problems including marsh die-off events, poaching, illegal dumping, non-indigenous species and fish kills. Some volunteers have made themselves available to assist with incidents including oil spills by forming an AAW Emergency Response Team. Additionally, volunteers have been a tremendous asset by participating in bi-annual clean-up events along selected waterways.

To request an Adopt-A-Wetland manual or brochure, to schedule a presentation at your school or organization, or to check the schedule for upcoming training workshops, please contact Adopt-A-Wetland Educator Angela Bliss (acbliss@uga.edu, 912-598-2348) or visit our website www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish. All workshops and educational materials are free, and monitoring supplies are provided on a loan basis for the duration of the site "adoption."

Adopt-A-Wetland is a coast-wide volunteer based water quality monitoring program that serves as the marine counterpart to the statewide, freshwater Adopt-A-Stream.
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Different levels of AAW involvement accommodate different degrees of skills and interests: Visual Monitoring: Participants conduct a simple visual survey four times per year, consisting of observations of the plants, soil conditions, and water conditions. Physical/Chemical Monitoring: This involves the monthly collection of information about specific water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, and settleable solids). Biological Monitoring: This involves the monthly or quarterly detection of the types and abundance of plants and animals that live in wetland areas. This information may be determined by using a seine net, a box survey, or a Hester Dendy fouling plate. Habitat Enhancement Projects: These projects are designed to improve the health of wetland sites (e.g., Clean up events and restoration projects).

Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Wetland

"Who to Call" List

Program Questions Adopt-A-Wetland

Marine Extension Service

Angela Bliss 912-598-2348

Adopt-A-Stream

Atlanta Adopt-A-Stream

Allison Hughes 404-675-1635

Adopt-A-Stream

Coastal AAS Training Center

Joe Richardson 912-596-5362

AAS Chatham Coordinator

Metropolitan Planning Commission

Jackie Jackson 912-651-1454

GA Department of Natural Resources Emergency Operation Center (during or after hours)

Most or all coastal emergencies including bird/fish kills, oil spills,

pollution problems, whale/manatee/turtle sightings/harassment/deaths:

1-800-241-4113

Direct Lines to Departments/Agencies: Fish Kills/Marsh Die-off/problems (during business hours) GA DNR, Coastal Resources Division, Brunswick GA DNR, Wildlife Resources Division, Richmond Hill

912-264-7218 912-727-7212

Oil or Chemical Spills National Hot Line on all Waterways United States Coast Guard Hot Line U.S. Coast Guard, Savannah

1-800-424-8802 912-652-4181

Toxic or Hazardous Spills (during business hours) GA DNR Environmental Protection Division Emergency Response

1-800-241-4113

Sewer/Septic Tank Leaks (during business hours)

Chatham Co.

Glynn Co.

Chatham Co.

Health Dept.

Glynn Co.

Health Dept.

Effingham Co.

Health Dept.

912-651-6565 912-267-5570 912-356-2160 912-264-0298 912-754-6484

Underground Storage Tank Leaks (during business hours) Georgia DNR, Environmental Protection Division

912-353-3225

Erosion and Sedimentation (during business hours) Construction & Development Agriculture, US Dept. Agriculture

912-353-3225 912-754-3812

Wetland Dumping (during business hours) US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah GA DNR EPD, Savannah

912-652-5822 912-353-3225

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STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS!
Prevent the transport of nuisance species. Clean all recreational equipment
www.ProtectYourWater.net
When you leave a body of water:
Remove any visible mud, plants or animals, eliminate water and clean and dry all recreational equipment before transporting.

Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Wetland Workshops Interested in monitoring a marsh, beach, or river? Attend one of these free "hands-on" training workshops at the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service to become a certified
collector of water quality and/or biological data. For more information or to register for events please call Angela Bliss at
(912) 598-2348 (acbliss@uga.edu) or visit our website at www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish.

