Georgia sound, Vol. 4, no. 3 (July - Sept. 1998

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Georgia's CoastalManagementPr<.>gram Newsletter

Vol. 4, Number 3 July - September, 1998

Program Update
By: Dr. Stuart Stevens

What exciting times these are! As we move forward with implementation of the

Coastal Management Program, many of the plans we had.for the Program are now being

realized. Remember that this effort is non-regulatory. The Program was designed around

existing laws and regulations. The benefits of the Program include increased training,

education, coordination, and compliance assurance. Other benefits include funding .for

local projects and federal consistency.

_ Many of these benefits are already being realized. Last issue I mentioned the

activities of the Savannah Site Office and increased compliance assurance throughout the

coast. This continues and has proven its valu~ with discovery and resolution of

unauthorized impacts to our coastal marshlands.

Much of our efforts have centered on finalizing contracts for Coastal Incentive

Grants. Several grants have been executed and are underway. Others await final approval

(_ )efore the recipient can begin. Those underway include research projects to investigate

-groundwater and sur.face water impacts and development of a sediment budget for the

Savannah River entrance. Small scale construction projects should begin soon, such as

enhancement of the Darien Waterfront and upgrading several boat ramps in Glynn and'

McIntosh Counties. Look for construction signs at these locations acknowledging the

Coastal Management Program and NOAA as funding sources. Watch your newspapers for

coverage of grant awards. The media has been great about telling our story as we meet

with recipients to 'kick off these local projects.

Of great pleasure to me has been organizing training workshops and coordinating

meetings between clients. Recently I attended a conservation tillage workshop and

demonstration which was funded by a Coastal Incentive Grant awarded to the Coastal Soil

Conservation District. This workshop, attended by about 35 local farmers, taught

techniques to reduce surface soil loss, reduce fertilization, reduce water consumption,

reduce energy consumption, and reduce cost while increasing crop yield - all of which are

important to Coastal Management. This protects water quality, protects air quality, and is

good for the farmers. Another workshop was held to bring scientists from the University of

Georgia School of Marine Science and Skidaway Institute of Oceanography together with

commercial and recreational fishermen, elected officials, State water managers, and

members of the general public to discuss on-going scientific studies of the Satilla River.

This workshop was a huge success with a great exchange of knowledge and plans for .future

studies. Such workshops are a major focus of the Coastal Management Program.

Lastly, federal consistency activities are moving smoothly. Federal consistency

requires federal activities such as construction and federal permits to be in compliance with

Georgia's laws. So far this year we have reviewed over 50 projects for consistency. These

range from simple Corps of Engineers permits for recreational docks to complicated

projects such as beach renourishment for Tybee Island.

/

The Coastal Management Program is already a success for the Coast of Georgia.

expect the program will accomplish everything we all hoped it would and more. The

Program staff are the best and most professional team I have every had the privilege of

working with. They will ensure YOUR Program is the best in the Nation!

Inside This Issue:
Coastal Managemel1t Update
From the Director
State Owned Tidal Waters and Marshlands
Coastal Incentive Grants
Conservation Tillage
CoastalArk
CoastFest
Sapelo Island Info
A Closer Look at Shellfish
Parent/Child Fishing Derby
Do you have an interesting article idea for
The GeoYBia sound?
If so, we want to hear from YOU! Contact the
Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218 with your ideas.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 2

Prom the Dterector

Duane Harris, Director Coastal Resources Division

As of July 1, my career in Georgia will have spanned 28 years. Beginning as a fisheries biologist with the Game & Fish Commission, an agency which was folded into the newly created Department of Natural Resources in 1972, I became director of the Coastal Resources Division in 1983. It has been a wonderful career and I have been fortunate to participate in some exciting projects and spur of the moment experiences. Here is one.

In February, 1979, our offshore research vessel, the RN George T. Bagby, was headed offshore when they encountered a mother and calf right whale near the "STS" buoy at the entrance of the St. Simons ship channel. The crew and scientific staff aboard the Bagby recognized this as a very rare sighting and immediately radioed the office to report their find.

