Georgia sound, Vol. 9, no. 3 (July - Sept. 2003

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

JULY-SEPTEMBER , 2003
By: Lea King Public Affairs Coordinator

Sound VOL.9, NO.3
Annual Parent-Child Fishing Derby . . . Full of Fishing FUN!

Photos by: Susan Shipman

What was the "catch of the day" at the annual Parent-Child Fishing Derby this year? Well, plenty of smiles, giggles, wiggles, fun....and of course ....fish (O.K. And a few turtles too)! The 13th annual event on Saturday, June 7 at the West Mackay River fishing pier in Brunswick was the "kick off" to summer fun in the Golden Isles.
More than 200 kids between the ages of 5-12 entered the catch-and-release derby competition of the Saturday morning event. With an emphasis on fishing education and fun, this family event is free to the first 225 registered kids in the 5-12 age group. Family members and siblings are also welcome to come and enjoy the morning and the awards picnic.
The Derby is held each year in early June as part of the observance for National Fishing and Boating Week. It is organized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, Brunswick YWCA, and the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic. Sponsors for the 2003 event were McDonalds and Michael's Deli.

Inside This Issue:
Annual Parent-Child Fishing Derby
Marsh Act Amendments Benefit Residential Property Owners

CoastFest 2003! Seaside Canine Etiquette News from the Marine Fisheries Section Georgia Power Continues Project Support

CRD Launches New Web Site GCMP Hosts Developers Workshop Blue Crab Fishery Seeks Federal Aid Rough-toothed Dolphins Visit Jekyll

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Susan Shipman

From the Director's Desk
SHIP TO SHORE... Coastal Resources Division Director

Marsh Act Amendments Benefit Residential Property Owners

The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970 (Marsh Act) created the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee, which evaluates and acts upon requests to impact coastal marshlands. Among the most frequent requests associated with tidal marshlands are requests to build private recreational docks. Years ago, the Marsh Act was amended to allow property owners with single-family dwellings to obtain private recreational dock permits through a streamlined permitting and revocable license process, without having to obtain a Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee permit.
A recent amendment to the Marsh Act extends that same exemption to vacant, residential properties. Companion legislation to accomplish this exemption was introduced during the 2003 Georgia General Assembly in both the House and the Senate. Representatives Terry Barnard (121 ,st P1), Buddy DeLoach (127th), Burke Day (126th), Jerry Keen (146th), and Cecily Hill (147th) sponsored House Bill 178, while Senators Tommie Williams (19th), Eric Johnson (1st), Thomas Price (56th), and Peg Blitch (7th) sponsored Senate Bill 94. The Senate version passed both chambers of the Legislature.
Beginning July 1 private recreational docks on vacant lots are now handled the same as docks associated with existing residences. There are qualifiers to the exemption. Vacant lots must have a minimum of 50 frontage feet on the marsh, and must be zoned as a residential property.
There remains some confusion regarding what permissions are needed to build a dock. While the 2003 amendments to the Marsh Act exempt most private recreational docks from the Marsh Act permitting process, no structure can be built without authorization from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Prior to constructing a private recreational dock, applicants must complete and submit an Army Corps of Engineers Programmatic General Permit (PGP0083) Joint Application to both the DNR Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and the Army Corps of Engineers, and a Revocable License. The State issues the Programmatic General Permit on behalf of the Corps. The Revocable License is a Constitutional authority provided to the Governor to protect State owned lands, which in turn has been delegated to the Department.
Private recreational docks authorized through the Programmatic General Permit process are required to comply with certain specifications for fixed walkways, fixed docks, boat hoists, connecting ramps, floating docks, pilings, and screened dock houses. Walkways over marsh areas can be a maximum of 6 feet wide, and the dock and associated structures cannot extend more than 33% or 40 feet into the waterway at low tide (which ever is less). There are maximum square footage allowances for fixed decks and floating docks. Fixed dock houses must be open-sided and enclosed only with screen and wainscoting not to exceed 3 feet high. The dock house may not be enclosed with wood, glass, fiberglass, metal, or any other solid type materials. No fixed or floating docks may be constructed over marsh vegetation. Walkways that span navigable tributaries must be bridged so that navigation is not impeded. The bridge must have an adequate clearance at high tide for vessels anticipated on the waterway, usually 6 feet from mean high water line. Individuals wanting to build a dock exceeding the above dimensions must request an Individual Permit (IP) from the Corps of Engineers.
So what is the impact of this legislation? DNR annually issues 200 or more Revocable Licenses for private recreational docks in the six ocean-facing counties (Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Liberty, Bryan, and Chatham). With more people retiring or moving to the Georgia coast, this number is expected to increase. Some individuals are not ready to construct a residence on their waterfront property but want to build a dock to enjoy water based recreation. The provisions of the 2003 amendments to the Marsh Act will enable them to more easily do that.
For more information on private recreational docks and the permitting process contact the DNR CRD at (912) 2647218, or visit our website at: http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us