Savannah:

Chemical Training

Biological Training

August 9th: 5pm-7pm

August 23rd: 9am-12pm

September 18th: 5pm-7pm September 13th: 5pm-8pm

November 8th: 5pm-7pm

November 13th: 5pm-8pm

Richmond Hill: October 25th: 9am-3pm Biological & Chemical Monitoring

Brunswick: August 18th: 9am-3pm Biological & Chemical Training

Generating Enhanced Oyster Reefs in Georgia's Inshore Areas (GEORGIA)
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service presents the following opportunities to participate in a community-based oyster restoration program. 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 Ashby Nix (912) 264-7323 (anix@uga.edu), or visit our
website at www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish.
Jekyll Island: August 4th & October 6th, 8:00am - 10:00am November 3rd & December 1st , 9:00am - 11:00am &
12:00pm - 2:00pm

C o a s t F e s t 2 0 0 7 !
S a t u r d a y ,O c t o b e r 6 1 0 a m - 4 p m
F R E E ! F R E E ! F R E E ! F R E E ! F R E E ! F R E E ! F R E E !
Come be a part of the fun and excitement of CoastFest - Georgia's largest celebration of our coastal natural resources! Celebrating its 12th year, CoastFest combines learning and fun with 90+ interactive exhibits and activity areas. Over 7,000 visitors enjoy this FREE, family-oriented event each year.
The event takes place at the GA/DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters along the marshes of Glynn in Brunswick and will be held RAIN or SHINE! Due to the presence of wild animals, NO PETS ALLOWED. Be sure to bring a camera! For more event info, log on to http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us or email or call Lea King at lea_king@dnr.state.ga.us or (912) 264-7218.

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From the Director's Desk

Susan Shipman

SHIP TO SHORE... Coastal Resources Division Director

Cumberland Harbor Ruling: What Did the Appellate Court Say??

In July, the Georgia Court of Appeals rendered the long-awaited decision regarding what is referred to across the state as the Cumberland Harbor permit. The primary issue presented in this appeal is whether the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) regulates activities or structures on the upland residential portions of a development, including stormwater runoff into marshlands.

As background, a CMPA permit was issued in March 2005 by the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee (the Committee) to Point Peter, LLP, a subsidiary of Land Resource Companies, for the construction of three community docks and two marinas in south Camden County. The project is being constructed in conjunction with the Cumberland Harbor residential development which borders the St. Marys River, North River and Point Peter Creek. About 1000 homes and other facilities are to be constructed in the residential portion of the development.

Although not required by the marsh permitting process, a draft Biological Assessment (BA) required by federal law as part of the federal permitting process, was attached to and made a condition of the Committee's permit. The Committee also attached a number of other conditions and recommendations to the permit, some of which dealt with the residential development and were agreed to by Cumberland Harbor.

An appeal of the permit was filed in April 2005 by several environmental groups, the Center for a Sustainable Coast, Georgia River Network, and the Satilla Riverwatch Alliance (Challengers). The Challengers contended that the State must consider all aspects of the entire residential project. They also contended that the Committee failed to give appropriate consideration to the public interest considerations of the CMPA, and that the entire project will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of wildlife.

The appeal was heard before Administrative Law Judge Michael Malahi (ALJ) in November 2005. The ALJ reversed on two points and remanded the matter to the Committee to 1) regulate aspects of the upland residential development; and 2) further consider the conservation measures for right whales, manatees, and sea turtles. The ALJ affirmed all other permit conditions. The Committee and Point Peter, LLP appealed the ALJ's decision regarding the reach of the Marsh Act to the upland residential development, to the Superior Court. The remand to the Committee regarding the conservation of right whales, manatees, and sea turtles was not appealed. For procedural reasons, the ALJ's decision was affirmed by the Superior Court by operation of law. The Committee and Point Peter then petitioned the Georgia Court of Appeals for a discretionary appeal, which was granted. The Challengers filed a cross appeal.

The Georgia Court of Appeals conducted a de novo review of the claimed errors of law in the Superior Court's affirmation of the ALJ's decision, by operation of law. Because there was no Superior Court ruling per se, the review focused on the ALJ's written decision and the associated record. On July 11th the Georgia Court of Appeals rendered a unanimous decision in favor of the Committee and Point Peter LLP.

