Chesapeake Bay News

Since discovering Didymo for the first time in Maryland last month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set up six wader sterilization stations throughout the tailwaters of Gunpowder Falls, to prevent further spread of this and other aquatic invasives.

Didymo is an algal diatom that forms long stalks which combine to form heavy, thick mats that can smother a stream bottom. Didymo mats, also called “rock snot,” look slimy, but feel like wet cotton or wool, and can be white, yellow or brown. The stalks can persist for two or more months after the diatoms die, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time.

“Didymo and other aquatic invasive species seriously jeopardize the health of our rivers, streams and Bay,” said Don Cosden, an assistant director with the DNR Fisheries Service. “Not only do these exotic species disrupt the local ecosystem, they are capable of permanently displacing or eradicating native species, including trout and other freshwater fisheries. We need anglers and other recreational users of this area to take 60 seconds to sterilize gear, and protect the waters they enjoy.”

Although there is no human health risk associated with the species, DNR is developing an aggressive plan of attack to deal with this invader, including asking anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use extra precautions when moving from one stream or lake to another. Movement of a single cell can contaminate a new waterway, and once Didymo is established, it can cover and suffocate a stream bottom.

“Proper angler protocol is the main line of defense in preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasives,” said Jonathan McKnight, chair of DNR’s Invasive Species Team. “We are strongly urging anglers to properly sterilize their waders and all gear that comes in contact with the water prior to using the gear in a new location.”

DNR strongly urges citizens to sterilize boots, paddles, boats and anything else that comes into contact with stream water; anglers may want to consider having two sets of equipment in order to move safely from one spot to another. DNR also advises against using felt bottom boots and waders – the worst culprits in the spread of aquatic invaders – replacing them with non-porous materials. If felt waders are used, they should be completely immersed in salt solution before being used in another location.

Proper sterilization procedures include:

* Before leaving a stream, scrub away all dirt and debris.
* At home or at a wader sterilization station, disinfect equipment by scrubbing or soaking in at least a 5 percent salt solution (2 cups salt/2.5 gallons water) for 60 seconds and then letting dry completely or scrub with dish detergent and rinse well.
* If disinfection is not possible, let equipment dry completely for at least 48 hours before next use.

Currently, wader sterilization stations are set up at six popular crossings along Gunpowder Falls: Masemore Road, Bunker Hill Road, York Road, Blue Mount Road and both north and south lots at the Falls Road crossing. In the coming weeks, stations will also be set up along the Casselman, Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers.

Originally found in Scotland and extreme northern Europe and Asia, Didymo has been transported worldwide. Recently, the species has been found in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. In many cases, anglers have unknowingly transported the diatom on their fishing gear.

DNR urges anyone who observes Didymo on rivers other than the Gunpowder Falls to contact Don Cosden at 410-260-8287 as soon as possible.

For more information on Didymo and other invasive species, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/.

source: MD DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for the 5th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Sponsored by Ritz Camera Centers, Boater’s World Marine Centers, Maryland Public Television and DNR, the contest invites student, amateur and professional photographers to submit photos of Maryland’s diverse natural resources now through September 5, 2008.

“Our annual photo contest offers photographers of all skill levels the opportunity to share their appreciation of our state’s exceptional natural resources, and the people who enjoy them,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Each year the exciting images we receive celebrate the breadth and diversity of our exceptional landscapes, waterways and the people who enjoy them.”

Last year, Chuck Prahl of Cambridge topped nearly 400 other photographers with his winning image entitled “Working the Trotline,” a photograph of a fishing boat on the Choptank River in Cambridge. Second place went to Sid Keiser of Cockeysville, for his tranquil shot of the boat Miss Jennifer, “Water Color.” Third place went to Karen Messick of Baltimore, for her close-up, “Spiderwort,” of the native flower.

Photographers of all ages can win up to $1,200 in prizes and a chance to have their outdoor images published in print and online. Winning entries will be featured in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine as well as the 2009 DNR calendar.

