Southern Tides November 2019

all about the water

November 2019

• 4,000 feet

Marina Amenities

CREW

Publisher/Editor

Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

Around the Reef Columnist

Michelle Riley michelle.riley@noaa.gov

Ebb & Flow Columnist

Trey Leggett info@southerntidesmagazine.com

The Bitter End Columnist

Captain Daniel Foulds dan@southerntidesmagazine.com

Consulting Naturalist

John "Crawfish" Crawford crawfish@uga.edu

Contributing Writer

Tyler Jones tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov

Contributing Writer Emily Kenworthy ekenworthy@uga.edu

Contributing Writer

Felicia Sanders SandersF@dnr.sc.gov

Copyright © 2015-2019

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Columnist Trey Leggett captured this image of resting pelicans while hunting for speckled trout in the South Channel of the Savannah River.

Photo by Trey Leggett

Marina: (912) 897-2896

Boatyard: (912) 897-1914

606 Wilmington Island Road

Savannah, GA 31410

www.sailharbormarina.com

If you’ve kept up with this column over the course of this year, you know I’ve mentioned multiple times the importance of making time for yourself, setting aside stress and doing things you enjoy. For all my lecturing, I’ve only been able to follow my own advice a few times in 2019, and most of the fun activities I’ve managed to fit in were for articles for Southern Tides: Visits to Daufuskie, to The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island and to Sapelo Island, and kayaking in the Okefenokee Swamp. While all were great fun, I was still “on the clock” in a manner of speaking. I’ve not made time for a single adventure that wasn’t magazine-related all year.

Until now.

In mid-November, I’m going camping with a small group of women who love the outdoors and the water as much as I do. Actual tent camping. In a sleeping bag. Cooking over a fire. At my age. And I’m looking forward to it so much I can hardly wait!

I used to camp with some regularity years ago. Had all the gear, planned weekend adventures and loved every minute of it. Then somewhere along the way, it got to be easier to just stay in hotels or visit friends. Then my sons plundered my gear for their weekend campouts in the woods behind our house. Then camping would have required investing in new gear, for the whole family, because what kind of mom goes camping without her kids? Then twenty years had passed and if I mentioned camping to anyone they just looked at me like my lightbulb was set to dim. “Camping? At your age?”

Yes. Camping at my age. And why not? It’s not like I’m trying to navigate through the woods with a walker!

So over the course of the year, I’ve squirreled away camping supplies; a sleeping bag here, a lantern there, a tent here, cookware there, until I’ve rebuilt what I need to be comfortable out there in

the great wide open.

The other women, whose names have appeared in these pages at times over the past four years, are all as eager to get out there for a couple days as I am. We all run outdoor or waterrelated businesses, we seldom have time for anything like this for ourselves, and are all long overdue for a getaway.

We’ve found a spot on a barrier island, we’ve planned meals, combined gear, and will spend our days hiking, walking on the beach, exploring, and fishing, and our evenings cooking great meals and gathered around a fire, telling stories and relaxing.

While sleeping on the ground in a tent may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I’m looking forward to it. The fresh air with just a hint of a chill, exploring an island I’ve never visited, tasty hot coffee in the mornings, food cooked over a fire, and sitting around that same fire in the evenings while solving all the worlds problems, as only women can do! No computer, no TV, I’m putting away my phone and will be completely unconnected for three whole days.

Once home again, it’ll be time to prepare for the holidays –first the big Thanksgiving feast, then to start getting ready for Christmas. While I love the holidays, there’s a certain degree of work involved and it will be good to start fresh – rested and relaxed.

I hope this is a good month for all of you, that you make your own adventures happen, and that you have plenty to be thankful for as you sit down to the table on Thanksgiving.

Until next month, enjoy this issue and we'll see you out there!

Amy Thurman

Editor in Chief

Top: A deer on the beach shortly after sunrise. Left: Looking out to sea from the campground.

Photos provided by Florida State Parks

When It Cools, It's HOT!

By Trey Leggett

Hey folks! Looking outside just now I am noticing that, typical to the South, our landscape, weather, and people are desperately hanging on to the season past. Mother nature is squeezing every bit of warmth from herself before giving way to Fall.

October saw an explosion of hunting and fishing activity in the South. Even though the days were warm and the mosquitoes were rampant, southern hunters saw and harvested plenty of deer. Likewise, the speckled trout bite really turned on, giving many inshore fishermen plenty of exciting days.