Jim Couch, DNR's cinematographer, and Bob Busby, DNR still photographer, were in Brunswick producing a new film about endangered species at that time and I knew they did not have footage of whales for their film. Unfortunately, they had checked out of their motel just 10 minutes earlier. Upon learning they had no state radio in .their car, I phoned the Georgia State Patrol and asked them to find the DNR vehicle between Brunswick and Jesup and send them back to the office. While waiting for the efficient state troopers to do their job, I borrowed a boat from our law enforcement section, made arrangements for our airplane to get airborne, found a videographer from the Federal Law
II
Enforcement Training Center, and waited. When everyone arrived we loaded the gear into the boat, called the hanger, and proceeded toward our rendezvous with the world's most endangered of the great whales.

In 28 years of experiences with DNR, this was, without question, the most memorable. We spent an hour right next to a mother and her calf which was probably not over three weeks old. The calfs curiosity was tempered by the natural wariness of a mother interested only in protecting her child. We were careful to make slow and deliberate movements that would not frighten the mother or calf while we took some of the greatest photos of our careers.

That sighting and subsequent discussions with the New England Aquarium and others has resulted in significant increases in the scientific body of knowledge about right whales. This species has never recovered from the days when the right whale was one of the most sought after whales by the whaling fleets. The population in the western North Atlantic is estimated at only 300 animals today. Fortunately, the plight of this extraordinary creature is well-known and we just hope we are not too late to recover the right whale from certain extinction.

By the way, did you know that the old nautical charts of coastal Georgia called St. Andrews Sound the

"Bay of Righf', and drawings of whales were depicted in the sound.?>1I's interesting to think right whales

once inhabited the sound of coastal Georgia. .

~

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 3
Habitat Management in Georgia's Coastal Area A series by: Terry West

What Are State Owned'Tidal Waters and Marshlands?

Based on the Public Trust Doctrine of law, the

lands beneath waters subject to the ebb and flow

of the tide are owned by the State, and held in

trust for the benefit of all the people. The Public

Trust Doctrine concept dates back to sixth century

Roman civil law, and provides that the seas, the .

shores of the seas, and the living resources within

these waters are common to all mankind and are

not understood to be the property of any man, but

are instead public property for the use of any

person. Roman civil law eventually influenced the

legal system philosophy of all Western European

. A typical example of Georgia's beautiful marshlands.

nations. Most important to American

....- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -...... jurisprudence, Roman civil law was adopted in

substance by English common law with the implementation of the Magna Charta in 1215. As one of

the thirteen original colonies, Georgia is a common law state, and as such, succeeded to the rights of

the King of England in the waters, and the lands beneath, subject to the ebb and flow of the tide. A

) number of Supreme Court decisions throughout the years have upheld the fact that the tidal waters

and marshlands of Coastal Georgia are owned by the State, in trust for the benefit of all people.

A valid Crown Grant from the King of England, or a grant from the Georgia General Assembly, are the only exceptions of State ownership of tidal waters and marshlands. These exceptions are very rare, and such claims must be certified by the State of Georgia, Department of Law. At one point in history, virtually the entire coastal area was conveyed to individuals via a Crown Grant by the King of England. Almost all of these Crown Grants contained stipulations which, if violated, nullified the conveyance and resulted in the granted property reverting back to public trust property status. Some examples of such stipulations include required annual rice cultivation, sustained grazing of livestock, and requirements of male family members to serve in a branch of the armed forces. Persons claiming a valid Crown Grant to Georgia's tidal waters and marshlands should assemble all documentation, including an unbroken chain of title to the lands in question dating back to the original Crown Grant, and submit this information to the State of Georgia, Department of Law for official Verification.

While it is still a common practice throughout Coastal Georgia to convey through deed the adjacent tidal marshlands along with ownership interest in upland, in absence of a certified Crown Grant or State Grant, the tidal marshlands and waters are owned by the State of Georgia. All six of Georgia's coastal county governments gladly accept payment of property taxes by individuals claiming ownership of tidal marshlands. The payment of property taxes does not support a claim of ownership to tidal lands and waters. Individuals may contact the respective county tax office and request removal ) of any State owned tidal waters and marshlands from their tax assessment.

