Chesapeake Bay News

A special guest has been invited to the annual Potomac River Ramble, July 8-11. On the second night of this year’s canoe and kayak camping trip, the 18th century Cherokee Indian “Mankiller” Ostenaco (played by actor  Doug Wood) will appear in the firelight, his head painted warrior red, to tell the story of how he led 130 men into war to protect British settlers against the fury of the French.

The Potomac River Ramble, sponsored by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and led by River & Trail Outfitters, is an annual, multi-day canoe and kayak trip featuring riverside camping, catered meals, restoration projects, history talks, nature walks and environmental education.

Biologists, historians, geologists and other experts will meet the group of paddlers along the way for hands-on instruction and discussion. Organizers hope participants will become intimately connected with the “nation’s river” by camping alongside it as they paddle the three-day course.

This year’s event begins Thursday evening, July 8 and ends Sunday afternoon, July 11. Experienced guides and other experts will lead paddlers from Town Creek Park, W.Va. through the gorges and rolling hills of the Potomac River’s Paw Paw Bends, ending at Little Orleans.

No paddling experience is necessary, and you do not have to register for the entire trip. The cost is $55 per day and includes meals, camping fees, guides, shuttle and educational programming. If you do not have a boat, rentals are available; prices include delivery and pickup.

For more information please visit:  http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/

You may also contact Jennifer Willoughby with the ICPRB at 301-984-1908 ext. 109 or JWilloughby@icprb.org; or Lee Baihly with River & Trail Outfitters at 301-988-5712 or lee@rivertrail.com.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has been working to enhance and protect the Potomac River and its tributaries through regional and interstate partnerships since 1940. River and Trail Outfitters has been guiding trips since 1972, annually outfitting more than 30,000 people on various rivers in the Potomac watershed.

The 27th annual Championship on the Chesapeake, the country’s largest rockfish tournament, concluded on May 4th with 580 boats and approximately 4,000 anglers participating in this year’s event.  The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA), the largest sport fishing group in the state hosted this event.

For three days, starting on April 30, anglers from all over the East Coast put their skills to the test as they experienced world class fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and competed for some significant cash prizes and the title of Champion.

This year’s champion in the amateur division is Kevin Howell of Edgewater, Maryland. Howell weighed in a 52.55 pound rockfish at the Rod N’ Reel docks in Chesapeake Beach just after noon on Friday. Howell said he caught it just south of the CR buoy in 55 feet of water using a 9 inch white shad off his planer board.  Howell’s catch secured him first place in the overall tournament and first in three of the additional skill levels bringing his total earnings to $21,750.

Second place went to Steve Smith of Hanover, PA who weighed in a 41.9 pound fish at Chesapeake Beach.  Smith said he caught his fish near buoy 78 using a tandem rig with 9 inch shad. Smith is the big money winner this year as he entered all of the additional skill levels and will be taking home $63,022.

Third went to Jeff Schmitt of Baltimore as he weighed in a 40.05 pound rockfish at Calvert Marina in Solomons, Maryland on Friday, the first day of the tournament.  Because Schmitt entered additional skill levels he will be walking away with over $12,000.

Additionally James Lutz also of Baltimore will be taking home a considerable amount of money for his 39 pound fish.  Lutz entered in several of the skill levels and for that he will cash in for $21,750.

Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) said they have increased the prizes in the Kid’s division as well as the Catch and Release division.  The top fifteen kids will receive fishing gear and merchandise as well as certificates congratulating them on their catch.

“If we don’t get our youth involved in fishing and the outdoors our sport will be in serious trouble and fishing tournaments provide that opportunity to get kids involved”, Smith said.

New to this year’s tournament was the use of text messaging as a way to update tournament anglers on who is winning and what they need to bring in to have a chance.  This new feature is something new to the sport and another example of responsible fishing tournament management.

“Texting is a great opportunity to communicate with our tournament anglers and let them know what they need to have a chance at winning”, Smith said.

The Catch and Release division was popular this year as anglers turned in their catch logs for a chance at some new fishing gear.  The winner Sam Fisher Jr, who has won this portion of the tournament before, will receive $800 in fishing gear and merchandise from local tackle shops.  Second through fifth place will also receive fishing gear for their efforts.

