Georgia sound, Vol. 8, no. 2 (Apr. - June 2002

T H E

G E O R G I A

C O A S T A L

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

Georgia

Sound

APRIL-JUNE, 2002

VOL.8, NO.2

Coastal Resources Division Director

Duane Harris Retires

More than 200 friends, associates, and family members of Coastal Resources Division Director Duane Harris gathered in Brunswick on Saturday, March 23, 2002 to celebrate Duane's retirement on March 31, 2002. The evening included food, speeches and amazing tales of Duane's adventures throughout his 30+ years with the Department of Natural Resources. After all the speeches, laughter and a few tears, Duane ended the evening by reminding all present to "Choose to Chance Upon the Rapids and Dare to Dance the Tides." Duane, we'll do our best !!

Barb Zoodsma of the DNR Non-game Endangered Wildlife section presented
Duane with a "Brad Winn original" wildlife photograph.

DNR Commissioner Lonice Barrett read a letter from Governor Roy Barnes as
well as a proclamation from the Georgia Legislature honoring Duane's work with
Georgia's natural resources.

Carol and Duane Harris enjoyed a night of "story telling!"

After reminiscing about days gone by, former CRD Director Bob Mahood presented a special "fowl friend" to Duane
~ Photos courtesy of Mark Jicha ~

Inside This Issue:
CRD Director Harris Retires

GCMP
Greenspace Planners Meeting CAC Roundtable
New Habitat Policy Handbooks Vegetation Trimming Info
Program Update

Otolith Study
Coastal Georgia Clam Farming
Retiring CRD Director's DNR Career

Chiggers Sand Gnats Parent-Child Fishing Derby

PAGE 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

GCMP and You

GCMP Hosts Coastal

By: Jill Huntington Coastal Technical Assistant

Greenspace Planners Meeting

The Georgia Community Greenspace Program, initiated by the 2000 State Legislature and administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), strives to permanently protect undeveloped areas in communities throughout Georgia. Eligibility in this program is based on population and participation is voluntary. To date 89 counties, and their municipalities, are eligible and many are working toward preserving 20 percent of their total acreage as undeveloped greenspace. Greenspace communities must achieve at least one of the Program's nine stated goals, five of which protect water quality.

Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) technical

assistance staff assist coastal Greenspace communities working

toward their goal of permanently protecting 20 percent of their

land. The GCMP uses technology to generate GIS-based maps

depicting land features targeted for protection, and provides

The Greenspace Program works to preserve undeveloped areas such

as this coastal wetland in Liberty County.

information on endangered species, groundwater recharge areas,

wetlands, marsh hammocks, and other resources. In addition, the GCMP offers Greenspace communities training

opportunities on some of the complex issues associated with participation in the Greenspace program.

To this end, on February 20, 2002, the GCMP hosted the first Coastal Planners Meeting of the Georgia Community Greenspace Program. More than 30 representatives from current coastal Greenspace communities, state agencies, and land trusts attended the half-day workshop in Eulonia, Georgia. The purpose of the meeting was to bring Greenspace communities together to accomplish the following objectives: to present technical and financial resources available to support Greenspace Program goals; to bring expert DNR representation to address Greenspace planner's questions; to share successes and challenges among communities; to explore a regional focus of Greenspace planning; and to discuss the conservation of marsh hammocks. Meeting speakers included Paul Putnam (Georgia Emergency Management Agency), Gail Hankinson (DNR Greenspace Program); and Fred Hay (GCMP).

Discussion throughout the meeting highlighted the need for additional training on Greenspace-related issues. In response, the GCMP is planning a Conservation Easement Workshop for Summer 2002, and will explore the possibility of hosting a similar Coastal Planners Meeting. For more information about the Coastal Planners Meeting, or to receive a copy of presentations or handouts, please contact Jill Huntington at (912) 264-7218.

Coastal Advisory Council Update
The Coastal Advisory Council (CAC) quarterly roundtable meeting was held on January 22, 2002 at the Ida Hilton Public Library in Darien. The Roundtable meeting was an opportunity for CAC members to receive an update on recent happenings of the GCMP. The meeting began with a brief announcement regarding the response to the Coastal Incentive Grant, Cycle V Request for Proposals. A total of 33 proposals were received; 25 for planning/process projects, and eight requesting monies for small construction projects. Technical Assistance staff discussed recent accomplishments in local government assistance and Habitat Management staff gave a brief update concerning changing policies on recreational docks.
The CAC has played a critical role in the development and early implementation of the GCMP. As the program enters its fifth year, the role of the CAC is changing. A steering committee has been formed and will focus on improving the function of the CAC as well as encouraging more participation from CAC members. Look for updates on this committee's progress at future CAC Roundtable meetings. For more information about upcoming CAC Roundtable meetings or about the sub-committee, please contact Jill Huntington at (912) 264-7218.