For more information on State owned marshlands and tidal waters, contact the Habitat Management Program at (912) 264-7218.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 4

GEORGIA COASTfU .M.ANAGEi\\ENT PROGRi\l\l
COf\STf\L lNCEN1-<IVE GRf\NTS

The federal Coastal Zone Management Act provides funding assistance to states with approved Coastal Management Programs for the purpose of program implementation and administration. As part of the Georgia Coastal Management Program, the Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division contributes approximately 60% of Georgia's administrative allocation to eligible entities as "Coastal Incentive Grants." Designed to fund projects that further the mission of the Coastal Management Program, Coastal Incentive Grants allow regional and local coastal issues to be defined and addressed creatively and proactively at the grass-roots level. Eligible grant applicants include county and municipal governments, state agencies, and educational and research institutions. Annual themes and funding criteria are established by the Coastal Advisory Committee.
It is the mission of the Georgia Coastal Management Program to balance economic development in Georgia's coastal area with preservation of natural, environmen~al, historic, archaeological and recreational resources for the benefit of Georgia's present and future generations.
The theme for the 1999 Coastal Ihce'ntive Grant funding cycle is "Water Related Resources" with emphasis on non-point source pollution and education. For Coastal Incentive Grant application information please contact the Georgia Coastal Management Program at (912) 264-7218.

1998 Funding Cycle Information

Total Coastal Zone Management Program Dollars

$1,929,250

CZM $'s Committed to Coastal Incentive Grants

$1,224,734 (63.5%)

Total number of Coastal Incentive Grants Awarded 42

Breakdown of Coastal Incentive Grants by Category:

RESE'ARCH
PLANNING I PROCESS
CONS1RUcnON

CTS) $622,028 (51%) (13. PIlQJE
$368,252 (30%) (19 PROJECTS) $234,454 (19%)(1Q PIlOJEC1'5)

Additional dollars made available for the Coastal Incentive Grants Program from DNR's federal administrative dollars

$67,184

Additional dollars leveraged by the Coastal Incentive Grants Program

$777,740

Total dollar impact of th~ Coastal Incentive Grants Program toward coastal projects

$2,002,474

For more information about Coastal Incentive Grants
or the Georgia Coastal Management Program contact the Coastal Resources Divisioh at (912) 264-7218.

Sapelo Island NERRS ... Water Quality Monitoring for Sapelo Island and NERR
Skidaway Institute **
Savannah Inlet and Estuarine Process Study Savannah State University ...
est Management Practices for Marinas to Protect GA Water Resources Skidaway Institute ...
Biomonitoring for the Georgia Coast Chatham County Board of Commissioners Water Conservation Partnership Project in Savannah/Chatham County
Coastal Soil & Water Conservation District ** Soil & Water Conservation Education Project
Bryan County Board of Commissioners Storm Surge Inundation Map Development
City of Darien ... City of Darien Waterfront Development Project
Skidaway Institute Disease Database for Georgia Fishery Resources
Coastal Soil & Water Conservation District Purchase of Conservation No-Till Drill Tillage Equipment
City of Midway Cay Creek Wet/and Interpretative Center Project
Georgia Southern University Citizens and Decision-Makers Awareness Guide
University of Georgia **
Human Impacts on the Salinity Regimes of Coastal Georgia Estuaries , City of Woodbine
Waterfront Enhancement Interpretation Project - Phase /I Glynn County Board of Commissioners
Boat Ramp Repairs and Improvements for Five Boat Ramps Chatham County Board of Commissioners
Hurricane Storm Surge Inundation Map Development University GAlWest GA University
Coastal Water Resources: Community Perspectives Brantley County Board of Commissioners ... Satilla River Recreational and Historic Survey University of Georgia
Saltwater Intrusion in the Upper Floridan Aquifer Beneath Savannah City of Tybee Island
Back River Storm Drain Repair/Replacement Project Georgia Southern University
Turtle Web Site Construction &Maintenance Coastal Regional Development Commission ... Environmental Circuit Rider Planner to Assist Local Governments
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Water Wise Education and Partnership Project Mcintosh County Board of Commissioners . White Chimney Park Improvements and Development University of Georgia Marine Extension Service ... Georgia Cooperative Fishing Gear Recycling Program
Glynn County Board of Commissioners Beach Access and Park Enhancement Project for Massingale Park
Jekyll Island Authority
Upland Improvements at a Public Boat Ramp & Fishing Dock
Glynn County Board of Commissioners Groundwater Availability & Feasibility of the Miocene Aquifer System
Glynn County Board of Commissioners
Preliminary Engineering Work for a Fishing Pier at the Altamaha Park
Georgia Emergency Management Agency Mitigating Points - A Storm Related Public Safety Video
Chatham County Board of Commissioners Clean Coast- Ossabaw Island Volunteer Cleanup
Denotes Multi-Year Project

