Southern tides november 2017

all about the water November 2017

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all about the water CREW Publisher/Editor - Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com The Bitter End Columnist - Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill jgaryhill@gmail.com Around the Reef Columnist - Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov Ebb & Flow Columnist - Trey Leggett info@southerntidesmagazine.com Taste of the Tides - Jackie Ogden jogden@uga.edu Did You Know? - Alisia Holland info@southerntidesmagazine.com Contributing Writer - Emily Woodward ewoodward@uga.edu Contributing Writer - Jessica Scott jscott@jekyllisland.com Contributing Writer - Elena Richards elena@savannahriverkeeper.org Social Media Manager - Kyara Mejia kyarajanetmejia@gmail.com

Copyright Š 2015-2017

All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.

Southern Tides is a free magazine published monthly and can be found at multiple locations from St. Marys, GA, to Beaufort, SC.

PO Box 30724 Wilmington Island, GA 31410 (912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com www.issuu.com/SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine Follow us on Instagram @ southerntides_mag Follow us on Twitter @ AllAboutTheWater Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, GA

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I n the T ides 5

Editor's Note - The Burger Boat

9

Ebb & Flow - Fall Harvest II

6

Community Updates

11 Around the Reef

13 Did You Know? - Mantis Shrimp 13 Taste of the Tides Crab and Corn Chowder 14 DNR Logbook Trammel Netting

18 Oyster Roast for Reason Promo 20 Bobcat Rescue on Jekyll Island 23 Ocean to Table: Blue Crab 25 Saving Ebenezer Creek

27 Georgia's First Oyster Hatchery 29 What's Going On ...

30 The Bitter End Hustle and Bustle

About the Cover:

This photo of Ebenezer Creek, a unique and rare blackwater creek in Effingham County, shows what remains of pilings from the road where George Washington crossed the waterway on a tour of the South after the Revolutionary War.

Photo by Amy Thurman

Wishing You Each a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Community Focus Meeting Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 p.m.

The Zulu Discovery team has identified numerous areas of concentrated marine debris in Chatham County using both aerial and marine resources. Many areas that look innocuous from the ground or water level, including many areas in the Wilmington River, prove to hold debris from docks and other structures torn apart during Hurricane Matthew. Much of this debris still contains bolts and nails, and is still in sections large enough to present a hazard to life and property should it re-enter navigable waters.

There is also significant debris present in protected areas and wildlife habitats.

Although Chatham County is taking steps to find a solution, funding for clean-up is not readily available.

Zulu and Southern Tides are working to start a community focus project in an effort to raise both awareness and funding for clean-up.

During extreme fall tides, debris can dislodge and return to the waterways presenting hazards to navigation and causing damage to docked vessels and wildlife.

If your home or business is on or adjacent to the Wilmington River, or other areas with structural debris, we urge you to join us for a Community Focus meeting.

No obligation is required, this is simply an information sharing discussion. If you know other homeowners or businesses that could potentially be impacted, please share this information.

Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 p.m.

2424 Drayton Street

(One Hundred Miles office) amy@southerntidesmagazine.com (912) 544-5520 or visit our facebook page Matthew Debris Focus Group

Sponsored in part by Zulu Marine and Southern Tides Magazine

E ditor’s N ote

their food boat in Beaufort County waters.

“They were so friendly and helpful,” Steve said. “They actually understood that I can’t haul the boat out every day and take it to a free-standing kitchen. They came to the boat and inspected it, and when I got the final approval, everyone in their office was happy and excited for me!”

Steve and Margo live, work and pay taxes in Chatham County, but apparently Beaufort County was better able to appreciate the business tax revenue and the benefit to the community, where Chatham County was not. The Martin’s understanding is that if they can’t meet food truck requirements of being attached to a free-standing kitchen, they won’t be issued a license. In spite of the fact that they are not operating a food truck, but a fully-equipped kitchen. The county has refused repeated requests to inspect the boat and simply will not work with the Martins.

Over the next month, Southern Tides will attempt to contact the Chatham County health department, as well as the County

E

very once in a while, someone comes up with an idea that makes you stop and think, “Wow! How awesome would that be?”

I had that thought this month. My friend Billy Gartside called and said he wanted to introduce me to Steve Martin, who happens to be the brother of another friend of ours, Eddie Martin.

“Steve and his wife are trying to start a food boat.”

“A food boat? You mean like a food truck, but on the water?”

“Yep!” The first thing that crossed my mind was those Saturdays spent on the beach when it takes two hours to load the boat with all our gear, coolers, food and drinks, and how much easier it would be to just order lunch rather than load it, unload it, fix everyone’s plates, clean everything up, repack the coolers, load them back on the boat, then off the boat again when we get home.

And that I’d rather eat a hot cheeseburger than a soggy bologna sandwich, any day of the week.

My second thought was that this was the epitome of the American Dream. Having a new and interesting idea that combines things you love and putting it to work to support yourself and the community. I’m kind of familiar with that concept.

My third thought was that he was going to have to make sure the boat didn’t pump waste overboard and that he in no way impacted the water, or he was going to have an uphill battle making his dream a reality.

When I met Steve and his wife Margo at The Burger Boat a few days later, I was impressed to find that they’d thought of everything. All waste goes into a holding tank and their operation leaves no trace that they were ever there. Other than satisfied customers.

The 28-foot pontoon boat has been outfitted as a floating kitchen.

Chest freezers, a cold prep table, upright refrigerator, three-basin sink, and a propane-powered grill and pizza ovens. River Services helped them with the appropriate safety gear, so they not only met, but exceeded Coast Guard standards to get their inspected vessel certification. James, with Dark Arc Marine, reworked the stern, designing and installing an aluminum frame to secure the propane and gas tanks. Maricom Navigation rewired the boat to accommodate the kitchen equipment so it could be connected to shore power at the dock and run off a generator underway or at anchor.

I’m sure you can imagine the expense that went into this, but Steve and Margo looked at it as an investment. “This is a semi-retirement for Steve,” Margo said. “And it’s something we can do together on weekends and over the summers when I’m not teaching.”

When work on the boat was nearly complete, they got started on the red tape that comes with being able to open and operate a business. They contacted the DNR and were pleased to learn there was no conflict from there. When they had completed all requirements for a business license from Chatham County except the food service portion, they moved on to the Chatham County Health Department, and there they hit a wall. A big, ugly, and somewhat vindictive wall, that ended with the words, “Under no circumstances are you to operate that boat.”

