Coastal Land Preserved on 15th Anniversary of Major Oil Spill off Puerto Rico
January 8, 2009
422 Acre San Miguel Natural Reserve Protects Beachfront, Habitat for Fish, Turtles and Birds
On the 15th anniversary of a million-gallon oil spill that damaged the coastline of Puerto Rico, NOAA and partner organizations are celebrating the purchase of 152 acres to expand a coastal reserve near one of the areas hardest hit by the spill.
NOAA, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Trust for Public Land announced today that 152 acres east of San Juan have been added to the San Miguel Natural Reserve to help compensate the public for lost recreational beach use and injured natural resources for an extended period after the Berman Oil Spill on Jan. 7, 1994.
The purchase of this land expands the San Miguel Natural Reserve to 422 acres, an area the size of 317 football fields, and contributes to a multi-year effort to create the Northeast Ecological Corridor, one of the Caribbean’s last great unprotected areas.
“Expanding this coastal treasure of beach, mangroves, wetlands and forests protects the health of our coasts and provides the people of Puerto Rico with a wonderful place to swim, fish, hike and enjoy the beauty of the ocean,” said Patricia Montanio, director of the NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation.
The San Miguel Natural Reserve is a mosaic of coastal habitats including near shore coral reefs, more than a mile of beachfront, intertidal areas, wetlands, coastal dry forests, mangroves, the confluence of two rivers and the remnants of a 19th century hacienda used for sugar cane farming. The reserve is home to 16 federally listed threatened and endangered species, including the endangered leatherback turtle which nests here.
“Preserving this site provides a continuous stretch of protected coastal shoreline, preventing the fragmentation of critical habitat,” said Mildred Ramos Majoros, The Trust for Public Land’s project manager for Puerto Rico. “It also ensures that publicly accessible coastal lands and waters are not privately developed and will continue to provide recreational areas to boat, swim, and fish.”
The expansion of San Miguel Natural Reserve completes a project begun in 2007 when the Trust for Public Land purchased the first 270 acres to create the reserve. The reserve is one of a series of projects by NOAA, the National Park Service and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Funding for these projects comes in part from a $9.7 million court settlement with the parties responsible for the spill.
The 1994 spill occurred when the Morris J. Berman, a 302-foot-long, 90-foot-wide barge, carrying 1.5 million gallons of number 6 fuel oil, ran aground near San Juan, releasing nearly a million gallons of oil into coastal waters.
Other projects including creation of a coral reef trail and restoration of several historic forts in San Juan that were damaged in the spill are also pending.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov
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North Carolina Waterfowl Hunters Urged to Use Caution on the Water
November 6, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – Waterfowl hunters are reminded by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to use basic safety precautions when boating.
Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s hunting and boating safety coordinator, recommends the following guidelines:
- Wear a proper personal flotation device and insist that passengers wear one also.
- Be aware that small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing and swamping.
- Store equipment properly and keep it evenly distributed in the boat.
- Don’t overload the boat, especially with passengers.
- Keep hunting dogs prone in the center of the boat.
- Never move about the boat with a loaded shotgun.
A particular danger is posed by hypothermia – the loss of body heat. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia. Capt. Huebner advises wearing proper cold weather clothing, avoiding cotton, relying on wool and synthetic materials instead.
“Dress in layers, cover head and hands, and avoid over-exertion or fatigue,” Huebner says. “In case of capsizing or swamping, stay with the boat. It will still provide some flotation and will be the initial focus of a rescue attempt.”
As with any type of hunting, it is a good idea to let someone know where you plan to hunt and an approximate time of return. Keep a cell phone in a waterproof bag that can be used without removal from the bag.
Successful completion of a Hunter Education course, offered free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission throughout the state, is required for all first-time hunting license buyers. For course schedules, game regulations and additional hunting safety information, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
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Tog Fishing - The Basics
October 31, 2008
Tautog fishing is at its best in the fall. Commonly called “tog”, tautog is one of the most challenging species to pursue while fishing over New Jersey’s Artificial Reefs.
This fall the posession limit increases to six fish a day on November 16 (it is a one fish limit at the time this is being written - see the Marine Digest for current regulations) and they are on the reefs in good numbers.
The following basic techniques will help you land more fish this season.
Boat Placement Over a Reef
Proper boat placement and anchoring is the key to a successful day out tog fishing. Your boat has to be positioned directly over a piece of structure and remain steady. To accomplish this, first locate a piece of structure using DGPS or LORAN C coordinates. Once in the vicinity, circle your boat around the waypoint and watch the depth sounder until you see the structure on the screen. Mark the area with a buoy - it will give you a reference point while you anchor the boat.
