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    • Beyond the Lens with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, beginning Oct 20

      Ever wonder how the experts capture that perfect photo to convey the wonders of our ocean and Great Lakes? Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for a series of virtual seminars and intimate discussions with world class photographers on October 20th, October 27th and November 10th.

       
      Ever wonder how the experts capture that perfect photo to convey the wonders of our ocean and Great Lakes?  What kind of techniqueexperience, and, yes, luck yield the beautiful images that transport us to faraway atolls and underwater seascapes?
       

      Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for a series of virtual seminars and intimate discussions with world class photographers on October 20th, October 27th and November 10th to celebrate the launch of America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration, publishing on October 20 from Smithsonian Books, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary system.

      Buy Tickets
      Each of the three sessions will feature an expert ocean photographer sharing their stories of getting the perfect shot, finding their inspiration, and answering your photography questions. Tickets will be limited for each session.

      Oct. 20: Keith Ellenbogen, underwater photographer, Stellwagen Bank

      Oct. 27: Melody Bentz, photographer, Hawaii

      Nov. 10: Stephen Frink, underwater photographer, Florida Keys

      Tickets can be purchased for individual sessions or as a package, and include an option to receive the America’s Marine Sanctuaries book at a reduced price.

      Photo credit: Stephen Frink

      Register today to join us for this special access event. Mark your calendars – we will see you on October 20th, October 27th, and November 10th!

      Learn More About the Event
       

      About America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration

       Our ocean, rivers, and lakes inspire feelings of awe, serenity, and a desire to know what can be found in their mysterious waters. America’s Marine Sanctuaries gives you an intimate and immersive look at our nation’s marine sanctuaries, and it will be sure to enchant you.

      The fourteen underwater gems that make up the National Marine Sanctuary System are celebrated for their beauty, history, and importance in this striking volume. The full-color photographs allow you to dive right into the waters where sunken wartime ships and wildlife are protected. Whether you love maritime history, scenic coastlines, or cute creatures like otters and dolphins, this book offers something for everyone.

      America’s Marine Sanctuaries is a testament to the ocean’s incredible ecosystems and landscapes, from kelp forests to deep-sea canyons. The marine sanctuaries, which range from the Hawaiian Islands to Stellwagen Bank off Massachusetts, ensure that our ocean waters, coasts, and Great Lakes are preserved. This book is a gorgeous reminder of what’s at stake in our efforts to conserve the world’s most critical and beautiful environments.

      Buy the Book!
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      Copyright © 2020 National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, All rights reserved.
      Our mailing address is:

      National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

      8601 Georgia Ave, Suite 510

      Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

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    • Great Dismal Swamp – The Life of a Lockmaster by Kathy Bohanan Enzerink

      Until his recent untimely death, Robert Peek served as Lockmaster of Deep Creek Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal for 24 years. See In Memorium Robert Peek. Our thanks to Donna Steward, Director of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and longtime friend, for sharing this 2012 Facebook article on a typical day in Robert’s life.

       

      Great Dismal Swamp – The Life of a Lockmaster
      Kathy Bohanan Enzerink

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Jean claude Fontaine -  October 7, 2020 - 1:01 pm

        It was a very nice person we enjoyed this lock and it is parts of our best lock souvenir. Rest in peace

        Reply to Jean
    • Death of a Legend – In Memorium Robert Peek

      The stories of Robert Peek’s “customer relations” are indeed legendary throughout the cruising community. Here is a man who loved his job and did not hesitate to share that love with boaters locking through Deep Creek Lock. Our thanks to Donna Stewart of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this notice and to Kim Russo of AGLCA for sharing Robert’s obituary.

       

      Our hearts are heavy, as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Deep Creek Lockmaster Robert Peek. Please keep his beloved wife Jackie and family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts in this time of loss. No one will ever fill his shoes.

      Robert of Deep Creek Lock squeezed 18 boats in the lock yesterday – we were like sardines in a can. I found the whole thing quite hilarious! Arnold Parkinson

      Robert smiling.

      Robert getting ready to play his conch shell, for which he was famous. Phil and Karen Barbalace

       

      Robert Leslie Peek Obituary
      Sturtevant Funderal Home

      Comments from Cruisers (4)

      1. Penny Leary Smith -  October 5, 2020 - 5:39 pm

        I am sending this email to inform you Robert Peek who has been the lockmaster at the Deep Creek Locks in Deep Creek Va on the Dismal Swamp Canal died October 1, 2020.