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CooaassttFeesstt 2003!
Catch the Excitement!
Largest celebration of georgia's coastal natural resources

What attracts over 5,000 visitors, spot-lights coastal resources and critters, has a little something for everyone and is packed with surprises and excitement? Why it's COASTFEST of course! Held annually on the first Saturday of October, this day-long educational festival is a FREE, highly interactive event for the entire family. Hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD), COASTFEST takes place at the Division's headquarters along the Marshes of Glynn in Brunswick.

COASTFEST 2003 will take place on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and will be held rain or shine. Touted as a celebration, COASTFEST is just that; a celebration of Georgia's rich and vast coastal natural resources where visitors are encouraged to explore the secrets and hidden treasures of our coastal natural world. With over 90 interactive exhibitors, activity areas and three scheduled performers, COASTFEST 2003 has something for everyone! Come be a part of the fun and Catch the Excitement at COASTFEST 2003!

For more detailed COASTFEST info, log onto CRD's new web site at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us and look for COASTFEST!

S O 4 aturday, ctober
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
DNR Headquarters Brunswick

RReGCeGCssoeooeoaCoaCouusrosrorrttgmgmcacaieieeealalss''&s&NsNFFaLeaLeEEtsatsantnuturrjijirrgvogvoaaeayaeysllslltt!!

Rain or shine FREE AAddmmiissssiioonn!!

No pets Allowed

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By: Lea King Public Affairs Coordinator

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Salty Paws and Sandy Feet
Seaside Etiquette for You and Your Canine Companion

By: Celia Cackowski Sr. Research Assistant

Meet our friend Maya. She will help guide us through canine seaside etiquette.

Maya knows that wearing a leash is an important and necessary part of her visits
to Georgia's beaches.

A trip to the beach can be a very rewarding way to spend quality time with your dog. It is important to remember, however, that the beach is shared with other people, pets, and wildlife. The following are answers to the most commonly asked questions about bringing dogs to Georgia beaches.
Is my dog allowed on the beach?
Ordinances regarding dogs on the beach vary widely. Most municipalities require that dogs be kept off the beach during certain hours of the day and/or certain times of the year. Some only allow dogs on specific beaches and others have banned dogs altogether. All require that your dog remain on a leash. Violators risk being fined, so it is best to check local laws before bringing along your canine companion. Following are ordinances for Georgia's most popular public beaches:
Tybee Island ~ No dogs are permitted at any time.
St. Simons Island ~ Leashed dogs are permitted north of First Street and west of Mallory Street. Dogs are not permitted between these areas from 9AM-5PM Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Jekyll Island ~ Leashed dogs are permitted on the beach.

Why does my dog need to be on a leash?
In areas that dogs are allowed they must be kept on leash. This is for your dog's safety and for the safety of other beachgoers and wildlife.

Shorebirds
If you are going to a remote beach, leave your dog at home. Dogs are effective predators and often disturb shorebirds that are nesting in the sand. Dogs can crush or eat young chicks or flush the parents off nests allowing other predators easy access to them. To minimize interactions with nesting birds keep your dog at home.

Maya stops to read a beach entrance sign that encourages dog owners to "clean up" after their canine friends
during outings to the beach.