After the site is located, kick the boat in neutral and determine your drift. Run up current of the drift and lay two anchors off your bow making a 45 degree angle between them. Finally, let out enough scope to drift back to your reference buoy. This anchoring technique will keep your boat much steadier over the structure than using a single anchor.
Tackle and Rigging
The ideal equipment for tog fishing is a conventional rod and reel. The rod must have a good backbone and be capable of handling a minimum of an 8 ounce sinker. The reel should be spooled with at least 30-pound line and have a low gear ratio to provide enough torque to haul the powerful tog out of its home. Old time pinhookers (commercial rod and reel tog fishermen) would use a 1:1 ratio reel, but that is not necessary.
A good tog rig consists of leader line, two sharp and strong hooks, and a heavy lead sinker. The leader line should consist of at least a 50-pound fluorocarbon and be about 3 to 4 feet long.
The rig can be tied to the main line using a number of different knots, but an Albright knot seems to hold best. Use a perfection loop at the bottom of the rig to attach at least an 8 ounce bank sinker (a heavier bank sinker will be required if conditions are rough). A blood loop dropper knot should be tied about 4 inches above the sinker for the attachment of a snelled hook. This loop attaches to the leader at a right angle, which prevents the snelled hook from tangling.Â
An easy way to snell hooks is to use a 2-foot piece of fluorocarbon and tie a 2/0 to 4/0 hook to one end with a domhof knot. Then do the same to the other end of the fluorocarbon. This leaves you with two hooks, one on either end. Hold the hooks in your hand and double up the line and tie a double overhand loop at the opposite end of the hooks. Take the double overhand loop and run it through the dropper knot on the leader. The snelled hooks should extend about 6-8 inches from the main leader line. This leaves you with a rig that has two hooks lying on the bottom.
The most common bait of choice under most conditions is the green crab; however, sometimes other species of crab works better. For instance hermits, calicos, or fiddler crabs may entice more bites during the warmer months, but Jonahs and rock crabs may be better during the winter. Surf clams and conch can be used, but they generally attract small fish.
 The two hooks are inserted into either a piece of crab or a whole crab. Run the hooks through the knuckles of the crab to prevent the bait from falling off. On days when the bite is good, a whole crab will entice the larger fish to hit.
Feeling the Bite
Tog are one of the most difficult fish to hook. The repetitive tapping when a tog hits causes a lot of people to set the hook too early and miss fish. The key is patience. When tog are lightly tapping they don’t have a good hold of the bait. Be patient, wait until the fish gives a pull, not a tap.
Every day brings a different bite. Sometimes the bite is on and you can’t miss and other times you can barely fill a tug. If the bite is light or non-existent just move to the other side of the boat or let some scope out to adjust your position on the piece of structure. That can make all the difference in the world. Once you feel a good pull, set the hook and crank the reel. Tog have to be hauled out of structure with gusto, otherwise, the fish will hang your rig in structure.
Enjoying Your Catch
One of my favorite ways to prepare this tasty fish is to make chowder. Use any New England clam chowder recipe and substitute cubed tog fillets for clams. Remember, don’t overcook the tog as it may become tough and chewy. Here is the recipe that I prefer most:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of butter
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
1 rounded teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 cup of clam juice
1 can of chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups of whole milk or light cream
2 medium white-skinned potatoes, peeled and diced
4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
1-2 lbs. of tog filets, cubed
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped chives
Preparation
In a deep pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and bay leaf and cook 2-3 minutes. Whisk in flour and Old Bay and cook 2 more minutes. Whisk in clam juice and broth and combine; cook until broth begins to thicken. Stir in milk slowly. Add potatoes raise heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 12-15 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add bacon and tog. Cook 2-3 minutes or until tog begins to flake. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chives. Enjoy!
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Mississippi Anglers Get Three Days of Free Fishing
May 27, 2008
JACKSON - Mississippi is observing National Fishing and Boating Week June 1-8 by waving fishing fees and boat launching to fish for anglers on Mississippi State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes for three weekend days, June 1, 7 and 8. A valid Mississippi freshwater fishing license or proof of exemption is still required.
“This is an opportunity for anglers to spend some time on the water, near their homes and save a few dollars,” said Director of Fisheries Ron Garavelli. “Our state lakes are an excellent place to introduce someone to fishing or have an outing with the family. Most lakes are stocked with bass, bream, and catfish with a few having other species such as crappie.”
