Georgia sound, Vol. 8, no. 1 (Jan. - Mar. 2002

T H E JANUARY-MARCH, 2002

G E O R G I A

C O A S T A L

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

Georgia

Sound VOL.8, NO.1

GEORGIA POWER PARTNERS WITH GA DNR
RECREATIONAL FISHERIES PROJECT TO BENEFIT

Senior Marine Biologist Spud Woodward of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division (DNR/CRD) has recently announced a new partnership with Georgia Power that will enhance the division's Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Program.

Now in it's fifth year, the Carcass Recovery Program brings

together anglers, fishing guides, the business community, scientists,

and fishery managers for the purpose of gathering biological data

on exploited fish populations. Through the placement of chest

freezers at public access points along the Georgia coast, anglers

contribute carcasses of fish harvested. Biologists use the fish

carcasses to build a data base which contributes to better fish

population assessments and ultimately better fishery management

decisions. Since the inception of the Program in 1997 over 10,000

fish carcasses have been processed for biological data. "The Carcass Recovery Program is an important tool for marine

Freezers, like the one shown here at Two-Way Fish Camp in Glynn County, are a key element to the

biologists," says Georgia Power executive Ben Harris. "Our

success of CRD's Carcass Recovery Program.

$10,000 donation from the Georgia Power Foundation will be

used to augment existing funds and help ensure the future of the Program."

In 1987, the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc., was established to further citizenship efforts and lend focus to corporate contributions. Philanthropic community involvement has long been a company tradition. The Foundation provides a method through which the company can continue its commitment to the health and enrichment of the communities it serves. More than this, the Georgia Power Foundation represents yet another example in which Georgia Power lives up to its motto: "A citizen wherever we serve." By doing so, the Foundation hopes to ensure the health and prosperity of these communities.

For more information on the Carcass Recovery Program, contact CRD's Spud Woodward via email at spud_woodward@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us or call (912) 264-7218.

Inside This Issue:

Stevens Receives National Award CoastalArk - Technical Assistance

Music Retires After 30 Years at CRD

for Local Governments

Georgia Power Partnership Shipman Appointed CRD Director

GCMP & You GIS Comes to GCMP CAC Meeting Summary

GCMP Update From the Director

CRD American Eel Study
Georgia Anglers Speak Out on Red Drum
Rock Howard Award

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Susan Shipman Appointed Director of Coastal Resources

Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Lonice Barrett announced the appointment of Susan Shipman to succeed Duane Harris as Director of the Coastal Resources Division (CRD), effective upon the retirement of the current director on April 1, 2002. Commissioner Barrett made the announcement December 5 following the DNR Board meeting in Atlanta. The DNR Board unanimously approved the Commissioner's recommendation at its December meeting.

New CRD Director Susan Shipman is set to take the helm on April 1st.

Ms. Shipman has served as Chief of Marine Fisheries for CRD since 1984. She has spent her entire 23-year career with the division after accepting a position as a research associate in 1979. She is also the state designee to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and is currently serving as chair of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Last year the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission honored Ms. Shipman with the Captain David H. Hart Award presented annually to an individual who has made the greatest contribution to the commission and its 15 member states.

Commissioner Barrett praised the contributions of current CRD Director Harris and said Ms. Shipman has the proven ability to build upon this foundation to conserve natural resources while allowing sustainable use. "Next to Atlanta, the coast is Georgia's fastest-growing region," he said. "The most desirable land - marsh or waterfront - is also the most ecologically fragile. We are all increasingly concerned with the impacts of development in these areas, and the impacts upon protected species. For many different reasons, the seafood industry faces difficult times, and certain aspects of Georgia's cultural heritage are also threatened."

Because of the complexity of these issues, Commissioner Barrett said CRD will assume a larger role in helping to coordinate all the department's resource stewardship activities in coastal Georgia. While the mechanism for this increased role has not been determined, it will include more integrated decision-making procedures concerning coastal resources. Local governments will be major players in this effort.

