Estuaries Illustrated

Transcription

1 North Inlet - Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Estuaries Illustrated Volume 1, Issue 1 Spring 2008 Welcome to Estuaries Illustrated! Welcome to the first issue of Estuaries Illustrated. This newsletter is a production of the North Inlet Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NI-WB NERR) in Georgetown, S.C. The NI-WB NERR is located on Hobcaw Barony at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory. Established in 1992 and operated by the University of South Carolina Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, the NI-WB NERR is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country dedicated to education, research, and stewardship in estuaries. The NI- WB NERR encompasses 12,327 acres of tidal marshes and wetlands within two estuaries from which the reserve gets its name- the ocean dominated, relatively pristine North Inlet and the larger brackish, river-dominated Winyah Bay. Estuaries Illustrated will be distributed electronically four times a year- Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Season s Greetings is a section dedicated to nature s news of the season. You will also find articles and information about training opportunities, research and stewardship projects, and education programs. Please see the Programs page for a brief overview of some of our upcoming program offerings, and the Notes page for brief news of some of the events in which the NI- WB NERR has been involved. We hope that this newsletter will be a valuable source of information for our coastal community on the ecology, stewardship, and activities of the NI-WB NERR. We also invite you visit our web site at www. northinlet. sc.edu to learn more about estuaries and estuarine resources.

2 Nesting season for some of our most interesting coastal visitors will soon begin. Loggerhead sea turtles will be nesting along our beach dunes from May to August. Every year, more than 20 teams of volunteers walk the beaches of South Carolina looking for signs of nests and relocating nests that are not in safe spots. The sea turtle volunteer group, South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE), patrols local beaches from Myrtle Beach to Hobcaw Beach each morning during nesting season. Last year, 81 nests were found in this area by members of SCUTE. Loggerhead sea turtles nest at night along our beaches, but their nesting attempts may be unsuccessful due to obstructions or other disturbances. Season s Greetings Spring at North Inlet-Winyah Bay Sea turtles are threatened by loss of habitat due to coastal development and beach erosion, injuries due to boating accidents and getting caught in fishing lines and nets, and accidental ingestion of harmful materials such as plastic bags. Loggerhead sea turtles nest at night along our beaches. To help nesting turtles, turn off beachfront outside lights after dark, do not shine flashlights on or disturb nesting turtles, keep your pets leashed, and do not allow pets to dig in the dunes where they may potentially uncover previously laid turtle nests. And of course, take care where you see signs indicating sea turtle nests are present. Also be on the lookout for American Oystercatcher, one of several bird species that nest along our coast. Oystercatchers nest on sand dunes and salt marsh islands. Keep an eye out for the posted signs that help mark and protect their nesting areas. Signs identify nesting areas. The American Oystercatcher can be identified by its black and white plumage and its striking red-orange bill. Its nest is less obvious a simple scrape on the ground with well-camouflaged eggs. Take care this season in areas where nests might be present. Keep your dogs leashed, watch your step, and avoid areas marked off by signs. The American Oystercatcher s nest (right) can be very difficult to spot. You can report nesting turtles, or get involved as a volunteer by contacting SCUTE at Another type of turtle can also be found nesting in the area. The diamondback terrapin is a small turtle that lives in the tidal channels of the marsh and nests on sandy ridges at the marsh edge. Like the loggerheads, diamondback terrapins are also threatened by loss of nesting habitat, and are also susceptible to capture and drowning in abandoned crab traps. Help protect nesting birds and turtles ;; Turn off beachside outside lights after dark. ;; Do not shine flashlights on nesting turtles. ;; Fill in holes/sandcastles dug in the sand. ;; Remove beach chairs & umbrellas at night. ;; Keep pets leashed. ;; Check your crab traps regularly. ;; Do not enter nesting areas marked by signs 2 es t ua r i e s Il l u s t r at e d