        Robert was an icon with the boaters for years. His caring personality and dedication will always be remember. If you could info the boating community through your publication this would be greatly appreciated.

        I am Penny Leary Smith (retired) former Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks.

        Penny

        Reply to Penny
      2. Bob Volkwein -  October 4, 2020 - 9:08 pm

        We first met Robert in 2013 as M/V Yinzer passed through his lock. As we departed the lock, he saw that our Homeport was Pearl Harbor, HI. He picked up one of his conchs and yelled “I bet you know what this is” as he blew it. In Hawaii, in bygone years, the blowing of a conch signaled the coming of royalty. Several years later we took two of our younger grandchildren (ages 8 & 10) on the Albemarle Sound loop and as we returned to the Chesapeake stopped for the night at the free dock located between the Great Bridge bridge and his lock. I told Robert via channel 13 that we were spending the night there and that I had two apprentice conch shell blowers onboard. He naturalling inviting us over for coffee and pastries the next morning. The children took our shells with them. He said that the “blow hole” was too big for the children lips so he picked up a couple of smaller shells and promptly made ones sized for them. We will always remember and cherish the moment.

        Bob Volkwein
        M/Y Yinzer, Mainship 390

        Reply to Bob
      3. Mike Camarata -  October 2, 2020 - 3:25 pm

        If you met Robert once, you were a friend. For life. We met, chatted with and were invited to breakfast several times. He was generous with his time, his knowledge and, of course, coffee and danish. Because of storms, dredging and lock repairs we were unable to take the Dismal for couple of years. We were looking forward to seeing Robert this year. Shocked and saddened by this news. It is a terrible loss for the entire boating/cruising community. Our best wishes and condolences to Jackie and his entire family.

        Mike and Carol
        Improbability

        Reply to Mike
      4. Donna Steward -  October 2, 2020 - 12:39 pm

        You all are in the boating world and know the giant shoes Robert Peek wore for our beloved Dismal Swamp Canal. He was lockmaster, host, grounds keeper, maintenance man, historian, ambassador, entertainer, and most importantly, genuinely caring of his boaters. Everyone was a friend, and he wins a trophy for Hospitality. Everyone knows Robert, and if you didn’t, you wanted to meet him.

        So you all know how devastated we are in sharing the news of his sudden death yesterday morning. I like to picture him laughing with God, having a cup of coffee and sweet breakfast treat, debating a few matters and having a good laugh while enjoying the heavenly companionship. I’m sure he has reeled in a few angels who could not stay away from the engaging conversations. Robert is just that way. He was a dear friend, and he will never be replaced.

        Please remember his beloved wife Jackie and their family in this time of shock and loss. Also his co-workers at US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE. If you would like to send any form of condolences please send them to:

        Jackie Peek and Family

        c/o US Facilities, Inc.

        2509 Reservation Road

        Chesapeake, VA 23322-5217

        We have been assured they will be given to Robert’s family. Jackie has given me permission to tag her on our Facebook page, although we are working out those wrinkles. So anything you share from our page she will have knowledge of. Please feel free to tag us with comments. There are already thousands of people who have seen the post late yesterday afternoon.

        Our sympathy goes out to you, as well. We know Robert had many friends in the boating community who are feeling the loss, too. Please feel free to share this message with anyone you feel would care to know. On a personal note, I took this image of Robert when he was assisting with Paddle for the Border, and my husband, daughter and grandson are on the boat with him. His genuine laughter is just contagious, and his conch is front and center. One of my favorites.

        Donna

        Reply to Donna
    • Fall Colors, Cooler Temps & Edenton Nature at its Best, Edenton, NC, Albemarle Sound


      Edenton, NC - the prettiest town in the South!

      A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events including safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.

       

       

       

      Fall Colors, Cooler Temps & Edenton Nature at its Best

       

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks

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    • Lookout Closer to Becoming Dark Sky Park, Cape Lookout, east of NC AICW Statute Mile 205CW


      The popular Cape Lookout Bight anchorage is practically in the shadow of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. In rough offshore weather, cruisers with shallow draft  may choose to access the anchorage via Taylor Creek and Barden Inlet which separates Shackleford Banks and Core Banks. These shallow, sparsely marked waters require a constant eye on the depth finder.

