Georgia sound, Vol. 7, no. 1 (Jan. - Mar. 2001

GeSoorguniad

Inside This Issue:
GCMP and You
Sea Oat and Dune Stabilization Program Fall CAC Roundtable Meeting

2001 CAC Roundtable Meeting Dates
GCMP Update From the Director

Fisheries
A Sheepshead Primer GA Fish Discover Sunken Treasure
Dr. Stuart Stevens Elected CSO Chair

PAGE 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

W IN T E R , 2 0 0 1

Sea Oat Nurser y and Dune Stabilization Program
Involves Camden Youth in Restoration Efforts
"Getting to the root" of local matters takes on new meaning in Camden County thanks to a grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division (DNR/CRD), Coastal Management Program (GCMP). Camden County High School, Camden County Youth Apprenticeship and the Camden County Horticulture Program combined have been awarded a $5,000 grant from the GCMP to launch a Youth Sea Oat Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program. The program will provide a regular source of native sea oats (Uniola Paniculata) for use in habitat restoration projects along Georgia's coast.
(Uniola Paniculata)
Habitat restoration projects have become an increasingly popular tool in the restoration of coastal communities, the enhancement of environmental and wildlife resources, and in the promotion of public involvement and education. Teaching students the value of maintaining a healthy environment with hands-on involvement in habitat restoration activities is one goal of the Nursery and Stabilization Program. Additionally, the program provides both high school and middle school students with opportunities for community service in the environmental health career cluster.
Coastal Georgia has numerous beach areas which have been depleted of ground cover (i.e. sea oats) and are in desperate need of re-planting. Jekyll Island, Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Sea Island are in great need of native sea oats at various locations. The current plight of sea oats along these beaches strengthens the need for the restoration of sea oats along the dunes throughout Georgia's coastal communities. According to Dr. Stuart Stevens of the GCMP in Brunswick, "the Nursery and Stabilization Program offers an inexpensive source of native plants that will be available for the restoration projects currently being accomplished by many federal, state, county, and city environmental departments."
The Sea Oat Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program is expected to achieve a dual purpose. It will provide a continuing source of native plant material for coastal dune habitats and introduce high school and middle school students to coastal resource management occupational opportunities. "Our goal is to give high school students the opportunity to work side-by-side with local scientists involved in restoration efforts of coastal Georgia and afford these students the opportunity to explore careers in the environmental

THE GEO RGIA CO ASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

W IN T ER,2001

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 3

sciences," said Dr. Stevens. Adds Ms. Rachel Baldwin, Camden County Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, "students will become aware of coastal environmental issues and explore the varied occupational avenues that will benefit the coastal habitat. We are looking forward to the partnership that we have developed with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources."
For more information on the Sea Oat Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program, contact Dr. Stuart Stevens of CRD at 912-264-7218.

Fall Coastal Advisory Committee Roundtable Meeting
On October 24, 2000, the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC) quarterly roundtable meeting was held in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Guest presenter was Connie Bell of the Georgia Greenspace Commission. Ms. Bell gave an overview of the Governor's Greenspace Program and explained the program's benefits.
Brooks Good of Coastal Resources Division (CRD) provided the roundtable participants with an update on the Division's water quality sampling efforts. Highlights included a Pfiesteria update, a report on the EPA - Coastal 2000 project and an update on Newport River sampling efforts.
A Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) Coastal Incentive Grant (CIG) update was presented by CRD's Jim Seymour and focused on the CIG Cycle IV grants. Phil Flournoy lead several issue discussions with the input of roundtable participants. Dr. Stuart Stevens ended the meeting with a short wrap-up of the evening's activities.
The next quarterly CAC roundtable meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on January 23, 2001 at Ft. King George in Darien. The guest speaker for the January roundtable meeting will be Mr. Larry Rogers, Manager of the Coastal District, DNR Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
For more meeting information contact Tami Morris of CRD at (912) 264-7218. Roundtable meetings are open to the public.

Coastal Advisory Committee Roundtable Meeting 2001 Dates
January 23
6:30 pm Ft. King George
Darien
April 24
6:30 pm DNR Headquarters
Brunswick
July 24
6:30 pm Holiday Inn Richmond Hill
October 23
6:30 pm Ft. King George
Darien

THE GEO RGIA CO ASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 4

THE GEO RG IA SO U N D

W INTER,2001

Program Update

Georgia Coastal Management Program

In the last issue of this Newsletter, I mentioned efforts to reengineer Ecological Services to become more efficient and effective. Part of that reengineering was to replace the Habitat Program Manager and CoastalArk Project Manager. Both of these positions have been filled.