3 Getting to Know Wetlands CTP Seminar Helps Decision Makers Understand Wetland Regulations The NI-WB NERR Coastal Training Program (CTP), in partnership with Coastal Carolina University and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, hosted a widely popular wetlands seminar in January. With over 70 seminar attendees, and just as many people still on a waiting list, the biology, conservation, permitting, and regulations pertaining to wetlands prove to be important topics in Georgetown and Horry Counties. The overwhelming demand for knowledge and training on this topic has led to the planning of a wetlands seminar series to meet this need in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Wetlands: What Are They Good For? Among the audience members were local government officials and staff, developers, realtors, and private industry representatives. The seminar provided background on wetlands and the suite of services they provide to us, such as flood protection and water filtration. Representatives from local regulatory and legal agencies walked participants through permitting and regulations, and stressed the importance of local governments taking responsibility for their own resource management. The CTP looks forward to future wetland events, and to assisting the community and decision makers with taking proactive steps toward better wetland management and protection. Local decision makers learned about the importance of, and regulations governing, wetlands in South Carolina at the Getting to Know Wetlands seminar. Tarkiln Swamp on Hobcaw Barony. This was the question that kicked off the January 17 th seminar. The event, which was attended by those whose daily professional decisions have a profound impact on the future of our local wetland resources, featured the function and value of these unique ecosystems that are so prevalent throughout our communities. With increasing concerns over water resources whether you re talking about drought, flooding, or conserving our waterways wetlands become an increasingly critical feature of our landscape. Wetlands refer to salt marshes, cypress forests, Carolina bays, and pocket forested wetlands that may not be wet with the exception of a few weeks or months each year. Wetlands act like sponges to absorb rainwater and floodwater. By holding excess water in their soils, they protect us from the damaging effects of flooding, and they allow floodwater to slowly recharge groundwater supplies that we depend on for drinking. As water drains through wetland soils, contaminants are also filtered out, making the water that is returned to our rivers and aquifers cleaner than if it washes over a developed area where it could pick up additional contaminants. It is critical that these habitats, which provide these important services to us free-of-charge, be better understood and better protected. The CTP was pleased to help bridge this knowledge gap by providing such a seminar to our local decision makers. No rt h In l e t-wi n ya h Bay Nerr 3

4 Diamonds in the Marsh Diamondback Terrapin Population and Movement in North Inlet Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles that inhabit estuaries and salt marshes along the Atlantic coast. They are long lived, obligate residents of the marshes that use the area for feeding, breeding, and nesting. our understanding of the population status and habitat needs of terrapins. The current status of Diamondback terrapins in South Carolina is unknown due to insufficient population surveys. The one extensive study of terrapins in South Carolina found them to be declining in some areas near Kiawah Island. A number of threats have been identified to terrapin populations, including mortality in crab pots, habitat loss, and nest site alteration and predation. Notches in the scutes help researchers identify individuals Francis Marion University researchers Dr. Peter King and Paige Weaver are working to improve Terrapins are captured in tidal creeks using seine nets, then they are weighed, their shell is measured, their sex is determined by tail length, and they are marked by notching the sides of the shell. Each marking pattern is unique, and can be detected for up to 16 years. Recaptured turtles can provide information on movement and growth. Movement of terrapins will also be tracked by attaching sonic transmitters to their shells. Data loggers in the channel will record the signal from the transmitter each time the turtle passes by. This information will increase our understanding of how terrapins use the marshes and creeks of South Carolina s estuaries. Ghostly Debris: Derelict Crab Traps Crab traps that are not checked frequently, or that are abandoned or lost, can become fatal snares for diamond back terrapins. Derelict traps can also be deadly for fish species such as red drum and flounder, as well as birds, including clapper rails and cormorants, and mammals such as otters. Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama have developed successful volunteer based derelict trap removal programs. For example, in Louisiana, 15,950 traps have been removed from 1,405,708 acres of bay and marsh by volunteers in 183+ boats between 2004 and There is currently no large scale effort to remove derelict traps in South Carolina. The extent of the derelict trap problem in South Carolina is not known. In the season, approximately 33,000 crab pots were licensed in South Carolina. Estimates of trap loss range from 20% to 50% of the total traps fished, and can be as high as 100% after large storms or hurricanes. Many newer traps are made of vinyl coated wire, which results in more durable traps with a longer ghost fishing period. The South Carolina Aquarium, in partnership with the NI-WB NERR, has created educational materials and has been holding events to distribute bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) that can be fitted onto crab traps and will help to reduce the ability of traps to capture terrapins. For more information on obtaining BRDs and the how to use them, contact Shelley Dearhart, Education Programs Instructor, at the SC Aquarium at sdearhart@scaquarium.org. 4 es t ua r i e s Il l u s t r at e d