Recreational fishing and tournaments in specific generate huge amounts of money for local economies here in Maryland.  That was evident by the thousands of people in Chesapeake Beach and Solomons Island this weekend for the tournament not to mention the thousands that took to the water from all over Maryland to participate in this event.  Having spoken with Solomons Pier owners Philip and Jeanie Stone, they couldn’t be happier and look forward to the next MSSA tournament that comes to town.  Solomons Pier was the venue for one of the five Captains Meetings that were held prior to the tournament.

Professional and Charter Boat Division

This year’s Champion in the Professional and Charter Boat division went to our own Captain Ed O’Brien.  Captain O’Brien runs a charter boat, Semper Fidelis III, out of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.  Captain O’Brien weighed in a 35 pound rockfish taking home nearly $10,000.

Second place went to Captain James Gray who brought in a 34.6 pound fish earning him over $10,000 as he entered several skill levels.  Third place went to Captain White who entered a 32.7 pound rockfish.  But this year’s big winner went to Captain Sweitzer who secured fifth place overall and placed in several of the skill levels. Fortunately he entered the $500 skill level which paid out $9,000.  In total Captain Sweitzer took home $12,972.

All awards and cash will be given out at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 13 at the Columbian Center in Severna Park starting at 7:00 PM.  All tournament anglers are invited as there is still prizes to be given out as “last chance awards” and door prizes.  The big winners will receive checks and the Champion will receive the coveted Championship on the Chesapeake trophy.

For more information and a complete list of tournament results please visit www.mssa.net.

David Turnbaugh’s painting entitled “Marsh Dweller” is the winner of the 2010-2011 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. The winning painting shows a Hooded Merganser walking through a marsh setting and will be featured on the 2010-2011 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.

The entries were judged before a large crowd on Saturday, March 27 at the 21st Patuxent Wildlife Art Show held at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md.

“It was selected out of 28 entries from 14 Maryland artists,” said Bob Beyer, Associate Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service. “The contest is the fourth oldest in the country and is restricted to Maryland residents only.”

Mr. Turnbaugh has been a competing artist in Maryland’s duck stamp competition since the mid-1980s and is the only six-time winner in the history of Maryland’s prestigious Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Mr. Turnbaugh’s other artwork can be viewed and a print of this year’s winning entry can be ordered at his website http://www.marylandrealist.com or by calling 410-665-1903.

The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest showcases the talents of Maryland’s gifted artists. Migratory game bird hunters are required to purchase these $9.00 stamps and the proceeds are used to fund migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on the state’s public lands. More than $4.5 million in stamp sales have been spent on migratory game projects since the inception of the stamps in 1974.

source: DNR press release

Rupert Rossetti of Garrett County was honored with the prestigious 2008 Bernie Fowler Award at Maryland’s 13th Annual Tributary Team meeting on Saturday, March 6 at the Maryland Department of the Environment in Baltimore.

The so-called “White Sneaker Award” is named for the former State Senator who initiated the annual Patuxent River wade-ins more than 25 years ago to test water turbidity and bring attention to declining water quality. The award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions of a tributary team member to Bay health and habitat.

“Rupert Rossetti’s work is a shining example for Marylanders,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. ”As we work towards restoring the Bay and our 2-year milestones, the work of our tributary teams is more vital than ever. Rupert and all our tributary team members’ dedication inspire others to get involved, while working towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

“It was a retraining opportunity in his early retirement from DuPont that got Rupert turned onto the field of water quality work — he took a GIS class from the University of Delaware that keyed him into a lot of this water quality stuff,” said his wife, Cynthia Rossetti.

Established in 1995, Maryland’s Tributary Teams are made up of more than 350 volunteer members comprised of citizens, business leaders, farmers and government officials, charged with helping implement pollution prevention measures in the State’s 10 major tributary basins. The ongoing work of the teams is a model for citizen involvement and action.

Under the Smart, Green & Growing initiative launched last year, the O’Malley-Brown Administration is working to involve every Marylander in reducing the State’s carbon footprint, preserving our most valuable resource, lands, and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Rossetti recently led a work plan development exercise to reduce pollution. He inspired 15 fellow tributary team members to take the lead in the various team work plan projects. He also remains involved in other local issues such as the county comprehensive plan review, local water quality monitoring, and a stormwater management ordinance review. He has been a presenter at local and regional water quality monitoring and restoration seminars.