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 5

Conservation Tillage Saving Energy and Resources

By Tom Joyner
State Soil & Water Conservation Commission
(912) 681-5241

Are you using conservation tillage techniques? You are if you are

using straw or mulch in your flower-beds or gardens. The straw allows

water to soak into the ground thus holding the soil in place and covering

the ground to control weeds. Farmers have known for a long time that if

conservation tillage is good for our flower beds and gardens it is also good

for the fields. The Satilla River Soil and Water Conservation District and

the Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District each held a farm

demonstration to promote the advantages of conservation tillage to

farmers in the area. A grant from the Coastal Management Program

made these programs possible.

The Districts explained that conservation tillage is a means of

planting and culturing crops with a minimum disturbance of soil. When

cover crop mulch or crop residues are used, it can be an effective,

Area farmers examine tillage equipment at a recent conservation tillage demonstration.

inexpensive means of obtaining good crop yields while protecting the soil

----...;,;;,;,;,;;;;.;.;;.~~,;,;;;:,~~~..;;,;,;;.;..--- ...... from wind and water erosion and reducing soil moisture evaporation.

Conservation tillage is defined as any tillage method that leaves at least 30 percent of the soil surface covered with crop

residue immediately after planting. The definition includes a range from no-till to the 30 percent minimum cover criteria.

The actual amount of tillage needed with conservation tillage varies with soil type and crop. Summer crops need

deep rooting to reduce drought stress. Sandy textured soils tend to form compacted soil layers 5 to 10 inches deep. The extent

of this compaction is often enough to prevent deep rooting. Hence, some means of disrupting the hard pans are usually

required for crops grown on these soils. Subsoilers on conservation tillage planters have proven to be valuable for summer

crops like soybeans, cotton and corn.

Mulch for conservation tillage may be obtained by growing a cover crop (rye, oats, vetch, millet, etc.) and killing it

) with contact herbicide at or prior to the time for conservation tillage crop planting or leaving old crop residue uniformly in

place on the soil surface. A common approach to conservation tillage is to grow a winter small grain, harvest it, spread the

residue, and then use special conservation tillage planters to plant directly into the small grain residue. Although crop yields

and erosion rates differ from field to field, a study conducted at the University of Georgia Experiment Station, has shown

conservation tillage to reduce surface soil temperature by 30 degrees F and water runoff/erosion by as much as 95%. Wheat

and rye are the most common cover crops used for conservation tillage in Georgia. They are easy to establish, easy to kill with

contact herbicide and have little or no adverse effect on establishment of conservation till crops.

Planters for conservation tillage need to have (1) a special coulter for cutting through mulch, (2) in-row subsoiling

capability if a summer crop and compacted soils are involved, (3) special or double-disc openers for precision seed placement,

and (4) special or narrow packer wheels for soil firming around seed, and proper equipment adjustment. Successful

conservation tillage may also require special herbicides and herbicide applicators for effective, economical weed control.

WATER QUALITY IMPACTS Conservation tillage is very effective in reducing soil erosion and also improving water quality. Research shows

conservation tillage reduces soil loss by 50 to 95%. The more the surface is covered, the greater the benefits. The reduction in

soil movement greatly reduces pollution of streams and lakes from sediment, nutrients, and pesticides.