       

      Lookout Closer to Becoming Dark Sky Park
      Coastal Review Online
       
      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight

      Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage

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    • Relax at Longboat Key Club Moorings, GIWW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota Bay, FL


      Dock at one of the most accommodating marinas, CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Long Boat Key Club Moorings, and get off the boat for a few days to enjoy Longboat Key Club’s recently renovated rooms and resort special areas. It will renew your inner-most appreciation of Florida’s West Coast.

      Click here for Get the Look: Longboat Key’s Oh-So Yacht Sleek – Opal Unpacked

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    • National Marine Sanctuary Foundation News

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is one of seven sanctuaries currently involved in NOAA’s Underwater Sound Monitoring Program as part of the SanctSound project—a collaboration between NOAA and the U.S. Navy to better understand underwater sound within the National Marine Sanctuary System.

       

      The sounds that make sanctuaries special

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is one of seven sanctuaries currently involved in NOAA’s Underwater Sound Monitoring Program as part of the SanctSound project—a collaboration between NOAA and the U.S. Navy to better understand underwater sound within the National Marine Sanctuary System. 

      Results from hydrophone recordings have shown that Gray’s Reef has an incredibly natural soundscape because it is not near significant noise sources such as shipping lanes, military test sites, or oil and gas development. It is also located in the only known nursery grounds for the world’s most endangered large whale species, North Atlantic Right Whales. 

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, is inviting the public to discover the wonders of the Atlantic Ocean by listening to the acoustic soundscape recordings in the NOAA underwater sound monitoring study. Discover the Sanctuary Soundscapes project, featured on SoundCloud, to immerse yourself in Gray’s Reef! Listen, comment, download and enjoy these passive acoustic recordings from 60 feet below the surface of the Atlantic.

      Citizen Scientists and students of all ages can take a deeper dive into the project data analysis.

      Get Involved
       

      Washington CoastSavers join International Coastal Cleanup to conserve Olympic Coast

      On Saturday, September 19, Washington CoastSavers joined Ocean Conservancy in celebrating their 35th Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) along the shores of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

      This year, all volunteers were encouraged to follow COVID-safety guidelines and Ocean Conservancy released their own set of “Steps for Safety.” Following these guidelines, nearly 500 dedicated volunteers from around the Pacific Northwest joined Washington CoastSavers for the 2020 ICC. The volunteers removed an estimated 8,000 pounds of plastic water bottles, household trash, lost fishing gear, and other types of washed up debris that harm our coastal wildlife and shorelines. The approximate value of the volunteer effort totaled nearly $50,000. These results are especially impressive taking into consideration that 20 Olympic National Park, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and Makah, Quinault, Quileute, and Hoh tribal beaches were closed for this cleanup in order to prevent a COVID outbreak in our coastal communities.

      Learn how you can get involved with future cleanup efforts with Washington CoastSavers. 

      Learn More
       
      Over two days, July 30 and 31, 18 cleanup participants successfully removed 6,440 pounds of marine debris from a mile-long stretch of shoreline on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Most of the debris recovered consisted of 131 lost lobster traps; other debris collected and disposed of included foam fishing buoys, rope, and miscellaneous plastics. The project marked the inaugural cleanup of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Goal: Clean Seas Channel Islands initiative to keep the waters of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary healthy and thriving.
       
       

      We are proud to have earned a “Give with Confidence” 100/100 Rating From CharityNavigator

      Support our programs and sanctuaries

      Donate Here
       

      CONTEST: Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-shirt

      Photo credit: Cindy Among-Serrao
      Now’s your last chance to enter our contest to design the t-shirt worn by Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers at the 2021 Ocean Count in Hawaii.

      Every year in January, February, and March, volunteers count whales from the shores of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island for the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count. The goal of the Ocean Count is to increase public awareness of the sanctuary and current ocean issues, including threats to humpback whales, while also promoting responsible viewing of all marine wildlife. The project offers Hawaiʻi residents and visitors an opportunity to monitor humpback whales in their breeding grounds by conducting a yearly shore-based census during the peak season

      It’s not too late to enter your creative design highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters!  Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2020, at 11:59 PM HST.