5 Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center Project Underway The North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR, University of South Carolina, is working with the Belle W. Baruch Foundation to expand public education facilities at the entrance to Hobcaw Barony, the Foundation s 17,500-acre property where the reserve is located. In July 2006 The University of South Carolina received a 2.9 million dollar grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), matched with Baruch Foundation resources, for this construction project. The project involves expansion of the current building at the property entrance, recently renamed the Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center, from approximately 1,800 square feet in size to over 10,000 square feet. The new Discovery Center name reflects the new, more expanded scope of this jointuse facility designed to showcase the research discoveries being made on the Hobcaw property by universities and colleges as well as instill a sense of discovery in those who visit the center and participate in its programs. The new facility has been designed and is projected to be completed in summer It will include approximately 1,800 square feet of dedicated exhibit space compared to about 500 square feet in the present building. It also includes a new audiovisual room, a classroom, reception area, gift shop and office space for Baruch Foundation and North Inlet Winyah Bay NERR education staff. The facility will also serve as the home for the National Estuarine Construction on the Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center will expand the current facilities from 1,800 square feet to over 10,000 square feet. The final plans for the new facility have been completed by the architectural firm of LS3P Research Reserve System s Centralized Data Management Office that is the clearinghouse for monitoring data being collected by 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country. In addition to the 2.9 million dollar award for building construction, the North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR received a grant of $606,650 from NOAA in July 2007 for design and construction of new exhibits for the Discovery Center. Last year the Baruch Foundation used private and grant funds to engage an exhibit firm to develop an exhibit concept plan for the center. The same firm, Split Rock Studios from St. Paul, Minnesota, is continuing to work with reserve and Baruch Foundation staff on final exhibit design for the project. The exhibits will feature the cultural and ecological richness of the Hobcaw Barony property as well as scientific discoveries being made in its diverse coastal habitats. One of the showcase exhibits will be a large salt water tank with representative fishes and invertebrates from the North Inlet estuary. This building expansion and associated exhibit project open up a new era for public education opportunities for Georgetown County residents and visitors. The Reserve and Baruch Foundation are very excited about being able to provide additional education services for local school children, families and visitors to the area. No rt h In l e t-wi n ya h Bay Nerr 5

6 Programs June 2 July 11 August 29 May 17 May 30 June 10 June 27 Jully 11 July 29 August 12 August 26 June 19 August 1 August 15 August 22 Fishes of North Inlet Participants will learn about fish, crab, and shrimp species common to our creeks and assist with a long-term biological monitoring project. Be prepared for walking through marsh mud, biting insects, and outdoor conditions. Bike to the Boardwalk Meet Reserve staff in the Hobcaw Discovery Center parking lot and bike 2.5 miles (each way) to the Reserve s salt marsh boardwalk on beautiful North Inlet, then enjoy a leisurely salt marsh exploration. Upland forest habitats, wildlife, salt marsh ecology and a variety of other topics will be discussed during the trip. Bring your own bike (all terrain tires recommended), snack, water, cameras, and binoculars (if desired). North Inlet Kayak Tours Join Reserve staff and Surf the Earth outfitters for a naturalist-guided tour through the creeks of North Inlet. The program includes instruction in basic kayaking, a natural history overview, and educational highlights of the North Inlet ecosystem. Fee includes kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and water; bring a snack, camera/binoculars and wear sturdy shoes. Cost: $50/person, limited to 6 participants. Beach Discovery Walk All ages are welcome to join in for shoreline discoveries; learn about shells, sand dunes, geology, tides, and beach inhabitants of a barrier island. Carolina Crabbing Learn about the habits and biology of the blue crab while catching them from the local estuary. This class features equipment and techniques for catching crabs, rules and regulations for harvesting from local waters, and tips for cleaning and preparing these tasty crustaceans. Beach Night Life Learn about the amazing journey of the loggerhead sea turtles nesting along South Carolina s coast, discover the creatures most active at night, and those which make life in the ocean unique. For times & locations of programs and more information on upcoming programs, visit All programs are free unless noted, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, please call (843) Ext es t ua r i e s Il l u s t r at e d