Photos entered into the 2008 contest will be judged within 5 categories: Birds, including waterfowl; mammals, reptiles and amphibians; invertebrates (bugs, bugs and more bugs); landscape scenes; plants; and outdoor recreation illustrating human interaction with our natural world.

All qualifying photographs must be taken in Maryland. Photographers may submit up to three entries for a $10 entry fee. Photos cannot be more than two years old or previously published. Non-residents may participate as long as the photos were taken in Maryland. Winners will be announced online October 16.

Official rules and contest entry forms are available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/.

source: MD DNR press release

Virginia Marine Resources Commission has approved the following projects for 2008

Recreational Fishing Advisory Board Recommended Projects:

A)  2008 Sunshine Children’s Fishing Program.  Denny Dobbins, Portsmouth Anglers Club.  $7,194.

B)  2008 Saxis & Morley’s Wharf Fishing Pier Youth Fishing Tournaments (Year 7).  Allen Evans, Eastern Shore of Virginia Anglers Club.  $2,500.

C)  2008 Hope House & Oak Grove Nursing Home Fishing Excursions and Clinics.  D. Hurst, C. Macin, Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association.  $4,000.

D)  Virginia Marine Sportfish Collection (Year 2).  J. Grist, J. Cimino, VMRC.  $12,000.

E)  Estimating Relative Abundance of Young-of-Year American Eel, Anguilla rostrata, in the Virginia Tributaries of Chesapeake Bay (Year 8).  Mary Fabrizio, VIMS.  $45,348.  From recreational fund $22,674.

F) Estimating Relative Juvenile Abundance of Recreationally Important Finfish in the Virginia Portion of Chesapeake Bay.  Mary Fabrizio, VIMS.  $74,242.

G)  Estimate and Assess Social and Economic Importance and Value of Menhaden to Chesapeake Bay Stakeholders and Region (3 Year Study) - Year 2.  James Kirkley, VIMS.  $236,479. From recreational fund $205,479.

K)  2008 Deployment of Artificial Reef Structure.  Mike Meier, VMRC.  $500,000.

L)  Buckroe Beach Saltwater Fishing Pier.  Fred Whitley, City of Hampton.  $750,000.

M)  Data collection and analysis in support of single and multispecies stock assessments in Chesapeake Bay:  the Chesapeake Bay Multispecies Monitoring and Assessment Program (ChesMMAP).  R. Latour, C. Bonzek, VIMS.   $94,221.

Commercial Fishing Advisory Board Recommended Projects:

A)  Product Development for Cownose Ray.  Shirley Estes, VMPB.  $55,900.

B) Project Manager for the Re-examination of Feasibility Study on One-year Grow-out of Triploid Crassostrea ariakensis.  Frances Porter, VSC.  $26,530. (Part 1 of 2)

H)  Repeatability of the Enrichment Procedure for Triploid C. ariakensis larvae.  Standish Allen, VIMS.  $30,000.  (Part 2 of 2)

C) Estimate and Assess Social and Economic Importance and Value of Menhaden to Chesapeake Bay Stakeholders and Region (3 Year Study) – Year 2.  James Kirkley, VIMS. $31,000.

D)  Estimating Relative Abundance of Young-of-Year American Eel, Anguilla rostrata, in the Virginia Tributaries of Chesapeake Bay (Year 8).  Mary Fabrizio, VIMS.  $22,674.

NorthBay was awarded a mini-grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust in the amount of $598 for the establishment of a native tree nursery as an addition to their growing Follow-On Program.

By creating the native tree nursery at NorthBay students will have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful learning experience about living organisms and ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay. By adding the nursery on-site, NorthBay will be able to provide trees to schools throughout the state at no cost, particularly in Baltimore City, who are taking on Schoolyard Habitat or reforestation projects in their community. The trees will be donated to schools to increase the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay as well as instill an appreciation and awareness of one of the greatest and most valuable filters for the bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a private, nonprofit grant-making organization created to promote public awareness and participation in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its Maryland tributaries. Since its creation in 1985 the Trust has awarded more than $24 million in grants that have made a measurable impact in the Bay restoration effort. The Chesapeake Bay Trust funds projects that help protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is observing National Safe Boating Week through May 23 to highlight the need for boaters to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water as well as abide by other safety precautions.