I am proud to announce that Buck Bennett has accepted the position of Habitat Program Manger. Buck joined the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) staff less than a year ago as the Community Affairs Technical Assistant. In that position he initiated several useful local government projects including assisting our coastal counties with Green Space requirements. Buck is also a Captain in the Army Reserve and presently on detail in Bosnia. Upon his return to Georgia, he will assume the Manager's responsibilities. Buck came to the GCMP with many years' experience in the Georgia Department of Labor.

I would also like to announce that Fred Hay has accepted the position of CoastalArk Project Manager. Fred is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Master of Science degree in Conservation Ecology. Fred has extensive experience with marine education including several years as the Education Coordinator at the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. He is a long-standing member of the Georgia Marine Educators Association and has served on national panels developing marine education initiatives. Fred will conduct educational and training workshops on coastal issues for the general public and local decision-makers. He joins our staff on 2 January.

In the next few months we will be recruiting for other positions to enhance the GCMP. With a special grant from NOAA, we will embark on three new efforts. These include an assessment of cumulative impacts, creating more advanced information/data management, and developing written policies and procedures. These new efforts will require three additional staff members and will include an attorney with environmental focus, a natural resources planner, and a computer information/data manager. Look for recruiting information on these positions in the next few weeks.

The Coastal Management Program is constantly looking for new opportunities to enhance our services
and to deliver to you the best program possible. Our Coastal Incentive Grant Project has proven very effective with numerous projects funded that would not have been possible without CMP and our regulatory efforts have been updated and improved. At any time if you have suggestions on how we might do business better, just contact me or any member of our Team. Remember this is your Program and we will make all possible changes to meet your needs.

THE GEO RGIA C O ASTAL

MAN AG E M E N T

P R O G R A M

W IN T ER,2001

THE GEO RGIA SOUND

P AG E 5

From the Director

For a host or reasons, the recent permit issued by the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee to build three bridges to marsh hammocks in Chatham County, Georgia was one of the most difficult decisions the committee has ever made. This decision has become a rallying point for environmental organizations in coastal Georgia and it is highly likely the decision will be appealed. What I want to do in this article is to offer some rationale for that decision in the context of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970.
First, let me give a very brief summary of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, which is, in my opinion, the most important legislation ever adopted to protect Georgia's coastal natural resources. It has served this state well for over 30 years. While some will disagree with the committee's decisions on some individual permits, one only needs to look at coastal Georgia in comparison with other coastal states to see the effectiveness of this law.
In order to obtain a permit to "alter coastal marshlands" one must demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest. Three phrases in the law define the public interest. They are: 1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful obstruction to or alteration of the natural flow of navigational water within the affected area will arise as a result of the proposal; 2) whether or not unreasonable harmful or increased erosion, shoaling of channels, or stagnant areas of water will be created; and, 3) whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, or other marine life, wildlife, or other resources, including but not limited to water and oxygen supply. Following this section in the law is language that reads: It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate to the committee that the proposed alteration is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. If the committee finds that the application is not contrary to the public interest and no feasible alternative sites exist, as specified in this subsection, it shall issue to the applicant a permit. Such permit may be conditioned upon the applicant's amending the proposal to take whatever measures are necessary to protect the public interest. This is the meat of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act.
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee has approved about 40 permits for bridges and/or causeways across marsh. Never, before this most recent meeting, have environmental organizations come forth in mass to argue against the granting of these permits. In my opinion, the public has become sensitized to the phenomenal rate of development in coastal Georgia and we are interested in finding ways to protect our remaining greenspace especially in the more highly developed counties.
I personally believe we should find a way to protect coastal marsh hammocks. These areas provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife including migratory songbirds. They are especially important because many hammocks are not inhabited by predators and offer special protection for songbirds and other wildlife species. However, because many of these hammocks are privately owned, government must be careful to avoid taking of property without just compensation - that is unless it has a blank checkbook. Glynn County is moving forward to protect coastal marsh hammocks by including these areas in the greenspace plan the county has submitted to the state. Inclusion in the greenspace plan will allow the county to seek measures for protection such as conservation easements or outright purchase.
About the only reason to construct a bridge over coastal marshlands is to gain access to a marsh hammock in order to build on it. Many who want to see coastal marsh hammocks protected suggest the CMPC deny permits for bridges to hammocks. Certainly this would accomplish what these folks desire - assuming the courts agreed with these permit denials.

THE GEORGIA CO ASTAL MAN AGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 6

THE GEORGIA SOUND

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

Sheepshead, sheepshead porgy, sheepshead bream, bandit fish, or convict fish. Whatever you call this notorious bait stealer, they are challenging and exciting to catch. The sheepshead is a member of the porgy family and is found throughout the coastal waters of the southeastern United States, in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Curiously, they are not found among the islands of the Caribbean, yet are common along the eastern coast of Central America.

