Georgia sound, Vol. 9, no. 1 (Jan. - Mar. 2003

Georgia Sound

Camden High " Sows Its Own Oats" By: JillHuntington Coastal Technical Assistant

Camden County students split and re-pot sea oats.
New crop of "split" sea oats awaits planting on Tybee Island
Students pose after a long morning of splitting and repotting sea oats.

Photo by:A udrey Calhoun Pickren

Photo by: Audre y Calhoun Pickren

Photo by:J ill Huntington

Since December 2000, staff and students at Camden County High School have been working on the "Sea Oats Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program." With funding assistance from the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP), the high school's Youth Apprenticeship and Horticulture Programs constructed a sea oat nursery on the school's campus. The nursery was stocked with sea oats harvested from sand dunes along the beaches of Sea Island and Jekyll Island, and the students have been helping them to grow ever since.
Sea oats (Uniola piniculata), which get their name from the large plumes they produce during the summer, grow on the upper beaches and sand dunes of seashores in the southeastern United States. Their role in the beach ecosystem is vital as they help to trap wind-blown sands and stabilize dune systems. This, in turn, helps other dune plants to colonize and creates foraging and nesting habitat for wildlife. Sand dunes also serve as a critical line of defense against the damaging effects of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Sea oats are found along most of Georgia's sandy beaches. However, some beach areas have been drastically depleted of their stabilizing ground cover, and are now in desperate need of new sea oats. In other areas along the coast, dune systems have been lost entirely, due to erosion or human impacts, and communities are working hard to restore them. The Camden County High School Sea Oat Nursery will play a vital role in supplying a regular source of native plants to dune restoration projects up and down the coast.
Habitat restoration projects such as the Sea Oats Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program have become an increasingly popular tool in restoring coastal communities and enhancing environmental and wildlife resources. This program is also teaching students the value of maintaining a healthy environment and promoting public education and hands-on involvement with habitat restoration activities.
Tybee Island's beaches will be the first recipients of the high school nursery's sea oats. In November 2002, students "split" the sea oats that they have been nurturing into individual stalks. Three hundred and seventy-eight oats were then successfully repotted into small containers, and 300 oats will soon make their home on the newly restored dunes on Tybee Island. The remaining plants will be cared for in the nursery until they are ready to be "split" again and planted along another Georgia beach.
For more information about the Camden County High School's Sea Oat Nursery and Dune Stabilization Program, contact Jill Huntington at the Coastal Resources Division, at (912) 264-7218, or at jill_huntington@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us.

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By: Jan Mackinnon Coastal Technical Assistant

Most of you are probably aware of the recent articles in our newspapers outlining the issue surrounding dying saltmarshes. In March 2002 areas of dying coastal saltmarshes were reported to Coastal Resources Division (CRD). Marsh grasses (Spartina alterniflora andJuncus roemerianus ) were confirmed as dying, resulting in open mudflats. The affected areas initially reported in Liberty County covered several miles of creek side die-off as well as several acres of receding marsh along the Jericho River.

An area of dying marsh grass can be spotted along the Jericho River in Liberty County
Photo by Jan Mackinnon

To date, dead and dying marsh has been reported in all six coastal counties, from the Crooked River in Camden County to Coffee Bluff in Chatham County. The Division has consulted other states that have experienced similar marsh epidemics (e.g. South Carolina, Louisiana), but the cause(s) in Georgia has not yet been determined. Currently, it has been estimated that over 500 acres of marsh have been affected, with the vast majority of this being in Liberty County.

The marsh die-off affects a vital area of our state and has implications for wildlife, fisheries, water quality, navigation, and flood control. Under the Georgia Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970 (O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et seq.), the State recognizes that "the coastal marshlands of Georgia comprise a vital natural resource system. The estuarine area...is the habitat of many species of marine life and wildlife and, without the food supplied by the marshlands, such marine life and wildlife cannot survive. The estuarine marshlands of coastal Georgia are among the richest providers of nutrients in the world. Such marshlands provide a nursery for commercially and recreationally important species of shellfish and other wildlife, provide a great buffer against flooding and erosion, and help control and disseminate pollutants. The coastal marshlands provide a natural recreation resource which has become vitally linked to the economy of Georgia's coastal zone and to that of the entire state. This...system is costly, if not impossible, to reconstruct or rehabilitate once adversely affected..." The results of these investigations into the dead marsh issue have long-term implications for the preservation of Georgia's estuaries and the health of Georgia's coastal economy.