"The Coastal Resources Division will work closely with sister divisions and local governments in the coming months to develop the mechanics of this effort, and Ms. Shipman will play a key role in this process," he said. "Given her record in the department, as well as impressive list of achievements professionally and in the Glynn County community, we believe Ms. Shipman is especially well-suited to lead the division in this new century." Ms. Shipman said she is gratified by the support and looks forward to challenges involved in the director's position.

"I am indeed thankful for the support I've received from my co-workers and the Board," she said. "I came to work for the DNR in 1979, shortly after the creation of the Division, and the department and its duties have changed dramatically since that time. The issues have grown increasingly complex, involving different but equally legitimate interests of a broad and diverse constituency. It is crucial that we bring these interests together to a common purpose if we are to truly achieve sustainable usage of Georgia's incredible coast."

"Our goal at CRD is to conserve natural resources while promoting sustainable use," she continued. "This is not an `eitheror' situation. Use of our resources can and should be compatible with conservation. We are just now beginning to understand the complexity of Georgia's coastal ecosystem. Given the current fiscal climate, we must form tactical partnerships with other agencies, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to strengthen our science-based decision making process."

Ms. Shipman, a native of Dyersburg, Tennessee, attended Mary Baldwin College and received her B.S. degree in zoology with honors from the University of Georgia. She also did post graduate work at the University of Washington and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is active in community service. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brunswick YWCA, a member of the Pilot Club, and active in the altar guild of Christ Church, Frederica. She is married to Mark Jicha. The couple resides on St. Simons Island.

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Dr. Stuart Stevens Receives National NOAA Award
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's prestigious Walter B. Jones Excellence Award was recently awarded to Dr. Stuart Stevens at a Capitol Hill ceremony. Dr. Stevens received the "Excellence in Coastal Zone Management" Award for the Georgia Coastal Management Program.
"This is a well-deserved recognition and it's quite an honor for Dr. Stevens and for Georgia," said Congressman Jack Kingston. "Dr. Stevens has shown outstanding leadership in developing and implementing the Georgia Coastal Management Program. His long-term vision for balance between economic development and natural resource protection and conservation has been built with bridges and not bricks. Dr. Stevens has improved communication and streamlined paperwork procedures, and has made technical assistance, not regulation the hallmark of the GCMP."
Dr. Stevens has made public awareness and education a primary component of the Georgia Coastal Management Program. One of his innovative and effective approaches to education is the CoastalArk, a fully functional, technology equipped mobile classroom designed to bring the training experience directly to the learner. He also established the Georgia Coastal Incentive Grant Program to help provide tools and other resources to coastal communities.
Dr. Stevens has been with Georgia DNR since 1981 and is the Chief of Ecological Services and the Coastal Georgia Management Program.

Jim Music Hangs Out The "GONE FISHIN" Sign

Retires After 30 Years

By: Nancy Butler Public Affairs Coordinator

The year was 1970.... Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew were in the White House.... "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head" and "A-BC" by the Jackson 5 were musical hits.... 8-track tapes were hot.... at the movies "Patton" and "True Grit" were box office hits ... Lee Iacocca was named president of Ford ... and on July 1, 1970, middle school biology teacher Jim Music took a new job with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a marine biologist.

Now after more than 30 years spent with the Department, Jim retired on December 31, 2001. During his distinguished career at DNR, Jim helped establish the state's recreational and sport fishing programs and was the Recreational Fisheries Program Manager for seven years. He worked on groundbreaking surveys that established a baseline for the state's saltwater fisheries management and conservation programs. From 1985 until his retirement, Music was the Commercial Fisheries Program Manager where his work helped shape the conservation management policies that regulate the state's commercial shrimping and fishing industries. Known by the nickname
"the info-meister" because of his extensive knowledge of shrimp, blue crabs and sharks, DNR personnel and fishing industry officials have praised Jim Music's integrity and plain-spoken approach to the complex issues that face the fishing industry. Although Jim often commented that he received his education "BC" - before computers, that did not deter him from becoming a walking database of information. Music's knowledge of Georgia's shrimp population made him one of the state's leading authorities in the industry.