The Appeals Court held that the only impacts on coastal marshlands that the Committee was required to consider are those that fall in the category of, or are the same type as, "remove, fill, dredge, or drain." The Committee acted properly in considering impacts from the upland portion of the development that are associated with amenities that service or augment the in-water project. The Appeals Court noted that the Board's recently adopted Rule which addresses runoff, buffers, and impervious surface coverage, is consistent with and implements the provisions of the CMPA addressed in its opinion. All other arguments asserted by the Challengers were rejected. (See page 6 for a detailed synopsis of the decision.) One of the judges concurred specially to urge the Legislature to consider whether expanding the scope of CMPC jurisdiction would be appropriate.

The decision of the Georgia Court of Appeals has the effect of state-wide binding precedent. Until this ruling, there had been no

appellate court decision dealing with the scope of the Committee's permitting authority under the CMPA. On July 20th, the

Challengers filed a notice of intent to appeal in the Georgia Court of Appeals. On July 31st, they filed a Petition for Certiorari in

the Georgia Supreme Court. Time will tell whether this recent decision is the end of the line for the Cumberland Harbor permit

appeal. Until then, the Department will administer the Marsh Act, and the Coastal Marshland Protection Committee will conduct

its permitting in accordance with this recent decision.

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Synopsis of the Cumberland Harbor Decision

Jurisdiction Over Upland Development The most debated and contentious aspect of the ALJ's ruling is whether the Committee has
jurisdiction over the upland residential development associated with a marina/dock permit application. The Appeals Court ruled that the Marsh Act cannot be construed to include the adjacent residential development just because the permitted project is part of the overall development and may impact marshlands. Such an interpretation would vastly extend the jurisdiction of the Act to development up-watershed as well as on the coast and create an impossible regulatory and enforcement burden. The Appeals Court found that expanding the scope of the Marsh Act to regulate all stormwater runoff generated by the upland residential development far exceeds the Legislature's intended scope.
The Appeals Court found that the "otherwise alter" provision of the Marsh Act extends only to runoff that alters the marshlands in a direct physical manner similar to removing, filling, dredging or draining marshlands. The Court found no evidence that the stormwater runoff generated by Cumberland Harbor's upland development otherwise altered the marshlands within the meaning of the CMPA.
Based on these findings, the Appeals Court ruled that the ALJ erred in remanding the permit application back to the Committee on the basis that the Marsh Act required consideration of aspects of the upland residential development that may adversely affect marshlands, including stormwater run-off generated by the development. In a footnote, the Appeals Court noted that the Board's recently adopted Rules which address runoff, buffers, and impervious surface coverage, is consistent with and implements the provisions of the CMPA addressed in their opinion.
Public Interest Tests In determining whether a permit is in the public interest, the Committee considers whether the
project will 1) unreasonably harm or alter the natural flow of navigational water; 2) unreasonably increase erosion, shoaling of channels or create stagnant pools; or 3) unreasonably interfere with conservation of marine life, wildlife or other resources, including water supply and oxygen. In issuing the Cumberland Harbor permit, the Committee found that those public interest tests were met. The ALJ agreed with respect to the first two tests but disagreed that the third test pertaining to conservation of marine life, wildlife or other resources, was met.
The ALJ ruled that the Biological Assessment (BA) was incomplete and, as a result, he could not determine whether the Committee properly considered the public interest test in ensuring that there is no unreasonable interference with the conservation of wildlife. The Committee was directed to consider, review, and include in the permit, the BA's final conservation measures with respect to right whales, manatees, and sea turtles. The Committee, Point Peter, and the Challengers did not appeal this part of the decision.

