Georgia sound, Vol. 17, no. 2 (Summer 2011

Summer 2011

Vol.17, No.2

Coastal Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan
Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that are common members of freshwater and marine habitats. Algae are vitally important to marine and freshwater ecosystems and most species of algae are not harmful. However, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) can occur when certain types of microscopic algae grow quickly in water, forming visible patches that may harm the health of the environment, plants or animals. HABs can deplete the oxygen and block sunlight that other organisms need to live and some HAB-causing algae release toxins that are dangerous to animals and humans. HABs occur in marine, estuarine and fresh waters. HABs appear to be increasing along the coastlines and in the surface waters of the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In 2007, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) of Karenia brevis red tide occurred at Fernandina Beach near the Georgia/Florida border. Circumstances around this event made local and state agencies aware that coastal Georgia was not prepared to properly respond to a HAB event on their coastline. In response, the Georgia Coastal Health District applied for and was awarded a Coastal Incentive Grant to create the Coastal Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan.

Gould's Inlet A vessel crosses a harmful algal bloom.

The Coastal Georgia Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan is meant to effectively manage a HAB event. Agencies participating in the plan include the Coastal Health District (9-1); the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Coastal Resources Division, and Environmental Protection Division; and the NOAA's Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research.

The plan and additional public outreach information can be found at: http://www.gachd.org/environmental-health/harmful_algal_bloom_hab.php

For further information, please contact Todd Driver with the Georgia Coastal Health District at (912) 262-2342 or tadriver@dhr.state.ga.us

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 2

The Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail
By Susan Snyder Reeves, Grants Manager

Interest in kayaking and canoeing has grown tremendously in the past few years attracting both nature enthusiasts, fishermen and the casual visitor who want to experience the river up close. With 2,200 miles of rivers and winding creeks, the opportunities for kayaking and canoe paddling along the Georgia coast are extraordinary. Until recently, kayakers have relied primarily on informal guidance from local outfitters to learn of paddling routes, launch and landing sites and general information about supplies and services in different areas.

With support from a Coastal Management Program Coastal Incentive Grant, the Coastal Regional Commission has developed a Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail Plan and Guide. The plan shows a 195 mile trail beginning in St. Marys, Georgia on the Florida border and concluding at Tybee Island at the northern end of the state's coast. The trail traverses countless sounds, rivers and creeks and includes ninety-two miles of alternate and secondary routes. Also included are landing and launch locations, services and points of interest along the routes, mileage of segments, safety information and links to other resources. The Plan and Guide is currently available online as a PDF document. Coastal Resources Division has plans to refine the Guide and convert it to a pocket format for on-the-water use.

Local communities along the coast have welcomed the trail guide and are using it as impetus to further develop eco-tourism opportunities. Kayaking is a more affordable boating alternative to a motor boat and is a nonpolluting, more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The Georgia Saltwater Paddle Trail has become an important part of the larger Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail Initiative coordinated by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA). This project will identify a main corridor for a blueway that stretches from Virginia, through the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and connects with the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

To learn more about the Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddle Trail plan, please visit the Coastal Regional Commission web site at: http://www.crc.ga.gov/docs/bluewayplanfinal.pdf
Note: A `Paddle Trail Guide to Coastal Georgia' which includes detail maps of paddle trails is currently under development and will be available free of charge from Ga DNR/Coastal Resources Division later this year. For more information on this project contact Sonny Emmert at: sonny.emmert@gadnr.org

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 3

Spotlight on Environmental Organizations:
The Georgia Kayak Fishing Foundation now Paddle4Tomorrow

With the new name change, Paddle4Tomorrow has taken the opportunity to refocus their mission to 3 central goals, increase access, participation and sustainability.

photo: Heliconia Press
last a lifetime - tomorrow and beyond."

When asked about the name change, P4T Executive Director David Minich said "It's really very simple, we go beyond Georgia, we paddle more than kayaks, and we don't always fish. What we really do is paddle for tomorrow. We introduce families to a simple, small footprint method of spending time on the water. And it can

"When we first started organizing paddlers together, our mission was somewhat selfish. We wanted increased access to our waterways." said Board President and Co-Founder Tony Narcisse. "From there we discovered that we needed more people involved in our sport. This is where the participation aspect came in, but that was isn't enough. If we have a million new people out paddling our waterways, but they're poor stewards of the resource, no one wins. P4T feels the current stewards have the responsibility to ensure that the next generation of paddlers, anglers and outdoors-people are just as, or more focused on sustainability than they were."