The teams also presented 10 Tributary Teams Watershed Hero Awards on Saturday, to team members who made exceptional contributions in 2009:

* Clarence (Doc) Kuntz, Choptank Tributary Team
* Keota Silaphone, Lower Eastern Shore Tributary Team
* Bob Boxwell, Lower Potomac Tributary Team
* Amy Clements, Lower Western Shore Tributary Team
* Kate Fritz, Middle Potomac Tributary Team
* Bill Stack, Patapsco/Back Tributary Team
* David Brownlee, Patuxent River Commission
* Joe Blizzard, Upper Eastern Shore Tributary Team
* Dave Biser, Upper Potomac Tributary Team
* Rupert Rossetti, Upper Western Shore Tributary Team

source: MD DNR press release

TEAM DNR Volunteer Training
March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free
Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Maryland DNR is seeking interested adults to become TEAM DNR volunteers. Volunteers should have an outgoing personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Currently, TEAM offers schools free classroom programs on the following topics: Chesapeake Bay watershed, streams, oyster reefs, horseshoe crabs, and Chesapeake Bay watermen. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. For information, call 410-260-8828.

8th Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop

“Charter Boat Business Management for Your Future”

Harrison’s Chesapeake House

21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman Island, Maryland

Thursday, April 8, 2010 — 9 am to 3:00 pm

Organized jointly by the Sea Grant programs at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware, the workshop will focus on business management, marketing, safety, and fishery resource issues pertaining to the charter and head boat industry and also to eco-tourism based charter businesses

$40 registration fee includes a buffet lunch and all educational materials.

Workshop Registration Deadline: Friday, April 2, 2010

Registration information is available online at:

http://darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw10.html

Walk-ins will be taken as space allows, but registration fee will increase to $50

Overnight accommodations are available at Harrison’s Chesapeake House

see http://www.chesapeakehouse.com/ or call 410-886-2121 for reservations.

For additional information about the workshop, contact

John W. Ewart    (302) 645-4060 or Michelle Scorziello    (302) 645-4346

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service has set the dates and locations for two rescheduled public scoping meetings to present upcoming recreational summer flounder fishing regulations. The original meetings were postponed due to the recent snow storms. These will be the best remaining opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and register comments on the Department’s proposal for size, creel, and season limits for the 2010 season.

The first meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. Monday February 22 at the Tawes Building Room C-1, 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis. This flounder scoping meeting we be a part of the Sportfish Advirsory Commision meeting. The second and last public scoping meeting for summer flounder will be at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury on at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 2, in Guerrieri Hall room 101.

The results of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Flounder Management Board meeting on February 2 require a 23.6 percent reduction in recreational fishing pressure in Maryland due to an overage in last year’s catch. However, an apparent improvement in the total fish population allows for an increase in the allowable catch from 61,000 fish to 75,000. The problem is, Maryland anglers apparently harvested as many as 89,000 last year and must reduce their harvest to meet the 2010 target of 75,000 fish.

ASMFC did not approve of splits in minimum sizes and creel limits for coastal and Bay anglers as Maryland has used in the past because the sample sizes and available data have been inadequate for effective monitoring and assessment. Therefore, the options come down to a consistent increase in minimum size and creel limits for the coast and the Bay combined with a choice of options for the timing of the open seasons. There is some good news in this because the minimum size is increasing, DNR may be able to extend the season.

The options on the table include three fish a day of 18.5 inches or more from April 17 to September 21, or the same minimum size with a season of April 24 to September 24, or June 8 to October 16. The fourth option would raise the minimum to 19 inches and extend the season April 17 to November 22.

If you are unable to join DNR staff at one of the two scoping meetings and would like to register a comment, please send your thoughts to fisheriespubliccomments@dnr.state.md.us and include “summer Flounder” in the subject line. You may also fax your comment to Carrie Kennedy at (410) 260-8279.

source: NOAA press release

Ten junior chefs from Maryland and Delaware competed for top honors in the 3rd annual Junior Chefs Rockfish Cooking Contest.  The event, which was sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program and the Sea Grant programs of the universities of Maryland and Delaware, took place on Jan. 30 as part of the 2010 East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition in Ocean City. The three judges were:  Melissa McCormick, Calvert Marine Museum and Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission member, Gary Leach, executive chef, Ocean City Convention Center, and Dr. Thomas Miller, regional director, University of Maryland Extension.