So this creative and determined couple drove across the river to Beaufort County where they got a much warmer reception. Within two weeks, they had all the necessary licenses and permits to operate November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

Margo and Steve with The Burger Boat, ready to get to work feeding us!

Photo by Amy Thurman

Commissioners, to learn why the obstacles presented can’t be overcome. Food boats do not yet exist in Chatham County, so it’s unclear how the County can classify a previously non-existent entity without even inspecting the operation or exploring potential options that would allow this business to open and contribute to the local economy.

While our government (at all levels) has a responsibility to the safety of the public, does it not also have a responsibility to provide reasonable access to business ownership?

Look for a full article next month. For those of you in Beaufort County, look The Burger Boat SAV up on Facebook to see when they’ll be in your area.

Amy Thurman Editor in Chief

amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

5

Community Updates

Gray's Reef Personnel Honored with Awards

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Director, John Armor, announced that communications and public outreach coordinator Michelle Riley, and the “Georgia Public Broadcasting Live Exploration of Gray's Reef” won the Sea to Shining Sea: Excellence in Interpretation and Education Award. Michelle and the Live Exploration of Gray's Reef are recognized for the creation of a livestream, virtual dive event featuring Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary that engaged more than 45,000 viewers from 44 states, as well as internationally. During the live event, viewers were introduced to GRNMS through underwater video, heard from scientists, and had the chance to send questions in to be answered live. This program directly introduced tens of thousands of mostly elementary and middle school students to the wonders of Gray's Reef and the challenges it faces. Michelle will be presented this award in Spokane, Wa., at the National Association of Interpretation’s annual conference this month.

In addition, Captain Todd Recicar, marine operations coordinator, Michelle Riley (left) and Todd Recicar to receive awards for their work. and Michelle Riley, have each been named a 2017 National Ocean Service Photo provided by GRNMS Team Member of the Year. Assistant Administrator Russell Callender, Ph.D., stated in his announcement that NOS Awards “recognize outstanding contributions in support of the National Ocean Service mission.” Team Member of the Year awards are presented to members of the workforce who are not NOAA Federal employees. Todd and Michelle (the only recipients from the National Marine Sanctuaries System) will be presented with these awards in Washington, D.C., at the National Ocean Service Awards ceremony in December.

Wilmington River Hurricane Debris Community Meeting Nov. 28

Significant debris from Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma remains along the Wilmington River in Chatham County. Large sections of docks and broken pilings, much of it with hardware attached, are still littering the waterway and marsh, presenting hazards to navigation and and causing damage to docked vessels and wildlife.

Although Chatham County is taking steps to find a solution, funding for the clean-up is not readily available.

Zulu Marine Services and Southern Tides Magazine will co-host a community focus meeting on Tuesday, November 28, to begin open discussions on possible solutions. A presentation will be given with images of the debris, funding plans will be presented, and local and state officials have been invited to attend.

If you own property adjacent to, or a business relying on the Wilmington River, you are directly impacted by this problem. Please plan to attend to learn more and contribute your thoughts.

The meeting will be held at the One Hundred Miles organization’s office at 2424 Drayton Street, Savannah, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28. For more information please call (912) 544-5220 or email amy@ southerntidesmagazine.com.

Large debris fields still remain along the Wilmington River.

Photo provided by Zulu Marine Services

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UGA Preparing Communities for Hurricanes

Using information gathered from focus groups in coastal communities, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is working with researchers from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to better understand how to communicate hurricane risks so the public will take necessary precautions before a storm.

“Storm surge is often the deadliest and most destructive part of a hurricane,” said Jill Gambill, community resilience specialist with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “When a hurricane threatens a community, it is important for coastal residents to understand the risks from storm surge and know what to do to be safe.”

Focus group members in Beaufort, S.C., Brunswick Ga., and Savannah, Ga. were asked about their knowledge of storm surge, to reflect on their experiences during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and to analyze experimental maps and animations created by the research team that depicted a hypothetical storm surge forecast.

“The discussions revealed reasons why people might not evacuate, challenges in forecast comprehension and new ways to visualize hurricane risks,” Gambill said.

For example, some focus group participants did not evacuate during Hurricane Matthew because they weren’t aware of the potential for storm surge flooding. Others didn’t leave due to caring for pets and dependent family members, and some waited until it was too late to safely leave.

Feedback from the communities is driving the development of a set of outreach tools, including videos, infographics, handouts and social media messages to raise public awareness of vulnerabilities to major storms.

The focus groups are part of a larger research project funded by the National Science Foundation and Georgia Sea Grant called “Communicating Hazard Information in the Modern Environment,” which aims to improve how hazardous weather risks are communicated as a way to reduce harm and enhance resilience.

Some of the messages were circulated in September as Hurricane Irma approached the U.S. mainland. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant shared the products with local governments, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and coastal residents.

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Ebb & F low Fall Harvest Part 2 of 3 - Cool Specks

By Trey Leggett

I

Above: Chandler Wilkinson with a speckled trout.

Photo by Austin Leggett

t’s fall on our coast and special events are happening with inshore fishing. Last month we talked about the arrival of big redfish and this month we’re going talk about the fun, fighting and delicious speckled trout (aka seatrout, spotted trout, speckled seatrout, or just speck).

The hot summer is over, humidity levels have decreased, and we welcome cooler temperatures; it’s time to get some real fishing done! There are several fall fishing signs that it’s time to target speckled trout. The first is when inshore waters begin to cool off and the water temperature gets to that magical 68 degrees. Sure, you can catch them when it’s warmer or cooler, but 68 degrees is a sure bet that the trout will be active. Second, when fall rolls around and I start noticing butterflies (yes, butterflies) more than normal … it’s time. My third sign that speckled trout fishing is here is the comeback of the dreaded sand gnat.

This year has been a bit different. The butterflies have come, the gnats are minimal, the water temperatures are still high, but the trout are already biting pretty aggressively. There is no doubt that when the cooler temperatures begin to arrive the bite will be even better.

Fishing for speckled trout is pretty straightforward with no special equipment needed. A light to medium rod, a small to medium reel, 10to 15-pound fishing line, fluorocarbon leader material, and your choice of tackle is all you need. Many trout fishermen use live shrimp on a Kahle hook, 18 to 36 inches of fluorocarbon leader, enough weight to keep the bait down but not sink the float, and a float.

Floats are a matter of preference; some use a simple adjustable pole float and some use the attracting sounds of a popping cork.

November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

Below left: Another nice example of a trout.