2002 CAC Meeting Dates
July 30 Richmond Hill time & facility
TBA
October 29 Darien
time & facility TBA

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND
GCMP and You

PAGE 3

By: Buck Bennett

GCMP Develops Policy Handbooks

Habitat Management Program Manager

The Georgia Coastal Management Program's (GCMP) Habitat Management Program is developing policy and procedural handbooks to which personnel can refer for answers related to policy considerations. The handbook will contain all currently applicable policies and procedures, will document institutional knowledge, and include 30 memoranda relating to the joint Shore Protection Act, Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, and Revocable Licensure. The handbooks will be revised, as circumstances require, and updated with the addition of sequentially numbered memoranda.
Some of the polices that have been documented are as follows: dock corridors, letters of permission, riparian right determination, minimum heights for walkways over vegetation and waterways, gill of lands westward of the Johnson Rocks, sand fencing guidelines, standard conditions for Coastal Marshlands Protection Act permits, and Revocable Licenses for dock facilities. The above list does not include all topics that will eventually be documented in the policy and procedural handbooks.
In February, the GCMP sponsored a field day at the DNR Headquarters in Brunswick for Glynn County and Brunswick Code Enforcement Personnel. Habitat Management and DNR Environmental Protection Division (EPD) staff provided the municipal employees with a general overview of the policies and procedures governing Georgia's salt marshes and jurisdictional plant identification. The goal of the training session was to expose the municipal employees to GCMP and EPD policies and to provide a "hands-on" marsh presentation. Each municipal employee was provided with a "frequently asked questions" list, a three-color jurisdictional plant identification guide, and erosion and sedimentation information. GCMP and EPD staff plan to conduct this presentation in other coastal communities. Future developers and dock builders conferences where GCMP staff will present current policy issues to realtors, dock builders and developers are in the works.
For more information regarding the polices and procedures memoranda handbooks or attending the above referenced conferences please contact Buck Bennett at (912) 264-7218.

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION
on the trimming of sand dune vegetation

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has recently made a

significant change to policy with regards to pruning, cutting, or trimming

vegetation in dynamic dune fields. Effective January 1, 2002, the vegetation

commonly referred to as "shrub-scrub" is not to be cut, pruned, or trimmed

in any manner. No grasses, bushes, trees, or shrub-scrub may be cut in the

dynamic dune field.

New guidelines for the trimming of vegetation in the

The Shore Protection Act (Georgia Law 12-5-280) dictates that these

dynamic dune fields have now gone into effect.

sand-sharing systems are to be protected. The trimming of plants and shrubs

within the dynamic dune system is not considered to be in the best interest of the State. These identified plants and grasses are an

integral part of the dynamic dune field. Their destruction adversely affects the dune system by encouraging erosion, thereby putting

inland areas at risk of greater tidal erosion. The dynamic dune field not only protects the inland area but protects coastal wildlife as

well. Removal of the shrub-scrub vegetation (primarily wax myrtle) exposes nesting birds to increased dangers from both nest

predators such as fish crows, blue jays, and grackles and a nest parasite, the brown-headed cowbird. Both situations exploit nests of

species of concern, including buntings and other songbirds. The shrub-scrub vegetation is considered essential habitat of great

value and a necessity to migratory birds.

The legitimate State interest in protecting the ecosystem within a given dynamic dune community as well as the consideration of the latest scientific data have shaped this policy change. In addition, this policy is based on the public interest in conserving our natural resources and the State's desire to establish sound decision-making criteria for the protection of dynamic dune field plants and animals under the Shore Protection Act.

For more information contact the GA DNR Coastal Resources Division at One Conservation Way, Suite 300, Brunswick, Ga, 31520 or call (912) 264-7218.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 4

THE GEORGIA SOUND

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

Program Update

Georgia Coastal Management Program

By: Dr. Stuart Stevens Chief, Ecological Services Section
Well, we have made it through another session of the General Assembly and as usual, it was a busy time. There were several changes to legislation that are important to your Coastal Management Program. First, a revision was made to the Shore Protection Act which allows boats, like catamarans, to be stored along the shoreline but not within sand dune areas. This will allow individuals and businesses to operate their sailboats off the beaches, an activity which has been allowed and enjoyed by beach users for many years. A change to the Shore Act in 1992 prohibited boats anywhere on the beaches and the recent changes amended that legislation.