With increased infiltration, there is an increased potential for negative impact on groundwater quality; however, an

improved soil ecosystem can hasten the decomposition of pesticides, but nitrate-nitrogen movement to groundwater through

worm holes and other macropores may be enhanced. Impacts on ground water quality should be assessed on a case by case

basis.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Conservation tillage, in addition to controlling erosion, also provides savings of time, fuel, labor and soil moisture; it

often requires more timely and more intensive management for success than conventional tillage. With conservation tillage,

crop sequence, soil texture, crop residues, weeds, lime-fertilizer practices and climate must be considered. Summer crops are

generally better suited for conservation tillage than winter crops. With heavy residues, well-drained soils are generally better

suited to conservation tillage than poorly drained soils, especially for early planted crops like corn.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Some benefits of conservation tillage occur only after the system has been used for a number of years. Organic matter

begins to accumulate and soil tilth improves over time. Crop rotations are very important for conservation tillage systems. A

cropping sequence should be planned to minimize weed, insect, and disease problems and to minimize agricultural chemical

problems that may affect the following crop. Crop residue management or cover crops must be planned to maintain adequate

groundcover for the following crop. Soil should be tested regularly to determine need for nutrients.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 6
G. ~DrZj.,j ~J ~
It's HERE!!!!
Bringing ecological information, education and
outreach efforts to residents of coastal
Georgia
Increasing public awareness and knowledge of environmental
issues facing Georgia's coast
Providing wetland technical assistance, outreach activities,
training opportunities and
comprehensive educational experiences

The CoastalArk houses state-of-the-art technological equipment to support training and educational programs.

Participants in a library summer reading program learn about pollution during a CoastalArk visit.

mE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 7

ProgralDsAvaiiableTbrough the Ark

I
"ilEMO(nonpoint source pollution education for Municipal Officials)

Our Barrier Islands and Their Sand Sharing System

The Life ofa Horseshoe Crab

The Adventures of Billy the Bass (river pollution)

BayScapes

Backyard Consetvation

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Estuaries What is a Wetland? Wetlands Values and Functions Wetlands and Local Governments Marine Debris
CODU1luniiY Based
EnVironmental Protection .......~Andmuc::h more!

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Bringing the most current
environmental information, training and education to local governmental
officials
Promoting and encouraging informed and
responsible decision making concerning Georgia's natural
resources
Working to strike a balance between
economic development and conservation of Georgia's coastal
ecosystem

Winners of the CoastalArk poster oontest enjoy a trawl with DNR biologists aboard the ANNA.

Entries submitted for the CoastalArk Wetlands Month poster contest --- a great success!!!

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 8

Sailing the roadways of coastal Georgia in a flurry of environmental activity is Georgia's very own and very special CoastalArk. The only one of its kind in Georgia, this 30 foot mobile classroom uses the power of state-of-the-art technology to bring ecological information and outreach efforts to coastal residents of the Peach State. The CoastalArk is funded by a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Housed at the Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division in Brunswick, Georgia, and staffed by biologists, the Ark is set to visit communities in the eleven county service area which is served by the Coastal Resources Division.

Concerned with increasing public awareness and knowledge of environmental issues facing coastal Georgia, the CoastalArk uses its mobile format to bring environ-mental issues directly to the public. Teaching people how to become involved in environmental issues and what actions to take concerning matters impacting our natural resources are main objectives of this project on wheels.

Looking to local government and community

groups as the first line of defense for protecting wetlands

and the environment, the CoastalArk uses educational

activities and programs to promote and encourage

Aboard the CoastalArkfishing derby participants learn about

informed and responsible decision-making concerning the ....

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natural resources of coastal Georgia.

"With the primary mission to preserve and protect Georgia wetlands, which provide vital habitat for animals, birds, fish and plant life, the CoastalArk uses a variety of methods and means to reach different sectors of the public with its messages. From wetlands-related zoning education for local governmental officials, to permitting requirement seminars for contractors, to educational programs for school children, the goal of the CoastalArk is to strike a balance between economic development and conservation of the state's fragile coastal ecosystem. By providing wetland technical assistance, outreach activities, training opportunities and comprehensive educational experiences the Ark utilizes a gamut of strategies and resources to achieve its mission. Equipped with video equipment and monitors, computers, scientific and technical components, and a warehouse of educational information, the Ark is ready to bring environmental issues to the forefront of the public's mind.