“Safe boating saves lives,” said Col. George F. Johnson, NRP Superintendent. “When you boat in Maryland, remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water.”

On average a dozen people die each year in boating-related incidents on Maryland waterways, most of which could have been prevented had a lifejacket been worn. Last year, Maryland saw an increase in fatalities, from eight in 2006 to ten in 2007, and injuries went from 163 to 208. Records show that the majority of accidents are the result of wake and/or excessive speed, reckless or negligent operation and operator inexperience or inattention.

Nationwide, 3,474 injuries and 710 fatalities resulting from boating-related accidents were reported in 2006. Overall, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, 90 percent of the victims were not wearing their life jacket. Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were using boats less than 20 feet in length.

source: DNR press release

Over the next two weeks, Tuckahoe State Park will welcome nearly 350 elementary school students from Caroline County for a series of educational and inspirational “all things Bay” activities as part of the park’s annual Bay Days environmental education celebration. Media are invited to take part in Greensboro Elementary School’s Bay Day on Wednesday, May 14, between the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“Visiting a Maryland state park is one of the best ways for children to learn about our natural environment and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Maryland remains committed to ensuring that every school-aged child enjoys and learns from an outdoor environmental education experience.”

Through Bay Days, students learn from hands-on environmental activities. Through a presentation by the park’s scales & tales program, the children learn about the area’s native birds and reptiles and how their well-being is directly connected to the condition of the land and waterways where they reside. Seining in the Bay offers students the opportunity to identify and better understand the fish and other marine inhabitants living in the park’s lake and creeks. Students also work together to plant trees, which will help to reduce run-off of nutrients and other pollutants into the park’s waterways and ultimately benefit Bay health. Since it’s inception, thousands of tree saplings have been planted, further improving the park’s buffer zone and providing necessary habitat for the park’s bird and wildlife populations.

“The half-day field trip is designed Tuckahoe State Park rangers to impart upon visiting students the importance of our natural resources and how what we do on land ultimately affects the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Ranger Jessica Conley. “Our strong partnership with Caroline County Public Schools enables hundreds of students to learn about our environment through first-hand outdoor experiences every year.”

Bay Days also support Governor O’Malley’s new Children in Nature Initiative, which was established last month via an Executive Order that charged a partnership state, local, private and non-profit with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning and expanding opportunities for outdoor experiences. The Partnership is tasked with creating an environmental literacy plan for Maryland students, increasing opportunities for structured outdoor learning through programming on state parks and other conservation lands, enhancing school and community natural areas to provide for structured and unstructured play, and tracking program progress.

Tuckahoe State Park which has organized the program for the last seven years, has hosted more than 2,800 schoolchildren during its annual Bay Days. Funding for Bay Days is provided by a generous grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art hosts the free reading program “Nature Tales for Tots” from 10-11 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Ward Museum lobby. This program is designed for children of the preschool to first-grade age. Early learners hear lively stories pertaining to the environment. Following the reading, a fun craft activity is conducted. For more information call 410-742-4988, ext. 104 or 110, or visit the museum’s Web site at www.wardmuseum.org.

Upcoming topics and dates include:

May 21: Saltwater Marshes
June 4: Insects
June 18: How the Garden Grows
July 2: Islands
July 16: Ocean Animals
August 6: The Chesapeake Bay

A new website shares examples of best management practices that farmers use to produce healthy crops and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Homeowners can apply these same conservation measures to home, lawn, and garden projects.

In response the the program. Governor Martin O’Malley remarked: “Farmers like homeowners and all residents of the Chesapeake Bay watershed play an important role in protecting our soil and water resources. “It is a priority of the O’Malley-Brown Administration to protect the health of the Bay for all to enjoy and to strengthen the family farms that anchor our rural communities and economies, preserve open productive land, and provide a local source of food. Farmers are strong partners in conservation.”