Another bill is the "Coastal Georgia Beach Preservation and Maintenance Act." This legislation requires beach quality sand dredged from harbor projects like Brunswick Harbor and Savannah Harbor to be placed on adjacent beaches or to be placed in a manner that will benefit adjacent beaches. The result is better management of our natural resources since sand resources are, in most instances, now removed from the channels and either disposed of offshore or within disposal areas in marshlands. This legislation will also result in lower cost to the State and local governments to renourish beaches of Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. You might remember that one of the benefits of having a federally approved Coastal Management Program is the federal consistency authority. This gives the State the authority to hold federal agencies to compliance with State laws. Through federal consistency, Georgia can hold the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the same mandate of beach quality sand placed on adjacent beaches. This is a huge step forward in better natural resources management

There were three important Acts impacting coastal fisheries in the legislative session. The first changed the size limit for red drum. Red drum is one of Georgia's most popular marine sportfish. This fishery is unique in that it only harvests immature (primarily 1-2 year old) fish. The latest stock assessment indicates the red drum population is overfished. In order to rebuild the spawning stock, a change was passed in the size limits. The maximum size limit was lowered from 27 inches to 23 inches total length. Passage of this bill will foster the recovery of Georgia's overfished red drum population, and assure Georgia's compliance with the interstate Red Drum Fishery Management Plan, which requires sufficient escapement of immature fish into the spawning stock.

The blue crab fishery represents Georgia's number one seafood by weight and number two fishery by value, averaging nine million pounds in production annually. However, blue crab production has been declining since the mid-1990's. Year 2001 is shaping up to be the worst harvest on record, at only three million pounds. Georgia's long-term drought has caused high salinities in coastal waters, which have adversely affected crab populations. Biologists suspect that Georgia's female blue crab stocks are at such a low level that the harvest of egg bearing female crabs, known as sponge crabs, is detrimental. Therefore, legislation was passed to allow for management of the blue crab fishery. The main points of the legislation included a prohibition of the harvest or possession of egg-bearing female sponge crabs for a three year period and authority for DNR to close saltwaters to blue crabbing in the event of disasters or environmental extremes.

On the federal front, Georgia will enjoy more funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to manage its Coastal Management Program. Congress appropriated additional funds for state programs and we will receive $2M this fall, an increase of approximately $270,000. These extra funds will be utilized to complete projects identified as critical in addressing management issues. Examples include aerial photography of the developed barrier islands, erosion & sedimentation training for local governments, research on impacts of docks to coastal marshlands, development of dock builder bonding procedures, monitoring of rivers for salinity and conditions which might lead to harmful algal blooms, and an assessment of the success of Coastal Incentive Grant funding thus far. As you can see this list strikes directly at many of the hot issues facing the coast. The extra funds are welcomed and we will be working to keep these budgets at their present levels.

As for reauthorizing the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, that is not likely to occur this year, simply due to some higher priorities by Congress. Not that the law isn't important. On the contrary, it is considered to be working well and it can wait while other high priority laws that are not working so well are revised. I was hopeful that the revised law would pass. It has several new initiatives that would be good for Georgia. I will watch its progress in the next Congress.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 5

Have You HEARD???

By: Celia Cackowski

Senior Laboratory Assistant

Ear Bones Study Leads to Fishing Guidelines! Marine Fisheries Section

Georgia's saltwater recreational fishing regulations are developed to

ensure fishing opportunities for current and future generations of anglers.

These guidelines, such as size restrictions and creel limits, are based on

estimates of current fishing conditions and careful predictions about the

future. To make these estimates, fisheries scientists calculate growth,

mortality and reproduction rates, and monitor changes in size and age

compositions of fish populations. One of the most reliable methods for determining the age of a fish is to examine the otolith, or ear bone.

4 32

1

Otoliths are calcified structures located in the inner ear just behind the

brain that assist fish with balance and hearing. While there are three pairs

of otoliths, only the largest pair, usually the saggital otoliths, is used for

age determination. In temperate waters, such as those occurring along the

Georgia coast, seasonal growth periods appear on otoliths as

alternating opaque and translucent bands. This pattern looks much like

1 mm

the annual growth rings present in the trunks of trees. Just as in trees, we

are able to count the "rings" in these structures and determine the age of each fish. Similar seasonal bands can also be found in other hard parts such as scales, fin rays, spines, and vertebrae.

Whole otolith removed from a 4 year old southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma).

Photo by John Foster

Generally, fish grow faster during the warm summer months and slower during the winter months when water temperatures are

colder. A year of growth is comprised of one winter zone and one summer zone. Under reflected light, the winter zones appear as narrow

white bands and are counted to determine the age of the fish in years.

In order to estimate the age distribution of fish being harvested by recreational fishermen, researchers must first gather samples which represent the existing population. While some fish are collected during state-conducted research surveys, the primary source of size and age samples processed by the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) is the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Program. As part of this program, freezers have been located near fish cleaning stations at six sites along the Georgia coast. Bags and information cards are supplied at each of these sites, and anglers are encouraged to donate their fish carcasses after they have been filleted. Currently, carcass freezers are located at Golden Isles Marina, Hampton River Club Marina, Hogan's Marina, Shellman Bluff Marina, The Landings, Harbor Marina, and Two-Way Fish Camp. Freezers are checked on a regular basis and the carcasses are brought back to CRD for processing.