A Brunswick native, Music is the grandson of a commercial fisherman and grew up in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In recent years administrative duties kept Jim in the office so a top priority on his retirement list will be to catch up on fishing time. It goes without saying that Jim will be missed by all who had the good fortune to work with him. In fact, some CRD associates have changed the 2002 calendar to include `"a.m." or "after Music."
Good luck and happy retirement !!!!!

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GCMP and You

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GIS Comes to GCMP

By: Jan Mackinnon Coastal Technical Assistant

In December, Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) Coastal Technical Assistants attended ArcView Geographical Information System (GIS) training through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The GCMP views GIS as a tool not only to spatially view the management of water quality and dock permitting projects, but also as a tool for technical assistance to local governments. GIS mapping capabilities allow the GCMP to provide assistance to local governments in areas such as land-use, greenspace, aquifer recharge sites and more, and provide presentation-quality maps for use in land management. In addition to mapping, ArcView (and other mapping software) provides tools for performing spatial analysis. Spatial data can be used to generate maps for officials in which to base decisions concerning future land-uses. In addition to ArcView GIS training, the NOAA Coastal Services Center also trains natural resource managers in the implementation of remote sensing data techniques. The Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) is an interagency state and federal effort to monitor change in coastal uplands, wetlands, and submerged habitat. Its primary goal is to establish an ongoing and consistent national database of coastal land cover change and trend information for local and regional scale resource managers.
GCMP is excited to activate ArcView mapping capabilities and to implement remote sensing applications through C-CAP for coastal Georgia local governments. As a part of our technical assistance program, we strive to assist local officials in making wise decisions about future land-uses within their coastal communities.

Georgia Coastal Management Program
Service Area

Effingham

Bryan
Liberty Long

Chatham

Wayne

McIntosh

Brantley

Glynn

Charlton

Camden
N

W

E

S

By: Fred Hay
CAC Meeting Summary Coastal Technical Assistant
This quarter's Coastal Advisory Council (CAC) Roundtable was held on October 23, at the Ida Hilton Public Library in Darien. After an informal supper at a local restaurant, the CAC was presented with a summary of research activities from Dr. Merryl Alber of The University of Georgia's School of Marine Programs. Dr. Alber is the chair of the Georgia Coastal Research Council, a body of researchers periodically convened to address coastal resource management issues through directed and applied science. The Council is funded jointly by the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) and the Georgia Sea Grant. Janice Flory has recently been hired as the new coordinator for the Georgia Coastal Research Council and can be reached at jeflory@arches.uga.edu for more information about the activities of the Council.
Dr. Alber provided a glimpse of a new computer model that she and colleagues are developing to help understand the impacts of variable river flow on coastal estuaries. River flow data, salinity data and residence time are input variables to the model. Residence time is defined as the period of time required for a parcel of water to travel through the estuary and into the ocean. Alber's model will provide resource managers and other decision makers with a tool to evaluate various water allocation and management scenarios. With increasing demands for water, predictive tools like this are an essential component of informed decision making.

2002 CAC Meeting Dates
Please note date changes.
April 30 Brunswick
July 30 Richmond Hill
October 29 Darien
For information about CAC meetings, contact CRD's Fred Hay at
fred_hay@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us or (912) 264-7218.

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Georgia's CoastalArk

By: Fred Hay Technical Assistant CoastalArk Coordinator

Providing Cutting Edge Technical Assistance

to Local Governments

Perhaps you've seen it? At first glance it looks like the realization of a much anticipated retirement dream. Upon closer inspection, However, it becomes clear that the CoastalArk is more than just a beautifully painted recreational vehicle. Since 1998, the Ark has been sailing the roads of coastal Georgia, reaching schools, local governments and public audiences within the eleven county service area of the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP). This past year has been a busy one as the Ark has sought to expand its presence in the arena of local and county government technical assistance and outreach.

Over the last year, the Ark has visited communities from Woodbine to Tybee

Island, meeting with a broad diversity of audiences that included second-graders

from Ernestine Smiley Elementary School, government agency officials, and city

council members. The diversity of audiences is a direct result of the Ark's

CoastalArk continued commitment to traditional education and its expanded role as a
provider of technical assistance to local governments.