In Georgia, the sheepshead is a year-round resident of both inshore and offshore waters. It is found around ballast rock piles, oyster bars, pilings and other structure within estuarine waters and on artificial reefs and natural live bottom areas in the Atlantic Ocean. Both juveniles
and adults remain together throughout the year, as do males and females.

Archosargus probatocephalus

The trademark of the sheepshead is a prominent set of incisors, which it employs while feeding on a variety of
encrusting organisms like barnacles, oysters, and mussels. These same teeth also prove quite handy for crushing crabs and clams. Sheepshead are also known to move onto the marsh surface during periods of high tide, where they forage on fiddler and mud crabs. In fact, most anglers prefer the fiddler crab as bait, although shucked oysters and mussels can also be effective.

These days, the sheepshead is more popular than ever. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) creel survey indicates that the sheepshead ranks in the top 10 most often targeted species by coastal Georgia fishermen. Many anglers specialize in catching the sheepshead strictly because of the challenge. These are the folks who will stand next to you and consistently catch sheepshead, while all you do isfeed sheepshead. Other anglers go after sheepshead because they are great table fare. The flaky, white meat can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways.

As with most fishing, gear selection is important when targeting sheepshead. A seven-foot medium-heavy rod with a really sensitive tip works well. Some anglers, particularly those that fish inshore, choose to use fly rods
because of the sensitivity of the rod tip. Both conventional and spinning tackle is employed with equal success so reel selection is essentially a matter of personal choice. Both monofilament and superbraids are used, with sensitivity, low stretch, and high abrasion resistance being important attributes. Most folks choose 12-20 pound test for main line.

There are a variety of terminal tackle designs for sheepshead. Some anglers like a rig designed with an egg sinker above a barrel swivel and a 2-3 feet section of wire or monofilament leader. Others choose the two-hook bottom rig tipped with a bank sinker. However all these rigs have one thing in common, a heavy wire, plain shank SHARP hook. The same teeth that make short work of a barnacle can bite through hooks made of smaller diameter wire.

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

THE GEORGIA SOUND

P AG E 7

Most rigs are fitted with 2-4 ounce sinkers. You need just enough weight to keep your line directly under your rod tip. It has been said that you have to set the hook right before the fish bites, which means that being somewhat clairvoyant is a distinct advantage. While traditional J-hooks are still preferred by sheepshead addicts, some anglers have recently reported success using small circle hooks.
The sheepshead prefers to stay close to structure, which provides protection from predators and a ready supply of food. So if you are not losing a rig now, you're probably not in the right spot and might as well be fishing in a parking lot. It is easy to visually orient yourself to exposed structure like piers and deadfalls, but a good depth finder will help you position your boat in the productive zone over submerged structure. Those fishing from piers and bridges need to keep baits as close to the pilings as is practical.
Sheepshead are also commercially important in some areas of their range and are harvested with angling gear and spearguns. Landings in Georgia are relatively small, less than 4,000 pounds annually, compared to landings of about 326,000 for all four South Atlantic states combined. However, as the harvest of other offshore bottom fishes is restricted, we may see sheepshead become the target of more directed commercial fishing effort in Georgia.
Currently, in Georgia's territorial coastal waters (out to 3 miles) sheepshead are managed with a daily creel limit of 25 fish and an 8-inch fork length minimum size. These regulations have been in effect and unchanged since 1990. In the federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), that portion of the Atlantic Ocean that extends 3 to 200 miles off our coast, sheepshead are managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as part of the snappergrouper complex. While there is currently no minimum-size limit in the EEZ, sheepshead are included in the 20 fish daily aggregate creel for species in the snapper grouper complex which do not have specific bag limits.
The Georgia DNR began collecting information about sheepshead in the late 70's. Veteran biologists, Jim Music and John Pafford provided the first description of the life cycle and biology of this species in Georgia waters. Little additional work has been done on this species until recent years. Since 1997, Recreational Fisheries Program staff and cooperating anglers have tagged approximately 550 fish in the inshore and offshore waters of coastal Georgia in an effort to learn more about their seasonal movements.
To date, anglers have returned over 90 sheepshead tags to DNR. Some tagged fish were recaptured after a year on the same artificial reef where they were released, while others were caught inside the estuaries. A pair of tagged sheepshead moved from "A" reef off Little Cumberland Island to the rock jetties at the mouth of the Savannah River, a distance of over 70 miles. Suffice it to say the information provided by these returns has caused biologists to reexamine commonly held simple beliefs about the movement of sheepshead in coastal Georgia.
Underwater surveys of nearshore artificial reefs and natural live bottom areas, like Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, have revealed that some sheepshead, primarily smaller individuals, are resident in offshore waters throughout the year. However, as winter approaches a portion of the population that has been in estuarine waters