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The ALJ further ruled that the Committee need not revisit the number of boats added to the area, but must address related conservation measures, such as education of boaters, designation of low speed zones, and enforcement. This would be done through the BA. On appeal, the Challengers argued that appropriate conservation measures would be to either not build the project or not add any new boats to the area. Contrary to the Challengers' contention, the Appeals Court opined that the ALJ properly held that the performance measures in the BA, such as phased construction of the marinas, were not unlawfully vague and ambiguous.
The ALJ had also ruled that the Committee correctly determined that there will be no unreasonable interference with the conservation of other wildlife, including shore birds, wood storks, gopher tortoises and indigo snakes. The Appeals Court ruled that consideration of the draft BA conservation measures and other conditions of the permit provided sufficient basis for the ALJ's finding relative to these species.
Private Recreational Docks The Challengers contended that the permit should have required elimination of all private docks
from the Cumberland Harbor development. Although private docks are exempt from regulation under the CMPA, the developer still had control over the dockable, residential lots at the time the project was considered by the Committee. The Appeals Court ruled the Committee properly considered the cumulative impact of the marinas, day docks, and private recreational docks, finding that it was within the Committee's authority to require Point Peter to restrict the number and size of the private residential docks. The Appeals Court affirmed the ALJ's conclusion that these restrictions were sufficient for issuance of the permit.
Public Notice and Input The Appeals Court found no evidence of lack of compliance with public notice or hearing
requirements, as had been alleged by the Challengers.
Special Concurrence Judge A. Harris Adams "concurred specially" to express concern that the patchwork of existing
state and federal regulations may not be sufficiently protective of the coastal marshlands. He urged the Legislature to consider whether expanding the scope of the CMPA jurisdiction would be appropriate.
For a copy of the decision, go to the Georgia Court of Appeals website: www.gaappeals.us Click on "Opinions," which will take you to LexisOne. Once on that page choose "State Court, Georgia;" limit search to "last 6 months;" under parties, type in "Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee." "Search" will take you to the case, Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee v. Center for a Sustainable Coast, Nos. A07A0752, A07A0753, A07A0897, A07A0934.

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New GCMP Faces
Sonny Emmert and Kelly O'Rourke are the new Coastal Technical Assistants in the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP). Both will work with local governments in furthering the mission of the GCMP and in meeting the environmental, technical and planning needs of local governments in the 11-county GCMP service area. Sonny will working with local governments in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties and Kelly with Camden, Charlton, Glynn and Wayne county governments.

Sonny Emmert (L) and Kelly O'Rourke are ready to work with local governments in
meeting their environmental planning needs.

Sonny Emmert grew up in a rural farming community located in southeastern Colorado. He attended college in Colorado and graduated from the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) with a bachelors degree in Environmental Science and a Biology concentration. Sonny continued at UTEP for a masters degree in Environmental Science and is putting the finishing touches on his thesis which focuses on wet deposition and particle transport.

Moving to the Georgia coast to work for the Environmental Protection Division's Coastal District in Savannah, Sonny worked in compliance and enforcement. Working with local governments he was responsible for water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities in six counties. He also conducted outreach in the implementation of the Coastal Permitting Plan specifically dealing with reuse/reclaimed water.

Sonny enjoys being on the coast and is taking advantage of all the outdoor activities he can. Some of his hobbies include kayaking, sailing, hiking, running, fishing and almost anything that will get him outside. Sonny is looking forward to enjoying all that coastal Georgia has to offer.
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Kelly O'Rourke has moved to Brunswick from Beaufort, North Carolina where she recently finished her master's in Coastal Environmental Management at Duke University. She received her B.S. degree in 2000 from the University of New Hampshire where she majored in Environmental Science and Conservation and minored in Marine Biology. Before heading to Duke, Kelly taught environmental education at several locations throughout the United States, including Driftwood Nature Center on St. Simons Island. She has also worked as a boat captain and naturalist in the Caribbean and more recently in her hometown of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Kelly is a water girl at heart and her favorite activities include sailing, surfing, diving and traveling. Her latest adventures brought her to Singapore and Thailand to study urban tropical ecology - a huge contrast to the Georgia coast! Kelly is extremely excited to be joining the Coastal Resources Division and is looking forward to this new experience.