Each donated carcass is assigned a unique identification number, which links biological information collected from the specimen with

fishing trip information supplied by the angler. A length is taken for each fish, and when available the internal organs are examined to

determine the sex and maturity of the individual. The otoliths are then removed from the fish, cleaned, and taken to the lab for age

determination.

Some species such as southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)

and Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) have relatively thin

otoliths that can be read without much further preparation. For species

5 4

with larger otoliths like red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and spotted

3

seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), a narrow cross-section must be cut out

2

of the otolith and mounted on a microscope slide before the fish can be

1

aged.

Samples are first viewed under a microscope and then projected onto a computer screen. Using an image analysis program, each winter growth band is marked and a series of measurements are recorded. In order to ensure consistent results, otoliths are examined independently by two readers. If the readers agree then the determined age is accepted.

1 mm
Section of an otolith taken from a 5 year old spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus).
Photo by John Foster

Fisheries scientists then examine the relationships between ages and lengths. From these data, they can estimate the number of existing fish and the percentage of individuals that make up each age group within the population. These results can be compared to past studies to examine changes in fish populations. With this information, predictions can be made about the future of Georgia's marine recreational fisheries and management guidelines can be proposed.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 6

THE GEORGIA SOUND

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

CLAM FARMIN' On the Georgia Coast

By: Brooks Good Technical Assistant/ Water Quality Biologist

The tidal salt marshes of the Georgia coast offer ideal habitat for a variety of shellfish species, including the Northern Quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria). More affectionately known as hard clams, these Quahogs have historically been harvested from natural beds in tidal creeks, rivers, and sounds. Harvesting these hard clams is done by hand or rake in approved intertidal creeks or intertidal flats of the open sound. While wild clams are abundant, commercial fishermen rarely target them as a primary source of income. Instead, most oystermen, shrimpers, and crabbers use wild clam harvest as a mechanism to supplement their incomes during the off-season.

With landings for the commercially important oyster, blue

crab and shrimp on the decline, fishermen began to search out

other commercial fisheries. The potential for a viable clam

industry on the Georgia coast directed the University of Georgia

(UGA) to begin experimenting with culturing or farming clams

After a lot of hard work, this is the result that clam farmers strive for.....

during the 1980's. Similar to farming a crop, clam seed was acquired from brood stock, planted in a natural environment, and

allowed to grow until reaching a marketable size. These techniques were being used successfully in areas of Florida, and researchers worked

diligently to produce the same result in Georgia. Researchers quickly discovered, however, that the diversity of the Georgia estuaries offered

a set of growing conditions that were not comparable to those found in most areas of Florida. Soft mud-bottom habitats predominate

throughout most of the marshes in coastal Georgia and would not support the bottom culture methods used in the sandy/mud or shell

habitats of Florida waters. Tidal amplitudes of six to nine feet also differed from the one to three foot tides that most Florida clam farmers

experience. Thus, new methods of culturing clams were developed that were specific to the conditions of Georgia estuaries.

During the early 1990's, four commercial fishermen with interests in the shellfish industry were selected by UGA to several hundred thousand juvenile clams to start a small farm. Personnel from UGA provided guidance on site selection, culture techniques, and funding. Clam farmers used existing shellfish water bottoms leases located in "approved" water bodies to begin culturing their clam seed.

The first technique used successfully by the clam farmers is known as the Mesh Bag System. This system involves placing five 3 ft. X 1.5 ft. mesh bags on a line that is anchored on each end. Six thousand inch (6 mm) seed clams are stocked in each bag and thinned at intervals of about two months depending upon growth. Clam seed size is determined by measuring the greatest length across the shell of the clam. Once the juvenile clams reach 30 to 35mm, they begin to out grow the mesh bag and are removed from this system. Clams of this size are safe from most predators (starfish, oyster drills, snapping shrimp, and mud crabs), but still are vulnerable to blue crabs, stingrays, and whelks. Thus, clam farmers transplant these clams into bottom cages for the final growth period to market size. These mesh cages provide a mesh size small enough to prevent entry from large predators while allowing increased water flow to maximize available food and organism growth. Total grow out time for hard clams from seed size (1/4 inch) to market size (3/4 inch thickness) is generally 16-20 months. Size limits on adult clams are established by measuring the greatest depth or thickness across the hinge of the clam.