Access At P4T, we believe our nation's waterways should be accessible to all citizens, and waterways best suited for paddling have adequate, safe and convenient points of entry/exit. To further that goal, P4T partners with local, state & federal agencies as well as environmental & recreational groups to bring about these access points. We also believe those that have access should properly steward and use the resource. We believe involving more of our fellow citizens in outdoor activities and demonstrating sustainable use of the resources is the surest way of protecting them.

Participation We believe that almost everyone on the planet can participate in paddle sports. We have seen it. We have been there. Wheelchairs are no impediment. If you can sit in a chair you can probably sit in a kayak or canoe. With a small amount of help, the blind can get out to paddle and even to fish. Injury does not hold you back. Whether you come out with a therapist or with a family member helping you to rehab from an injury, you can participate. We've done it. Access is the first step and we are committed to it. Participation is natural once we have the access. We are here to help people participate. Let us know how we are doing.

Sustainability We have much to learn from our children. And we must leave them a legacy. Keep it clean. Pack out the trash. Leave it better than you found it.

For more information on Paddle4Tomorrow and to find out how to help their mission, please visit http://www.paddle4tomorrow.org
submittted by Zach Yurchuck, P4T

Summer 2011

Page 4

Coastal Incentive Grants Awards Announced
By Susan Snyder Reeves, Grants Manager
The Georgia Coastal Management Program recently announced the selection of 20 projects to receive Coastal incentive Grants for the upcoming year. Total funds awarded this grant cycle amounts to $964,881. Projects include construction of public access, community development and education programs and research. Grant awards are contingent upon approval of Georgia's annual application for funds through the Coastal Zone Management Act administered by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Projects will begin on October 1, 2011 and be completed within a year. Grants awarded for 2011 include:

University of Georgia - MAREX UGA Research Foundation City of Savannah Glynn County Tybee Island Garden City University of Georgia - MAREX Savannah-Chatham Co. School District Soil and Water Conservation District Savannah State University University of Georgia Chatham County Health Department University of Georgia - MAREX Camden County UGA Research Foundation Brantley County City of St. Marys City of Darien City of Kingsland City of Darien

Pilot Oyster Restoration Plan Georgia Coastal Research Council Sidewalk to the Sea Marsh Restoration Pilot Project Program to Combat Litter & Marine Debris Planning for a Disaster Resilient Community Septic Tank Inventory - Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh Oatland Island Center Education Program Conservation Education Workshops Impact of Coastal Hazards on Salt Marsh Plant Survey of the Lower Ogeechee River Septic System Location, Inspection & Code Reform Coastal Hazards: Know the Facts Program Georgia Rails to Trails Marsh Wrack Accumulation Study Waynesville Nature Trail Upgrades to City Pier Butler Island Kayak Dock Kingsland Conservation Park Butler Island Public Access Project

Approximately one-half of Georgia's Coastal Zone Management funding is passed through as subgrants through the Coastal Incentive Grant Program. Eligible recipients include local governments in the 11 county coastal area (Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn, Brantley, Charlton and Camden Counties), state-affiliated research and educational institutions and regional and state agencies (except DNR). For more information about upcoming Coastal Incentive Grant funding contact Susan Snyder Reeves, Grants Manager, 912-264-7218, susan.reeves@gadnr.org, or visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org.

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 5

CZM News and Notes
By Brad Gane, Chief of Ecological Services
Governor's South Atlantic Alliance Update

The Alliance has continued its forward motion, building on the Action Plan to develop an Implementation Plan. The Steering Committee, comprised of Commissioners from each of the four South Atlantic states, recently endorsed an Implementation Plan work summary and gave the "full speed ahead" to the four Issue Area Teams to continue their work. The Issue Area Teams have been identifying and compiling the Implementation Plan that is scheduled to go before the Steering Committee within weeks for their approval. The four Issue Area Team subject areas are Working Waterfronts, Clean Coastal and Ocean Waters, Healthy Ecosystems, and DisasterResilient Communities. For more info, please see the Governor's South Atlantic Alliance website at http://www.southatlanticalliance.org, and stay tuned for the Implementation Plan's release.