The contest was part of the Maryland Rockfish Celebration, which is also taking place at more than 50 Maryland restaurants and retail markets through the end of February.

The following are the results from each division:

Kids Division – Ages 7-12

1st Place: Benjamin Voshell, 11, Galena, Md.
BRAT: Bacon Rock and Tomato Sandwich

2nd Place:  Mareike Van Wie, 12, Wilmington, Del.
Summer Dream

3rd Place: Mattie Gene Janus, 11, Newark, Del.
Rockfish with Jicama and Pepper Relish

Junior Division – Ages 13-17

1st Place: Jonathan Romero, 16, Silver Spring, Md.
Rockfish Romero

2nd Place: Kat Chlumsky, 15, Burtonsville, Md.
Rockfish Stuffed with Mushrooms, Bacon & Caraway Served with a Sour Cream Gravy

3rd Place: Amanda Lay, 17, Silver Spring, Md.
Rockfish Ravioli with Lemon Pesto

All participants received a plaque and cash prizes of $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.  For the 10 finalists’ recipes, visit www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/rockfishrecipes2010.pdf. For further information about restaurants and retailers participating in the Rockfish Celebration this month, visit www.marylandseafood.org or call 410-841-5972.

The winning recipe:

BRAT:  BACON ROCK AND TOMATO SANDWICH
Benjamin Voshell, 11
Galena, Maryland

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless rockfish fillets
4 tablespoon butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
4 thick slices of bread, toasted
4 slices cooked bacon
4 large slices tomato
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon tarragon
Garnish – fresh parsley and paprika

Preparation:
Sprinkle rock fillets with salt and pepper.  Drizzle with melted butter and place under hot broiler.  Broil until fish is just cooked; don’t overcook.   Break bacon in half and place two bacon halves on top of toast.  Next top with sliced tomato.  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and tarragon.  Spoon over fish.  Return to broiler until hot and bubbly.  Garnish with paprika and parsley.

Serves 4.

source: Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, is hosting three informational roundtable meetings to introduce the program to marina, boatyard and yacht club operators. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.

The initiative will hold roundtables from 10a.m. to 12 p.m. at these locations:
# February 9 – Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace
# February 11 – Oxford Community Center
# February 17 – Port Annapolis Marina

Free program materials (Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments. A tour of the host facility (or one located nearby) will follow the roundtable discussion, weather permitting, to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program.

Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas. MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new Permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990. The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices.

Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award. To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina. Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes.

Space is limited and there is minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance. Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

The 2010 East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition is fast approaching, and this year’s show will once again be offering young chefs a chance to show off their skills. This year’s expo will mark the 12th year of the East Coast Junior Waterman’s Show, and all chefs between the ages of 7 and 17 are encouraged to enter their best Rockfish recipes in the 3rd Annual Junior Chefs Rockfish Cook-Off. The top ten finalists will compete in the Cook-Off on Saturday, January 30 in Ocean City, Maryland.

The contest will consist of two age groups, 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Five finalists will be selected from each age group to compete for cash prizes and plaques. First place will receive $200 and a plaque, second place will receive $100 and a plaque and third place will receive $50 and a plaque. All finalists will receive Rockfish pins, aprons and certificates.

All entries are due by Friday, December 18, 2009. Finalists will be notified by Thursday, January 7, 2010. A daytime phone number is required on all entry forms in order for finalists to be notified. The recipe should be an original entree or main dish. Each finalist will receive two pounds of rockfish fillets to use the day of the competition. All other ingredients and cooking utensils are the contestants’ responsibility. Judging will be based on originality, predominance of Rockfish, taste and texture. Parental permission and supervision must be provided.

The Cook-Off is sponsored by University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, University of Maryland Sea Grant and the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program. For a list of all official rules and regulations, as well as an entry form, please email Doris Hicks at dhicks@udel.edu.

source: mdseafood.org press release