CRD is collaborating with the University of Georgia's Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program, Savannah State University, Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Georgia Sea Grant, and the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography via the Georgia Coastal Research Council (Research Council), to collect data from the dying marsh sites. Scientists include experts on marsh ecology, vegetation and invertebrates to name a few. Samples that we have already collected are being analyzed for soil and interstitial salinities, the detection of fungi and/or abnormal bacteria, and pH. Also, on-site transects to monitor in situ "dead" and "healthy" marsh areas were established and vegetation plots were set-up to monitor possible regrowth. To date, greenhouse sampling results have shown no difference in the Spartina plants grown in dead and healthy marsh soils. We are still awaiting the results of additional testing.

Division and Research Council scientists have developed a standardized methodology for field sampling. Also, Savannah State has established a working lab for testing vegetation samples. Researchers hope to continue ongoing field sampling to monitor and evaluate changes in salinities and vegetation.

CRD is cataloging all reports of dying marshes through aerial and on-the-ground photo documentation as well as responding to concerned citizens. In addition, we are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to map and calculate an estimate of affected acreage. Coastal Resources has coordinated public education efforts through press releases to the local media.

We all want our marshes to be viable and pristine. After all, they are the nursery grounds for our seafood, the habitats that support many of our recreational fisheries and the viewshed supporting those relaxing afternoons on our back porches. Please continue to look for updates on the progress made on the dying saltmarshes in the newspapers and in the Georgia Sound. For more information contact Jan Mackinnon at Georgia DNR, Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Suite 300, Brunswick, Georgia 31520-8687; 912-264-7218; e-mail: jan_mackinnon@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us.

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By: Nancy Butler Public Affairs Coordinator

The wait is over! Back by popular demand... It's the new, revised Georgia Coastal Barrier Islands poster! One of Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) most popular publications has been completely revised ...new colors ...new graphics ...new information. Out of print for more than five years, the new version is now available at CRD Headquarters in Brunswick.

We encourage you to drop by the CRD office in Brunswick to pick up your very own copy free of charge . If you are not

going to be in our area and would like to have a copy mailed, shipping costs are as follows:

1 poster

$3

2 posters

$5

3 posters

$7

4 posters

$9

If you would like a poster mailed to you, mail a check for $3, $5, $7, or $9 made out to "GA DNR" along with your name and mailing address to:
DNR Coastal Resources Division Attn: Carolyn T. Baker barrier poster One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520

We appreciate your interest in the barrier islands poster and thank you for your patience during its revision. Stop by and pick up your copy today!

CRD Public Affairs Coordinators Nancy Butler (L) and Lea King worked many months verifying information and
redesigning layouts for the new maps.

Photo by Cindy Gregory

Photo by Lea King

Stop by the CRD offices for your copy of the barrier island poster Carolyn T. Baker will be glad to help you!
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Question:

By: Nancy Butler Public Affairs Coordinator

What's slightly used, red, and

found in 60 feet of water?

Answer:
Georgia's newest building for artificial reefs.....New York Subway Cars!
In one of the most unique operations in the State's artificial reef program's history, 50 steel "Redbird" subway cars were delivered in December to Georgia Artificial Reefs L and CCA, located 21 nm and 23 nm east of Ossabaw Island, respectively.
Cleaned to EPA standards, the subway cars are being replaced after years of use under and over the streets of New York. Each measuring approximately 50'x11'x9' and weighing 14 tons, a total of 25 subway cars were deployed at each of the two reef sites.
The New York City Transit Authority assumed all costs associated with the cleanup, preparation, and barging of the subway cars to Georgia. Several hundred subway cars have already been placed off Delaware, Virginia, and South Carolina.
Fish Get Free Rides!