GCMP Survives Federal Evaluation!
During the week of May 23, 2011 an evaluation team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) traveled to Georgia to conduct a routine periodic evaluation of Georgia's Coastal Management Program(GCMP) from 2005-2011. The evaluation was to determine whether DNR/CRD, as the State's lead agency, is: implementing and enforcing essential elements of the federally-approved Coastal Management Program - playing a leadership role in coastal issues; monitoring actions of State and local agencies; basing decisions on enforceable policies; assuring opportunities for public participation; addressing coastal management needs; and adhering to terms and conditions of federal financial assistance awards. The evaluation also reviewed the GCMP's implementation of Federal Consistency and recent Program Changes. During the site visit, NOAA evaluators attended meetings throughout the coast and met with over 40 individuals representing a variety of GCMP partners and stakeholders. A public meeting provided additional opportunity for input.
NOAA is currently preparing their evaluation findings which may include a summary of program accomplishments, suggestions and/or necessary actions. Overall, staff feel that the evaluation was very positive and are looking forward to NOAA's report coming sometime this summer.

CRD Staff...Coming to a Wetland Near You.

This summer, Georgia is joining other states and tribes

in participating in the Environmental Protection

Agency's (EPA) National Wetland Condition Assessment

(NWCA). Wetland sites were randomly selected across

the country. Georgia received a total of 50 sites

statewide, while 30 of those sites were located in

saltmarshes on the coast. CRD staff are spending an

average of five hours at each site gathering data on

soils, vegetation, hydrology, water chemistry and algae.

Once the data is analyzed for all states, a report will be

submitted to Congress on the status of the nation's wetlands. Stay tuned to CRD's website for the report.

Matt Mason and JT Bennett collect soil samples at a wetland site in McIntosh County.

Contact Jan Mackinnon at jan.mackinnon@dnr.state.ga.us for additional information.

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 6

Georgia Healthy Beaches
By Elizabeth Cheney Coastal Resources Specialist
Remember - before you go to the beach - `go online or check the sign'

Summertime, and the weather is hot! It's time to hit the beach! While you are packing your beach bag, be sure to check on your favorite beach by visiting GeorgiaHealthyBeaches.org.
DNR, in partnership with the Coastal Health District, monitors Georgia's beaches for the presence of harmful bacteria. The DNR samples the beach water on Tybee
Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island every week. The Health Department Laboratory analyzes the water samples. When elevated levels of bacteria are found, The Health District issues a swimmers advisory. An advisory does not mean that the beach is closed, but that DNR and the Health District recommend that you do not swim at that beach.
DNR updates the GeorgiaHealthyBeaches.org website whenever a swimmers advisory is issued. DNR has also installed bi-lingual signs at beach access crossovers on Tybee, Jekyll, and St. Simons islands. These permanent metal folding signs are activated whenever there is an advisory at a particular beach.

`CoastalGaDNR.org' CRD Web Site Gets New Look
Coastal Resources is proud to announce that CRD's redesigned web site is ready for viewing! On July 1st, we flipped the switch on a user-friendly new site with updated content and enhanced graphics.
Staff member, Paul Medders, led a team of dedicated CRD associates through this year-long redesign project and the results are fantastic.
Web sites are always a `work in progress' and our is no exception. We will continue to expand and refine our site in the coming months. Bookmark CoastalGaDNR.org' and watch our progress!
FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT: We invite you to tour the redesigned site at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org and tell us if we are on the right track. Email your comments to: paul.medders@gadnr.org

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 7

Road Trip: National Hurricane Awareness Event Lands in Savannah

On May 5, 2011, CRD's Coastal Ark traveled to the Savannah International Airport for National Hurricane Awareness Month, sponsored by NOAA. The national event is held annually before the start of the hurricane season which begins June 1st and continues through November 30th. Savannah was the
first of several stops for the 2011 event that rotates each year between the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast.