Once these clams reach market size, they are harvested by hand and placed in large mesh bags. These bags are then tagged with the date of harvest, the time harvest began, and the harvester I.D. number and placed on a pallet above the bottom of the boat. The clam farmer then transports these bags of clams back to a land based processing center where they are graded for size and readied for market sale. The clams that do not meet the minimum size of inches (thickness) pass through the grading machine into a separate basket from the legal sized product. These small clams, or "plant backs" as they are called, are transported back out to the lease area within 48 hours and replanted to continue growing. The market sized clams are sold to a distributor and typically bring a value of $0.12 - $0.16 per clam.

~Continued on Page 11~

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 7

As clam farmers began to improve their techniques during the late 1990's, it became apparent that the hard work and research devoted towards developing this industry was beginning to pay off. Water bottoms leaseholders began to hire additional labor to assist with the routine maintenance, planting, and harvesting of these farm raised clams. Consumers began to prefer the tan coloration and defined growth rings of the farm-raised clam to the dull gray coloration of their wild counterpart. As a result, clam farmers developed a greater demand for seed sized clams and sources from which to purchase these seed.

During the late 1990's, two sources of clam seed were available to the farmers. The first source was UGA, which provided the farmers with several hundred thousand clams to get their business started. This was a great way to "kick start" the industry, but did not provide a viable long-term source of clam seed. The second source was a hatchery / nursery facility in Charleston, South Carolina known as Sea Perfect Farms. This seed supplier produced a quality product, but was not always in the position to meet the individual needs of a growing industry in Georgia. During the spring of 2000, Coastal Resources Division (CRD) certified three new hatchery / nursery facilities in Florida from which the industry could purchase clam seed. All three facilities issue a health certificate with each shipment of clam seed that ensures testing occurs for certain diseases and pathogens. The opportunity to purchase seed from several vendors allowed the industry to expand again and consider new options for the future.

One option that local clam farmers are utilizing is the concept of upweller systems. Upwellers utilize two distinct power sources to culture clam seed. Power upweller systems are fed mechanically by a raw water source and clam seed is cultured in rectangular wooden tables. Similar to crab shedding tables, these structures are land based. Current driven upwellers are designed like small floating docks, and are fed by river water flow. The reason clam farmers use these systems is simple...they save money. A clam cannot be safely placed in a mesh bag until they reach a size of 6-8 mm. Attempts to culture seed smaller than 6-8 mm in a mesh bag system results in significant mortality rates. When a clam farmer purchases 6-8 mm clam seed from a seed supplier, the cost is higher because the facility has more invested in culturing the larger seed. If, on the other hand, a farmer has access to an upweller system, they can purchase 1-2 mm seed from the supplier at a reduced cost. The 1-2 mm seed is then placed in the upweller system and cultured for 8-12 weeks until it reaches a large enough size to be placed in the mesh bags. The Food and Drug Administration, which sets the guidelines for molluscan shellfish, allows the movement of clam seed from "prohibited" areas to "approved" harvest areas provided the clam seed is 6 months or more from grow out time or the clam seed does not exceed 10% of the market weight. As a result, the farmers are able to culture their seed in upwellers in prohibited waters and move them to approved harvest areas to finish the grow out process.

The history of clam farming in Georgia is relatively short when compared to other commercial fisheries, but it is one of the few industries that has experienced growth in the past 10 years. In 1997, four clam farmers had approximately 600,000 clams planted in leased water bottoms in McIntosh County. A survey of clam farmers in 2001 revealed that ten leased water bottoms in McIntosh, Glynn, and Camden Counties provide either full or part time employment for 80 individuals. Just one of those seven leased areas provided employment for 23 individuals and cultured approximately 4,200,000 clams. Wow!!! Now that's a lot of clam chowder.

So what does the future hold for this industry? Like most farmers, clam farmers share a peaceful optimism about their trade, but realize that many things are out of their control. From a resource management perspective, water quality is a primary concern for the welfare of the clam farming industry. As the Georgia coast continues to develop at a rapid rate, both point and non-point source pollution become growing concerns. Fortunately for the clam farming industry, the majority of the Georgia's barrier islands are protected from urban and industrial development because most of the islands are owned and managed by Federal and State agencies or private foundations. Additionally, extreme tidal amplitudes flush the creeks, rivers, and sounds each day and decrease the risk of algae blooms and other catastrophic events.

Because water quality is critical for success of the clam farming industry, clam farmers and resource managers alike are concerned about the uncertainty of funding available to monitor water quality required for shellfish harvest. While CRD maintains existing shellfish leases and monitors the water quality each month, budget cuts and redirection have restricted the establishment of new state leases for clam mariculture.

Taking all of these things into consideration, however, the shellfish industry is hopeful that the positive trend that has been established over the last 10 years will continue. Hard work, cooperative partnerships, and creativity have proven successful and should continue to produce lucrative results for the clam farmer.