Photo by Trey Leggett

Effective baits for speckled trout can be live finger mullet, shrimp, or mud minnows. Some fishermen also use dead shrimp, soft plastic lures, and hard stick baits. I prefer to use artificial lures when I target speckled trout. My favorites are imitation shrimp and a soft plastic paddle tail on an 1/8-ounce jighead. I feel that I can search areas for trout more effectively with these lures.

There are times when I thoroughly enjoy fishing with a float and watching that cork go under when a fish bites.

My favorite times of the tidal flow are the mid-outgoing tide and low- to mid-incoming tides. I do on occasion fish the upper tides along the grass edges and on top of submerged oyster beds with effective results. Grass edges, points, choke point areas, oyster beds, and shallow ledges are my go-to places to find trout.

Things to remember for those speckled trout that are to be released: they have a protective slime coating, so wet your hands before handling. They also have a very weak, thin mouth and skin; use a rubber-coated net and wet hands, or cautious use of a Boga grip to handle them, in order to release a healthy fish.

Don’t forget to get the kids involved when you fish for speckled trout. It’s a great way to get the kids fishing, be successful, and have tons of fun.

Stay safe and tight lines.

Trey fishes for Hobie Kayaks, Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, ENGEL Coolers, and SouthEast Adventure Outfitters.

Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com 9

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A round the Reef

By Katherine Scheuering

Communications Intern Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

We heard some terrific feedback about last month’s diving article, so we’ve decided to take a closer look into one of our recent

diving missions! A few months ago, Gray’s Reef staff and research partners undertook the annual Nancy Foster Research Expedition.

Fifteen science divers conducted more than 350 dives during the two-week mission. A collection of daily logs, catalogued on the Gray’s Reef website, reveals some interesting stories from mission team members.

Each day, divers would break into dive teams of three or four.

Each team conducted 4-5 dives a day, breaking in between for lunch and rest. Early in the mission, a research team spotted a goliath grouper, a massive 6-foot-long fish that resides in Gray’s Reef but is not often seen by divers.

Alongside more than 200 species of fish that live in the sanctuary, a huge number of echinoderms, like sea stars and sea urchins, live on the reef’s sandy floor. Divers observed a variegated sea urchin, commonly called a green urchin, though it’s actually white. This type of urchin likes to decorate itself with shells and things it finds on the reef floor, attaching them to its spines as a form of camouflage. Mission divers also encountered octopus, batfish, seabass, oyster toadfish, moray eels, sea stars, flounder, sea turtles and jackknife fish, just to name a few.

About midway through the expedition, one dive team discovered what appeared to be a new species of “octocoral.” This coral has red-orange stalks and bright white flowery polyps – small clusters that branch off the coral. The divers took samples of the coral back at the lab aboard the ship to study, but could not make a determination. Genetic testing will be performed on the collected samples to determine whether it is a new species, a new species to

Top Left: A lionfish cruising the reef.

Photo by Alicia Riegel Top Right: Diver using an underwater slate to record observations.

Photo by Keith Hanson Bottom: A white urchin decorated with shells and bits of coral.

Photo by Tim Henkel For more information, email michelle.riley@noaa.gov

Gray’s Reef, or just a species that has not been seen in Gray’s Reef in such abundance before now.

On the expedition, divers also recorded sightings in Gray’s Reef of the infamous invasive lionfish. The lionfish, a species native to the South Pacific and Indian oceans, was somehow released into the Atlantic about thirty years ago. With no natural predators in our waters and an appetite for everything, lionfish are disrupting fragile ecosystems like Gray's Reef. Some readers may recall the lionfish as the star of the Gray’s Reef Foundation’s annual event, A Fishy Affair: Malicious but Delicious. The event is one way to encourage consumers to help cut down on the lionfish population, by eating them! On this mission, Gray’s Reef staff removed any lionfish spotted. Gray’s Reef vessel operations coordinator Marybeth Head was able to remove 18 of the 23 lionfish discovered on the trip, for which she is widely admired!

On this groundbreaking trip, divers documented new observations about predator-prey interaction in the reef, observed effects of Hurricane Matthew on the habitat, added hundreds of photos and samples to the research library, and potentially documented a new species! This research expedition, like so many others, brings about new questions with every answer, and with them new opportunities for discovery.

Read the logs from the 2017 Nancy Foster Research Expedition at graysreef.noaa.gov/science/ expeditions/2017_nancy_foster/welcome.html

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Taste of the Tides

D id Y ou Know?

Mantis shrimp are unique crustaceans—they use Crab and Corn Chowder their ultra-powerful forelimbs to deliver a blow to prey that can smash open snail shells; the strike is so fast

By Jackie Ogden that it can force water to vaporize into what is called UGA Extension FACS Agent a “cavitation bubble.” When the bubbles of vapor implode, the prey is victim to a second force from the This hearty chowder is simple and affordable to cavitation, so powerful it can produce heat, light, and make. A great cool weather meal and a nice break sound! from turkey after Thanksgiving. You can find crab meat at nearly any local seafood market!

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup chopped green onion 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 2 tbsp margarine 2 cans (10.75 ounces) cream of potato soup 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 cups 2% milk 1 can (15.25 ounces) whole kernal corn, undrained 6 ounces crab meat 2 tbsp sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In medium sauce pan, sauté onion, garlic and cayenne in margarine, over medium heat.

Add soup, cream cheese and milk; cook and stir thoroughly until blended.

Add corn and crab. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in sugar if desired.

Serve with warm bread or crackers.

• There are over 450 species of mantis shrimp worldwide! They are classified into two groups: “spearers” and “smashers.” Spearers are equipped with a row of spines on their claws, while smashers rely on a larger claw to immobilize prey.

y! o j n E

• Mantis shrimp prefer to dine on mollusks, fish and other crustaceans.

• They can be found on reefs and like to burrow under coral and rocks—they like to stay hidden, and when trapped will flick their tails in an attempt to spear their assailant.

• They have the most intricately constructed eyes on the planet, allowing them to not only see what we do in what is called the “visible spectrum,” but also in the ultraviolet spectrum! They do this using a set of compound eyes, also found in the common fly.

• Mantis shrimp mate nocturnally in warm weather and, when the eggs hatch, they live planktonically—still, their strong raptorial appendages are developed enough to make potential predators and prey alike quake in their shells!