In the area of technical assistance the Ark is currently involved in assisting

Long County as it prepares for participation in the Governor's Greenspace Program. Using computer-based mapping programs, Ark staff are helping to identify eligible lands within the county for inclusion in their Greenspace plan.

CoastalArk Coordinator Fred Hay (L) and Tami Morris travel the roadways providing technical assistance to local coastal governments.

Once identified, eligible conservation lands are quantified and then prioritized by county planners. The mapping technology

GIS, or Geographical Information Systems, allows users to analyze data not just in a table or spreadsheet but in a spatial

context. In plain terms, spatial presentation usually means the creation of a map showing the relationships between data in

space. For example, in Long County, planners are interested in targeting several types of areas for conservation including

wetlands and aquifer recharge sites. These areas sometimes overlap a situation that is difficult to detect on a spreadsheet but

readily observed when the data are presented in map form.

New hardware has recently been acquired to facilitate the Ark's role as a technical outreach and assistance vehicle. Two computer stations with GIS capabilities are linked to an on-board, large format plotter for the creation and production of high quality maps and other visual aides. The computers house a growing database of digital aerial photos, county infrastructure maps, land use and other data sets that can be layered to create useful resource planning tools. While computer hardware is
important, the CoastalArk's mobility is perhaps the most critical feature of its success with local governments. The GCMP recognizes that local government officials are very busy people whose time is greatly in demand. By taking the Ark to the city annex or the county commission office, GCMP staff are able to sit face-toface with local officials, on their schedules, to work on solving resource management issues.

Look for the CoastalArk sailing the roadways of coastal Georgia.

For more information about Georgia's CoastalArk, contact CRD's Fred Hay at (912) 264-7218 or email at fred_hay@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us.

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Program Update

Georgia Coastal

By: Dr. Stuart Stevens Chief, Ecological Services Section

Management Program

Here we are in a new year, 2002. It is hard to believe that two years have passed since everyone was worried about Y2K. I am sure

you remember the fears of cars stopping, TVs shutting off, computers

failing, etc. Well, some how we survived. It seems we always find a

way to survive. And with the turn of this new year, the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) has its 5th birthday. We are very proud

of what we have accomplished in the last five years and have high

expectations for the next five years.

When authorized by the Georgia General Assembly in 1997, the Georgia Coastal Management Act (Act) included a sunset provision for 1 July 2004. At that time, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly, the Act will be repealed. As we move through the 2002 Session of the Georgia General Assembly, it is not too early to begin thinking about the values of the Act and considering reauthorization. Next year, during the 2003 Session, we hope to see a reauthorization bill. This would provide two years for passage and ensure adequate time for public input and consideration by our elected officials. We will keep you posted on this effort.

As you read this publication, changes are in the works for the GCMP. The transition to the new leadership for Coastal Resources Division (CRD) will occur over the next three months. During this learning period, our leadership will be busy learning the intricacies of administering the Division. Following that transition period, I expect some changes in policy and the "workings" of the Division. I promise that we will continue to work with you on all aspects of the GCMP in an efficient and effective manner as you have come to expect over the last five years.

Now let's consider funding. Although Congress has cut many federal agency budgets, NOAA's budget for Coastal Zone Management (CZM) has increased. Language included in the budget bills by Congress limits or "caps" state grants at $2M per year. Funds are allocated based upon coastal population and miles of coastal rivers. Even though we have a relatively small population, with our extensive marshes, we have over 2,500 linear miles of coastal rivers. This means we will qualify for the "cap" amount of $2M for October 2002. With these additional funds, we can expect an increase of about $500,000 in CZM funds for next year.

A few issues back I mentioned the concept of policy vs. laws. We have been working on written policy guidance for a few months and now have a Policy Manual. This manual lists over 30 policies impacting recreational docks, how jurisdiction lines are drawn, how letters of permission are issued, etc. The intent of the manual is to ensure fair and consistent application of State authorities. The policies stated in the manual may evolve over time as more and more research is performed and more knowledge is gained about coastal issues and authorities. Next time you visit with one of our field staff, look for them to reference a policy from the Policy Manual. I think you will be impressed with this new effort. We are always looking for means to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for you to understand the laws, rules and regulations, and policies. If you have ideas, please pass them along!