Let’s see what’s coming up in November. The proverbial “Wall of Heat and Humidity” is beginning to faulter and cooler air is forcing its way into the lowcountry. With those cooler temperatures we should start to see some more, or different, game movement and activity. If your hunting area is highly pressured by hunters, you will likely see a decline in daytime movement and the deer will hold tight to their bedding areas during daylight hours. Try getting outside your comfort zone and go where the deer are during times of pressure. Depending on your area, that could be a swamp or thickly grown foliage. Instead of hunting from the ground, hang a stand or use a climbing stand to get high enough to see better in these areas.

Don’t neglect to do your part in controlling the feral pig herd. These animals are fast breeding and can be very destructive to your land. If you haven’t noticed yet, deer don’t care for them either.

When it’s not ideal to hunt, there’s always fishing for that beautiful and tasty speckled trout. Presenting a live shrimp, mud minnow, or finger mullet will surely get a pull on your line. Fish around creek mouths, oyster beds and other structure during a falling tide for optimal results. If you’re feeling sporty, throw those artificial shrimp and paddle tail soft plastics on an eighth- to quarter-ounce jig head.

This is a great time of year to take kids fishing; it’s not too hot and they’ll have a great time watching those floating corks go under when a speckled trout takes off with the bait. Another way to keep the kids engaged afterwards is to have a fish fry with the fish caught and let them coat the fish in your favorite batter. It’s messy and that’s how kids like it.

November is my favorite outdoors month of the year, hopefully it’s yours too and you take time to get out there and enjoy it. Remember to exercise safety measures while in the woods and on the water, leave your outdoors plan with another so you’re expected back at a certain time, and follow your state’s fishing and hunting regulations.

Good hunting, stay safe and tight lines.

Trey Leggett is an outdoorsman sponsored by Engel Coolers and Hobie Polarized sunglasses. Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com

Top: Austin Leggett with a nice spike.

Above: Trey, ready for the woods.

Photos by Trey Leggett

A round the Reef

By Ashley Misiaszek Grotewold Communications Intern

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

We’ve finally entered that time of year; the time where everyone is constantly excited (and slightly stressed) about the holiday season. The endless options of what to bake, what to buy, and how to decorate your house are enough to brighten even the toughest family Scrooge. However, with the holiday season comes something I know all too well at this point: academic finals.

I, along with many other interns, volunteers, and staff who have worked within Gray’s Reef, are right there with you. Whether you’re the parents of an overly-involved middle schooler, an exhausted college junior, or an over-caffeinated master’s student, we all face those few weeks of constant papers, tests, and projects that serve as a blockade between us and holiday break.

The light at the end of the tunnel? National Marine Sanctuaries like Gray’s Reef are constantly supporting, mentoring, and guiding the passions of these students. Those whose studies focus on oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology which includes engineering and social science, to name a few. There is a overabundance of opportunities for students to get involved in their local and national sanctuaries, while continuing their love and education for the ocean and its marine life.

The NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is just one outlet that provides support to future ocean stewards. This scholarship provides support for masters and doctoral degrees within those fields. Women and minority group members are encouraged to be a part of this amazing opportunity, as they assess your academic excellence, recommendations, research and career goals, and financial needs.

It’s not just scholars who are receiving these opportunities. Students of all ages, grades, and classroom settings are becoming involved. There are several programs and workshops that teachers and students can participate in to continually develop their oceanic education. No matter your schooling, students everywhere are participating in programs that focus on ocean pollution, marine debris, and ocean advocacy.

The NOAA Ocean Guardian School Program helps local schools engage students in school and community-based projects that focus on ocean stewardship, conservation, and research. From beach cleanups, to rallies, to modifying every day choices towards more sustainable and eco-friendly acts, these students are helping improve and sustain environments like Gray’s Reef every day.

Students are even able to learn how lost fishing gear can entangle North Atlantic right whales, which are considered an endangered species within our waters. The North Atlantic right whales utilize Gray’s Reef as a calving ground, making the implementation of these programs vital to our own ecosystem. These next generations of ocean guardians are passionate and well-equipped with the knowledge and drive they need to make a difference in their local and

national communities.

For those of us trying to survive these next few weeks, or for those whose kids come home sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and in the same sweatshirt we’ve worn four days in a row, it’s amazing to know that sanctuaries like Gray’s Reef and programs such as NOAA are there to help us achieve all of our deep-sea dreams. The future of our prized marine ecosystems lies in the hands of these future generations who are not afraid of hard work, making a difference and paving the way for change. We can’t think of a better future for our sanctuary, and all other habitats above and below the waves.

If you or someone you know has a passion for marine studies, encourage them to become involved in any of NOAA’s Ocean Guardian School programs, or to apply for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. You can find more information about all of the programs, classroom activities, and workshops we help provide on our Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary website, or through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Dr. Nancy Foster scholars and NOAA staff pose around a newly installed boat ramp sign to broaden awareness of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo provided by GRNMS

NOAA Ship Nancy Foster in the late afternoon sun.