Do not allow your dog to chase birds on the beach. Several species of birds use Georgia beaches as critical stopovers during their long migrations. When forced to flee from dogs, birds expend extra calories and dip into their fat reserves. Chronic disturbance of resting birds can compromise their health and burns valuable energy needed for migration.
Sea Turtles

From late spring through early fall, loggerhead sea turtles come to nest on Georgia's shores. Please take precautions to ensure your dog does not disturb adult turtles, their nests, or hatchlings. Do not allow your dog to dig above the high tide line and do not bring your pets to the beach after dark when females are laying eggs.
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~ Continued from Page 4 ~

Encountering other dogs

While we all like to think that our dogs are well mannered, it is important to remember that the canine social structure is quite different from that of humans. Anywhere that large numbers of dogs congregate the occasional fight is inevitable. Keeping your dog on a leash will minimize negative encounters with other dogs and give you better control of your pet if they are involved in a scuffle. Dogs with a history of aggression are best left at home.

Why do I need to pick up my dog's waste...won't the tide wash it away?

The tide will wash it away...and that's the problem. Recently, dog waste on the beach has received a lot of attention. Not only is it unpleasant for beachgoers, but it also poses a very real health threat to swimmers and other dogs. Fecal coliform bacteria in seawater, tied to dog waste on the beach, can make people and animals very ill. In some cases, these bacteria can reach levels that require the local Health Department to issue a swimmers' health advisory. To ensure that your dog is not contributing to this problem, always clean up your dog's waste and deposit it in an appropriate trash receptacle.
How can I keep my dog safe at the beach?

The American Kennel Club has provided the following guidelines to help you make your dog's trip to the beach an enjoyable one:
When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade. Dogs can get sunburned just like humans, so limit your dog's exposure to the hot sun and apply a zinc-free sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their feet just as easily as we can. Cool ocean water is very tempting to a dog. Don't allow your dog to drink too much seawater. This can cause diarrhea or vomiting and quickly dehydrate them. Check with lifeguards for daily water conditions. Dogs can be easy targets for jellyfish. Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs, but don't let them overdo it. They will be using new muscles and may tire quickly. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament. If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand. The beach can present many hazards for your dog. Things to watch out for include boats, fishhooks, dead fish, garbage, and broken glass. Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

New Canine Waste Disposal Units Available at Georgia Beaches
Dog owners will now find it much easier at several Georgia beaches to "clean up" after their canine friends. Plastic bag dispensers have been installed that provide dog owners with disposal bags to utilize when "nature calls" for their pups. After use, the bags can just be deposited in any beach trash receptacle.
Maya and her dog friends are happy to see the new disposal units and urge other dog owners to take advantage of this service.