Come sail away to lands of environmental education aboard Georgia's CoastalArk. Experience the magic of our coastal area and learn of its uniqueness,
. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -. . importance and fragility. You may also help keep the effort alive and the CoastalArk sailing by becoming a "Partner in Conservation" with this revolutionary messenger of conservation. For more information on becoming a Partner in Conservation or to schedule a CoastalArk visit to your community, contact the Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218.

By joining forces with Georgians and increasing public knowl~dge of issues facing our natural resources, the

Georgia's CoastalArk is ready to visit coastal counties

CoastalArk is worki ng to preserve the natural beauty of

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THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 9

Unravel the mysteries of Georgia's coast and explore hidden worlds of wonder at

the exciting local celebration of Georgia's coastal natural resources, CoastFest '98 Through educational

and interactive exhibits and exciting programs CoastFest promotes the protection and environmentally

sensitive development of Georgia's coast/ilies. Bring your family to this FREE event and discover what

makes Georgia's coast so special and unique.

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NEW.f FROM THE .fAPELO I.llAND NATIONAL EJTUARINE RElEARCH RElERVE

FOURTH ORDER LB. rOil SAPELO [SLAND. GA.

UCtHTHOUJE PROJECT

By: Buddy Sullivan

Restoration of the historic 1820 brick lighthouse at Sapelo Island was scheduled to be completed in mid June. The lighthouse has been inactive since 1905 but a combination of federal, state and private funding has enabled a partial restoration to be carried out on the tower. Work began in December 1997 and includes replacement of the wooden spiral staircase in the tower, painting the tower in its original alternating white and red bands, refurbishment of the nearby cast iron range beacon and restoration of the brick fuel storage house. In addition, the lighthouse will be relit as a
working aid to navigation when the restoration is complete. A dedication ceremony and official "lighting of the light" will be held later this summer. Once the work is complete, the lighthouse will become accessible to the public as a part of the guided tours of the Sapelo Island NERR. For information and a brochure about the lighthouse, contact the Reserve office at (912) 4852251.

Plans for the Sapelo Island Lighthouse

JUMMER AT THE nNERR
A number of special summer activities are planned for public participation at the Sapelo Island NERR. I f There will be three special Beach Tours, on June 23 (8:302:30), July 18 (9 1), and July 30 (8:302:30) . . f A special SINERR Nature Trait on Sapelo will be conducted on July 21 from 8:30 to 2:30. f On July 14, a special historical tour featuring the 18th century French presence on Sapelo Island will be conducted by
Reserve staff. For information or to make reservations for any of these events, call the Sapelo Island Visitors Center at (912) 437 3224.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 10

A CLOSER LOOK
AT GEORGIA SHELLFISH

By: Beth Turner

Whether you're a first-time visitor to the Georgia coast or a lifelong resident whose family has been here since colonial days, you probably enjoy our local seafood. From low country boils to oyster roasts and steamed clams, it seems we just can't get enough. While many people are familiar with DNR's role in regulating fishing, shrimping and crabbing, they often don't know what an important role the Georgia Coastal Management Program plays in ensuring the health and safety of those of us who enjoy local shellfish.

The state of Georgia participates in the National

Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP), a cooperative

The Georgia DN!? is responsible for monitoring commercial shellfish harvest areas such as this one.

program established in 1925 to prevent human illnesses associated with the consumption of raw or lightly cooked
oysters, clams and mussels. It is administered jointly by

the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration. Illness prevention is achieved through control of sanitary conditions from the growing and harvesting stages,

all the way to your dining room table.

The Georgia Coastal Management Program is responsible for monitoring water quality in and around all public and commercial shellfish harvest areas. (Call DNR at 912-264-7218 for locations of public picking areas.) Water quality affects shellfish like clams and oysters because they are sessile (non-moving) filter feeders, straining food from large quantities of water that they pump through their bodies every day. When the water flowing through these living filters is contaminated with harmful bacteria, so are the shellfish themselves. Once a clam or oyster is contaminated with bacteria, it takes up to two weeks of filtering clean water for the shellfish to purge its body of the contaminants. Harmful bacteria can cause serious illnesses such as dysentery, cholera or typhoid fever in people who eat contaminated shellfish.