Data compiled by Alisia Holland, University of Georgia Sources include: The Patek Lab, Duke University, and The Queensland Museum Photos by Amy Thurman

Photo by Jackie Ogden

November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

13

: K O O B G SCDNR LO

g n i t t e N l e m m a Tr

N: THE MISSIO of Natural Resources (DNR) has conducted musonethaly60tr0am- mel ams epartment t modified skiffs, te oo -f 22 Since 1990, the SC D r d, ei th om Fr s estuaries. s: redfish, sheepshea e' ie at ec st sp e th et in rg s ta e ey rv fiv on net su h, then record data fis h tc ca to t ne el foot tramm , and seatrout. ends. paring long-term tr flounder, black drum m co of od h et m d a standar These data provide

REW: C E S I U O L THE ALLYNE

Will Gould

lt

bau

n

Joh

am Arch

Maggie Jamison

an ) C. Jonath R to (L : W urns JANE CRE and Steve B , THE OLIVIA io rc e li a T helle Tucker, Mic

Black Drum

DISTUR

NET: LOYING THE

e DEP tossed to th h a weight, is it w runs d at re o b cu e se ern as th The net, st e th ff o s at It unfold anchored off water's edge. shore and is e th g n o al c d. in a long ar the other en

been et has n e h t r fte e stern NET: A Will stand at th o the E H T G IN and en int HAULINminutes, Maggie using lines wov he stern. in 5 into t down 1 the net back et back n e ll h u t p ing and nd fold mesh, a

BING THE While the FISH: net is dow (here, Wil n, two of th l and John e crew ) stand on the water the stern with poles and slap to stir the drive them fish up an d toward th e net.

UNTANGLING

FISH: The tram modified gill ne mel is a 3-pane t with large mes l h on the outsid smaller mesh in e and side to catch fis h of varying size Untangling the s. fish looked extr emely difficult, team was adep but the t at removing th em quickly and safely.

Layout and Photos

by Amy Thurman UNTANGLING FISH, II: 600 feet is a lot of net!

Fish are placed in a vat of estuarine water, but debri s and any other object that might tangle or damage the net must be removed as well. Maggie and Will make quick work of it and the net piles up.

RECORDING DATA:

THE CATCH: MEASURING ved, the crew quickly

is retrie ere John After the net rding data. H co re rk o w to ing it back gets , before releas sh yfi d la a s measure . into the water

Maggie notes the overall length and standard length (nose to just before the tail), as well as overall health of each fish.

FIN

CLIPPING A clip is ta S: k e n fr om the an redfish. Th al fin of ea e clips are ch archived fo studies, in r future D cluding co NA mparison with DNA the 1970s from and 1980 s.

TAGGING:

, ies, like this red drum Fish in the target spec ed rry, the rust color are tagged. Not to wo betadyne. The tag is stain around the tag d the fish is released. number is recorded an

OCC

ASIONA When, L BYCA someth TC ing oth species er than H: is caugh the ta t diamon dback t in the net, lik rget e this e rrapin, recorde inf d and t he critt ormation is er is rele ased.

WATE At eac R h set, water TESTING: dissolv t em e record d oxygen a perature, s ali ed. Wil re test ed and nity, and l reads the sc the da ree ta the inf ormat n and calls ion. out

ON DECK: ALL HANDS g in the net a couple fish, it a go haulin

tangling a Yes, I gave gh I tried un u o h lt A at to the s! e tim fish I left th e th f o h lt mison for the hea

by Maggie Ja to o h P ! ls a profession

RESULTS OF T HE DAY:

Two boats, five tramm el net sets each (10 total), in Charleston H arbor.

Target Species:

Black Drum - 3 Red Drum - 1 Sheepshead - 2 Southern Flounder -1 Spotted Seatrout - 67

CHECK OUT

One identify

THOSE C

HOMPERS: ing characte ristic of she epshead is large hum an-like teet h.

All Others:

American Harvest fish - 1 Atlantic Menhade n - 10 Atlantic Spadefish -1 Blue Crab - 15 Bluefish - 4 Diamondback Terr apin - 19 Gizzard Shad - 1 Gray Snapper - 2 Green Sea Turtle 1 Ladyfish - 1 Northern Puffer 1 Pigfish - 8 Pinfish - 11 Silver Perch - 4 Southern Kingfish -3 Spot - 16 Striped Burrfish 4 Striped Mullet - 5

ER: GRAY SNAPPof this gorgeous

a quick photo .

I had to snap ssing it back in fish before to

The data collected on these trammel net surv eys help scientists gain a better understandin g of inshore fish popu lations and provides us information for sustain eful able management. Da ta on the target specie is used in state and re s gional stock assessmen ts, and information ab all the other species he out lps researchers assess long-term changes that occur in state estuarie s over time.

1000 trammel net sets are done per year and over 100 different species are encountere d. Nearly all fish caug ht are then released alive.

Look for more DNR Logbook adven

Anot PI h diffe er lovely GFISH ! The rent color s fro spots sh i m di ffere mmer in nt an gles.

tures soon! ____

Join UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant for Oyster Roast for a Reason, a fundraising event to celebrate Georgia’s first oyster hatchery.

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Bobcat Rescue on Jekyll Island

By Jessica Scott

Although it was similar in appearance to a slightly over-sized house cat, weighing between 15 and 20 pounds, an injured wild animal can be dangerous.

Moore and Colbert, along with veterinary staff from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), returned to the site the next morning to find the bobcat had moved itself a few feet away, but still could not move its hind legs.

“The GSTC has a great treatment facility for reptiles and birds, but not mammals,” said Moore. “Thankfully, our wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Terry Norton, has an extensive network that includes the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. So, he was able to reach out to their veterinary team and ask for assistance.”

When the bobcat arrived at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Animal Health Center, he was unable to stand or walk. He was also covered with numerous ticks. The ticks were removed and medical tests were conducted, including x-rays.

When no apparent breaks or injuries were discovered on the cat, Dr. Meredith Persky made a long-shot diagnosis of a condition she had never directly observed, tick paralysis. Treatment and supportive care was administered and the bobcat began to significantly improve within 48 hours. By the end of the week the cat was walking and eating, a huge relief to both Zoo and JIA staff.

Blood tests later confirmed Dr. Persky’s diagnosis.

Marketing & Communications Manager Jekyll Island Authority

I

n late September, Joseph Colbert, Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Wildlife Manager, got a surprising call on the Jekyll Island Wildlife Hotline.

“Our Guest Information Center called and said someone found an injured bobcat,” said Colbert. “It’s surprising, because we don’t know a lot about these animals, they are rarely seen, and we have only recently learned that they’ve established a small population on Jekyll.”