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Short Strikes

By: Spud Woodward Assistant Director for
Marine Fisheries

News from the Marine Fisheries Section

Georgia Shrimp Fishery Disaster Assistance Plan Approved
In mid-July, NOAA approved Georgia's plan for the distribution of approximately $3.3 million of financial assistance allocated through the FY03 Federal Omnibus Budget Bill. An Oversight Committee comprised of leaders in Georgia's shrimp industry worked diligently to develop a plan that is fair and equitable. The majority of these funds (67%) will be used for direct assistance to vessel owners, crew, and dealers, while the remaining amount will be used for marketing and to address some persistent problems such as skyrocketing shrimp trawler insurance rates. The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (MAREX) working with the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center will handle the distribution of the funds. The Coastal Resources Division will work with MAREX to provide the licensing information needed to determine eligibility. For more information contact Richard Vendetti at MAREX at (912) 264-7268.
Demolition of Old Sidney Lanier Bridge Underway
With a resounding boom, several hundred pounds of carefully placed dynamite were exploded and one of the main supports for the old Sidney Lanier Bridge lift span was no more. There is a sense of urgency to remove all of the lift span supports so that large container ships may safely enter the Port of Brunswick, and that is the current focus of the Scott Bridge, the demolition contractor. Plans call for the concrete material from the old bridge to be deployed at artificial reefs in the Atlantic Ocean near the Golden Isles. The Georgia Department of Transportation and the Coastal Resources Division will continue to work with Scott Bridge so as to maximize the opportunities for artificial reef enhancement. Hopefully, several barge loads of material will be deployed by late 2003.
New Fishing Guide Survey Begins
Each year, thousands of Georgia residents and visitors alike engage the services of a guide to take them to the best fishing spots in coastal waters. Since these guides spend so much time on the water and have a better than average fishing success rate, they are a vital source of information about the health of our coastal fish populations. Recognizing this, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) is collaborating with the National Marine Fisheries Service to make sure that these guides have a better opportunity to be partners in fisheries management. Each week, a 10% sample of participating guides will be contacted and asked to keep a record of the number of trips and participants. This information will be combined with the fish catch data collected dockside. Given the positive results from a similar effort in the Gulf of Mexico, it is anticipated that the quality of information available for fisheries management decisions in Georgia will improve. For more information on this survey contact Kathy Knowlton at CRD at (912) 264-7218.
Shortnose Sturgeon Workshop Held in Savannah
In July, over 60 scientists and fishery policy makers from Canada to Florida converged on the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) in Savannah to discuss the status of populations of the endangered shortnose sturgeon. Hosted by AASU, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ft. Stewart, this landmark event was organized by Tom Bryce of Ft. Stewart's Fish and Wildlife Branch. Over the course of three days a variety of topics from genetics to river flow to contaminants were discussed. While populations of this primitive fish seem to be healthy in northern areas, populations in some southern rivers are dangerously low. In fact, the population size in the Ogeechee River is estimated to be no more than 300 fish, most of which are older adults. Representatives from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the lead agency responsible for shortnose sturgeon population recovery, committed to making the species a higher priority and to forming implementation teams to put the recovery plan into action. For more information contact Tom Bryce at (912) 767-5477.
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Georgia Power Continues Support of CRD Fish Carcass Recovery Project

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By: Nancy Butler Public Affairs Coordinator

Coastal Resources Division's (CRD) Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries Spud Woodward has announced that the Georgia Power Company, through the Georgia Power Foundation, made a second $10,000 donation to the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project. "The leadership of Georgia Power sees this unique partnership between anglers, the business community, and fishery managers as important to the future of fishing in our state," said Woodward. "We are thrilled to have their continued support."

Now in its seventh year, the Carcass Recovery Project

brings together anglers, fishing guides, the business

Hunter Glenn (L), a recreational fisherman, receives a "Hooked on Conservation" cap from marine biologist
Paul Medders, for participating in CRD's Carcass Recovery Program.

community, scientists, and fishery managers for the purpose of gathering biological data on fish populations. Anglers donate the carcasses of popular saltwater fish like seatrout and red drum by depositing them in chest freezers located at

select access points along the Georgia coast. Biologists use

these fish carcasses to build a database that contributes to better fish population assessments and

ultimately better fishery management decisions.

Since the project's beginning in 1997 almost 20,000 fish carcasses have been processed for biological data. "Our coastal resources are valuable to all residents of Georgia, and the Carcass Recovery Project is providing better data with which to manage these resources," commented Georgia Power executive Ben Harris. "Our donation will be used along with federal and state funds to help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the thrill of catching a trophy redfish or speckled trout."

For more information on CRD's Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project, contact Spud Woodward of CRD at (912) 264-7218 or via Email: spud_woodward@dnr.state.ga.us.

CRD Marine Technician Donna McDowell analyzes otoliths (ear bones) from fish carcasses gathered from the Carcass Recovery Project for research projects and studies.
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CRD Launches

By: Michael Chadwell Project Manager
DNR Program Support Division

New Web Site

Coastal Resources Division (CRD) announces the availability of the division's completely re-designed web site. Created in association with the Program Support Division (PSD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the new web site provides a fresh look, easier customer navigation, and the latest news and items of interest.

"Our new web site is much easier for viewers to use," said Susan Shipman, Director of Coastal Resources Division. "Because we now manage our site directly from our offices, we can update information on the site immediately."

Viewers of the new site will still find many of the same informative brochures, publications, and links. However, the site has been reorganized for a more logical flow to make it easier for viewers to find information of interest to them. Additional new material and information categories have been added as well to make the site even more informative and user friendly.