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CRDSt eal s t h eShow

By: Lea King Public Affairs Coordinator

at t h eBr unswi ck Hol iday Par ade!

Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) "maiden voyage" in the Brunswick Holiday Parade proved a tremendous success as the group "stole the show" with costumed characters and a giant stuffed shrimp.
With the division's new water-quality monitoring vessel dressed in festive natural hand-made fir garlands, the CRD float captured the attention of parade goers as it "floated" down the parade route.
CRD's very own Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries, Spud Woodward, was transformed into a dancing blue crab and helped spread holiday cheer along with a sea turtle, sea horse, sea star, a giant stuffed shrimp on loan from the City of Brunswick, and a multitude of merry CRD associates and family members.
Said Woodward, "Participating in the parade was not only a valuable outreach opportunity for CRD, but it also allowed us to interact with the public in a positive way and to be involved in a worthwhile community endeavor."
The float decorating crew and participants unanimously agreed that CRD will be ready to sail through the parade route again in 2003 with even bigger and better surprises!

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Photos by Kelie Moore

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Happy Anniversary, Coastal Resources Division! As we enter 2003, it is indeed a landmark year for this Division, as we celebrate our silver anniversary. Coastal Resources Division was created in 1978, a "spin-off" of the former Game and Fish Division of DNR. The Coastal Fisheries Section was merged with the Marshlands Protection Committee staff to form the new Coastal Resources Division.
It was clear to our founders that the Division would soon expand its sphere of activities in natural resources management. The Division's creation came on the heels of back to back winter freezes, and shrimp management underwent a major transition. Bait shrimping was confined to certain inshore "zones", and commercial food shrimping was moved into nearshore ocean waters. Crabbers expanded into the sounds, where the trawlers had formerly worked. Our commercial statistics program had its genesis with the State taking over collection of seafood harvest data from the federal port agents. The Recreational Fisheries Program was just beginning, conducting life history and tagging studies of Georgia's most important inshore sportfish. In the years that followed, we launched Georgia's first saltwater sportfish creel survey.
I came aboard shortly after the Division was created, and I vividly recall my first day of work ---- March 1, 1979. Upon reporting, I found everyone rushing out the door ----- headed offshore to document the first right whale spotted off Georgia's coast. In the years that followed, the waters off Georgia were documented as the critical calving habitat of the north Atlantic right whale, the most endangered of the world's large whales. This extraordinary animal was subsequently named the State's marine mammal by the Georgia General Assembly.
In 1980, the Division began Georgia's participation in the Sea Turtle Carcass Stranding Network, which mushroomed into our on-call network and the Coastal Nongame Program. Although that Program transferred to our sister Wildlife Resources Division in 1993, Coastal Resources Division has remained a steadfast agency partner in conservation efforts directed at sea turtles and marine mammals.
Early in the Division's history, the Shore Protection Act of 1979 was passed, mirroring in many regards, the Marshlands Protection Act. Georgia began exploring entry into the federal Coastal Zone Management Program. Exploratory drilling was occurring offshore in a Tennaco/Exxon joint venture, and our Oute r Continental Shelf activities expanded beyond artificial reefs, to surveys of reef fisheries and their habitat. The Division's inventory of oil lease blocks established an environmental baseline, should extraction eventually occur. In 1980, the Division nominated Grays Reef as the nation's fourth national marine sanctuary, and President Jimmy Carter obliged his home state's request in 1981.
Approximately two decades after our initial foray, Georgia did join the federal coastal management program in 1998. Since that time, the Georgia Coastal Management Program has been awarded $9,508,250 in federal funds to support the Coastal Incentive Grants Program, technical assistance to local governments, outreach and education activities, the annual CoastFest celebration, and permitting activities for the Georgia Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and the Georgia Shore Protection Act.
By 1987, The Division had outgrown its cramped quarters at what is now Spanky's Restaurant Marshsid e. The General Assembly funded a regional headquarters for our Division and the coastal units of the Wildlife Resources Division, the Environmental Protection Division, and Region 2 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division. Since that time, the USCG Brunswick Station has joined DNR at our Coastal Regional Headquarters facilities.
During our history, Coastal Resources' fleet has included five large research vessels: The George T. Bagby, Bagby II, Cobia,Marguerite, a n d Anna. The latter two ---- our oldest and our newest ----- are in service today. Built in the mid60's at a boat yard on the Torras Causeway and acquired by DNR in 1968, the Anna's service spans the history of the Division and beyond. On her back deck, crustacean monitoring has been conducted for 35 years and over 100,000 shrimp tagged and released.
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During our history, Coastal Resources Division has had four Directors: Bob Reimold (1978-1981); Bob Mahood (1981-1983); Duane Harris (1983-2002); and myself (2002 - present). We've been privileged to work under three Commissioners: Joe Tanner; Leonard Ledbetter, and Lonice Barrett; and five Governors: George Busbee; Joe Frank Harris; Zell Miller; Roy Barnes, and current Governor Sonny Perdue.
Within these 25 years ---- a short span when compared to our State's history --- the State's budget has increased substantially. Yet our Division's reliance on federal funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Environmental Protection Agency has far outpaced state fiscal support. In 1978, almost all of our Division's funding came from State sources. Now, federal grant programs provide more than 50% of our support.
As this year progresses, Coastal Resources Division will be featuring some of the more memorable and noteworthy accomplishments and activities occurring over the past two and one-half decades, at fairs, festivals, and in other venues. So stay tuned to learn more about our Division's roots.
Dedicated to the memory of former DNR Board member representing the Coastal District, Sam Cofer, and to our Division colleagues who are no longer with us: Pard Andrue, David Ansley, Elizabeth Cross, Doc Jones; Byron Kroscavage; Andy Quarterman; Robert Reimold; David Sutphin, and Eleanor Waters.