Photo provided by NOAA

For the Love of Marinas

By

I've always loved marinas. Each is unique, with its own quirks, forgivable weaknesses, and heartwarming strengths. Marinas are terraqueous places consisting of both land and water, where pleasure begins and ends and memories are made to last.

Like airports, marinas are jumping-off points between two worlds. They are memorable checkpoints on our journey through life. They are natural gathering spots where we team up and set out on adventures or return from them, full of the stories that bond family and friends alike. Recreation often begins at a marina.

During our return from a trip south on the ICW a decade ago, Jeanne and I stopped at a marina on Jekyll Island as an October evening set in and the sky lost its light. The lady in charge came down to the dock and greeted us with a smile.

“Can we stay on our boat at your dock tonight?” I think we paid a dollar a foot, so for 22 dollars we were ushered to an inside slip with our bow pointed towards the channel and any wake that might come. That lady was so friendly that I’ll never forget her. “Our restaurant is open now, and tonight we have live music. There are bikes that you can use if you want to go for a ride. If you need to go to the store we have an old van.” Her friendliness made our stay special. We had a great dinner, enjoyed the show, and walked down to our little floating bedroom for a good night’s

sleep. Water lapping at the hull makes a sweet lullaby. What a great marina! I want to go back!

When I first came to Savannah thirty years ago as a Chinook pilot in the Army, I lived on the Southside. Our favorite marina in those days was at Savannah’s version of Cape Finisterre at the bitter end of Coffee Bluff Road. The old Coffee Bluff Marina (replaced now by a much finer city-funded endeavor) was a ramshackle affair with on-trailer boat storage barns, an old tractor for pulling boats to the hoist, docks for tenants and visitors, and a great little store with most of what you might need on the water.

Early on, I was part of a group of soldiers and friends who left Hunter Army Airfield’s marina at Lott’s Island headed for Ossabaw’s beaches. On one such outing, we ran into a pop-up summer thunderstorm near Coffee Bluff. In line with the notion of “any port in a storm” we tied up to the dock and took shelter in the store. And that’s how I got to know Mr. Freddie. He was the man who ran the show, pretty much solo. Freddie was a wonderful combination of behavior traits. On the surface he was a curmudgeon but as soon as he determined he wasn’t dealing with a fool or a know-it-all, he warmed right up and became as helpful as anyone could ask. Freddie and I shared jokes and stories often over the years. He never let go of the day that I attempted

"Players with short bats, please step up close to the plate."

Captain Dan Foulds

Isle of Hope Marina, on the Skidaway River in Savannah, looks like it might be a nice place to be.

Photo provided by Isle of Hope Marina

to scud-run a Chinook up the river at a very low level while trying to reach the airfield. The weather was crappy with low clouds, fog and rain, and no visibility to speak of. We crept up the river, marker by marker, flying at only fifty feet. We reached the marina at (maybe) a hundred feet up. On top of the store we ran into a solid wall of “I can’t see anything, can you?”

We stopped and performed a pedal-turn, pivoting directly over Freddie’s head. Freddie definitely knew we were there. Heck, he may have been outside shaking his fist at us.

We snuck back out the river and up the coast and ended up landing at the Tybee Lighthouse helipad. When next I saw Freddie I asked, “Did we do any damage?” He smiled and laughed and said “Nothing I can’t handle.” That was Freddie. He was a great American and I miss him.

For the last fourteen years my marina has been Hogans’ on Wilmington Island. I had the Sea Ray there for twelve of those

beyond the normal services a marina normally provides. It seems like Hogans’ and Charity Event are paired in sentences about every month. Without Hogans’, there would be no “Fishin’ for Jaimie.” Our lives are enriched by these events where we demonstrate kindness and compassion for our fellow man – where we become the best versions of ourselves. I love my marina.

I bet you have a marina you love too. When I stop at Isle of Hope’s marina to deliver Southern Tides, I sense that this is a really great place with friendly people. I want to spend time there and learn more about it. I want to sit on their deck and drink a beer and hear their stories. I’ve heard that you can have a car come from the Driftaway Café to pick you up for lunch or dinner. I need to try that.

We would love to hear your story about your favorite marina. The one you love - the one that makes you take a deep breath and let it out and relax. Please share your story with us on our Facebook page or send us a message. Heck, I might come enjoy your marina with you and hear your story in person. First beer’s on me.

years and now I captain a tour boat from their dock. The crew at Hogans’ are wonderful. The boss, Bubba Strickland, can best be described as a community treasure. Like Freddie before him, he’s got a hard shell and a soft heart. He stands on “the quarterdeck” on a summer day and barks orders to his young charges like a drill sergeant. His kids learn much about life and being squared away while working for him. These kids usually go on to enjoy happy and successful lives. Bubba does this.