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From the Director

Welcome to Susan Shipman, Director-designee, Coastal Resources Division

On April 1, 2002, I shall retire from my job with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. So, I guess this will be my last official article from the Director's chair.

I began my career on July 1, 1970 and without question, it has been a wonderful career. I have been fortunate to work with so many great and dedicated state employees over the years. I have been equally as fortunate to work with great leaders in local, state, and the federal government and in business and industry. It has truly been a great experience and I would not trade it for anything.

As CRD moves forward under new leadership, I would like to share some additional background on Susan Shipman, the Director-designee of Coastal Resources Division. Although many of you may be aware of Susan's support and participation in professional activities since she started her career with CRD, there are numerous organizations she has been involved with that are not included in the article on page two. For example, she has been a member of the Advisory Council for Savannah State University's Marine Sciences Graduate Program since 1999. Presently Susan is serving on a National Academy of Public Administration's Panel to review the National Marine Fisheries Service. Susan is also a past- President of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society.

In addition to her professional work, Susan has been a community volunteer in Glynn County over the years. She is a graduate of both the Leadership Glynn and Leadership Georgia programs. Susan has been a member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Brunswick from 1991 to present and was President in 1994. She is a member of the Pilot Club, a volunteer at Manna House and a Lay Reader, Altar Guild, at St. Ignatius Chapel of Christ Church, Frederica.

Susan Shipman and Duane Harris during

Among her many awards Susan is a past recipient of the Governor's Award for

their "early days" with CRD.

Outstanding Service in State Government and the American Fisheries Society's

Distinguish Service Award. The Georgia Wildlife Federation honored Susan with the

Special Achievement in Marine Wildlife Award in 1992. Susan was an Olympic torchbearer in 1996 and was recently honored by the

YWCA Tribute to Women Leaders.

Without question, Susan is qualified and up to the task of serving as Director of this great division. As important as her experience and her awards, however, is the fact that she is a loving, caring and compassionate person. She has high standards and high morals. She expects a lot from her staff but even more from herself. Susan will do a great job as Director of Coastal Resources Division. Please join me in welcoming her to the northeast corner office on the third floor.

Life After CRD... We posed several questions to outgoing CRD
Director Duane Harrris concerning his plans for "life after CRD" and here's what we learned:
What are your plans for "life after retirement?" I really won't be "retiring" but beginning a next career as a fishing and nature tour guide.
And, if the right customer comes along, I may even do some light consulting.
What are you looking forward to most? First, I'm looking forward to travel to interesting places with my wife Carol. Also, I
began my career with the state working on a boat every day. I'm looking forward to spending as much time as I want on the water and not behind a desk.

In closing, let me just say that it has been a privilege and an honor to work for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and I know that I am leaving Coastal Resources Division in good hands. Thanks for the many great memories!
Duane Harris, Director Coastal Resources Division

Do you have any "special happenings" planned for the immediate future? My daughter is expecting twin girls. I'll be a first time granddaddy and I'm really looking
forward to spending time with my first grandchildren.
Will folks still see you "out and about?" I really love coastal Georgia. I want to see our quality of life remain as close to what it is
today as possible. Coastal Georgia will grow. But, I believe we can grow smarter and better than we have in the past. I will continue to work with the St. Simons Land Trust and other organizations who are interested in quality of life issues. And, of course, you'll see me "on the water" a lot.

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By: Gabe Gaddis
CRD Biologists Conduct Research Study Commercial Fisheries Biologist

of Juvenile American Eels

The unusual life history of fresh water eels has intrigued people for centuries and continues to create challenges for resource managers and agencies alike. The Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle is believed to be the first to research fresh water eels of the genera Anguilla. He has been quoted as saying, "they (eels) are born by earth worms, which emerged from the mud, without fertilization needed, just from the guts of wet soil."