Colbert called in his colleagues, JIA Conservation Land Manager Yank Moore and JIA Conservation Director Ben Carswell.

Together, the three followed a little-used trail to find the cat.

“We quickly made the decision to give it space,” said Carswell.

“It was obviously in trouble, but still too active to safely capture.”

The cat appeared to be partially paralyzed with its back legs immobile, but the head and front paws were still very active.

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Southern Tides Magazine

November 2017

The Jekyll Island Authority and Jacksonville Zoo collaborated on diagnosis and treatment decisions throughout the animal’s stay in Jacksonville. The Zoo and Jekyll teams held daily check-ins to discuss the animal’s condition and discuss the treatment plan.

“The collaboration between the Zoo and JIA team, lead by Dr. Norton, was phenomenal,” said Carswell. “Working together, we were able to navigate a successful course of treatment. We also documented the first known case of tick paralysis in a bobcat.”

"Dr. Persky’s diagnosis of tick paralysis is one of the finest examples of veterinary detective work I’ve ever witnessed in more than three decades of zoo experience," said Zoo Deputy Director Dan Maloney.

The bobcat – affectionately named Bullwinkle by the JIA staff (his parents are Boris and Natasha) – was fitted with a radio collar. The collar, sourced from Kiawah Island’s bobcat research program, will allow the Jekyll Island Conservation staff to track its movements. In early October, the cat was transported back to Jekyll Island and released near where it was found.

Tracking the bobcat will be essential to ensure its health and survival since the after-effects of tick paralysis in bobcats are unknown. Through tracking, JIA Conservation staff will also gain valuable insights into bobcat behavior, movements, and viability on Jekyll Island.

“We’re excited to learn more about the bobcats here on Jekyll,” shared Carswell. “Hopefully, this will help us understand how these animals move around the island and interact with developed and undeveloped land.”

There are thought to be two adults and two juveniles currently on Jekyll. The first image of an adult cat was recorded on a game camera in September 2014, another of a distinct adult was recorded in 2015, and an image of two kittens was recorded in December of last year.

How did the bobcats come to Jekyll Island?

“According to wildlife biologists with the Kiawah Island bobcat study, the cats will swim and have been documented doing so, but they could also have just walked across the causeway,” Colbert said.

He is eager to learn all he can about the animals and their presence on Jekyll, including understanding how big of a population the island can support with regard to territory and small game for food, and how they move throughout their territory.

“This may be the rarest of predators on Jekyll,” Colbert said.

“We have thriving alligator and rattlesnake populations, which are important components of the island’s ecosystem. We want to influence a positive outcome for the bobcats, too.”

Opposite page: Bullwinkle gazing through foliage. Photo by Breanna Ondich This page, top down: Dr. Meredith Persky and Dr. Terry Norton examine the bobcast at the Jacksonville Zoo. Photo provided by Jacksonville Zoo Joseph Colbert attaches the tracking collar to Bullwinkle. Photo by Yank Moore Bullwinkle carefully checks out the situation before leaving his crate.

Photo by Breanna Ondich Deciding its safe, the young bobcat bolts for safety as Joseph and Dr. Norton observe. Photo by Brianna Ondich

November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

21

Maritime Metalworks

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Ocean

W

to Table:

Blue Crab

By Amy Thurman Photos by Todd Kasper Above: Georgia blue crabs, live and cooked.

"I grew up in Baltimore. When they took the baby bottle out of your hand, they put a crab in it. I was worried about getting blue crabs when we moved here, but was pleased to discover even more - and better!" said Maddie Harwood, program participant.

e’re lucky to live in an area that provides a natural buffet from our coastal waters, and blue crab is a big part of it. If you grew up here, you likely have happy childhood memories of hand-lining blue crab with a piece of string and a chicken neck. Crabs are regularly served at family and social gatherings with everyone standing around a table talking, picking and eating.

The UGA Marine Extension and Sea Grant, and UGA Cooperative Extension - Chatham County, recently co-hosted an Ocean to Table event in which participants were invited to learn more about this delicious and significant crustacean, then sample a variety of blue crab dishes. Southern Tides was invited to attend and share what we learned with our readers!

The scientific name for blue crab is Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “savory beautiful swimmer.” They reside mostly in estuaries but females do move to open water to spawn, then eggs and juvenile crabs are transported back to the estuaries by tides and currents.

Mating occurs when the female molts, or sheds its shell. Molting takes place during warmer months with the heaviest molting period in March and April, depending on water temperatures. This is also when peeler, or softshell crabs, are prevalent. Blue crabs live about one to two years and are important indicators of the health of our coastal waters, similar to a canary in a coal mine.

In addition to their ecological importance, blue crabs are also an important fishery. Over 326 million pounds of live crab are landed in the U.S. each year, and 49% of that is blue crab. This helps fulfil the 15 pounds per person (on average) of seafood consumed in the U.S. annually – and the USDA recommends eating seafood twice a week for the vitamins and nutrients it provides (unless you’re one of the 1.2% of the population with a crustacean allergy, of course). Blue crab is the second most important fishery in both Georgia and South Carolina, second only to shrimp.

After a short slide show with more information than we could possibly include here, Hope Meeks of Southside Shellfish in Savannah, talked about the crabbing life, then took us into the part we were all waiting for: sampling the delicacies she’d prepared for us!

First on the list was whole boiled crab. While some folks prefer theirs steamed, boiling allows the seasoning to get under the shell. It really comes down to a matter of taste – if you prefer the pure flavor of the crab, steam them. If you like a bit of spice to the meat, boil them. Hope also demonstrated two different methods of picking crab to get the most meat from the shell.

Next up was deviled crab, provided by Russo’s Seafood, of Savannah.

Crab meat is mixed with diced onions, peppers, celery, crushed crackers and seasonings, then placed in a crab shell and baked. Melt in your mouth goodness!

Third on the list was crab stew. This creamy dish was somehow both light and hearty and would be perfect on those chilly fall afternoons ahead.

After that we sampled crab paste. Served as a dip, this concoction includes chopped almonds and vermouth, and was served on Wheat Thins.

The final offering was crabmeat dip. This and the crab stew were tied for my personal favorites. Thick, creamy and loaded with crab meat, with just enough of a bite to grab your attention, it was delicious!

If you missed out on attending this, or one of the other Ocean to Table programs earlier this year (shrimp and oysters, to name two), not to worry, they'll be offered again, beginning next spring. Check the Southern Tides event listing or visit gacoast.uga.edu/events.