Hogans’ Marina serves my community in many ways, well

Now, maybe you were wondering about that quote at the beginning. Well, this instruction was printed on a piece of cardboard cut in the shape of home plate and fastened to the wall behind the toilet at the old Coffee Bluff Marina men’s room. I imagine Freddie smiled when he posted it, and it never failed to make me chuckle when I stood in position at the appropriate distance from the plate.

Hogans' Marina at sunset.

Photo by Dan Foulds

Jekyll Harbor Marina

Photo provided by Jekyll Harbor Marina

Sail Harbor Marina and Boatyard

Photo by Amy Thurman

Fort McAllister Marina, from the Tiki Bar at sunset.

Photo by Amy Thurman

Public Comment Period for Changes to Shellfish Growing Rules

By Tyler Jones

Communications Specialist

The Coastal Resources Division (CRD), a division of the GADNR, is seeking to change the state’s Saltwater Fishing Regulations to provide for shellfish mariculture in estuarine waters and to comply with a law passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.

The state Board of Natural Resources has been asked to consider new rules that would adopt the overarching National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance, establish commercial shellfish seed sizes for Mariculture, set requirements for shellfish seed health and importation, and set criteria for subtidal water bottom leases and lease terms.

If approved by the board, the new rule would additionally create a process for certifying shellfish hatcheries and nurseries in Georgia. Board approval would also bring the department into compliance with House Bill 501, passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 6, 2019. The law goes into effect March 1, 2020.

The public will have the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed rules beginning today until 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 2019. A public comment meeting will also be held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2019, at the Susan Shipman Environmental Education Center, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Ga.

Following the public comment period, the Board of Natural Resources will consider the rule change at 10 a.m. Dec. 4, 2019, at Lake Blackshear Resort, 2450-H U.S. Highway 280 West, Cordele, Ga.The meeting is open to the public.

BACKGROUND:

Georgia previously had a prosperous and lucrative oyster industry through the early 1900s. Today, Georgia’s oyster harvest represents a fraction of former yields. The oysters harvested in Georgia are native and wild. New techniques for oyster mariculture, or farming, in subtidal waters of creeks and rivers have been developed and tested in Georgia demonstrating the potential for substantial economic growth in the industry.

Georgia’s existing laws governing shellfish harvest date back to the late 1800’s and were based on the rights of riparian owners to plant and harvest shellfish. There was flexibility in the law such that in the 1980s, the shellfish industry was reinvigorated with the startup of clam mariculture in intertidal mud flats. To experience a similar revitalization in oyster mariculture, significant policy reform was required. All other Southeastern states have recently adopted new regulations to bolster their oyster farming industries. However, the challenges associated with oyster farming are not insignificant and include ensuring public health and food safety, siting mariculture facilities to be compatible with existing uses, and enforcement.

In 2019, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill

501 providing the basis for shellfish mariculture in a manner that is compatible with the environment and other public uses of coastal waters. The bill recognizes that shellfish mariculture provides increased seafood production and long-term economic opportunities as well as increased ecological benefits to the estuarine environment. It further acknowledges the public health concerns associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially those harvested during warm-water, summer conditions.

House Bill 501 amends O.C.G.A Title 27, Chapter 4, to provide for mariculture development and includes provisions for permitting, approving harvest in areas otherwise closed, leasing of intertidal and subtidal water bottoms, performance bonds, requirements for operational plans, shellfish mariculture permits and importation of shellfish seed. The bill also authorizes the Board of Natural Resources to promulgate rules necessary to develop and cultivate the shellfish industry including, but not limited to size, possession and creel limits; seasonal criteria; lease sitting criteria; methods for issuing leases; and importation.

The full rules proposal is available for download at https://coastalgadnr.org/sites/default/files/crd/pdf/ shellfish_briefing.pdf

Members of the public may send comments to: Cason Kinstle

Coastal Resources Division

One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520

cason.kinstle@dnr.ga.gov

MORE INFORMATION:

CRD's shellfish and water quality monitoring programs: https://coastalgadnr.org/Shellfish.

Commercial shellfish harvesting in Georgia: https://coastalgadnr.org/commercialshellfishharvest. More info about the Eastern oyster: https://coastalgadnr.org/oyster.