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a catadromous fish species (migrates from fresh water to marine water to spawn), which is believed to spawn only in the Sargasso Sea. The Sargasso Sea is part of the North Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the Gulfstream. After spawning occurs in the Sargasso Sea, leptocephali (thin, lanceolate shaped, transparent larvae) travel by means of prevailing currents and are randomly distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America and the Gulf of Mexico through to the northern portion of South America where they enter estuarine rivers as sexually undifferentiated "elvers / glass eels" (young of the year juveniles). The average size of elvers entering Georgia's waters is 52 mm or just over two inches.

The fyke net "fishes" the entire water column through out all tidal stages, ensuring that upstream elver movement is observed.

Literature indicates that "American eels comprise a single panmictic (randomly breeding) population, and the recruitment of juveniles to a particular area of the species' range is stochastic" (involving chance or probability). This suggests that "each new year class entering a particular habitat is likely to be the offspring of eels that developed in completely different habitat types." This reproductive and recruitment strategy is a testament to the universal functionality of their morphology in a wide array of environments.

After entering estuarine waters, the elvers begin to develop pigmentation as they migrate upstream into lower salinity waters. These pigmented prereproductive juvenile eels are referred to as "yellow eels." The yellow eel stage, or growth stage, may last as long as 20 plus years. The adult reproductive stage is referred to as a "silver eel" and marks the beginning of the spawning migration downstream to the Atlantic Ocean and eventually to the Sargasso Sea. Silver eels may reach lengths of up to 1,530 mm or roughly sixty inches.

Eels are typically bottom feeders, eating live animals or dead animal

matter. Their diet is extremely diverse and varies depending on whether

they are in fresh, estuarine, or marine environs. In fresh waters insects,

worms, crustaceans and even finfish are preyed upon. While, in

estuarine and marine waters, shrimp, crabs, shellfish and finfish make

up their diet.

Following an arduous journey from the Sargasso Sea as

The American eel along with the European (A. angulla) and Japanese eels (A. japonica) have all supported commercial fisheries throughout their ranges. Georgia prohibits the commercial harvest of

leptocephali, young of the year American Eels enter Georgia's estuarine waters as sexually undifferentiated
juveniles or elvers.

eels <6" in length. However, commercial fisheries for elvers do exist in neighboring states north and south of Georgia.

Currently, commercial elver fisheries exist in Maine, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Florida. .

~ Continued on Page 9 ~

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~ Continued from Page 8 ~

During November 1999, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) adopted an Interstate Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for the American eel. One of the requirements of this management plan is that each ASMFC member state must conduct annual young of the year (YOY) eel recruitment surveys. The ASMFC concluded that a uniform recruitment survey, following a standardized protocol, was a necessary element for determining the current status of the American eel stock. Considering the stochastic recruitment of the American eel throughout its range, annual recruitment data is critical to any management effort.

Several states and jurisdictions, including Georgia, were granted exemptions from conducting the recruitment survey for the 2000 sampling year.

A Fyke net was the most suitable passive gear type for use in the CRD sampling locality, due to the creek's width, depth, and tidal amplitude.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) used this exemption period to locate a suitable sampling site,

purchase the necessary sampling gear, and iron out the sampling methodology and logistics of conducting this sampling effort.

A single fixed sampling station was selected in a small first order tributary of the Altamaha River in north Glynn County.

Sampling for elvers followed methods provided by the ASMFC American Eel Technical Committee and ran seven weeks,

beginning January 15, 2001. A Fyke net was determined to be the most suitable passive gear type for use in the sampling

locality, due to the creek's width, depth, and tidal amplitude. Fyke nets are tied at five points (top and bottom of both wings

and to the posterior end of the bag/cod) to three poles fixed into the substrate of a stream. The two wings, which stretch across

the width of a stream, guide fish into a cylindrical throat, then into a series of funnels and ultimately into the bag/cod from

which they can not escape.