Crabmeat Dip Recipe from Jackie Ogden, UGA Extension FACS Agent ½ cup crabmeat ¼ cup lemon or lime juice 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened ¼ cup whipping cream 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp instant minced onion 1/8 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp finely chopped green onion 2 dashes cayenne pepper 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp salt Marinate crab meat in lemon juice for 30 minutes.

Blend cream cheese and whipping cream (do not whip) until smooth and creamy. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Fold in marinated crab meat.

Serve with crisp vegetable dippers, crackers or chips.

(Makes about a half cup.)

Left: Hope Meeks displays a tub of blue crab, ready to pick.

Top right: The crabmeat stew was delicious!

Bottom right: A Maryland specialty, fried hardshell crab.

Many thanks to program presenters and hosts: Bryan Fluech, Tori Stivers, Hope Meeks, Jackie Ogden, and Kayla Clark.

November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

23

Saving Ebenezer

By Elena Richards

Communications Director Savannah Riverkeeper

T

he City of Springfield will soon vote on a controversial measure to accept wastewater from DRT America, a new turpentine plant in Effingham County. If passed, the measure would allow wastewater to be treated at the municipal facility and discharged into Ebenezer Creek.

A tributary of the Savannah River, this beautiful blackwater creek that has been called one of the most tranquil places on Earth is home to rare tupelo and cypress trees, some up to a thousand years old. Its wildlife includes birds of prey like ospreys, bald eagles, and owl species, as well as fish aplenty, alligators, snakes, turtles, and even otters. Its history is marked by a grisly Civil War tragedy where hundreds of freed slaves drowned with Confederate cavalry at their heels. This is a place of great value to the local community and visitors, from recreational, historical and ecological standpoints.

Currently, area conservation groups including One Hundred Miles and Savannah Riverkeeper are expressing their concerns over DRT America’s $43 million plant in Effingham County to process wood products for turpentines, and are encouraging others to do the same. It’s already built, and has been permitted to send its chemical-laden wastewater to the City of Springfield wastewater treatment plant. One recommendation is that Springfield and DRT America should consider utilizing the Effingham Purple Line, a greywater system, to deal with the treated wastewater, putting the water back in the ground and allowing for further filtration. They also recommend active involvement with the industry by a citizen advisory board made up of local residents. The groups hope to educate and empower citizens to keep industrial users responsible for their impact on the watershed.

Conservation groups urge citizens and county officials to study and fully understand the impact of this discharge on the unique environment of Ebenezer Creek before making an irreversible decision that could alter the creek’s ecology forever.

On November 16, the City of Springfield Council will hold a vote to decide whether or not to accept wastewater from DRT America. Although no comments will be heard, it is important to attend to show your stance against passing this measure. To contact council members prior to the vote, visit www.cityofspringfield.com/elected.htm. Instructions for contacting members is at the bottom of the page.

Meeting Information: November 16, 6:30 p.m.

Effingham County Administrative Building 601 N. Laurel Street, Springfield, GA 31329 November 2017

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Images of Ebenezer Creek: Ebenezer is a blackwater creek, meaning the water is a dark tea color, mostly due to tannins from the many cypress and tupelo trees that line its banks. The creek is a favorite spot for paddlers due to frequent wildlife sightings, beautiful scenery, and an almost haunting quiet as you wind along its twists and turns. Rich in beauty, biodiversity and history, Ebenezer Creek is too special to allow it to be harmed.

Photos by Amy Thurman

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Bringing Back the Bivalve

Georgia's First Oyster Hatchery

By Emily Woodward

Public Relations Coordinator UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

UGA

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's oyster hatchery, the first in Georgia, is poised to become an economic engine for the coast, helping diversify the state's aquaculture industry. Once the hatchery is operating at full capacity, it will produce 15 million spat (baby oysters), with an estimated harvest value of $3 million to $5.25 million.

“We want to see Georgia on the list of the top oyster-producing states,” says Mark Risse, director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.

On December 2, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will host a fundraiser, “Roast for a Reason” at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island to raise money to support the hatchery. Proceeds from the event will be used to train new growers and increase oyster production in Georgia and across the Southeast.

In the early 1900s, Georgia led the nation in oyster production, annually harvesting eight million pounds of oyster meat, primarily for the canning industry. By the 1940s, the industry was in decline due to overharvesting and decreasing demand for canned oysters. The last shucking houses in coastal Georgia closed in the 1960s.

Today, the industry is poised for a comeback through the production of single oysters (not clusters like wild-grown oysters) for the lucrative halfshell market. With funding from the Georgia DNR Coastal Management Program, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant launched the hatchery in 2015 at the Shellfish Research Lab on Skidaway Island. There, researchers use established hatchery techniques to produce spat and work to refine techniques for growing single oysters.

Growing oysters in a controlled environment has been no easy feat.

Shellfish Research Lab director Tom Bliss, along with hatchery manager Justin Manley and extension agent Rob Hein, have spent the last year perfecting their growing techniques.

“Environmental conditions like salinity, substrate, pH, water quality and food supply all play an important role in oyster productivity,” says Manley. “Here at the hatchery we have the ability to manipulate these conditions and ensure maximum seed production.”

Day-to-day hatchery work includes feeding algae to the larvae, sterilizing tanks and other equipment, and sorting the spat based on size.

“It takes a lot more work than you’d think to grow a healthy 4-6 millimeter oyster, which is roughly the size of a pencil eraser,” says Manley.

In 2016, the hatchery produced between 500,000 and 750,000 spat.

Producing the seed in an important first step, but successfully reviving the industry means moving beyond the confines and working with shellfish growers in the field.

Above: Crawfish roasts oysters the traditional way.

Bottom Left: Shellfish lab researchers inspect growing single oysters.

Photos provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

When oyster spat reach a certain size, they are delivered to Georgia growers who take the seed to their shellfish leases for cultivation. Leases are located in coastal waters approved for shellfish harvest and monitored by the GADNR Coastal Resources Division.

These seed deliveries sometimes involve nothing more than a quick handshake, though on many occasions, aquaculture extension agent Rob Hein will spend hours with growers, accompanying them in the field, discussing aquaculture industry updates, or offering advice on how to modify growing techniques to yield greater success.

“As an extension agent, it’s my job to serve as a resource for our growers by sharing new techniques and training them on best methods for cultivating singles,” says Hein. “This whole operation wouldn’t be possible without the shellfish growers. They’re putting time and resources into this effort, so it’s important for them to be able to count on us to provide guidance.”