Many clam farmers use the mesh bag and the mesh bag system to harvest clams. Clams are cultured for 16-20 months on leased water bottoms until
they reach marketable size.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 8

THE GEORGIA SOUND

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

By: Susan Shipman
The Duane Harris Years: CRD Director & Henry Ansley
OCS Program Leader
An Historical Perspective

Duane Harris began his DNR career as a fledgling wildlife biologist with the former Game and Fish Commission on July 1, 1970 at 1200 Glynn Avenue, having just graduated from Colorado State University. He immediately joined other biologists in conducting a comprehensive three year inventory of Georgia's coastal fisheries. This initiated the historical baseline against which finfish and crustacean populations are measured today.

In 1975-76, Duane undertook the first mapping of coastal Georgia's oyster beds since the early 1960's. But Duane's real passion was underwater, and he jumped at the chance to become DNR's Artificial Reef Project Leader in 1976. Over the next several years, the young offshore artificial reef program made great strides. In addition to constructing several new reefs, Duane conducted fish counts and assessments, tagging studies, and an aerial survey of fishing pressure at the artificial reefs and Sapelo Live Bottom (later to be designated as Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary).

In 1978, the Coastal Resources Division was created. Duane Harris was promoted to Wildlife Biologist Senior, serving as a coastal research unit manager. In 1981, Duane became the Research Unit Supervisor of the Coastal Fisheries Section. Along with reef work, research and inventories, his job entailed the State's initial foray into the federal Coastal Zone Management Program.

From his earlier work Duane recognized the extraordinary value of Gray's Reef, and

Duane in the "early years" at CRD.

played an integral role in formulating the State of Georgia's successful nomination to establish

it as the nation's fourth national marine sanctuary. President Carter made this designation in one of his final acts in office in January

1981. (Grays Reef would subsequently be designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve).

In the early 1980's, Duane remained active in offshore research. In partnership with SCDNR, he spearheaded a series of landmark research projects to describe sensitive offshore live bottom areas and inventory the offshore oil lease blocks. This work established an essential environmental baseline that would be needed should extraction eventually occur. A noteworthy roller trawl study on the offshore live bottoms documented the destructive nature of this fishing practice and led to the prohibition of this gear in later years.

In January 1982, Duane was named Acting Chief of Coastal Fisheries. During this time, closing of Georgia's coastal sounds to shrimping and other contentious management issues facing Georgia's seafood industries demanded a great deal of Duane's time and energies.
Duane was one of the Department's pioneers in stewardship of nonconsumptive resources. His 1980 commitment to the national Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network represented the birth of the State's Coastal Nongame Program. He expanded our on-call responses beyond fish kills, to include sea turtles and marine mammals. Reflecting his own personal dedication to this component of Georgia's coastal resources, Duane served in the on-call network for the next two decades.

Although the Nongame Program transferred to Wildlife Resources Division in 1993, Duane retained a strong commitment to the coast's threatened and endangered species. In 1993 Duane accepted the Wyland Wall commemorating Georgia's state marine mammal, the North Atlantic Right Whale, on behalf of the State. Duane has generously supported the Weekend For Wildlife year after year, leading field trips and donating numerous auction items.

Duane proudly displays his "prize" trout! THE GEORGIA

In 1983, Duane Harris succeeded Bob Mahood as Director of the Coastal Resources Division. He now had responsibility over marsh and beach protection as well as the coastal fisheries activities. In this leadership role, Duane and Division associates as well as our sister Divisions and federal agencies, faced a major environmental crisis in December 1986 ----- the 500 thousand gallon oil spill from the Amazon Venture into the Savannah River. ~Continued on Page 9~
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 9

~Continued from Page 8~

No sooner had Duane cleaned up that mess than he launched into construction of a new coastal Regional Headquarters, a goal he felt would be critical for the Department to meet the increasing demands of coastal growth. Begun in 1987, Duane personally oversaw completion of this facility, which was occupied in October, 1989.

While Division Director, Duane served on both the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, distinguishing himself as chairman of both forums. He recognized the importance of an interjurisdictional approach to managing shared marine fishery resources, and he championed legislation to enable Georgia to conserve our important sportfish resources. Duane served as a delegate to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna and served on the Advisory Board of the Southeast Consortium for Undersea Research.

In 1992, the General Assembly passed the Protection of Tidewaters Act and the Right of Passage Act at the urging of then Commissioner Joe Tanner. Duane was charged with implementing this legislation, which entailed permitting river houses with acceptable sanitation devices until June 1997, after which time they were to be removed. Duane vigorously tackled this complicated and volatile issue.