By: Mark Dodd Wildlife Biologist

-Joseph Conrad, The Shadowline
The small twin-engine plane lifts off the runway, banks gently to the east and pushes offshore. On board are three researchers studying north Atlantic right whales, the most endangered large cetacean in the world. From December through March, the dedicated research team flies daily, weather permitting, in search of whales.
The plane follows carefully laid out east-west transect lines reaching from the beach to 35 miles offshore. The team searches for any surface disturbance that might indicate the presence of whales. Hours pass and the observers struggle to keep their eyes moving across the horizon in an out and back search pattern. In order to stay alert, the team talks to one another over the plane intercom. Many obscure topics are discussed. All the while, the blue-green sea stretches out to an almost indiscernible steel-grey sky. White caps are the team's worst enemy. They distract the eye and make it difficult to spot whale activity. Finally, an observer comes over the intercom, "I've got a large disturbance on the right." A moment later, "I've got whales." Electricity runs through the cabin. The pilot breaks from the line and flies directly over the whale to get an initial location and begin the work of documenting their identity. It is a mothercalf pair and the team is excited. Emily, in the front seat next to the pilot, records the position, slides the laptop to one side and flips on the digital camera to begin taking images from the side window. Jackie, sitting directly behind Emily, takes backup photos with a film camera. Michael begins drawing the unique pattern of callosities on the whale's head on a standardized datasheet. The pilot turns the plane in wide arcs, each time bringing the observers back to the whales for photographs and observations. After each pass on the whale, the team members check the cameras and exchange sidelong grins as if to say, "yeah, now I remember why I do this." There is nothing better than being on whales.
The team continues circling the whale taking photographs and noting the whales' position in regard to shipping traffic. Once the data has been collected, the researchers make one final pass to record the last position of the whale. The last pass is always the best pass of the day. The data collection is done, and the team finally has a chance to sit back and take in the entire scene. The cold wind rushes past the open plane window, the blue-green sea stretches to the horizon, the whales surface and blow. In this moment, all the colossal forces of nature are summed. As the whales drop from their view for the last time, the team is left with a profound stillness.
Late in the afternoon, on January 26, 2003, a small-twin engine plane carrying a research team contracted by Georgia DNR including Wildlife Trust biologist Emily Argo, 25, Michael Newcomer, 49, Jackie Ciano, 47, and pilot Tom Hinds, 40 crashed into the sea while circling a mother-calf right whale pair nine miles east of Fernandina Beach, Florida. For those of us that knew and worked with the team, the sadness is immense. Emily, Michael, and Jackie dedicated their lives to the protection and recovery of endangered whale populations. We find some consolation in knowing they were lost doing what they loved, and that the data they collected will be used to make decisions that may save right whales from extinction. We are grateful to have known them and our thoughts are with their families.
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By: Paul Medders Marine Biologist