The CRD exhibit featured an interactive wave tank that staff used to demonstrate storm surge and the importance of Georgia's Barrier Islands for storm protection.

Joining CRD at the NOAA event were representatives of local Emergency Management Agencies, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Amatur Radio clubs, US Coast Guard and Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

For years NOAA pilots have flown P-3s into hurricanes at low altitudes (1,500-10,000 ft.) to collect researchmission data critical for computer models that predict hurricane intensity and landfall.

The highlight of the day was a visit by the NOAA National Weather Service Lockheed WP-3D Orion `Hurricane Hunter'.

P-3 Aircraft--Into the Storm Slicing through the eyewall of a hurricane, buffeted by howling winds, blinding rain, hail, and violent updrafts and downdrafts before entering the relative calm of the storm's eye, NOAA's two P-3 turboprop aircraft probe every wind and pressure change, repeating the grueling experience again and again during the course of a ten-hour mission. Scientists aboard the aircraft deploy GPS dropwindsondes as the P-3 flies through the hurricane. These devices continuously radio back measurements of pressure, humidity, temperature, and wind direction and speed as they fall toward the sea, providing a detailed look at the structure of the storm and its intensity.

The Orion aircraft has flown through more than 97 named storms in 35 years.

The P-3s are based at NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. NOAA Corps pilots and civilian flight engineers, meteorologists and electronic engineers are highly trained to operate in the kind of adverse weather conditions that keep other aircraft on the ground. During non-hurricane season months, NOAA aircraft are tailored for use in other severe weather and atmospheric research programs, and flown by NOAA Corps pilots worldwide in a variety of weather conditions.

For more information on NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations visit: www.nmao.noaa.gov

Summer 2011

Page 8

Georgia's Hurricane History

Did you know that the costliest disaster in Georgia's history was from a tropical storm? In 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto came ashore along the Florida panhandle on July 4th and stalled over western Georgia producing catastrophic flooding. Alberto produced damages exceeding $750 million and over 30 deaths.

Georgia has been extremely fortunate that a hurricane has not made

landfall along the coast in recent history. The most recent threat to the

Georgia Coast was Hurricane Floyd. In September 1999, Georgia,

Florida, and South Carolina experienced the largest evacuation effort

in American history in the face of Hurricane Floyd. An estimated 3

million people took to the highways to flee Floyd's wrath, jamming interstates in search of safety and shelter.

Many people are surprised to learn that Georgia is an extremely vulnerable state

to hurricane-related hazards. The

The last hurricane to make landfall on the Georgia Coast was Hurricane David (1979). David made landfall on the Georgia Coast south of Savannah as a Category 1 hurricane. In the U.S., Hurricane David caused $320 million in damages and 15 fatalities.

geographic location of Georgia makes it susceptible to impacts from tropical
storms and hurricanes from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean that have caused widespread damages

In total, four hurricanes made landfall on the Georgia Coast during

and coastal evacuations.

the 20th Century: 1911, 1940, 1947, and 1979.

Georgia's hurricane history along the coast was much more turbulent in the 19th century. In total, 14 hurricanes made landfall on the Georgia coast, six of which were major hurricanes (Category 3 or greater): 1898, 1893, 1854, 1824, 1813, and 1804 These infamous hurricanes ravaged the coast causing widespread damages and thousands of fatalities.

The major hurricane of 1898 made landfall on the southern

Georgia Coast on October 2. The first known pictures of storm

surge were taken in Brunswick, GA following the landfall of

the storm. The Cumberland Island Pilot Boat Maud Helen was

The first known pictures of storm surge were taken in Brunswick, GA following landfall

left on 20 feet above sea level on a bluff at High Point and a storm surge of 16 feet was recorded in Brunswick, GA.

of the 1898 hurricane.

The major hurricane of 1893 made landfall on the northern

Georgia Coast on August 27. This devastating hurricane is responsible for causing over 2,500 fatalities

and is one of the worst weather-related natural disasters in Georgia's history.