      Learn More
       
      Jacqui Stanley is an educator and artist who inspires future explorers by sharing the majesty of Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary with her students. She says, “Discovering wonder is as simple as standing on the shores of a beach and looking into a tide pool. It can be as difficult as traveling to the depths of Challenger Deep, but it is always important, and always sparks curiosity and the need for more wonder.” 

      Read more of Jacqui’s story and others, and learn how to discover wonder in sanctuaries for yourself at marinesanctuary.org/discoverwonder

       

      Athletes Unlimited softballers promote a healthy ocean

      The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is proud to team up with Athletes Unlimited and Give Lively as a non-profit partner of Athlete Causes. Athlete Causes allows athletes to play their season in part for the benefit of the non-profit organization of their choice. This season, professional softball players Danielle O’Toole and Nicole Pendley chose the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation as their cause. All season long, they have raised money in support of the Foundation and the Give Lively Foundation will make a grant equal to 50 percent of the athlete’s end-of-season bonus to the Foundation as well.

      Congratulations to Danielle and Nicole on an outstanding softball season with Athletes Unlimited and thank you Give Lively for the end-of-season grant! 

      You can support Danielle and Nicole’s fundraising efforts by texting AUSANCTUARY to 44-321.

       
       

      From the Blog: Underwater Archaeology in the Great Lakes

      As research coordinator for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Stephanie Gandulla’s job is to work with a team of fellow maritime archaeologists to search for, document, and protect some of the best shipwreck diving sites in the world.

      Stephanie describes diving in the bitter cold of Lake Huron’s depths to set and maintain mooring buoys that allow the public to discover and connect with these maritime artifacts in a safe and responsible way, as well as documenting and monitoring these historically significant sites. 

      Learn more >>>

      Photo credit: NOAA, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary/Tane Casserley
       
      Copyright © 2020 National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, All rights reserved.
      You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive updates from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Washington Coastsavers, Monterey Bay Chapter, Gray’s Reef Chapter, Olympic Coast Chapter, Capitol Hill Ocean Week, or Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys.

      Our mailing address is:

      National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

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    • AIWA E-News September 2020

      Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.

       

      AIWA Virtual Annual Meeting ~ November 19, 2020

      The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association will hold our Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020. We are pleased to present this virtual collaborative event to bring together our members and stakeholders and connect them with federal and state agencies who have leadership roles in managing the waterway.

      This one-day schedule format will feature several sessions led by our industry’s leaders and practitioners offering vital information while covering a series of topics for all waterway users.
      Sessions will include:

      • State of the Waterway – Management & Maintenance Project Updates from USACE Districts 
      • Updates from our Recreational Boating Community – Boat US, NMMA, MRAA, and others
      • Beneficial Use of Dredge Materials – New Applications and Directions
      • Updates to Charting and Mapping efforts along the AIWW from NOAA
      • Marine Industry and Commercial Operators, Port Authority, Contracting Corporations, and Engineering Design

      Shifting to an online virtual platform has its advantages. Even though we all would like to see one another in person, we have the opportunity for increased participation and invite you to share this meeting with your colleagues! This is our annual opportunity to learn more together! If there is a topic or speaker you would like us to consider for inclusion on the agenda, please email AIWA Executive Director Brad Pickel.

      Registration is available here for only a $75 investment and we thank you for your continued support, active participation, and look forward to seeing you on November 19th!  
       

      Sponsorships and group rates are available.  Please email us for more information. 
       
      USCG Seeks Feedback on Shallow Draft Waterways
      The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting an important assessment of the Shallow Draft Waterways System (SDWS), the fourth in a series of studies to determine the navigation requirements for mariners in the U.S. Marine Transportation System (MTS). The Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study will help the Coast Guard to determine the Aids to Navigation (ATON) requirements in the SDWS which includes all navigable waterways of the United States less than 12 feet

      Comments are due by November 1, 2020 by visiting the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center.

       
       

      AIWA Members Receive 20% Off Aqua Map Bundles

      AQUA MAP is partnering with the AIWA to offer 20% off their software bundles. We highly recommend the Aqua Map App 👍🏼 and hope our AIWA members will take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more from Aqua Map by clicking here.
       
       
      ⚓️⛵️September Snapshot AIWW © Beaufort, SC.
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      Copyright © 2020. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved.