The site is the result of hundreds of man-hours of work from the staff at CRD. Work started "behind the scenes" months ago, when a team of CRD web content specialists attended a two-day training session by the Program Support Division on PSD's Content Manager System, which is used to create and maintain the site. Afterward, the team spent weeks building the new site, editing existing material, writing new material, deleting items no longer relevant, and refining the site before officially launching it on July 15th.

"This new `hands-on' technology allows us to better manage the CRD site for the benefit of all Georgians," said Shipman. " We look forward to bringing Georgians the latest, most up-to-date information for Georgia's coastal region."

For more information, and to see the new site, visit us at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Coastal Resources Division

Coastal Management Program
About the Coastal Management Program, Coastal Incentive Grant Program, Local Government Assistance, Water Quality Research Projects
Current Events
Career Opportunities, Press Releases, Public Notices, Special Events
General Information
Citizen Advisory Groups/Committees, Contact Us, Web Site Policies
Permits
A Permit is Needed When..., Beach Driving, Coastal Marshlands Protection Act Permits, Federal Consistency, Private Recreational Dock Permits, Revocable Licenses and Nationwide Permits, Shore Protection Act Permits

Commercial Fishing
Landings and Licensing Statistics, Meetings, Press Relseases, Programs and Projects, Regulations, Species of the Month
Education and Outreach
Beaches, CoastFest, Critter Corner, Earth Day Nature Trail & Pavilion, Georgia Sound Newsletter Archives, Publications, Videos & TV Programs
Laws and Regulations
Beach Driving Rules, Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, Federal Consistency Regulations, Shore Protection Act
Saltwater Recreational Fishing
Artificial Reefs, Boating Information, Fisheries Management, Fishing Education and Information, Fishing Licenses & Regulations, Research Projects

Quick Links
Artificial Reefs Tide Information Marine Forecast Weather Conditions & Forecast Where Can I Launch a Boat? Recreational Fishing Licenses Saltwater Fishing Regulations Saltwater Gamefish Records Current Beach Advisories Commercial Landings Statistics Current Georgia Sound Newsletter Species of the Month Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Talking Your Dog to the Beach Cumberland Island National Seashore Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

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GCMP and You

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Georgia Coastal Management Program
By: Jan Mackinnon Hosts Workshop for Developers
Coastal Technical Assistant
On June 26, 2003 the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) along with the DNR Pollution, Prevention Assistance Division, the Savannah Homebuilders Association, EarthCraft Housing, and the Georgia Concrete and Products Association hosted a Green Developer Workshop in Savannah. The workshop, "Coastal Conservation Communities...New Ideas for Development along the Georgia Coast," brought together builders, developers, architects, surveyors, land planners, engineers, contractors, local governments and non-profit organizations to hear presentations on conservation communities and new techniques for building natural resource-friendly homes.
Why such a workshop? By the year 2015, 75% of Americans will live within a short driving distance to the coast. Currently, some areas of coastal Georgia are growing faster than metro Atlanta. In conjunction with an increase in population comes an increase in the demand for housing. Unfortunately, with such a demand placed on builders, we often end up destroying what attracts people to the coast in the first place our natural resources. We are losing approximately 1 million trees per year due to development and it has been estimated that 1.5 truckloads of sediment per acre of development ends up in our rivers.
What did we learn? Conservation communities, commonly referred to as cluster developments or conservation subdivisions, have been shown to be just as, if not more, profitable than traditional communities. If you can reduce road widths and right-of-ways, you can protect pre-existing trees, slow traffic through neighborhoods, have less impervious surfaces, create more sidewalks for recreation, protect native wildlife habitats and corridors, and allow a more community based, relaxed place to live.
Additionally, while planning a conservation community, there are techniques to use in the actual construction of homes in order to increase natural resource efficiency. These techniques are often referred to as Green Building techniques. What are the benefits of a green building? Energy savings, recycled buildings, reduction of material use, and water savings. "Green techniques" also benefit builders by being more profitable. There is a cost savings associated with the reduction of materials, reduced callbacks associated with the certification of being a Green Builder, and there is better subcontractor performance. Benefits to the buyer include lower utility costs, reduced maintenance, greater comfort, and a health enhanced home. Due to the ventilation used, Green Buildings have been shown to alleviate allergies in children.
Currently there are federal funds available to implement Green building techniques. For more information please contact CRD's Jill Huntington at (912) 262-3053 or jill_huntington@dnr.state.ga.us.