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

Perhaps the most important aspect of the project is the opportunity it

affords anglers to be personally involved in the conservation and

management of Georgia's valuable coastal resources. Also, marine

businesses realize that their future depends on healthy fish populations

and the sustainable economic impact that good fishing provides, both

Freezers, like the one shown here at Two-Way Fish

locally and throughout the state.

Camp in Glynn County, are a key element to the success of CRD's Carcass Recovery Program.

There are currently seven marinas cooperating in this project (figure 1.) These marinas set aside space near the fish cleaning station for a

small chest freezer. Signs are located near and on the freezers so that anglers are made aware of the purpose of the project.

Labels on the freezers give specific directions and list the fish species that are a top priority for data collection. The freezer is

kept stocked with plastic bags for the carcasses and with data cards that anglers can use to provide information about th eir

fishing trip. Division staff will check the freezers weekly during the fall of the year when inshore fishing is at its peak and twice a

month during other times of the year.

Carcasses from a variety of fish species have been placed in the freezers; however, the priority species for data collection include spotted sea trout, red drum, sheepshead, southern kingfish (whiting), tripletail, weakfish, black drum, and southern flounder. During 2002, a total of 3,491 individual fish carcasses were processed. This only included fish that had complete data cards associated with them. Since 1997, Division staff have processed over 15,000 individual fish carcasses for biological information.

What's the value of a fish carcass? The filleted fish carcass with the head and tail intact can provide a wealth of information to scientists studying the trends in fish populations. Each fish is identified to species, the fish length is measured, gender is determined when possible, and the otoliths (commonly called ear bones) are removed. The otoliths are then evaluated using computer-aided image analysis to determine an accurate age of the fish. This is accomplished by taking a thin section of the otolith and counting the rings like the rings on a tree. Most fish in temperate waters lay down one ring per year. The age of the fish can then be related back to the length of the fish, and an age-length key can be developed. This age-length key can be developed for both sexes. This is particularly important for a species like spotted sea trout where males and females have markedly different growth rates. All of these data are used when determining the health of a fish population with a process commonly called a stock assessment.

A stock is defined as a grouping of fish based on genetic characteristics, geographical distribution, and movement patterns. An assessment is used to determine if the stock is being harvested at a rate that exceeds the species capacity for reproduction. If a stock is being overfished, scientists usually recommend ways in which the death rate attributable to fishing can be reduced. Typically, this is accomplished with some combination of size and creel limits, seasons, and harvest quotas. A stock assessment consists of two separate, but complimentary, activities. The first is to learn about the biology of the fish in the stock. The other is to learn about the fishing activity on the stock.

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In Georgia this is accomplished by two separate activities. The first is a fisheries independent study like the newly funded Marine Sportfish Population Health Study (MSPHS), the purpose of which is to gather information about different species of saltwater fish using an unbiased method of collection such as a trammel net or a gill net with panels of different size meshes. The data collected with this gear will not be affected by the fishing practices of anglers. While the priority species are spotted sea trout, red drum, and other popular saltwater sportfish, net surveys also provide useful information on species not typically targeted by anglers.