PAGE 8

THE GEORGIA SOUND

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

moves offshore, presumably for spawning. This movement appears to be triggered by water temperature and, probably, the amount of daylight hours. Interestingly this movement to offshore waters coincides with the exodus of predators such as barracuda and sharks.
Although the movement offshore begins in earnest during November, sheepshead reach their maximum density at offshore habitats during the spring months. The sheepshead is a fractional spawner, meaning that a single female will release several batches of eggs during a spawning season. Examination of ovaries from samples of mature, female sheepshead collected from offshore habitats indicates that spawning occurs from December through May, but the peak is in March and April.
Gravid females have also been collected from inshore waters, suggesting that some sheepshead may actually spawn inside the estuary. The persistent drought of the past few years has caused the salinity of estuarine waters to run much higher than normal during the time of year when sheepshead are reproductively active. Therefore, it is possible that sheepshead might successfully spawn without moving into the open Atlantic Ocean.
Since 1997, over 600 sheepshead have been collected as samples during fishery-independent surveys. In addition, anglers have also donated over 300 carcasses of sheepshead through the Sportfish Carcass Recovery Program. These samples are processed and analyzed so scientists can better understand the relationship of length, age, sex, and reproductive biology.
Analysis of these samples indicates that sheepshead grow rapidly for the first three years and reach maturity in the fourth year of life at a length of approximately 12 inches. The maximum life span of sheepshead is at least 20 years, and the oldest specimen taken from Georgia waters was an 18-year old. The state record sheepshead tipped the scales at 14 pounds, 4 ounces and was caught from under a dock in the Wilmington River.
There has never been a complete stock assessment of sheepshead in Georgia. Hopefully, this deficiency will be corrected in the near future. Just recently, the Florida Marine Research Institute completed an assessment of sheepshead in that state and found that with the current harvest regulations of a 12-inch minimum size limit and 15 fish daily creel limit, both the Florida Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Coast populations are in healthy condition. A similar management regime, particularly an increase in the minimum size limit from 8 inches to 12 inches, would have an immediate positive affect on Georgia's sheepshead population by allowing more fish to participate in spawning. Likewise, anglers who choose to harvest sheepshead will see a benefit since a 12-inch fish yields about a half pound of fillets as compared to the 8-incher that gives less than a quarter of a pound of fillets.
We all want to keep Georgia's sheepshead population in a healthy and abundant condition, both for ourselves and for future generations. However, there are several things that may put us at risk of losing this wonderful resource. One is the fact that almost 80% of the sheepshead harvested by recreational anglers are immature. We can address this with an increase in the minimum size limit. Secondly, since spawning sheepshead congregate on artificial reefs they are vulnerable to localized overfishing. A reduction in the daily creel limit and voluntary catch and release can help in this regard. Thirdly, as the harvest of other species in the snapper-grouper complex is restricted, commercial fishing pressure could shift to a species like sheepshead. Only time will tell if this proves to be the case. For now, try matching wits with the striped bandit of coastal Georgia. When you figure out how to win the contest, keep only what you and your family can eat and release the rest.

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

THE GEORGIA SOUND

P AG E 9

The continental shelf off Georgia slopes gradually eastward for over 80 miles before reaching the continental slope and the blue waters of the Gulf Stream. This broad, shallow shelf consists largely of dynamic shell/sand expanses that provide little food, protection, or attraction for gamefish. It is estimated that only 5-10% of Georgia's adjacent shelf consists of natural reefs or "live bottoms", most of which are found well offshore.
Fishermen have known for centuries that sunken ships provide excellent angling, an observation not lost on Georgia's earlier offshore anglers or the state's artificial reef development program. In fact, cleaned metal vessels constitute one of the more common materials used worldwide in efforts to create manmade fishing reefs. Since the mid-1970's, the Department of Natural Resources has placed more than 40 steel vessels - ranging from 35' crew boats to 440' liberty ships - at the state's nineteen offshore artificial reef sites.