There are many additional resources for obtaining historical information about hurricanes that have affected Georgia and the U.S.
The Atlantic and Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) provides a comprehensive listing of tropical cyclones affecting North Florida and Georgia dating back to 1565 at http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/history/index.html
The National Hurricane Center provides a website on hurricane preparedness that contains many notable historical hurricanes at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml
The NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC) provides an online mapping tool that queries and displays historical hurricane tracks at http://csc-s-maps-q.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes

Summer 2011
CRD Staff News

Page 9

Interns for the 2011 Summer Sampling Season

The Research and Surveys Program has two summer interns with a common tie, yet different career tracks. Both Graham Carithers and Julie Creamer have affiliations with the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Graham is a 2009 alum with a dual degree in wildlife and forest resources and Julie is an up and coming senior with a focus in fisheries.

As summer interns with CRD's

Marine Fisheries Program, Graham

works with the shark nursery and

Summer intern Julie Creamer will graduate from UGA in 2012.

red drum longline projects; Julie is assigned to the red drum, spotted

seatrout and tarpon netting surveys.

This is Julie's second summer on the coast working with CRD. She plans

to continue her studies in a graduate school program and pursue a career

in fisheries. This is Graham first summer with Coastal Resources. After

a few years of field experience, Graham plans to pursue a graduate

degree in his area of interest.

Waverly native Graham Carithers is a summer intern on the longline surveys.

CRD Staff Member Joins Other Government Officials to Develop Climate Adaptation Strategy

The Department of the Interior and the Council on Environmental Quality with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as lead agency are developing a national, government-wide climate adaptation strategy addressing fish, wildlife, plants and related ecological process. To achieve this goal by 2012, the USFWS has requested representation from all federal, state and tribal governments with management authorities for fish, wildlife, plants or habitat to sit on a technical team.

Coastal Resources Division's Coastal Hazards Specialist Jennifer Kline serves on the coastal technical team of the National Fish Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. The first meeting and work session was held in Alexandria, Va in March. Watch for updates from Jennifer in coming issues of the Georgia Sound on this important project.

Jennifer Kline, Coastal Hazards Specialist

The Georgia Sound is produced by the Georgia DNR/Coastal Resources Division. If you would like more information please visit our web site at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218. Editor: Nancy Butler, CRD Communications Outreach, GA DNR. Email: nancy.butler@dnr.state.ga.us
This publication is made possible through the efforts of the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division staff and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grand Award #NA10NOS4190211

Summer 2011
GaSound Bytes
Junior Angler Has a Great Day on the Water
Four year old Jake, a.k.a. "The Shark Hunter", earned his new nickname recently when he reeled in two whiting, two bonnethead sharks and one red fish on his SpongeBob SquarePants rod and reel.
Proud grandpa, Rick Adams reported to CRD's Angler Survey Manager, Kathy Knowlton that, "Jake would wake me up in the morning with the greeting, "Grandpa, the shark hunter is here!""
CoastFest 2011 Update
2011 CoastFest Logo Artist Honored

Page 10

Payton Dowling got a big surprise the last week of school when she was presented with the first CoastFest 2011 poster featuring her very own artwork from the 2010 CoastFest Art Contest. With more than 1,200 enties to the CoastFest Student Art Contest, judges selected Payton's entry for the 2011 logo. Congratulations, Payton!!
CoastFest 2011 - Saturday, October 1st Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick,GA

CRD to Host Leave No Trace Awareness Program

Join CRD staff and members of the Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers in a free family-oriented workshop that

provids tools and training to help everyone enjoy the outdoors in an

environmentally sustainable way.

Games...Prizes...Lunch !!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

9am 1pm

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is the international leader in

sustainable recreation practices. The nonprofit organization teaches

children and adults vital skills to minimize their impacts when they are outdoors.

Meet the Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers on July 16th.