2002 Carcass vs. Creel for Spotted Sea Trout
Carcass Creel

The second activity is the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS). This creel survey provides valuable information on saltwater angler catch and fishing effort in coastal Georgia. Anglers are interviewed following a fishing trip. They are asked a variety of questions about their fishing trip and their catch is examined and measured. It is impractical to collect detailed biological information at the dock or boat ramp, yet this detailed information is very important. The Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project gives anglers an opportunity to donate the carcasses of their catch when it's convenient for them, thereby incorporating critical biological data.

Most recently, information from the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project was used to conduct a stock assessment of Georgia spotted sea trout. Information from a total of 4,825 fish was used in this assessment. Had Division staff had to collect these fish, it would have taken hundreds of man-hours and cost thousands of dollars. Instead, the collection of valuable biological data is made cost effective due to the cooperation of hundreds of anglers.

Earlier concerns that information from fish carcasses would be biased and thereby not useful were proven to be unfounded as analysis revealed that the finfish samples from the creel survey and samples donated by anglers are very similar (Figure 2). This means that the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project will continue to be an important source of data for population assessments. We hope that more anglers will join the ranks of those who participate in this important effort. For more information about this project or to suggest a location for a carcass freezer contact CRD's Paul Medders or Jeff Mericle at (912) 264-7218.

Formed during the spring 2002, the Red Drum Stock Enhancement Subcommittee of the Saltwater Advisory Council is taking an in-depth look at the potential benefits and risks of using hatchery-reared red drum to supplement wild populations of this popular saltwater fish. Other states in the Southeast have either experimental or production stocking programs, and some Georgia anglers feel like the Department of Natural Resources, specifically the Coastal Resources Division (CRD), should be doing likewise. CRD has asked for guidance from this committee of anglers, fishing guides, and scientists on this matter.
The first meeting was held in Brunswick and committee members were given an opportunity to meet and share their perspectives on red drum management in Georgia. A collection of reading materials was distributed to members to help familiarize them with the basic methods used to spawn and rear red drum in captivity, and with the successes and failures of other saltwater fish stocking programs.
In late October, the committee visited the Waddell Mariculture Center in Bluffton, South Carolina. During this visit, researchers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources conducted a tour of the facility, provided an overview of their red drum stock enhancement research, and answered questions from the committee. South Carolina DNR has been conducting this research over the past twelve years and have found that stocking can result in local increases in red drum abundance.
The committee will meet again this winter, and a trip to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Stock Enhancement Research Facility is planned for the early spring. At the May 2003 meeting of the Saltwater Advisory Council, the committee will be making a recommendation as to whether CRD should or should not consider using hatchery-reared red drum as a management tool.
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By: Fred Hay CoastalArk Coordinator Coastal Technical Assistant

Did you know that throughout the coastal area of Georgia there are numerous state and federal government agencies that have education and outreach objectives as a part of their core mission? These government agencies, programs, departments, etc., represent a wealth of opportunity for those seeking information about coastal and nearshore ecosystems. Even though there may be differences in the structure and funding of each agency, there is often much overlap in the education/outreach objectives. This overlap includes educational topics, target audiences, and even educational products such as videos, brochures and on-site/off-site programming.
For some time these various government entities have recognized the potential benefits of collaborative educational initiatives. Wonderful examples already exist where agency resources and expertise have been pooled to achieve a common end. However, a formal effort towards collaboration has not been in place until recently. The Georgia Coastal Education Group (GCEG) began meeting in 2001 and has since adopted the following mission statement:

Currently, there are four distinct government departments or administrations represented on the GCEG. This list of members is likely to expand as other agencies are encouraged to participate.

Coastal Resources Division Parks and Historic Sites Division Wildlife Resources Division
Game Management Section Non-Game Endangered Wildlife Section

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

University of Georgia Marine Extension Service University of Georgia Sea Grant College Program
Cumberland Island National Seashore

Following a productive work session, GCEG members explore Sapelo Island and learn about
current and future island projects.

Membership includes staff from three barrier islands (Ossabaw, Sapelo and Cumberland) as well as the Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island, the Georgia Coastal Management Program headquartered in Brunswick and Georgia State Parks representing sites up and down the coast.