Why Use Vessels

The vertical profile provided by sunken vessels interrupts

for Artificial Reefs??

bottom currents, creating upwellings and eddies that concentrate large schools of scad, herrings, sardines, and

Metal vessels can be a cost-effective means to quickly deploy a relatively large volume of artificial reef material.

other small fish that orient to

Vessels are "stand-alone" materials that

and feed around the vessels.

function immediately and effectively without

These schools attract the

additional enhancements or materials.

attention of large predatory

fish such as mackerels, amberjacks, barracuda, cobia, and even wahoo, tunas, and other "bluewater" gamefish at

Vessels are a cost-effective means of providing the needed vertical profile, especially in deeper water depths and on bottom types where subsidence is a problem.

the deeper reefs.

Since vessels typically do provide vertical

Vessels that have been cut open to promote water flow and light throughout also provides good habitat for a number of

profile, they create upwellings and orientation for baitfish, which in turn attracts
the pelagic and demersal gamefish that are popular with Georgia's offshore anglers.

popular bottomfish. Black sea bass and groupers roam the compartments and sides looking for prey. Triggerfish and sheepshead graze along the sides

Although significantly less than concrete,
life spans of 50-75 years or longer for metal vessels are not uncommon, depending on the
vessel type, physical condition, and deployment locations.

and decks, feeding on barnacles

and sea urchins. Schools of

spadefish, vermilion snapper,

and grunts crowd into flooded holds and cabins, which provide shelter from swift currents and predators.
Vessels have been placed on Georgia's offshore artificial reefs to create fisheries habitat and provide opportunities for fishermen. Since metal ships, tugs, and barges deteriorate and collapse, divers using these manmade fishing reefs should always be aware of potential hazards associated with these and all wrecks. Over time a wreck will come to bear little resemblance to the vessel sunk many years, decades, or centuries earlier. During these evolutions, the resulting combinations of low and high relief structure frequently result in rich reef communities that provide improved habitat and shelter for fish, as well as continued opportunities for anglers.

PAGE 10

THE GEORGIA SOUND

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

W I N T E R , 2 0 0 1

THE GEO RGIA SO U N D

HOW TO SINK A SHIP FOR REEF ENHANCEMENT
A recent addition to REEF J, near St. Catherines Island, is the Rio Apon, a tug in service with Venezuelan oil
companies since the 1970's.
What's Next for Georgia's Artificial Reef Program?
In the coming months artificial reefs along the coast will be enhanced by:
1,000 culvert donated by Sherman Concrete Pipe Co in Savannnah for placement at Reefs CCA, L, J, ALT and DRH. A warehouse barge, donated by Savannah Marine Services, will be placed at an existing reef. 120 Ultra Balls are currently awaiting deployment to several reefs. The material is staged at the Recchi-GLF facility in the Foreign Trade Zone in Brunswick. Three new "beach reefs" are planned for waters off Cumberland Island, Blackbeard, and St. Catherines. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2001.

P AG E 1 1
Moving Day. Rio Apon is towed 12 hours from the St. Johns River to the reef site. Prior to departure the vessel is stripped of engines, navigational equipment, and fuel tanks are drained and cleaned. The U.S. Coast Guard inspects and certifies the vessel for reef deployment. Upon arrival at Reef J the fuel tanks, forward areas, and engine room are flooded with seawater. The sea cocks are opened and the sinking process begins.
Approximately hour after the vessel is flooded, seawater begins to wash over the side.
Within 5 minutes the wheelhouse and stern begin to slip into the water.
Moments later, the Rio Apon sinks at Reef J, 65 feet below the surface.

PAGE 12

THE GEORGIA SO U N D

Dr. Stuart Stevens Elected Chair of the Coastal States Organization

At the fall meeting of the Coastal State Organization (CSO), Dr. Stuart Stevens was elected Chairman of the organization for a 2-year term. The Governors of 35 States and US Territories appoint delegates to CSO to study coastal management issues and evaluate federal legislation and its potential impacts upon states. CSO held its first meeting in Savannah, 30 years ago. During his term as CSO Chairman, Dr. Stevens hopes to develop a stronger rapport with NOAA and Congressional leaders regarding coastal issues and plans to work on a new initiative to include the "human dimension" in coastal decision making. "Congratulations to Dr. Stevens," said Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Lonice Barrett. "This shows once again the leadership, recognized nationally, of the great staff of the Department."

W IN T E R , 2 0 0 1

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://www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/coastal
or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.
Layout & Design by: Lea King For address corrections or to be added or deleted from the mailing list,
please contact Lea King at (912) 264-7218.
Llea_king@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us

Contributors to this issue: Henry Ansley, Buck Bennett, Nancy Butler, Cindy Gregory, Duane Harris, Lea King, Paul Medders, Stuart Stevens and Brad Winn.
This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Deadline for the Spring 2001 edition is February 19, 2001. We welcome suggestions
of articles and photography.

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