Most of the growers are watermen who have spent years navigating Georgia’s vast expanse of marshes and meandering tidal creeks. They have local knowledge and expertise when it comes to growing shellfish, though many will admit that it takes more maintenance, money, and specialized equipment to grow single oysters to the two-inch market size.

Many of the growers are finding success through trial and error.

“I had to learn how to do it on the water through hands-on experience,” says Earnest McIntosh Sr., who co-owns E.L. McIntosh & Son Seafood with his son, Earnest McIntosh Jr. He tried moving his oysters to various locations on his lease in an effort to figure out where they grow best. “It took a while to catch on, but I think I’m figuring out what it’s going to take to be successful with it.”

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant also works to connect growers with seafood distribution companies and restaurants across Georgia to increase awareness of single oysters, which generate three to four times the market value of wild oysters..

By continuing to lay the groundwork through research and outreach, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will create a sustainable, robust oyster industry in Georgia.

See "Oyster Roast for a Reason" on page 18, or visit gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

27

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What’s Going On ...

December 2 Oyster Roast for a Reason UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Saturday 4 - 8 p.m.

10 Ocean Science Circle Join us for a fun fundraising event to celebrate Georgia's first oyster hatchery. Live music, great food, beverages, sample oysters, and watch the game! kayla270@uga.edu (912) 598-3345 www.gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast

November

16 Springfield City Council Vote - Save Ebenezer Creek Savannah Riverkeeper/One Hundred Miles Thursday 6 p.m.

No comments will be heard, but please attend to show your stance against waste water being dumped into Ebenezer Creek as the City Council votes. jacob@savannahriverkeeper.org or paulita@onehundredmiles.org

2 Jekyll Island's Santa at the Rink Jekyll Island Authority Saturday 1 - 4 p.m.

655 N. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island Can't make it to Merry Shrimpmas for story time with Santa? No worries! He'll make a special trip back to the Skating Village!

(912) 635-3636

16 Fly Tying Clinic Port Royal Sound Foundation Thursday 5:30 p.m.

310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie Sea Island Fly Fishers are sponsoring a fly-tying introduction. New tyers welcome. No materials or tools required. Please RSVP Kenneth Prager (610) 999-9897 khprager@comcast.net

2 Fort McAllister Marina Christmas Fireworks & Visit with Santa Fort McAllister Marina Saturday at dark 3203 Ft. McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA Come by boat or by car for Christmas fireworks, photos with Santa, great food, drink specials, live music, and more! Fun for the whole family!

(912) 727-2632

18 Coastal Stewards: Georgia Shrimp UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

715 Bay Street, Brunswick, GA Learn about the shrimping industry, field research on black gill, trawling, sustainable seafood, and more at this full day workshop. Must register. kayla270@uga.edu (912) 598-3345 www.gacoast.uga.edu/events

3 Supermoon Paddle Ogeechee Riverkeeper Sunday 3 - 7 p.m.

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal, 681 Fort Argyle Road, Savannah Paddle from the canal to King's Ferry, enjoy dinner at Love's Seafood and watch the supermoon rise! Must register. luke@ogeecheekeeper.org www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

24-25 Jekyll Island's Merry Shrimpmas Jekyll Island Authority Friday 2 - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Jeykyll Island Historic District Jekyll Island's mash-up event! Join us as we combine some of our favorite elements from the Shrimp & Grits Festival and the annual tree lighting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

(912) 635-3636

5 Kendra Scott Gives Back Benefiting Ogeechee Riverkeeper Tuesday 5 - 8 p.m.

Kendra Scott, 311 West Broughton St., Savannah Get some holiday shopping done with Kendra Scott's jewelry and support your Ogeechee Riverkeeper at the same time! jennifer@ogeecheekeeper.org

28 Hurricane Debris Community Focus Meeting Zulu Marine & Southern Tides Magazine Tuesday 6 - 8 p.m.

2424 Drayton Street, Savannah (One Hundred Miles office) Storm debris in the Wilmington River presents serious hazards. Join us for a presentation on debris clean-up, discussion of potential resolutions, and input from state and local officials.

(912)544-5520 or amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

7 Christmas with the Keepers Savannah Riverkeeper & Edisto Riverkeeper Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Woodside Plantation Country Club, Aiken, SC Dinner, live entertainment and short messages from the Savannah Riverkeeper and newly formed Edisto Riverkeeper. jacob@savannahriverkeeper.org

ONGOING Adopt-a-Dolphin Fundraiser The Dolphin Project, now through December 15 Dolphin adoptions are unique holiday gifts that support public education and research of dolphins that live in our estuaries. thedolphinproject@gmail.com or www.thedolphinproject.org/adopt.html

9 Jekyll Island's Santa at the Rink Jekyll Island Authority Saturday 1 - 4 p.m.

655 N. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island Can't make it to Merry Shrimpmas for story time with Santa? No worries! He'll make a special trip back to the Skating Village!

(912) 635-3636

Jekyll Island's Skating Village Jekyll Island Authority, November 18 - January 7 655 N. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island Oceanfront ice skating is back (and bigger!) for the season. Skate rentals, concessions, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

(912) 635-3636

16 Wilmington Island Christmas Market Wilmington Island Farmer's Market Saturday 4 - 8 p.m.

Islands High School, Wilmington Island Food vendors, artisans, gift wrapping, live music & carrolling, kids story time, Kids Club Christmas, family yoga, and much more! Our final event of 2017. wifarmersmarket@aol.com or www.wifarmersmarket.org

Wilmington Island Farmer's Market November 18, December 2, December 9; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Islands High School, Wilmington Island Shop fresh local produce, delicious food & handcrafted artisan creations while enjoying family-friendly activities, including animal encounters, and more! wifarmersmarket@aol.com or www.wifarmersmarket.org

16 Jekyll Island's Holly Jolly Jekyll Parade Jekyll Island Authority Saturday 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Great Dunes Park and Beach Village, Jekyll Island Santa has his sleigh and Jekyll Island has golf carts! Join in the fun where golf carts don their Christmas best and jingle all the way to Beach Village!

(912) 635-3636

SAVE THE DATE January 20 - Savannah Riverkeeper's Roast on the River - Hogans' Marina March 2 - Return of the Wilmington Island Farmer's Market - Islands H.S.

November 2017

Southern Tides Magazine

29

T he Bitter End Hustle and Bustle

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill

W

A container ship making way to the Port of Savannah.