Mississippi has 24 state fishing lakes and 22 state park lakes. Most allow fishing from the bank and special fishing piers. Each has a boat launching facility for those wanting to fish from their boat. For family fun, many lakes have picnic tables that offer an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take a respite from the time on the water.
For a list of lakes and other fishing related information visit Fisheries, or call 601-432-2400
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New Tool Helps Fight Quagga Mussels
April 26, 2008
Bill gives officers authority to stop, inspect and detain boats and vehicles
Utah has a new tool to help prevent quagga and zebra mussels from entering the state—Senate Bill 238.
Passed during the 2008 legislative session, SB-238 gives Utah law enforcement officers and port-of-entry agents the authority to stop, inspect and detain vehicles and boats that may contain a quagga or zebra mussel.
If this intervention is successful, it could save Utahns millions of dollars each year.
New tool
SB-238 gives officers the authority to stop and detain vehicles and boats that the officers have reasonable cause to believe might have been used on an infested water or might be carrying quagga or zebra mussels. That includes vehicles and boats that are traveling down roads, entering or leaving parking lots, or anywhere the vehicle or boat might be.
Also, any boat that has been on an infected water must be decontaminated before it enters Utah or is launched on any water in the state.
Devastating effects
The devastating effects quagga and zebra mussels could have on Utah is the reason legislators passed the new law.
Quagga mussels and their cousins, zebra mussels, attach themselves to boat hulls, boat motors, water system intakes and anything else that comes in contact with the water.
Quagga and zebra mussels are destructive to any lake they inhabit. From consuming massive amounts of plankton, which is fish food, to fouling beaches and plugging pumps, pipes and outboard motors, these tiny mussels take over any water they enter.
“Fighting quagga and zebra mussels will not be easy,” says Larry Dalton, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “If a single breeding pair gets into a water, that single pair can lead to a massive colony.
“It will take everyone’s help and vigilance to keep this tiny creature out of our lakes. Boaters and others who recreate on Utah’s waters need to change their habits.”
Clean, drain and dry
Dalton encourages boaters, anglers and anyone who recreates at Utah’s waters to clean, drain and dry their boat and any other equipment that touches the water.
Specifically, he encourages boaters and anglers to:
Clean plants, fish, mussels and mud from your boat;
Drain the water from all areas of your boat and equipment;
Dry your boat and equipment in the sun before using it again. In the summer, let it dry for at least 7 days in the sun. In the spring and fall, dry it for 18 days in the sun. In the winter, leave your equipment out for 3 days in the freezing temperatures. Leaving it out for 3 days should be enough to kill any mussels that are on your equipment.
You can also have a professional boat washer wash your boat and trailer, and flush your motor, bilge and live wells, with scalding hot water.
The water must be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, there are very few boat washers in Utah that have equipment that can heat water to 140 degrees.
“Cleaning, draining and drying your boat and equipment is something all of us can do,” Dalton says. “Drying your boat and equipment is just as effective as washing it with water that’s 140 degrees.”
Legislature provides $2 million
In addition to passing SB-238, the legislature authorized more than $2 million to implement an aquatic invasive species program that the DWR and its partners started in 2007.
The $2 million will jumpstart the program by allowing it to buy decontamination equipment, hire and train employees, and develop informative materials.
Massive effort
The DWR and its partners have launched a massive campaign to keep mussels out of Utah this year. If you’re a boater, you’ll be among the first to see the campaign in action.
For example, as you pull up to a boat ramp, you’ll likely be greeted by a biologist or a law enforcement officer. They’ll give you some information about quagga and zebra mussels. They’ll also ask you if you’ve been boating on a water that has mussels.
If you have been boating on an infested water, they’ll ask you to decontaminate your boat before launching it.
Why all of this concern and effort?
Just over a year ago, biologists at Lake Mead discovered a growing population of quagga mussels. During the following months, more and more populations were discovered throughout the lower Colorado River drainage. Biologists found mussels at marinas, popular boating areas, isolated points and even in the intake pipes that supply water to downstream communities in Arizona and California.
Boaters from the lower Colorado River drainage often visit Utah. Because quagga and zebra mussels are usually transported on boats, this discovery puts Utah at risk.
The DWR has purchased 26 boat decontamination units to help keep Utah’s lakes clean. If you have been in a quagga or zebra mussel-infested water, you must get your boat decontaminated before placing it on any of Utah’s waters.
For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
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