Questions? Contact Tyler Jones: (912) 262-3140 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov

GADNR Coastal Resources Division

Photo provided by GADNR/CRD

Taste of the Tides

Hot Crab Dip

Although this is seasoned with a healthy dash of Creole seasoning (my favorite spice), "hot" is a reference to the temperature rather than taste. But feel free to add hot sauce or whatever "heat" you'd like! As always, remember to shop locally!

INGREDIENTS

8 - 12 ounces lump crab meat

12 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup olive oil mayo

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1/2 cut shredded cheddar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

1/4 cup green onion tops, diced (for garnish

2 tsps Worcestershire

1 tsp Creole seasoning

DIRECTIONS

Enjoy!

• Let cream cheese rest on counter for 20 - 30 minutes to come to room temp. Preheat oven to 350

• With a fork, mix together mayo, shredded cheeses, garlic, onions, Worcestershire, and Creole seasoning.

• With a wooden spoon, stir in cream cheese; when well blended, stir in crab meat.

• Place mixture in small casserole dish and bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until top is golden brown and dip is heated through.

• Garnish with green onions and serve immediately. Note: Dip can be placed in a crock pot on warm or low to keep warm for gatherings.

PHoto by Amy Thurman

South Carolina Seabird Nesting Update

By Felicia Sanders Wildlife Biologist SCDNR

South Carolina's 2019 seabird nesting season has come to an end, and counts from nesting colonies have been compiled for this season by SCDNR biologists.

Nine species of seabirds, including brown pelicans, royal terns, Sandwich terns and black skimmers, regularly nest in South Carolina in large colonies of hundreds to thousands of pairs. Each spring and summer, staff biologists survey islands to determine number of nesting birds of each species. Biologists fly over SCDNR seabird sanctuaries to photograph nesting areas and count seabird nests from compiled photos. This season, biologists were also able to utilize aerial images from a UAV (drone) at several properties.

SCDNR biologists counted 6,109 brown pelican; 12,983 royal tern; 3,562 Sandwich tern; and 1,049 black skimmer nests. Bird Key Stono Seabird Sanctuary had the most pelican nests again this year with 2,270 nests counted, followed by Deveaux Bank with 1,701 nests. For the past several years, Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor has had no birds nesting on it due to erosion from storms and hurricanes. Efforts are underway to renourish the island with material from deepening the harbor channel. Information about the project can be found at https:// www.sccoastalbirds.org/

"Although numbers were up slightly this year, predation, overwash and disturbance affected productivity of several species," said SCDNR Wildlife Biologist Janet Thibault. The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge was the only site where black skimmers were successfully able to raise chicks to fledging age.

Due to the sensitive nature of the colonies, portions of Deveaux Bank and all of Bird Key Stono and Tomkins islands are closed to the public from March 15 through October 15 to protect breeding bird nests and their young. Dogs and camping are prohibited year round on these SCDNR-managed islands.

All of these colonial seabirds are listed as species of Highest Priority Conservation Status under the South Carolina Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. More information about coastal birds and the work SCDNR does for these species can be found on the SCDNR website at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/ wildlife/species/coastalbirds/index.html

For more information email Felicia Sanders at sandersf@dnr. sc.gov

Multiple species of seabirds at Deveaux Bank this summer.

Photo by Janet Thibault/ SCDNR

Top: A pelican guarding a newly hatched chick.

Above: Juvenile pelicans still with white down.

Photos by Felicia Sanders/SCDNR

UGA's Quest for Sustainable Horseshoe Crabs

By Emily Kenworthy Public Relations Coordinator

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Pacemakers, prosthetic implants, antibiotics, in fact every medicine or medical device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, depends on the horseshoe crab.

A protein in the blue blood of the crab is used to test medicine and medical devices for bacteria before they are used on humans, saving millions of people from infection.

But to get the blood, the horseshoe crabs must be harvested and bled. Though they are returned to the ocean, studies have shown that some die and females are unable to produce as many offspring. Scientists are working to create a synthetic version of the protein.

Until they create it, marine researchers like those at UGA are exploring ways to protect the species from decline.

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is working with a pharmaceutical company to farm the horseshoe crabs in their natural habitats on Jekyll Island, as a way to maintain the blood supply without depleting the horseshoe crab population.

“It’s a semi-natural environment in the fact that it’s tidally influenced, full of marine life and it would be similar to what they might experience out in the wild,” says Bryan Fluech, associate director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.

Fluech and marine resource specialist Lisa Gentit worked with Kepley BioSystems Inc., based in North Carolina, to construct four, 5-by-15 foot holding pens to house the horseshoe crabs in a saltwater influenced tidal pond, established in cooperation with the Jekyll Island Authority and the UGA 4-H Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island.