1996 was a busy year. Duane served as an environmental consultant for the sailing

Duane educated numerous groups aboard the R/V ANNA.

venue at the 1996 Summer Olympics and was a 1996 Toll Fellow, a program of the Council of State Governments recognizing outstanding state leaders. Instrumental in the passage of the Georgia Coastal Management Act in1997, Duane has been involved in its

very successful implementation time since. Local municipalities and county governments have benefitted directly from the federally

funded Coastal Incentive Grants and research that is fundamental to science-based, holistic decision making has been initiated under

this program.

During 1998-99, Duane Harris spearheaded the agency's efforts to regulate driving on Georgia's remote barrier island beaches. The goal was to protect shorebirds, nesting sea turtles, and the fragile dune environment while accommodating legally recognized retained rights holders. This was a sensitive and controversial issue, and Duane forged reasonable regulations. The most recent thorny issue for which Duane has provided leadership is that of marsh hammock development. Recommendations developed by the Marsh Hammock Advisory Council that Duane chaired this past year, will no doubt guide the State's future deliberations on this issue.

Throughout it all, Duane has been a steadfast right hand to each DNR Commissioner under which he has served. He has been an outstanding agency ambassador to the public at large, as well as to VIPs. Duane has educated and enthusiastically entertained young and old, from octegenarian Daughters of the American Revolution ladies, to young fishing derby participants.

A profile of Duane would be incomplete without noting his strong community service ethic. At the State and local levels he has served on numerous boards, steering committees, task forces, and civic and service organizations, including the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees, Skidaway Foundation Trustees, Brunswick Rotary, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, Keep Brunswick-Golden Isles Clean and Beautiful Board, and the YWCA Foundation.

Throughout his 32-year career with DNR, Duane Harris demonstrated a tireless commitment to the conservation and management of Georgia's extraordinary coastal resources. Strengthened by a deep professional and personal dedication, Duane never hesitated to face difficult, often unpopular, issues if it meant doing the right thing for the State's natural resources. Through his vision, focus, and leadership, the Coastal Resources Division and the Department remain well poised to meet the coming challenges of the new millennium.

We at DNR are grateful for the many ways Duane has touched our professional lives, as mentor, leader, colleague and friend. We extend our very best wishes for a retirement filled with good catches, relaxation, and great times with family, friends, and his new grandchildren.

Duane and his wife Carol joined Governor Roy Barnes and First Lady Marie in support of Weekend for Wildlife.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 10

THE GEORGIA SOUND

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Chiggers But Were Afraid to Ask

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2
By: Kelie Matrangos Technical Assistant

WHAT ARE CHIGGERS? Chiggers are tiny mite larvae that are invisible to the naked eye. Bright red adult mites are often called "red
bugs" but are completely harmless. The mites have a 50-70 day life span but only the larval stage causes the intense itching associated with chiggers. In warmer climates like Georgia, there may be up to three generations per year, making chiggers a threat from May until the first killing frost. Usually found in tall grass, low wet areas, around stream banks and in forest underbrush, chiggers are able to sense movement and detect food sources from great distances.

WHAT MAKES THEM ITCH? Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into your skin. They pierce the skin and inject saliva
that liquefies skin cells on contact. The saliva causes the surrounding tissues to harden and form a straw-like feeding tube to suck up liquefied skin cells. It is actually the saliva that inflames the surrounding tissue that causes the severe itching. They usually bite around hair follicles on thin skin such as ankles, backs of knees, and armpits or in restricted areas such as around waistlines. The chigger will stay in one place until feeding is complete and then drop off. Feeding, however, is a slow process and may take 3-4 days if the chigger is left undisturbed. A reddish welt with a hard, white central area will form within 24 hours after the chigger has dropped off. The longer the chigger feeds, the larger the welt surrounding the bite will be and the longer the itching will last. Itching usually peaks a day or two after the bite occurs, but may last up to two weeks.

HOW DO I PREVENT THEM? Stay out of areas with chiggers when possible and do not sit directly on the ground. You can determine if
chiggers infest an area by placing a six inch square of black paper vertically in the grass. The paper will become covered with these tiny red larvae if they are present. Wear tightly woven, loose fitting clothing when possible to prevent chiggers from crawling through the fabric mesh and to reduce areas of constriction where they are more likely to bite. It takes several hours for chiggers to settle down and start feeding once they are on you. So changing clothes as soon as possible after exposure and bathing is the best defense. Rub down with a towel if you can't bathe right away since it does not take much to brush off chiggers that have not yet bitten.

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET THEM?

People often apply nail polish to a chigger bite, reasoning that they will suffocate the chigger that has

burrowed under the skin. This will not help since the chigger has actually dropped off your body by the time

the bite starts itching.

Rubbing alcohol, baking soda paste or calamine lotion may help dry

the welts. Those with severe reactions or a large number of bites may

need antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams. While chigger bites

may be uncomfortable, they do not pose any real danger. They do not

carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or any other

diseases. So now that you know how to avoid and prevent chiggers,

head out and enjoy nature!