The Leave No Trace Awareness Program is open to children and adults of all ages. The event will be held at Coastal Regional Headquarters, Brunswick, GA (adjacent to the Sidney Lanier Bridge). For more information or to register, contact Paul Medders at (912) 264.7218 or paul.medders@gadnr.org

For more information about the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics of The Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program visit: www.LNT.org

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 11

Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project
By Dr. Carolyn Belcher, Marine Biologist Kirby Wolfe, Marine Biologist

In the fall of 1997 the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project. This project takes advantage of the fishing efforts of hundreds of anglers by turning filleted fish carcasses that anglers would normally discard into a source of much needed data on Georgia's marine sportfish. The project is a true partnership of saltwater anglers, marine businesses, conservation groups, and the Coastal Resources Division (CRD). The Georgia Power Foundation has been instrumental in providing supplemental funding for this project.

The approach is simple, yet effective. Chest freezers are placed near the fish cleaning stations at selected locations along the Georgia coast. Each freezer is marked with an identifying sign and a list of target fish species. Inside the freezer is a supply of plastic bags, information cards, and pens. Cooperating anglers can place the filleted carcasses, with head and tail intact, in a bag, drop in a completed angler information card, and then place the bag in the freezer.

The filleted fish carcass with the head and tail intact can provide a wealth of information to scientists studying the trends in fish populations. Each fish is identified as to species, the fish length is measured, sex is determined when possible, and the otoliths (commonly called ear bones) are removed. The otoliths are then evaluated using computeraided image analysis to determine an accurate age of the fish. This is accomplished by taking a thin section of the otolith and counting the rings like the rings on a tree.

The information provided by fish carcasses help biologists and managers better understand the status of Georgia's coastal fish populations.

Data from fish carcasses are used in very sophisticated analyses such as the coastal stock assessment for Atlantic coast red drum in which length and age information collected from donated red drum carcasses are used by stock assessment scientists with the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Today, the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project provides every angler the opportunity to help determine the future of saltwater fishing in the state of Georgia. Fisheries management is a work in progress. The data provided by Georgia's saltwater anglers are priceless in helping to determine the status of important sportfish species and allow anglers to have a direct impact on the stewardship of coastal Georgia's fishery resources.

From 1997 through 2010, 1137 different anglers have participated in the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project. In 2010, 166 anglers donated 367 bags of fish carcasses, with participation ranging from 1 to 23 bags per angler.

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 12

Since 1997, a total of 41,818 carcasses have been donated by anglers and processed for information. In 2010, Georgia DNR personnel processed a total of 4,343 sportfish carcasses. The number of carcasses processed this year is down from last year's total of 5,325, and above the long-term annual average of 2,987.

Total Carcasses Processed

Figure 1. Annual totals for 1997 through 2010.

6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
0 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Ye ar

Carcasses from eight different species were processed this year. The top three sportfish species were spotted seatrout (56.4%), red drum (30.7%), and black drum (3.6%). Southern kingfish (whiting), Southern flounder, sheepshead, tripletail and Atlantic croaker made up the remaining 9.3% of carcasses processed this year.

spotted seatrout

red drum

black drum 157

Southern kingfish (whiting) 150

Figure 2.Species totals by number for 2010.

Southern flounder 134 sheepshead 100 tripletail 12

Atlantic croaker 7

1333

2450

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Total Carcasses Processed

Carcass Freezer Locations:

Hogan's Marina

36 Wilmington Island Rd, Savannah GA 31410

(Turner's Creek) ph:(912)897-3474

Two-Way Fish Camp

250 Ricefield Way- Brunswick, Ga 31525 (Altamaha River)

ph:(912)265-0410

Yellow Bluff Fish Camp

118 Yellow Bluff Rd; Midway GA 31320 (St. Catherine's) ph:(912)884-5448

Shellman Bluff Marina

1254 Bland Rd NE; Townsend GA 31331(Sapelo Sound -

Julienton River) ph:(912)832-4331

Half Moon

171 Azalea Road, Midway Ga. 31320 ph:(912)884-5819

Landings Yacht Club

1 Marina Dr, Savannah, Ga 31411 ph:(912)598-0023

Bahia Blue Marina

2812 River Dr. Thunderbolt, GA 31404 (Wilmington River)

Coffee Bluff Rescue Squad 2A 14915 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31419 (Forrest River)

Fort McAllister Marina

3203 Fort Mcallister Rd, Richmond Hill, GA

(Ogeechee River - Richmond Hill) ph: (912)727-2632

Bull River Marina

8005 Old Tybee Rd, Savannah, Ga 31410 (Bull River) ph: (912)897-7300

Coffee Bluff Marina

14915 Coffee Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31419, Phone: (912)925-7474

Crooked River State Park 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 13

Marine Fisheries Research
By Patrick Geer Chief of Marine Fisheries

Fishing, boating, and beach activities are in full swing in Coastal Georgia this time of year. During outdoor activities, many of you may encounter one (or more) of our field crews as they conduct their monitoring and research surveys - as they do throughout the year. While students and many families use the summer for well-deserved vacations, our staff are at their busiest between May and November.