The site was ideal for the study because it was easy to access and because the environmental conditions in the pond are comparable to Georgia’s estuaries, where horseshoe crabs are commonly found.

Over the course of the six-month project, Fluech and Gentit monitored water quality and conducted routine health assessments of the crabs to assess their responses to being in the

enclosures.

“Think about humans,“ Fluech says. “We give blood and if we’re not careful we can get woozy and it can affect our health. The same can be true of horseshoe crabs. In addition to drawing their blood, we are also taking them out of their natural environment, hauling them to a bleeding center and returning them to their home hours or days later.”

Current methods of harvesting crabs often involve removing and transporting them, sometimes hundreds of miles from their natural habitat, to bleeding facilities where almost a third of their blood is extracted before they are returned to the wild.

The stress of removing them from their natural environment, collecting the blood, then releasing them without feeding or providing further care can have negative impacts on their health.

“If we can keep the crabs healthy, instead of bleeding the crabs once a year for about 30% of their blood, maybe, through careful husbandry, we could bleed them multiple times a year for a smaller percentage of their blood,” says Kristen Dellinger, a research scientist at Kepley and principal investigator on the horseshoe crab project.

Dellinger said several studies have explored sustainable harvesting methods, but none have taken the approach of housing them in environments that are similar to their natural habitat.

“There have been some attempts to raise horseshoe crabs in captivity for bleeding purposes, but, to my knowledge, those studies were done in closed tanks and the horseshoe crabs were given a fixed diet,” Dellinger says. “We’re curious whether this is what caused their blood quality to decline.”

The project, funded by the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant, involved conducting periodic bleeding and monitoring of 40 tagged horseshoe crabs that were kept in the enclosures at the research site on Jekyll Island.

The horseshoe crab’s blood contains a compound called LAL, or limulus amebocyte lysate, which causes blood to clot around

Horseshoe crabs are closely related to arachnids, a fact made more believable when you get a glimpse of its underside!

Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

deadly endotoxins, trapping them and keeping them from spreading. Thanks to this special compound, millions of patients are protected from bacterial contaminants each year.

Unfortunately, the widespread use of LAL comes at a cost to the hundreds of thousands of wild horseshoe crabs that are harvested annually for their blood.

In the outdoor, submerged enclosures on Jekyll Island, the crabs had access to natural food on the bottom of the pond and they experienced tidal rhythms as well as day and night cycles, all of which are things they experience in the wild.

“In a perfect world, you’d satisfy the global needs of LAL with diet, care and appropriate breeding from a captive population that can continue to flourish as well as provide a service to the medical industry,” Dellinger says.

In addition to looking at the environmental conditions, the research team tested different bleeding methods in an effort to optimize the way the blood is collected with the ultimate goal of using less blood.

Some studies have shown that the bleeding process can impact the spawning patterns of female horseshoe crabs, with some spawning less frequently or not spawning at all. Findings such as this are alarming not only when it comes to maintaining healthy horseshoe crab populations, but also for other animals that depend on the crabs for survival.

Threatened shorebirds like the red knot rely on horseshoe crab eggs for essential nutrition during their annual migration. They time their migration to arrive during spawning season so they can feast on the eggs that fuel their annual flight to nesting grounds in the Arctic.

Because of their benefits to humans as well as their ecological significance, it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep a healthy population of crabs, Dellinger said.

During the six-month project, Fluech collaborated with university partners on a number of initiatives connected to the study, with the goal of spreading awareness about the project and the environmental importance of horseshoe crabs.

Fluech is working with Dawn Zenkert, coordinator of the UGA 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, to incorporate information about the project into educational activities at the center.

“We’ve been able to stop there and share information about the project with students and campers,” Zenkert says. “It has been great just being able to talk about it with visitors. Last week we had a couple visiting from Canada who learned about it.”

Campers kayaking in the tidelands pond as well as those who passed by the site on their way to the salt marsh routinely stopped to talk with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant interns Cole Wilder and Ivy Spratling, who assisted with the project over the summer. These interactions allowed Wilder and Spratling not only to gain experience in research and experimental design, but also to cultivate their informal education skills.

“This whole experience has helped me fine-tune some of the tips and tricks that I’ve already started building and geared them more towards what I think would be very helpful in a professional career in environmental education,” says Wilder, who recently graduated from the College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. He plans to pursue a career in environmental education or animal husbandry.

Fluech also worked with CCGA Associate Professor David Stasek and his students on a small side project that involved sampling invertebrates like clams, crustaceans and worms at the horseshoe crab enclosure site.