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SUMMER ,2003

"No crabs" signs have been a frequent sight in coastal Georgia.

Blue Crab Fishery
Seeks Federal Aid
On May 8, 2003, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), on behalf of the US Secretary of Commerce, declared a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster in Georgia's blue crab fishery. The commercial hard blue crab harvests from 2000, 2001, and 2002 were the lowest on record. It appears that the 2003 harvest will also be far below average. Now that a formal declaration has been issued, Congress may appropriate funds to provide financial assistance to harvesters and other affected parties. The need for financial assistance in the blue crab fishery is urgent, and in most cases immediate.

Over 18 months ago, concerned crabbers asked the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) to investigate options for financial assistance. CRD first checked with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and found that the situation with Georgia's blue crab fishery did not fit the criteria for a "sudden" event. CRD has indicated that the drop in abundance of blue crab is mostly due to the extended drought and affects of the drought, such as a proliferation of the crab disease Hematodinium sp. According to the SBA, a drought does not qualify as a sudden event, although the Department of Agriculture does use it as a source of a disaster. Therefore, there was little chance that harvesters would receive small interest loans.

CRD investigated other options under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This federal regulation allows for the US Secretary of Commerce to declare a fishery failure due to known or unknown causes, even if the fishery is prosecuted within state waters. This section of the law has been in place since 1996 and has been used on numerous occasions to assist states and their fishermen.

Most notably, in 1999, the American lobster population in the western Long Island Sound suffered a sudden die-off for unknown reasons. The fishery was declared a disaster and funding was appropriated through the US Congress.

With these case studies in mind, CRD requested the Governor petition the Secretary of Commerce to have a fishery failure declared in this fishery. On December 11, 2002, then Governor Roy Barnes did just that. During the following months, CRD corresponded with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a branch within the Dept. of Commerce, supplying data to support the request. On May 8, 2003, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Dr. William Hogarth, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, declared that the Georgia blue crab fishery had experienced a fishery failure.

This declaration means that CRD and Georgia's commercial blue crab fishermen are not alone in believing that Georgia's crab landings are at a critically low point. To the crab harvester, it means that Georgia's congressional delegation may now seek an appropriation to fund the declaration.

In May, CRD staff and members of the Blue Crab Issues Subcommittee met with local staff aides representing Senators Miller and Chambliss and Representative Burns. In early June, CRD staff and State Representative Bob Lane, Chairman of the House Game, Fish, and Parks Committee, met with the Washington staff of those elected officials and Representative Kingston's staff. On June 19, Representatives Kingston, Burns and Linder sent a letter to the House of Representatives Appropriations committee, initiating the request for an appropriations bill. In the letter, $2.3 million was requested for direct aid to fishermen and $1.53 million was requested for a five-year comprehensive blue crab research and surveys plan. These funds would provide much needed financial support to the harvester as well as provide for the implementation of directed research efforts towards blue crabs in Georgia.

It appears that the 2003 commercial blue crab harvest will continue the downward trend of the past several years.

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P A G E 11

Rough-toothed Dolphins Visit Jekyll Island By: Leigh Youngner Marine Mammal Technician DNR Non-game Endangered Wildlife Division

Although it looked like a movie scene, the dolphin stranding did not take place on a Hollywood sound stage, but instead on Georgia's Jekyll Island.

Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are known as a pelagic species since they typically occupy offshore habitats in the open ocean. They rarely occur close to land or inshore areas inside the continental shelf. It's a rare event to have these animals in Georgia. On July 18, 2003, 17 of these beautiful dolphins beached themselves on Jekyll Island, which became Georgia's second known mass-stranding event. Mass strandings occur when a group of marine mammals come ashore out of their habitat. Prior to this event, the only other known mass stranding and occurrence of this species in Georgia was on August 21, 1999 when five rough-toothed dolphins beached on Wassaw Island. Those animals had to be euthanized due to the fact they had been out of the water for too long. Fortunately, for the rough-tooths that visited Jekyll, the beach was well populated and the stranding was reported before it was too late. This species is known to occasionally strand in large groups. In 1997, 62 individuals came ashore on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Non-game and Endangered Wildlife Program responds to marine mammal stranding events along the Georgia coast. Normally, the MMSN in Georgia gets reports of dead bottlenose dolphins that wash ashore and the occasional pygmy sperm whale that strands live on the beach due to natural health problems or a human related illness such as a gut full of plastic bags. Other species documented as strandings in our state include humpback whales, right whales, Cuvier's beaked whales, Bryde's whale, Risso's dolphins, spinner dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, short-fin pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, and dwarf sperm whales. Mass strandings are few and far between especially in Georgia making this event quite an experience for all involved.