The project was constructed through a Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund grant from the Rural Maryland Council.

For details see: http://www.iwantmarylandsbest.com/

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) recently completed a five-year management plan that sets goals to expand the boundaries of Maryland’s three reserves, develop an environmental education center, and increase environmental stewardship and sustainable living through scientific research, environmental literacy and coastal management training for local decision-makers and stakeholders.

“The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s updated plan represents a commitment to research, education and stewardship that is exceptionally valuable to protecting and restoring Maryland’s, and the nation’s estuaries,” said Frank Dawson, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Assistant Secretary. “Our coastal training program plays a crucial role in providing scientific information to Chesapeake Bay decision-makers as we work to best address and better plan for population growth, land development and climate change.”

The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland has three sites —Otter Point Creek in Harford County, Jug Bay in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties, and Monie Bay in Somerset County. Partnering with local governments and non-profit conservation organizations, CBNERR hopes to add 1,345 acres Jug Bay Estuarine Research Reserve by incorporating the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County, as well as adding 32 acres to Otter Point Creek in Harford County.

CBNERR’s top priority at the Monie Bay Reserve is to increase opportunities for public access and environmental education by purchasing property for an environmental education center. Currently students in Somerset County, where Monie Bay is located, have no access to any private or public environmental education center. In addition to creating a new environmental education facility, CBNERR aims to increase effective environmental education to underserved populations so that more Marylanders change their personal behavior and serve as leaders to promote sound, informed, science-based decision-making throughout the community. CBNERR will also continue to work to increase environmental literacy with teachers, students, and communities to increase their connection to nature so that they will take action better its protection and restoration.

Many aspects of the 1990 management plan have been realized, most notably, the completion of the Anita C. Leight Center in Harford County, which provides classrooms, lab space, exhibit space and office space, and has allowed the implementation of research, education and volunteer activity at the Otter Point Creek component of the Reserve.

One of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the nation, CBNERR protects and restores approximately 5,000 acres of forest, farm and wetlands; conducts research and monitoring; educates visitors; runs coastal training programs for decision-makers; and enables affordable public recreation opportunities. The Reserve’s mission is to improve coastal resource management by increasing scientific understanding of estuarine systems and making estuarine research relevant, meaningful, and accessible to managers and stakeholders.

Cutting edge research performed at the Reserves helps to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Recent research includes exploring methods for reducing excess nutrient pollution from agricultural waste and investigating the environmental impacts and potential mitigation of sea level rise.

CBNERR is a Federal-State-Local partnership program, and receives funds annually from NOAA, DNR and Harford County. Operation of the Reserve would not be possible without local partners who assist by providing land, facilities, staff and volunteers, including Anne Arundel County (Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary), Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (Jug Bay Natural Area), Friends of Jug Bay, Harford County (Anita C. Leight Estuary Center), and the Harford County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (Bosely Conservancy).

For more information visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr/.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will extend the Susquehanna Flats catch and release fishery for striped bass by one week. The fishery, originally scheduled to close on May 3, will remain open until midnight on Friday, May 9.

Cold water combined with the forecast of an extended cool weather period will keep water temperatures in an acceptable range for catch and release fishing for striped bass. Maryland anglers and visitors to the top of the Chesapeake Bay will enjoy another week of catch and release fishing for stripers in the unique shallow water expanse that is the Susquehanna Flats

“The experience of responsible catch and release fishing can not be overstated,” said Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “We hope that this extended season will allow Maryland’s anglers a longer opportunity to enjoy our world-class fishing opportunities under ideal weather conditions.”

Anglers are reminded that any striped bass over 40 inches in length, caught during this period of time in the Susquehanna Flats may be entered into the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge via a catch and release citation form with photo documentation. Photos should be submitted to gherlth@dnr.state.md.us. Entrants will qualify for the chance to win a 2008 Toyota Tundra from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 worth of gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. Smyth Jewelers and Boater’s World will be offering valuable prizes during the Diamond Jim portion of the contest. For more information on the Challenge, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge/.

source: DNR press release