CRD Summer Interns - In their own words...
RUSSELL PARR - I am entering my final semester at the University of Georgia where I will receive a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. My main task this summer at CRD was to complete a red drum anesthetic study using Aqui-S, an anesthetic drug seeking approval in food fish by the FDA. I also assisted in various surveys including trawl, gill netting and longline surveys.

KRISTEN BIRD - As an intern for CRD this summer, I was responsible for mapping out different aspects of the coast of Georgia. This included the salt and fresh water marshes, saltwater demarcation line, boating safety zones, 3-mile radar line for Georgia state waters, rivers, sounds, and barrier islands. Currently I am finishing up my last course at Georgia Southern University where I completed my bachelors in Biology and will soon finish my minor in GIS (Geographical Information Systems).

CRD Summer Interns (L-R) Russell Parr, Kristen Bird and Pam Marcum.

PAM MARCUM - During my internship at CRD, I created public outreach publications ranging from fact sheets to presentations. I assisted in coastal education outreach events with the Coastal Ark and assisted with educational programs for groups visiting CRD's research vessels. I have accepted a position with a USGS Seagrass lab in Miami, Florida where I will be working as a Marine Biology Field Technician in a pink shrimp study.

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By: Spud Woodward ~ Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries

Short Strikes

Saltwater Fishing Guides Learn About New License
On May 21 and 22, CRD hosted the 4th Annual Saltwater Fishing Guides Forum. Over 30 professional saltwater fishing guides attended the meetings, which were held in Savannah and Brunswick. The primary topic of discussion was House Bill 81, which created a mandatory saltwater guide license and changed the fee structure for an optional saltwater guide customer license. Other presentations included a report on the federal fishing guide survey, a state and federal fishing regulations update, a Peach State Reds Initiative progress report, an update on public boating access issues in coastal Georgia, and a discussion about the CRD Cooperative Angler Program. For more information about saltwater fishing guides and House Bill 81 contact Kathy Knowlton at (912) 264-7218.

CRD Receives $1.35 Million for Coastal Boat Ramp Renovation
Many residents and visitors use public boat ramps to access the estuaries and Atlantic Ocean waters of coastal Georgia. For years, CRD has struggled to keep pace with this demand. The recent loss of several public boat hoist facilities to privatization has resulted in increased pressure on boat ramps. Governor Perdue responded by including $1.35 million in his budget to renovate and/or expand four coastal boat ramps. The Georgia General Assembly approved this recommendation and funds became available in July. Over the reminder of 2007 and the first half of 2008, CRD will be coordinating renovation of the Turner's Creek ramp in Savannah, the Riceboro ramp in Liberty County, the Bellville ramp in McIntosh County, and the boat ramp located at Jekyll Island State Park. Unfortunately, repair of these ramps will require them to be closed for several weeks. CRD will notify the public when the closures are scheduled. For more information contact John Pafford at (912) 264-7218.

Joel Fleming To Lead Habitat Program

Joel Fleming was recently appointed supervisor of the Marine Fisheries Section Habitat Program. Fleming, a graduate of Augusta State University and Georgia Southern University, led the diadromous fish program of the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR for the past four years. Prior to his employment with DNR, Fleming worked with the Fish and Wildlife Branch at Ft. Stewart where he studied Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. Under Fleming's leadership, the Habitat Program will conduct research and surveys while developing recommendations and projects to protect, enhance and restore coastal aquatic habitats. CRD has already received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a pilot coastal wetlands assessment study. Fleming is also coordinating a habitat restoration project in conjunction with the Bellville boat ramp renovation. He will represent Georgia on several state and interstate committees such as the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership. Contact Joel Fleming at (912) 264-7218 for more information about the Habitat Program.

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By: Spud Woodward ~ Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries
Georgia Legislature Updates Shrimp-Fishing Regulations

Up through the 1970s, shrimp harvesting in Georgia and throughout the southeast United States was subject to minimal government regulation. By the 1980s, marine fisheries scientists, conservation groups, and the general public began to question the impacts of trawling on endangered sea turtles, marine habitats, and sea life caught but not commercially valuable (generically called bycatch). As the 1990s arrived, state and federal mandates for the use of turtle-excluder devices and bycatch-reduction devices, coupled with area and seasonal closures, forever changed the practice of trawling for food shrimp.