When the Georgia MMSN arrived on scene the morning of July 18, 2003 we found the 17 rough-toothed dolphins in the shallows between the sandbar and shore. We immediately began assessing the health and sex of each individual. We found there to be nine females, seven males, and one unknown calf that never would let us examine it. The calf was an interesting individual. It swam frantically during the whole event in circles around the rest of the pod which was to my amazement very calm and cooperative. It was like they knew we were trying to help. One large female appeared to be in poor health compared to the rest of the pod. She was not breathing regularly, opening her eyes, or floating upright on her own. After correspondence with the Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator, Blair Mase, the DNR-MMSN made the decision to attempt the release of the animals in hopes that they would head east, back to their offshore habitat. Everyone including the DNR-MMSN and gracious volunteers lined up the animals and when the helicopter arrived on site they were released. They began to head east then suddenly followed the sick female back to the beach. This was expected by the DNR-MMSN and she was immediately pulled out of the water and all 16 remaining were pushed off the shore. Unfortunately, this female seemed to be their leader and therefore a possible reason the entire pod came ashore in the first place. She had to be euthanized so the others could live. Many times in the past when euthanasia is relied upon the involved public does not understand. It is easy for humans to get attached to such a charismatic animal as a rough-toothed dolphin, especially after spending hours with them in their element in hopes you could save them. In this case the public seemed to understand after seeing the reaction of the animals to her behavior.

After she was euthanized, the animals came ashore two more times. We again pushed them back to deeper water in hopes they would head back to the deep blue. To watch the pod throughout the event was completely breathtaking. The way they interacted together as a pod through vocalizations and with the volunteers was humbling. It makes one realize the extreme intelligence cetaceans possess. Finally, after four hours of swimming up and down the beach in what appeared to be a reorganization of their social structure, they headed offshore in a very close-knit pod.

The DNR-MMSN considered the outcome of this event a success. Losing one animal out of 17 was a complete surprise and a rare reality for all marine mammalstranding networks. The euthanized female was transported to the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters for a thorough necropsy with Dr. Terry Norton of St. Catherine's Island Wildlife Survival Center. At this time, the cause of her illness and reason she led the pod to shore is unknown but we hope that samples taken during the necropsy will reveal this mystery.

I would like to thank Brad Winn, Mark Dodd, Adam Mackinnon, Phil Flournoy, Catherine Arning, Kara Capandonis, Dr. Terry Norton, and everyone on the beach that day who dedicated their time to assisting the MMSN during this stranding event. Without the help of everyone involved this event could have easily resulted in the loss of many more than one individual dolphin.

Volunteers got the experience of a lifetime while helping get the stranded dolphins back out to sea.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

PAGE 12

THE GEORGIA SOUND

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CRD Has New Web Site!

Hhttp://crd.dnr.state.ga.us
After many months of hard work by a dedicated team of Coastal Resources Division (CRD) staffers, CRD is proud to present its brand new and improved web site! This new site offers users a multitude of new categories and information areas and strives to be user friendly and easy to follow. Go ahead! Take a look!

The Georgia Sound is produced quarterly by the Georgia Coastal Management Program. If you would like more information on the
Georgia Coastal Management Program, visit our web site at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us
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@dnr.state.ga.us

Contributors to this issue: Nancy Butler, Celia Cackowski, Michael Chadwell, Doug Haymans, Jan Mackinnon, Susan Shipman,
Spud Woodward, and Leigh Youngner. This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Deadline for the Fall 2003 edition is September 1, 2003. We welcome suggestions
of articles and photography.

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

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