States and jurisdictions are required by the IFMP to time the implementation of their YOY survey so that the peak onshore migration of YOY elvers will be observed. Because peak onshore migration to Georgia was unknown, staff consulted with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which had conducted a YOY survey the previous year. Based on the understanding that peak onshore migration begins along the southernmost Atlantic states in winter working northward into spring, the GADNR decided to begin the survey fifteen-days prior to the date that SCDNR had previously begun their survey.

While the first year of Georgia's YOY American eel recruitment survey went well, it is believed that field sampling caught the tail end of the onshore migration. A total of 376 individual eels weighing 54.16 grams were collected during the seven week sampling period. With the exception of weeks three and six, the total number of elvers caught each week steadily declined from a high of 203 during the first week (54 % of total number collected). Catch per units of effort (CPUEs) suggested a pulsing effect of in-shore migration, but a correlation between number of elvers caught and environmental parameters was unclear. Only minimal variation was observed in the mean lengths, weights and pigmentation stages of elvers caught during the first week through the seventh week. CPUE data suggested that peak onshore migration in the area/region sampled might have occurred prior to actual sampling. In an effort to ensure that the peak of onshore migration will be observed during the upcoming 2001-02 sampling year, tentatively scheduled to begin December 15, 2001, staff will spot check the fixed sampling site once a week using a fyke net. Once the first small pulse of migrating elvers is observed, the official survey will begin.

While we have come a great distance in understanding the life history of American eels from the time of Aristotle, there remains much to be learned about their YOY recruitment. The data collected by Georgia and the other ASMFC member states is critically needed to determine annual recruitment and current stock status of the American eel. This uniform sampling effort using standardized protocol between management agencies and across the species' range will provide resource managers and agencies the data needed to effectively manage this unique species.

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Georgia Anglers

By: Capt. Spud Woodward Senior Marine Biologist

Speak Out on Red Drum

Scientists are always talking about averages: average rainfall, average life expectancy, average weight, and so on. However, when it comes to fishermen, the law of averaging just doesn't work. Why? It is simple. There is no such thing as an average angler. Each has a different expectation from a day on the water.

That's why fishery managers and policy makers struggle to make decisions that are good for fish yet satisfy fishermen. Many times the right decision is hard for anglers to accept, particularly if that decision involves limiting the take of a popular species like red drum. Some anglers prefer to harvest fish of any size, while others want a trophy. Many anglers fish to put a meal on the table, yet some release all they catch. Regardless of the species or the location, success in marine fisheries management depends on the cooperation of anglers.

Daniel Markwalter (L) and Captain Spud Woodward with a giant red.

Throughout 2001 and into 2002, representatives from

several East coast states have been working to update the

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) red

drum plan. These changes will be finalized in the form of Amendment 2 to the plan. Once this amendment is formally approved

by the ASMFC, Georgia will be required to modify its harvest regulations for the popular sportfish. Some other states, such as

South Carolina, have already done so.

These regulatory changes are deemed necessary to increase survival of red drum to adulthood, which occurs around the fifth year of life at a length of 30 inches. The ASMFC plan gives Georgia some flexibility in changing its harvest regulations, just as long as the combination of size and creel limits will meet the goal of 40 percent escapement. The 14 to 27-inch slot size limit and five fish daily creel limit, in place since 1993, does not meet this goal.

From late September through early November 2001, Georgia anglers were surveyed about the various slot size limit and creel options that will meet the goals of Amendment 2. Approximately 5,000 surveys were distributed through mailing, direct contact with DNR conservation rangers and creel clerks, and at several coastal businesses. The Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia and the Southern Kingfish Association both provided valuable assistance and helped distribute surveys to their members.

The primary goal of the survey was to get Georgia anglers to state a preference from the various slot size and creel limit options. Susan Shipman, Marine Fisheries Section Chief commented, "It is rare that we have as many regulatory options as we have with red drum. So, we wanted to encourage the angling public to get involved in the process. Unfortunately, many anglers do not attend formal public meetings, and we miss their input. However, this survey made it convenient for anglers to provide guidance to state and federal fishery managers." The regulatory options listed in the survey were:

One red drum per day between 14 and 27 inches Two per day between 15 and 25 inches Three per day between 14 and 24 inches Five per day between 14 and 22 inches Five per day between 15 and 24 inches

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When the survey came to a close, a total of 967 surveys had been returned to DNR. Responses came from throughout the state. In fact, the group included residents of 79 Georgia counties, ranging from the mountains to the coast. Most were active anglers with a fourth of the group reporting they fished for red drum more than 36 days a year. A majority stated that they fished in the coastal waters of Glynn and Chatham counties.