      AIWA The Unified Voice of the Waterway ~ Over 20 Years of Advocacy and Education 

      The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway. 

      Contact:
      5A Market, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906  (843) 379-1151

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    • MIATC Wants Your Opinion, Martin County, Stuart, FL


       Fort Pierce City Marina 1 Avenue A, Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 (772) 464-1245 Facsimile (772) 464-2589

      At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.

       

      How are you feeling about attending events in the coming months?

       
      WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
      How are you feeling about attending events in the coming months? 
       
      We’ve teamed up with several of Martin County’s most loved events and attractions to ask you to share your thoughts with us. It’s a short and simple 8 question survey, so please take a moment to tell us how you are feeling. Your candor and participation are greatly appreciated. Your response is requested before midnight on Sunday, September 28th. Stay well…and thank you in advance for participating. 
       
      MIATC | PO Box 1639Stuart, FL 34997

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    • Pamlico Oyster Reef Habitat to Grow 15 Acres

      Oyster lovers will tell you that Carolina oysters are extra special. It is great that these oyster beds in Pamlico Sound are being regrown. The North Carolina Coastal Federation is partnering with the state Division of Marine Fisheries to add 15 acres of new oyster reef habitat in Pamlico Sound. 

       

      Pamlico Oyster Reef Habitat to Grow 15 Acres
      Coastal Review Online
       

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    • 15 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Oak Island, Cape Fear River, NC AICW Statute Mile 309


      The beautiful Oak Island area is also home to three CRUISERS NET SPONSORS: Southport Marina, Deep Point Marina and Bald Head Island Marina – three more reasons to visit Oak Island. See Annual Oak Island Lighthouse Run for a rescheduled fall event.

      15 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Oak Island, NC
      TravelAwaits

      910-457-7380

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    • Hell on Whales by Fiona Zublin

      Back in the mid-19th century, and continuing until 1930, a group of whalers in Australia’s Twofold Bay worked with a pod of killer whales to catch and kill baleen whales.

      True and Stories/Hell on Whales
      ozy.com

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    • Good Review of Tom Point Anchorage, SC AICW Statute Mile 495.5


      Considered by many to be one of the best anchorages south of Charleston, Tom Point Creek cuts the western shores of North Edisto River, well south, southwest of flashing daybeacon #102. Our thanks to Jackie and Charlie for this report.

       

      9-11-20. (Looks like we’re only ones using this great anchorage!) Anchored in Tom Point creek (and 3 nights ago also) – about mm 495.5. Came in pretty far (2nd anchor ) to escape threatened storms. Very good protection. About 5-6 times here. A favorite bad weather anchorage. Anchored in about 13-14′ at 80% hi tide. 33# claw 50′ chain 34′ boat. Anchor not move – came up almost clean. Easy in/out- keep middle channel. No place to take dog. Current normal tidal flow. Beautiful and serene!! Charlie and Jackie on Traveler  

       

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek Anchorages

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tom Point Creek

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    • Join us for Virtual CoastFest 2020! 9/30-10/2, Georgia DNR

      The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources invites students, teachers and the public to Virtual CoastFest 2020, being held Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 2, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest.

       

       
      CRD Header May 2019 -2
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      Virtual CoastFest

      Join us for Virtual CoastFest Sept 30 – Oct. 2!

      The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources invites students, teachers and the public to Virtual CoastFest 2020, being held Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 2, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest.

      While in-person CoastFest will not be held due to COVID-19, the Division will offer a series of live-streamed events highlighting its programs all three days at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m each day. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to interact with Division staff and ask questions about how they conserve Georgia’s coastal resources for present and future generations.

      “For 26 years, we’ve looked forward to meeting our friends and neighbors from across the region at CoastFest,” said Tyler Jones, the Division’s CoastFest coordinator. “We’ve had to get creative to work around COVID-19 this year, and we’re excited to offer a virtual way to continue that tradition and provide an opportunity to peel back the curtain and show everyone what we do at Coastal Resources Division.”

      Live-stream topics on Wednesday, Sept. 30:

      • 9:30 a.m.: “All Aboard the R/V Anna: A look at the Division’s 60-foot shrimping vessel and the fisheries management work conducted aboard.”
      • 11 a.m.: “One Fish, Two Fish, Old Fish, New Fish: Discover how biologists and citizen scientists team up to better understand coastal fish populations.”
      • 2 p.m.: “The Shoreline Comes Alive: Learn what local communities and individuals are doing to protect property and restore wetland ecosystems.”