Every other week the students identified and recorded the amount and type of invertebrates in each sample in order to create a diversity index of invertebrates commonly found where the horseshoe crabs live. Knowing what type of natural food is available to the crabs is useful for the project team.

“We’ve been able to have value added because of the connections we have here with our community partners,” Fluech says. “Regardless of the intended outcomes of this project, from a public service perspective we’re successfully advancing knowledge of the industry and supporting efforts to preserve horseshoe crab populations.”

Kristen Dellinger holds a sample of horseshoe crab blood.

Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Ivy Spratling (left) and Bryan Fluech (right) collect and feed the horseshoe crabs in the enclosures.

Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

A horseshoe crab used in the study is weighed and measured before getting its blood drawn.

Photo provided by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

T he Bitter End

The Wonders of Biomimicry

By Captain Dan Foulds

One evening recently, I got a call from fellow Freedom Boat Club member Scott Boylston. Scott teaches at the Savannah College of Art and Design and enjoys being on the water as much as I do. He has devised a way to share our coastal environment with his students and enable learning at the same time: they go to the beach! During our conversation, Scott asked if I would be willing to take some of his students out to Wassaw Island in one of the Freedom boats for a day of research.

“Sure, any excuse to go to Wassaw is a good one!”

So, on a beautiful morning several of his students showed up at Bahia Bleu. Scott was taking one boatload, I was taking another. (I also had Cathy Sakas, board president of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center on my boat – and don’t think I didn’t pick her brain all the way to and from. She knows more about the estuarine environment than most folks, and some of her stories are now my stories.)

As Scott explained, “Biomimicry is the design and production of materials, structures and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes.” How cool is that? We can look to nature as we solve problems – and learning from nature, we can come up with solutions that are less injurious to the environment and less resourceintensive.

From the Biomimicry Institute’s website (www.biomimicry.org), “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.”

That right there is smooth and cool. Nature knows how to do things very efficiently, with a minimum of muss and fuss. Nature doesn’t waste time or energy. If you look at the fluid distribution system in a leaf or a lung, you will find that they look very similar, and you won’t find any 90 degree turns in any of the pipes. But such turns exist everywhere in the fluid distribution systems in boats and buildings. How much energy – and money – might we save if we designed boats and buildings and cars and infrastructure in accordance with the laws of nature?

As Lucky Jack Aubrey said in the film Master and Commander, “What an amazing modern age we live in.”

Scott Boylston has an anecdote about Japan’s high-speed trains that’s particularly fascinating because it directly involves my favorite environment and the things that live in it. When the original bullet trains were running at 300 kilometers per hour through tunnels, the rounded nose would push a pressure wave, traveling at the speed of sound, in front of it. This pulse would exit the tunnels along the route

with a “tunnel boom” that was disturbing and dangerous. Design engineer Eiji Nakatsu, who is also a bird watcher, took inspiration from the beak of the Kingfisher bird. The Kingfisher’s beak has adapted to penetrating water surfaces at very high speeds with no splash. The Shinkansen nosecone copies the Kingfisher’s natural adaptation! Just imagine the other natural adaptations Scott and his students might discover and bring to market!

While on the beach, the SCAD students caught and released various forms of wildlife, such as crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They scoured the beach above and below the tideline and used a small net in the shallows for their collection and observation. They were careful to leave the environment intact, and as they found it with nothing added but footprints and nothing taken but knowledge. I have hope that we can all learn from our environment, and do a better job of leaving it intact.

Be gentle to man and machine.

The Shinkansen nosecone (right) modeled after the bill of a kingfisher, is one example of the fascinating science of biomimicry. Public domain images, credit unavailable

Bull River Yacht Club Unit 704

This is one of the most unique and special building complexes in the Savannah area. Unending views of the marsh and water. This 3 BR, 3 BA unit is on the far side and upper level. It is waiting for you to enjoy the balcony deck for dinner or drinks. Once you enter the property you will see water from every angle. The high end finishes just top it off. Welcome to the best view with privacy to boot. Enjoy the 4th Fireworks at Tybee from your private unit or come up one floor for rooftop amenities in the pool or table entertaining alcoves. This unit has water views from all of the common areas, one guest room and the master bedroom. Secure building and parking. Coded entry to the unit. This is the property for the discerning buyer. It has it all. Views, privacy, lock and leave potential, upgrades galore et all. $674,000

POOLER

This 4 BD, 2.5 BA home is one of the largest in the neighborhood. All of the family is together upstairs with lots of family rooms to boot. Huge bonus room upstairs. Large open floorplan downstairs with separate dining room, living room, sun room and an additional office. Great open kitchen with two counters for eating and a large breakfast room. Directly off this room is the double sized patio. Private backyard. No building behind you. Located on a cul de sac. The master bedroom is oversized with a sitting area. The master shower is huge and has a separate water closet. Directly off the master bath is a huge walk in closet and with access to the laundry room. Lots of amenities. Playground and pool. $274,000