Anglers were asked to rank their first and second choices from the list of options. Not surprising, most anglers were in favor of maintaining the status quo of a five fish creel limit. Of those who ranked their choices, a total of 550 or 67 percent chose one of the options with a five fish creel as their first choice. By comparison, only 15 percent of the anglers who stated a preference chose the three-fish, 14 to 24-inch slot option. A total of 67 percent of those surveyed indicated a preference for the most liberal creel limit possible.

Anglers were also given an opportunity to provide suggestions or comments about red drum management. These comments were diverse and reflected many of the

DNR Wildlife Resources Division Director David Waller and wife Connie have found fun and success during red drum fishing excursions in the waters of coastal Georgia.

commonly held beliefs and opinions of Georgia's coastal angling community. Several themes were expressed in the comments.

One most-often repeated opinion was that Georgia's red drum population is healthy and regulation changes are unnecessary.

Some believe that recreational fishing cannot hurt Georgia's red drum population. Several anglers wanted to see Georgia begin

a stocking program for red drum.

More than a few respondents felt that shrimp trawlers are the problem, and some went as far as to suggest that trawling be banned in Georgia's territorial waters. Some others suggested that compliance with existing regulations is poor and more enforcement is needed. A few anglers pointed at pollution and coastal development as causes for the decline in red drum. Several respondents questioned the information or lack thereof used to make red drum management decisions in Georgia.

At the other end of the spectrum, some respondents felt that Georgia should follow Florida's limits. A few proposed a total moratorium on the take of red drum until the population recovers from over fishing. Others suggested a closed season for the harvest of red drum and the mandatory use of circle hooks. One angler encouraged DNR to "do what is right for the fish and not just the fishermen."

As an incentive for cooperation, DNR offered each respondent a chance at a free Lifetime Georgia Sportsman's License. The drawing was held in early December and Bobby Gilreath of Brunswick was selected as the winner. Being near the magic age of 65, Mr. Gilreath elected to give his prize to his son, Joe, also of Brunswick.

So when will the harvest regulations change and what will they be? Depending on the action taken by the Georgia General Assembly, the changes could take place as early as this summer. It is highly likely that only the size slot limit will change given the public's preference for a five fish creel limit. For current information on the status of Amendment 2 and Georgia's red drum fishing regulations contact the Marine Fisheries Section of the Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.

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Environmental Writer Receives DNR's Rock Howard Award
Charles Seabrook, a staff writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has been selected as the recipient of the 2001 Department of Natural Resources Rock Howard Award for preservation of Georgia's natural resources. The Rock Howard award was established to honor recipients for having made the greatest contribution to DNR's mission to "manage, guide and promote the wise use of the state's natural, historical and recreational resources for the benefit of Georgia's present and future generations."
Mr. Seabrook has covered environmental issues for the AJC since 1987 and writes the "Wild Georgia" column in the newspaper's weekly Home and Garden section. Jamie Reynolds, chairman of the Board of Natural Resources cited Seabrook's advocacy in such areas as parks and greenspace, water conservation, river protection, erosion, preservation, forestry, air quality and nongame wildlife programs among his many contributions.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Mr. Seabrook resides with his wife Laura Ann in Decatur.

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 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: Nancy Butler, Gabe Gaddis, Fred Hay, Duane Harris, Lea King, Jan Mackinnon, Stuart Stevens,
and Spud Woodward
This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Deadline for the Spring 2002 edition is March 1, 2002. We welcome suggestions of articles and photography.

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

G EO R G I A

C O A S T A L

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

Georgia Sound
VOL.8, NO.1

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