Photo by J. Gary Hill.

from our earliest days of shipping timber to Europe in Colonial times on up to today; it’s been a work in progress.

With over 9000 feet of continuous berth length, which equates to nine deep-water berths. To accommodate the ships that dock there, we have 26 ship-to-shore gantry cranes, 20 of which are electric and able to handle the new Post-Panamax or PPX vessels (for an interesting read about Panamax and ship sizes, visit maritime-connector.com/ wiki/panamax/), and an impressive 146 rubber-tired gantry cranes.

This equipment allows Savannah to handle a staggering 20,000 container moves per day. When talking about containers usually the base line is a 20 TEU container, these being 20 feet long and approximately 8 feet wide.

So why Georgia? It’s all about logistics, and depends on the flow, both in and out. We have what I call a double whammy effect going on here in Savannah and Brunswick, with access to two major Interstates at our doorsteps. I-16 (East-West) and I-95 (North-South) in Savannah.

Brunswick has the same I-95 access and, just to the south, quick access to I-10 (East-West). We also have two major rail lines, Norfolk and Southern and CSX. Sometimes the depth and scope of our port activity can make numbers seem unfathomable. Just imagine the ability to move over seven million 20-foot containers across the country each and every year, and that number continues to grow annually, all while we sit under the shade of live oaks sipping sweet tea.

hen one thinks of Coastal Georgia and South Carolina, what usually comes to mind first is antebellum estates, mint julips under a live oak and sand gnats. However, there’s a hustling and bustling side of the low country that goes on 24/7, 365 days a year: our shipping ports. Although the scope of all that hustle and bustle is huge, I’m going to do my best to clear the waters and help us all understand it a little better. South Carolina’s port is in Charleston; although I won’t speak as much about it directly, the basics of operations and such are pretty much the same as here in Georgia.

Georgia has two ports, the Port of Brunswick and the Port of Savannah, both of which have major distinctions. The Port of Brunswick is considered the largest dedicated auto facility for new auto imports. Automakers have over 500 acres of land leased for this activity. The Port of Savannah has the distinction of being the largest/ busiest single container port in the nation.

These numbers seem to be as murky as a tidal creek after a big spring tide, so I'll try to bring a bit of clarity. The Port of Los Angles in California, and her sister port, the Port of Long Beach, are the largest/ busiest container ports in the country. Ranked number one and two in the U.S., they account for approximately 25% of the country’s container market. In this globalized market the dynamics are very fluid and specific when we talk about rankings and such.

Working on the water I hear so many people spouting off numbers as if they are authorities on the subject. Ask ten people where Georgia ports rank and you will get about double that number in answers. If you listen to them, we are somewhere between number one in the world and last place. Quite the contrast, huh? When we start talking numbers we must compare them apples to apples, because in one sentence I can say Savannah is number four in the nation and number two in the nation, and both would be correct. But how can that be?

Well, we rank fourth in OVERALL facilities based on imports and exports, and we rank second in container exports. So, as you can see both statements are correct. We handle about 40% of the frozen poultry exports in America, making us number one on the east coast in this market.

We didn’t get to this point overnight. It’s been a steady increase

Until next time, stay safe and I'll see y'all on the water!

Email: jgaryhill@gmail.com 30

Southern Tides Magazine

November 2017

6349 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 912.352.1222

RINCON

e home, 30+ acres. Includes larg Pool, e. suit st garage and gue anic tree org n, bar ent ipm equ Morton gardens orchard, greenhouse and itional 40+ grace the acreage. Add n, pastures acreage with horse bar ilable sepaava e and caretaker cottag 00 00,0 $1,6 ly. rate

397 Squirrel Run

VERNONBURGon 1.5 acres

Perfect home situated p water with beautiful marsh and dee on the e suit ter mas g azin Am views. and bath s riou luxu main floor with floor plan n ope y Ver et. clos e hug t room, featuring living room, grea kfast area office, dining room, brea ul hardand fantastic kitchen. Beautif Lovely rs. floo in cela wood and por 9,500 patio. You will fall in love. $69

110 Robin Road

ISLE OF HOPE

of Hope.

New construction on Isle in desirable Located on a corner lot place and area. Great room with fire o master Tw . lves built in book she one upand airs nst dow one suites, upstairs om hro bat Jill stairs. Jack-nLovely side and huge bonus room. . Sit on the porch off of the kitchen watch the and ch fantastic front por 0 9,90 $47 by. go ld wor

49 Tidewater Road

BEND HERB RIVEaRbon us room and

5 bedrooms plus brick home 5.5 baths. This stunning munity has in sought-after gated com backyard lush est larg the from it all, for each hs bat ate priv to a in the are the upall has n bedroom. Kitche and butler’s grades you could want g a breeze. pantry makes entertainin first floor. the on ster ma Luxurious $749,000

112 Caroline’s Retreat

Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927

lyn@coldwellbanker.com BUCKHEAD

Live on the nicest street in Buckhead.

3 Bedrooms plus a bonus room with bath that could be a 4th bedroom.

Split plan with 3 bedroo ms downstairs. Updated kitchen with granite counters, huge sink, und er counter lighting and breakfast are a. Spacious master bedroom with trey ceiling and patio access. Lovely dec gazebo overlooking priv k with ate back yard. $332,700

SOUTHBRIDGE

Nestled at the head of a lagoon on one of the most popula r streets in Southbridge. Immaculate 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room or 4th bedroom, 3 baths. Fantastic open floor plan with all bedrooms on the main floor and bonus room upstair s. Wonderful outdoor space with dec k, patio & firepit overlooking the lago on. Enjoy all of the amazing ameni ties Southbridge has to offer. $396,00 0

WILMINGTON ISL AND

214 McLaughlin Court

220 Mallard Loop

Great 3 BR, 2 BA home in quiet culde-sac community. Con venient location. Large master bedroo m. Master bath has separate jett ed tub and shower. New stainless appliances.

HVAC is 3 years old.

Fireplace in family room and French doo open to the patio and hug rs that e privacy fenced backyard. No floo d insurance required. $249,000

BURNSIDE ISLAND

Located on a deepwater canal with fantastic covered dock in a great area. Perfect for multi-g enerational living. 2 BR, 2 BA on gro und floor with efficiency kitchen , playroom and living room. Separa te 1 BR, 1 BA apartment. Main livi ng area has 4 BR and 2 BA, soaring pin e ceilings, and hardwood flooring . Huge great room, dining room, ver y open floor plan. $645,000

23 Walthour Cove

35 Hardee Drive

Chris

Jim

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