Photo by Am y Gaddis

To date, the members of the GCEG have spent time familiarizing themselves with the missions, activities and various resources found at each site. At a recent meeting, members agreed to pursue several projects that would help to establish the GCEG as an effective education partnership. Project ideas include the development of a website linking member organizations and their on-line resources so that visitors can easily access information about coastal education programs and products. The website would also feature products specifically produced by the GCEG. For example, a poster is planned to celebrate and explore unique coastal Georgia habitats and animals. The poster design includes a section that highlights ways for people to "make a difference" on the coast. Making a difference will include opportunities for involvement in conservation activities or suggestions for behaviors that benefit coastal ecosystems.

Through a "hands-on" tour, GCEG members familiarize themselves with
Ossabaw Island.
Photo by Eda Sutcliffe Kenney

For more information about the GCEG you may contact the current president, Cathy Sakas of NOAA's Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Cathy may be reached at (912) 598-2417 or cathy.sakas@noaa.gov .

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By: Mary A. Elfner DNR Water Conservation Coordinator

state,

Water is second only to air in that we can live without air for several minutes - without water for several days. Water
conservation's time has come - in our communities, our our nation and our planet.

Water resources in Georgia, although historically plentiful, are limited and our population is rapidly growing. Recurring droughts also compromise the amount of available water supplies. It is essential that we use water as efficiently as possible so that future Georgians continue to have the high quality of life we now enjoy.

The mission of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Conservation Program is to promote the efficient use of Georgia's water resources throughout the state. This will be accomplished by coordinating and strengthening existing water conservation efforts; coordinating and strengthening existing water conservation planning efforts; acquiring stable funding sources at the federal, state and local levels; creating a statewide water conservation plan; creating new and supporting existing statewide public education and outreach opportunities; and, reviewing and strengthening with the DNR Environmental Protection Division the water conservation planning requirements under current Official Code of Georgia and Rules and Regulations.

Water conservation can mean many things, but practically speaking it is the efficient use of available water. Of all the world's water, less than 1% is available to us as our freshwater supply. This small amount may seem, at times, unlimited to us because it is treated and pumped into our homes, businesses and industries where all we have to do is turn on the tap. However, water is a finite resource. There is no more today than there was a thousand years ago; it simply renews itself through the hydrologic cycle.

How much water do we use in Georgia? This question is often asked, and the answer depends on many conditions. Is the source surface water or ground water? Is the water use municipal, industrial or agricultural? Is the water source metered? Are the water customers metered? Are the meters accurate? Is water usage reported in a consistent manner? In some instances, these questions can be answered with a high degree of certainty, such as with a municipal water system that has the resources to keep their equipment in good operating order, and a good water accounting system to keep track of and report their water usage. In some instances, there are no meters, and so answers have to be estimated. This sometimes occurs with individual private wells and with agricultural use. Please refer to Table 1 for water usage in Georgia. One thing is certain, we can always do better when it comes to accounting for where and how our water is being used, and the DNR Water Conservation Program can help with this important aspect of water management.

The most important take home message regarding water conservation is to do your part. If we all take personal responsibility in our homes and with our work, be it a major industry, a small business, or a farm, then we can honestly say that we are doing our part in Georgia to protect our water supply from over usage - a message that will go a long way throughout Georgia and resonate well with our neighboring states. When we conserve water, we increase the amount of available water supply in Georgia and show surrounding regions that Georgia takes the issue of water efficiency seriously - conserve water and we maintain the State's credibility regarding water supply issues.

*All numbers are calculated averages for 2002, except for surface water/industrial, which is the yearly average for 2001. **Agricultural numbers are calculated from 400 test meter wells and assuming an application rate of 10 inches.
Unlike municipal and industrial, agricultural withdrawals are permitted but actual usage is not reported.
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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.
lea_king@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us

Contributors to this issue: Nancy Butler, Mark Dodd, Mary Elfner, Fred Hay,
Jill Huntington, Lea King, Jan Mackinnon, Paul Medders, Susan Shipman, 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 2003 edition is March 14, 2003. We welcome suggestions
of articles and photography.

Georgia Sound

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