During the years leading up to the 21st century, the economics of food-shrimp fishing also changed dramatically as more than 80 percent of the shrimp consumed by Americans was now imported from countries in Asia and South America. These inexpensive imports devalued domestic wild-caught shrimp, and trawling for food shrimp became a less profitable enterprise. Nowadays coastal development is threatening the trawler fleet as commercial docks and seafood-packing houses give way to condominiums, waterfront homes, and private marinas. In 2006, 307 Georgia trawler licenses were issued compared to the alltime high of 1,479 in 1979. Abandoned shrimp boats can be found at docks and along coastal waterways, creating pollution and navigation hazards.

Traditionally, cast netting had been the method used by private citizens and tourists to catch small quantities of shrimp for personal consumption and bait. During the mid-1990s, individuals using small skiffs, fuel-efficient outboard engines, and modified cast nets began to harvest shrimp for commercial sale. Since there were few cast-netting regulations, conflicts arose between resident and non-resident cast netters and between trawler owners and cast netters, forcing a legislative study committee to intervene.

In 1998, Georgia's commercial and recreational food-shrimp cast net fisheries were subject to license, fishing gear, and harvest regulations. Most controversial was a prohibition on the use of cast nets modified to catch shrimp in deep water. While many of the conflicts were eliminated, some resident commercial and recreational cast netters felt the new laws went too far. They pleaded that cast netting is an ecologically sound harvest method and should be encouraged instead of impeded by government regulation. Inconsistent adjudication of the modified cast net prohibition in coastal court systems added more controversy.

In stark contrast to the food-shrimp fishery, the value of bait shrimp increased as interest in saltwater recreational fishing grew. Commercial live-bait harvesters were allowed to use small trawls, but not cast nets, to harvest bait shrimp in designated areas. As more and more private docks were built in coastal waters designated for bait-shrimp harvest, conflicts arose between dock owners and bait harvesters. Some waterfront property owners believed that trawling had an adverse effect on their ability to catch shrimp and fish in their local area, while others found it aesthetically unpleasing.

Recognizing that the state regulatory environment for shrimp fishing had not kept pace with the many changes sweeping across coastal Georgia, the leadership of GADNR engaged the public to help reform the laws, regulations and policies that affect shrimp fishing. The goal of the process was to create a regulatory environment that: 1) maximizes opportunities for profit in commercial activities; 2) maximizes opportunities for satisfaction in recreational activities; and 3) protects the ecological integrity of Georgia estuaries and near-shore Atlantic Ocean waters. The University of Georgia's J.W. Fanning Institute was contracted to provide professional facilitation of a stakeholder panel and of public meetings to examine the issues and formulate recommendations for future management strategies.

The year long public process began in early 2005 with the appointment of a stakeholder panel of 19 individuals representing all sectors of the shrimp fishery. Eight panelists were affiliated with the food-shrimp trawl sector, four were commercial cast netters, one was a commercial live-bait shrimp harvester, and seven represented recreational interests. The general public helped identify priority issues at two town hall meetings held in May 2005. The stakeholder panel met five times during the summer months, and its recommendations were vetted before the public at two town hall meetings held in September and through a web-based survey. The stakeholder panel met one final time in October to modify its recommendations based on public input.

Several of the recommendations from the public process required a change in Georgia law. During the 2006 session of the

Georgia General Assembly, Representative Cecily Hill of St. Marys sponsored House Bill 1460 which included most of the

recommendations. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a super majority but was never brought before the Senate

for consideration.

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Committed to the cause of shrimp fishery reform, Rep. Hill, with the support of several key legislators, introduced House Bill 100, an updated version of the previous session's shrimp bill, during the 2007 session. Once again, the bill passed the House by a super majority. This time the bill was considered by the Senate Natural Resources Committee and was reported favorably to the full Senate where it passed with a unanimous vote. Governor Perdue signed the bill into law this past May.