Marine Fisheries has at least twelve ongoing surveys, with just as many time- and species-specific research projects. Much of this work is performed on the Department's two large research vessels (R/V Anna and R/V Marguerite) and a suite of small trailerable vessels. This fleet allows us to reach our artificial reefs 40 miles offshore, while at the same time sample the smallest of the upriver creeks. The vessel and field crews are extremely dedicated, logging nearly 2500 man-days in the field on any given year. Background information on several of our ongoing project includes:.

Ecological Monitoring Trawl Survey

The "EMTS" is our longest running survey with its origins dating

back to 1971. By 1976 it was established as a monthly survey to

assess shrimp and crab abundance and work has continued

uninterrupted aboard the R/V Anna since. The survey is responsible

for determining when to open and close food shrimp season in state

waters. As such, the staff become celebrities of sorts in late May to

early July when newspapers and news stations eagerly search for

information on the season opening. It's

pretty routine for the staff, but still

exciting to see staff quoted in the New

York Times or Washington Post! On a

serious note, the work conducted on this

survey has been vital to managing

Georgia's shrimp and blue crab fisheries for over 35 years. In recent years we have been examining all species

Captain Dwight Varnedoe deploys the trawl net on the R/V Anna.

captured in the trawl net, allowing us to

assess the abundance and health of numerous finfish and invertebrate

species. Most finfish observed by this survey are juveniles, so by

estimating their abundance and tracking it over time, we should be able

R/V Anna

to forecast potential adult populations of these species in future years.

Marine Sportfish Population Health Survey (MSPHS) is actually several projects under a single moniker. Since 2003, staff have conducted netting surveys (gill and trammel) from June through November adjacent to marsh edges in Wassaw and Altamaha Sounds to assess recreational fish abundance (primarily juvenile red drum and adult spotted sea trout). Data from these surveys have been used in both state and federal stock assessments for managing these two species.

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Summer 2011

Page 14

Present research projects being conducted by MSPHS biologists include acoustic and radio technologies. Biologist Chris Kalinowsky is fitting tripletail with acoustic sensors to track their movements. Fish tagged by Chris in Georgia's estuaries have been reported overwintering in Florida and returned to Georgia the following spring. Kirby Wolfe is using radio tags (similar to those in cats and dogs) to examine salt water impoundments to determine when and how these fishes use such water bodies.

Red Drum and Coastal Sharks Longline Survey. The Longline Survey was established in 2006 with its
CRD Biologists Chris Kalinowsky (right) and Gabe
main objective to monitor, assess, and tag adult red drum Gaddis fit tripletail with acoustic sensors to track as they move from the estuaries to offshore waters. The movement. 60 hook longline sets also produce numerous sharks (16 species to date), making it an even more valuable project. Each shark is measured, weighed and
certain species tagged and released. Dr. Carolyn Belcher has also utilizes acoustic technology by field testing a water proof ultrasound to determine the number and size of shark pups developing inside a female. This work is cutting edge and will allow specimens to be released unharmed at sea while gathering valuable data of fecundity.

Sharks are measured, weighed, tagged and released as part of the longline survey.

The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) is a national program that gathers catch and effort data by interviewing recreational fishers at docks and boat ramps. Biologist Kathy Knowlton and her staff are the most visible of the Marine Fisheries staff, surveying the coastal counties with more than 360 assignments annually, producing over 1500 angler interviews.

A full description of all the Marine Fisheries projects and surveys is available on our website at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org

CRD biologists gather catch and effort data from recreational anglers at public docks and boat ramps along the coast.