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 11

By: Fred Hay Technical Assistant
"Gnat's Enough!" CoastalArk Coordinator

On a particularly warm evening several weeks ago, my daughter and I were walking

through a densely forested area in search of critter activity. The mosquitos were fierce

and after several minutes she looked at me with freshly swatted mosquito smeared

on her arm, and asked "Daddy, why did God make mosquitos?" I still have no decent answer for her

her,

however, I looked at her and said "it must be for the same reason the He made sand gnats!"

Who are they?

Picture 1

Sand gnats as we call them, belong to the order Diptera which

`

includes true flies like greenheads, deer flies and midges (sand gnats). Sand gnats are

members of the family Ceratopogonidae or "biting midge" family. The sand gnats that we

have in coastal Georgia belong to the genus Culicoides of which there are literally thousands

of species worldwide. In order to avoid confusion as to which sand gnat scientists are

studying, they use Latin names to identify each individual species. Some examples of

Culicoides species' names are albopunctatus, boophagus, dumdumi, foxi, giganteus (glad we

don't get this one!), horridus and imperfectus. In Georgia, we have many species but

perhaps the most well known is Culicoides furens (Picture 1). This is the sand gnat that

seems to be at its worst when the fishing is at its best! It hatches out in mass numbers when

the temperature and season are just right for outdoor activity. Sand gnats are insects and

therefore have a typical insect life-cycle which consists of four primary stages: egg, larva,

Picture 2

pupa and adult (picture 2). Eggs are laid in marsh mud, decaying plant material, and even standing water. Females can lay varying numbers of eggs depending upon their size, species,

and the blood meal that they took to nourish the developing eggs. Female gnats `bite' humans and other animals to extract a

blood meal that is necessary for the successful development of their eggs. Some gnats have to have this blood for their eggs to

survive while others achieve higher survival rates if they supply blood to the eggs.

So why does it hurt like mad when a gnat takes a meal from your arm or, even worse, your scalp? The secret is in the mouth parts. Sand gnats don't just puncture your skin like mosquitoes do. Instead they rip it open using sharp cutting teeth located on the mandible (picture 3). After inserting two sharp, sword-like blades into the skin as anchors, the sand gnat uses the cutting teeth to rip up the skin and get the blood flowing. As if that weren't enough, the gnat then squirts a chemical into the open wound in an attempt to inhibit blood clotting. The tiny pool of blood that forms is then sucked up through a tiny straw-like structure called the proboscis. Some human victims have allergic reactions to the chemical and must endure itchy red spots or even swollen welts. It takes a seasoned veteran to maintain composure in the face of swarming sand gnats. Most of us choose to run, screaming, into the nearest building.
The Importance of Sand Gnats
It is their painful bite that makes sand gnats important to coastal Georgia's tourism economy. Tourists who are interested in outdoor activities are more likely to cancel their plans if the gnats are going to ruin the experience. This results in a loss of business for industries depending upon tourism dollars. So why not attempt to control sand gnat outbreaks? Because sand gnats are integral features of a healthy saltmarsh ecosystem, controlling them with pesticides is neither successful nor good for the marshes. Larval gnats share space in the marsh with young fish and shellfish species that are commercially and recreationally valuable to our economy. Pesticide application would negatively impact both target species, sand gnats, and non-target species like juvenile fish. Additionally, sand gnat larvae are an important food source for other animals found in Georgia's saltmarshes and estuaries. Densities of over 10,000 larvae per square meter have been found in the marshes of McIntosh County!

While it is true that sand gnats inflict an annoying and painful bite, they are part of what makes coastal Georgia a wonderful place to fish, work and live. Perhaps the knowledge of their significance will help ease your pain the next time you're attacked by a swarm.
THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT

Picture 3 P R O G R A M

PAGE 12

THE GEORGIA SOUND

S P R I N G , 2 0 0 2

Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish!

Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish!

12th Annual Golden Isles Parent-Child Fishing Derby

The catch-and-release derby competition is open to children age 5-12 years old.

Saturday, June 1, 2002 8:30 am - 12:00 noon

All participants must be pre-registered. Contact the Brunswick YWCA at (912) 265-4100 or DNR Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218
for details and registration forms.

West Mackay River Fishing Pier Brunswick, Georgia
Registration Deadline Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish! Go Fish!

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: Henry Ansley, Buck Bennett, Nancy Butler, Celia Cackowski,
Fred Hay, Brooks Good, Jill Huntington, Lea King, Kelie Matrangos, Susan Shipman, and Stuart Stevens. This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Deadline for the Summer 2002 edition is June 1, 2002. We welcome suggestions
of articles and photography.

A P R I L - J U N E

T H E

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.2

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