What does this mean to a person interested in harvesting shrimp or having a plate of fresh, local, fried shrimp for dinner? In short, the state regulatory environment for shrimp fishing has been simplified. Several laws affecting both commercial and recreational interests have been repealed while others have been clarified to be more effective and consistent. The inset included with this article provides a summary of the changes.

The outcome of Georgia's shrimp fishery regulatory-reform process did not satisfy everyone. This is not surprising given the deeply rooted traditions and beliefs of the different groups within the fishery. However, this process marked the first time all these groups worked together with the common goal of creating a state regulatory environment that balances conservation of our living marine resources and their habitats, enforceability, and the needs and desires of shrimp harvesters and the general public.

CRD is proud to have been part of this process and thanks Representatives Cecily Hill and Bob Lane along with Senators Jeff Chapman and Ross Tolleson for their leadership. Because of their efforts we can look forward to a future where the harvest of shrimp will continue to be part of the economic and social fabric of coastal Georgia life. For more information about the recent changes in shrimp fishing regulations contact Doug Haymans at (912) 264-7218.

Changes in Shrimping Laws
Effective May 14, 2007

What you need to ..... KNOW

KNOW This: Modified cast nets (duct tape, lawn chair webbing, etc. attached above the lead line) are now legal for commercial and recreational harvest of food and bait shrimp.

KNOW There is no restriction on the length of the cast nets used for commercial and recreational harvest of food
This: and bait shrimp.

KNOW This:

The legal mesh size for food shrimp cast nets will be 1/2 inch until February 28, 2009. Afterwards, the legal mesh size for food shrimp cast nets will be 5/8 inch. The legal minimum mesh size for bait shrimp cast nets

remains 3/8 inch.

KNOW This:

The daily possession limit for commercial cast net food shrimp harvest is 150 quarts (heads-on) through November 30 of each food shrimp season. On December 1, the possession limit is reduced to 75 quarts

(heads-on). Recreational possession limits are unchanged.

KNOW This: Food shrimp can be unloaded from a vessel at waterfront facilities licensed to sell live bait shrimp. No storage or retail sale of food shrimp at such facilities.

KNOW Commercial food and bait shrimp harvest is legal only during daytime (30 minutes before sunrise to 30
This: minutes after sunset).

KNOW This: Bait shrimp and food shrimp cast nets can be carried onboard recreational vessels at the same time.

Department of Natural Resources
Coastal Resources Division

Questions? Contact
Coastal Resources Division 912-264-7218
www.GADNR.org click on "Coastal Resources"

KNOW
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Georgia

Sound

J U L Y - S E P T E M B E R , 2 0 0 7

VOL.13, NO.3

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

S U M M E R , 2 0 0 7

KNOW
THE CONNECTION
COASTAL GEORGIA
Be a part of the Excitement! CoastFest 2007 takes place on Saturday, October 6
from 10AM-4PM at the DNR in Brunswick. As Georgia's largest celebration of our coastal natural
resources, this FREE family-oriented event combines interactive learning and fun. CoastFest draws over 7,000 visitors annually and this 12th annual event promises "something for everyone!" For more info log on to http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us or email lea_king@dnr.state.ga.us for an event flyer.

waterSmart Magnets are HERE - Get Yours TODAY!
waterSmart is a program that seeks to conserve water in Georgia by encouraging reductions in outdoor water use. It offers simple tips for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens while using less water.
This spring waterSmart was launched in pilot communities with tools for homeowners, teachers and facilities managers. These tools also include useful resources for people outside of the pilot communities. By incorporating water conservation practices into our outdoor watering habits, we can all help to conserve Georgia's limited water resources.
Stop by the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick to get your very own FREE waterSmart magnet. For more information about the waterSmart program log on to: http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net.

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: Coastal Georgia Research Council Staff, Sonny Emmert, Lea King, Kelly O'Rourke,
Dr. 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 Fall 2007 edition is October 1, 2007. We welcome suggestions of articles and photography.