7 Notes South Eastern Regional Diamondback Terrapin Meeting The ACE Basin, Sapelo Island, North Inlet-Winyah Bay and North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserves, in partnership with the SE Diamondback Terrapin Working Group, held a one-day workshop on February 27, 2008, highlighting the status of diamondback terrapin research, management and education in the Southeast. The meeting served to update attendees on the public education activities, research findings and specific needs of the region, as well as facilitate networking within and between states in the Southeast. For more information on the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group, please visit Carolinas Beach Vitex Symposium Winyah Master Naturalist Advanced Training- Estuary Immersion The NI-WB NERR partnered with Huntington Beach State Park to offer a weekend immersion course on estuaries and coastal ecosystems for students who have previously completed a Master Naturalist course in South Carolina. Ten participants from across the state visited the salt marsh, coastal swamps, and the beach to cover plant, bird, and invertebrate identification, coastal ecology, and environmental issues. Planning for the 12 week Winyah Master Naturalist Course to be held this fall is currently underway. For more information on the Winyah Master Naturalist program, please visit the web site or contact Jen Spicer at jen@belle.baruch.sc.edu. Getting to Know Wetlands - Again The 2008 Carolinas Beach Vitex Symposium was held on March 19th to bring together experts from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and the North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR to discuss progress toward the goal of eradicating beach vitex and restoring dune ecosystems. Beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) is a woody shrub native to the Pacific Rim. It is now spreading rapidly and poses a threat to native plants and animals on the east coast of the U.S., and it is causing major concern in North and South Carolina. The Carolinas Beach Vitex Task Force is leading an interagency effort to address the issue. Visit the web site for more information on beach vitex. Due to the popularity of the first Getting to Know Wetlands event held in January, this day long seminar will be offered again on July 17 th. This event is designed to help local elected and appointed officials, government staff, and local professionals understand why wetlands issues are important, understand the laws and rules governing them, as well as understand how well-informed decision making can yield more efficient results that adequately protect our coastal resources while continuing to meet land use and development needs. Certificates will be available at the end of the day for CEU credits. For additional details, to register online, or to learn more about the event partners, please visit the CTP website at or contact Nicole Saladin at nicole@ belle.baruch.sc.edu or at ext 241. This event is free of charge. No rt h In l e t-wi n ya h Bay Nerr 7

8 Parting Shot SETs Installed in North Inlet The NI-WB NERR collaborated with NOAA National Geodetic Survey and NOAA National Ocean Service to install sediment elevation tables (SETs) at permanant monitoring plots in North Inlet. These tools allow for the precise measurement of changes in the elevation of the surface of the marsh and will aid researchers in quantifying the effects of sea level on the spatial dynamics of salt marsh vegetation communities. North Inlet - Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve P.O. Box 1630 Georgetown, South Carolina Phone: Fax: Created in 1972, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is dedicated to conservation, research, education, and stewardship activities in America s estuaries coastal areas where the rivers meet the sea. The North Inlet- Winyah Bay Reserve was established in 1992 and is one of 27 reserve sites around the coastal United States. Each reserve receives funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and matched resources from the host state agency. The North Inlet-Winyah Bay Reserve is hosted by the University of South Carolina, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences. We are headquartered at the internationally recognized Baruch Marine Field Laboratory in Georgetown, South Carolina. For questions or comments about this publication, or to subscribe to our mailing list, please contact Jen Spicer at jen@belle.baruch.sc.ecu, ext es t ua r i e s Il l u s t r at e d