DUTCH ISLAND

This wonderful 5 BD, 3.5 BA family home is ready for you. From the open floorplan with lots of entertaining areas to the back deck overlooking the tidal lagoon, everyone has a space. This is a true 5 BR home with 3.5 baths. Split floorplan and master is on the first floor along with two other bedrooms. Living Room with FP and builtins and Dining Room welcome you as you enter. The family room and kitchen are open to each other and the back deck. Oversized two car garage is deep enough for storage and cabinets. This community is so perfect for your family. Lots of amenities. Gated community but close to all shopping and schools. Don’t miss the crab trap right out your back door. $495,000

WILMINGTON ISLAND

This Spacious 3 BR 2.5 BA home in lake front in Palmetto Cove. Great floor plan with the master suite on the main level and 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. This home features a formal dining room as well as an eat in kitchen, family room, 2 car garage, large pantry and a laundry room. The home also features a screened in porch overlooking the lake. $319,500

Palmetto Bay Road

REDUCED

POOLER

This is a very special area and home. Located just off Pooler Parkway with easy access to I-16 and Savannah. A gated community with amenities that just do not stop. Private dinner club, exercise studio, tennis facilities, and a pool entertaining area that far exceeds any expectations. This 4 BR/3.5 BA home is located on one of the wonderful estate lots that is just over an acre. Custom built with two master suites. One upstairs and one down. Perfect for a multi generational family. Four bedrooms and a large bonus room. Multiple living and entertaining areas. There are minumum requirements for the dinner club. Come make this your perfect family home and enjoy all that Westbrook has to offer. $609,000

MOSSWOOD SUBDIVSION

Desirable gated Mosswood subdivision. This 3 BR 2.5 BA beautiful Brooke plan has it all! This spacious, open plan with 3 bedrooms plus a loft boasts laminate wood floors throughout main floor living space, upgraded carpeting in bedrooms, loft and stairs. Huge, upgraded kitchen island w/sink has granite counters & stainless appliances. Large breakfast area. Tiled separate shower/tub in owner’s bath. Walk-in owner’s closet and tray ceiling in owner’s room. Spacious bedrooms. Covered back patio gives you an inviting space for grilling and entertaining. To top it off - its on a corner lot! $264,900

BURNSIDE ISLAND

OMG!! 4BRs, 3BAs. That is all you can say about these views over the marsh and Vernon River. The sunsets alone are breathtaking. This traditional Low Country home is located on 2.8 acres and has views out of every window. Inground pool and screened porch overlooking the view as well. This estate is perfect for the discerning owner with privacy and lots of potential for gardens or a fam ily compound. Burnside Island is a unique island with single family homes and lots of walking, rid ing, etc. Golf cart approved island. Owner may ap ply for membership in the Burnside Island Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway.

MIDTOWN

Wow!! No lots like this in Parkside. 4 total lots with amazing outdoor space. This charming bungalow will draw you in and make you want to settle in for life. Two bedrooms and bath down and a fantastic master suite and sitting area with bath on second floor. Hardwood floors and contemporary kitchen. There are two outdoor screened areas. Detached single car garage with lots of extra storage. Parkside is such a welcoming community with lots of friendly neighbors. Walk to Daffin Park for the dog park, watching games or enjoy the Banana games and fireworks. Ready for you now. $349,000

ISLE OF HOPE

This wonderful 2 BD 2.5 BA home was originally the location of a dairy farm. Two buildings for living. One two story with a wonderful master suite upstairs with new bath and large closet. Separate “bunkhouse” has full bath, bedroom, kitchen and living area. They are joined by a cozy courtyard and expansive deck perfect for back yard enthusiasts. Large detached workshop and several outdoor storage buildings. Welcome to Isle of Hope! Walk everywhere. To the marina, to the community pool, along Bluff Drive with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The community is one the few golf cart approved areas. This special historic home is for the lover of beautiful and unique properties. Perfect for second residence or investment. $360,000

374 Casey Drive

We Prepare and Install Living Shorelines

Living shorelines provide a natural and stable alternative to rip rap and sea walls. Zulu is pleased to offer installation where stabilization and shoreline restoration is needed.

• Assembled with bags of recycled oyster shells

• Stabilizes eroding shorelines or failing bulkheads

• Plantings of native grasses enhance stabilization

• Encourages growth of oysters, which provides water filtration

• Provides habitat for multiple fish and crustacean species

• Increases resistance to flooding