Summer 2011

Page 15

The American Eel
By Jim Page Marine Biologist

`Slimy'... perhaps no other word is used more frequently to
describe the American eel (Anguilla rostrata), a common yet very unique finfish found along the Georgia Coast. For many anglers, the strong dislike of this snake-like fish is often the result of its desire to coil tightly around the lines and hands of anglers when hooked. But regardless of whether you love it or hate it, the American eel is a truly interesting species with a unique life history.

One year old glass eel.

The GA DNR, along with all states along the eastern US coast, has been mandated by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission(ASMFC) to annually

conduct a `'young-of-the-year' American eel survey. The six-week survey is conducted in January and

February and is designed to assess eel populations in Georgia's coastal and inland waters. Detailed

information, including length, weight and pigmentation development is recorded for each eel encountered.

Staff also collects information on fishing gear, tidal stage and hydrological data to determine their impact on

catches. Data is provided to the ASMFC for use in stock assessment and fishery management decisions for

this species.

Until recently, scientists considered the American eel to be a

freshwater eel. The latest

data shows that some eels

swim up freshwater streams

to mature, others remain

and mature in both

estuarine and marine

waters, and still others

move between habitats.

Males typically spend much

their adult life in coastal

brackish waters while

females continue the

journey to freshwater. Female American eels can

CRD biologists Jim Page (left) and Billy Readdick set Japanese-style fyke nets to

grow to five feet in length, collect migrating young eel.

and males usually reach

American eels begin their lives as eggs hatching in the Sargasso Sea, a 2-

about three feet.

million-square-mile warm-water body in the North Atlantic between the West Indies and the Azores. After hatching, the eggs float to the ocean surface and hatch into small, transparent larvae that drift with the Gulf Stream and

EEL FACTS Eels can cover their entire bodies with a mucous layer, making them nearly impossible to capture by hand -- "slippery as an eel" is more than just a figure of speech.

other currents, taking about a year to

reach the Atlantic coast. By this time,the larval eels- known as glass eels because they are still transparent have developed fins and the shape of adult eels.

Adult eels spin their bodies to break apart food, and have been recorded at six to fourteen spins per second. In comparison, Olympic ice skaters can spin five times per second.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Summer 2011
Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier
Upgrades and Improvements Bryan County, Georgia
By Shawn Jordan Marine Biologist

Page 16

History: Existing facility was built by Bryan County on State of Georgia (GA-DNR) land in the mid 1980's to give the public fishing access in the Tivoli River. Original site included wooden fishing piers located, one on either side, of the Belfast-Keller Bridge. The downriver pier (south of the bridge) extended into the river approx 100' and blocked more than 80% of the waterway.
In 2009, the Bryan County Commissioners and GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division partnered on a project to modify the two existing public fishing piers on the Tivoli River. Over time, the wooden pilings had deteriorated, taken on an 'hourglass' shape - creating a safety issue. The walkways were also beginning to deteriorate and were in need of repair. The $150,000 improvement project would replace the aging structures with new longer lasting materials and relocate the southern fixed pier to run parallel to the shoreline. Funding for the project was provided by Bryan County Board of Commissioners ($100,000) and the Federal SportFish Restoration Program ($50,000). The new Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier features a 6' x 90'
walkway, leading to a 10' x 80' fixed pier; a gangway leads to a dedicated 12' x 25' floating kayak/canoe launch.
New Structure: Oriented parallel to the riverbank, the new downriver aluminum and concrete fishing pier features a 6' x 90' walkway, leading to a 10' x 80' fixed pier; a gangway leads to a dedicated 12' x 25' floating kayak/canoe launch. Tivoli Fishing Pier meets ADA accessibility guidelines. The entire structure now extends approximately 15' (12%) into the waterway at a point where the Tivoli River is approximately 120' wide from mean low water (MLW) to MLW.
Project contractor: Nichols Construction, Hoboken, Georgia Kayak/Canoe Launch Designed by Jon Fleischman, Gator Dock/CMI, Atlanta, Georgia/Sanford, Florida

Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier - BEFORE

Tivoli River Public Fishing Pier - AFTER