Paulette Crawford, a marine technician with the Coastal Management Program, travels up and down the coast monitoring levels of fecal coliform bacteria in water at 54 sampling stations near public picking areas and commercially leased shellfish beds. Fecal coliform bacteria are monitored because they have been shown to be a strong indicator of the presence of other harmful bacteria in near-shore waters. When fecal coliform levels rise beyond an acceptable limit, shellfish harvesting must be closed in order to protect the health and safety of the shellfish-eating population.

Such a closure happened this spring for the first time in more than nine years. Shellfish harvesting was closed from April 2, 1998 to May 23, 1998 for the entire coast. High levels of harmful bacteria are often associated with high water levels in coastal rivers. Rivers swollen with runoff from heavy rains often carry untreated or only partially treated wastewater from overburdened sewage treatment plants, combined sewer overflow or septic systems. Animal waste from farms along rivers can also be a problem. All these wastes have the potential to elevate levels of fecal coliform bacteria in rivers, and eventually, in estuaries and near shore waters. We can all help maintain water quality and healthy shellfish by ensuring that our septic systems are functioning properly, by keeping livestock and their waste out of creeks and rivers on farms, and by adequately funding municipal wastewater treatment plants. Knowing that you're eating safe shellfish will make your next steamed oysters or clams even more enjoyable.

..... oI,IIte. 'r. e.s..t. .~.. ><u ... .oce. a..n. T..l. . .~, Drt. drehaelOsceexaclnU.SRivfe:lylWPQi~thtioscaefainr~ctfo6nrspeurlvjlait~iornadainod-amPptr?mge~lrSnS\U1~VShoinha. daily basis. The90-second show informs listeners about the status ofour oceans, marine species, their hpbitatsPO(~h;QW they ciffectour lives.
The host for Ocean Report is Peter Benthley, writer of best-sellingandcriticaUy acclaimed books such as Jaws. The Deep
and The Island .The Oc~(m Report airs Monday through Friday at 3:~5 Rm. on WSVH9L1 FM and WWIO 89,JFM, . The program is locally underwritten by the Skidaway Marine Science Foundation.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 11
AREA CHILDREN CATCH A SMILE AT ANNUAL FISHING DERBY
By: Nancy Butler
The eighth annual Coastal Georgia Parent-Child Fishing Derby attracted over 400 children and parents to the West MacKay River Fishing Pier on the St. Simons Island Causeway on Saturday, June 6, 1998.
Under cloudy skies and spring-like temperatures 217 children ages 6 - 12 spent Saturday morning trying to hook the longest fish in this catch-and-release competition. The children were entered in three age groups for fishing trophies. "We really were not concerned about how much the fish weighed or Hundreds gather to enjoy a morning offishing and fun. what type of fish they caught," said John Pafford, coordinator of this year's fishing derby and a marine biologist for the Department of Natural Resources." We wanted to make the event a family experience and we decided the easiest competition was to see who could catch the longest fish."
Before children began the competition, Coastal Resources staff gave a safety talk on fishing. Children were shown the proper way of casting, fishing etiquette and what fish to avoid handling. As a safety measure, a DNR boat was in the water near the pier during the derby and a member of the Glynn County Fire Department was on the pier to help with minor cuts and scrapes.
The derby is held each year in conjunction with National Fishing Week. This year's event was sponsored locally by the Coastal Resources Division/GA DNR, the YWCA and the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic. The theme for National Fishing Week '98 was Catch a Smile. A number of area businesses helped supply the derby with rods and reels for the children, free bait and tackle, as 'well as door prizes and a free lunch.
Winners in the 6 to 8 age group were: Ryan Soathan, First place; Buck Vickery, Second Place; Jack Glen - Third Place. Winners in the 9 to . 10 age group were: Ametha Keyser - First Place; Zach Osburn - Second )place; and Kayla Benson - Third Place. Winners in the 11 to 12 age group were Cole Marat - First Place; Chris Williams - Second Place; Jenny Westberg - Third Place.

THE GEORGIA SOUND * Summer 1998 * Page 12

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