      Thursday, Oct. 1:

      • 9:30 a.m. “Our Changing Beaches: Beaches are constantly shifting, impacted by both gentle and tumultuous processes. Find out how the processes work and how people can adapt.”
      • 11 a.m. “Safe to Swim: Educate yourself on beach water quality, and how the Division partners with other agencies to keep the public safe.”
      • 2 p.m.: “Building Homes for Fish: Dive deep with our marine biologists to learn how the Division is building artificial reefs to create essential fish habitat.”

      Friday, Oct. 2:

      • 9:30 a.m.: “Going Green for Our Future: Learn how you can capture rainwater and prevent pollution runoff in your backyard and community.”
      • 11 a.m.: “Fishing Basics 101: Grab your fishing pole and join our marine biologists as they show you how to fish along the Georgia coast, including knot tying, types of bait and techniques.”
      • 2 p.m.: “Touch Tanks Live: Tune in live as we show off some of the coolest creatures that swim in our estuarine environment, and ask our biologists questions.”

      The CoastFest Art Contest, featuring art from students across the region, will still be held as usual, and the artwork will be on display at the Marshes of Glynn Library on Gloucester Street in Brunswick from Tuesday, Oct. 6, though Tuesday, Oct. 13. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded as in the past. This year’s art contest theme is “Our Marvelous Marshes,” and students are encouraged to submit art that highlights the estuarine ecosystem that makes the Georgia coast so unique. The winner of the 2020 CoastFest Art Contest will have his or her art featured on the 2021 CoastFest T-Shirt.

      New this year, the Division is holding an essay writing contest. Students from elementary, middle and high school are encouraged to write a 400-500 word short essay from the prompt: “What makes the Georgia Coast unique and what did I learn about it at Virtual CoastFest 2020?” First, second and third place awards will be given to Georgia students in elementary, middle and high school. Schools may submit their top five essays for judging by the Division’s staff and its partners in conservation. Teacher, homeschooling parents and students can find more information, including submission guidelines and deadlines, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFestEssay.

      Winners of both the art and essay contests will be announced Oct. 16 by press release and notification to the schools.

      CoastFest 2020 T-shirts, featuring art by Maleah Lavarias of Needwood Elementary School will be sold online. Sales will be available from a link at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest between Monday, Sept. 21, and Friday, Oct. 9. The cost is $10 plus shipping and handling. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. The shirt is kelly green and features a mosaic sea turtle on the back with Virtual CoastFest 2020 logo on the front breast.

      The CoastFest website will also feature short videos from previous exhibitors, allowing them to highlight their programs and missions.

      Anyone with questions about Virtual CoastFest 2020 may contact Tyler Jones at 912-262-3140 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov.

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    • State Dock Closed, Historic Bath State Historic Site, Bath NC off Pamlico River


      Bath State Docks are located on the eastern shores of Bath Creek, north of flashing daybeacon #4. For an in depth report on Bath.  Our thanks to Almond Drake for this update,

       

      Due to damage from Hurricane Isaias, the State Dock at Historic Bath is closed at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience and are we are working hard to open it back up as soon as possible.
      Almond Drake

      Click Here To View the NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Bath State Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Bath State Docks

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    • Bahamas Chatter: Report of cruise ships damaging the seabed near the Berry Islands

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

       

      Bahamas Chatter: Report of cruise ships damaging the seabed near the Berry Islands

      Report of cruise ships damaging the seabed near the Berry Islands

      Posted: 08 Sep 2020 12:33 PM PDT

      The COVID-19 pandemic has forced shutdown of active cruise ships operations in the Bahamas and cruise ships have been allowed to shelter in Bahamian waters. According to a report from the director of the Bahamas National Trust, fishermen in the Berry Islands have reported significant damage to the seafloor from cruise ships’ anchors and chains dragging across the seabed. Two miles west of Little Stirrup Cay, a private cruise port (AKA Coco Cay), it’s reported there are 15-18 cruise ships anchored two to three miles apart. The fishermen have said, the anchors are sometimes dragging along the seafloor as ships fail to properly anchor or have to be repositioned.

      On Sunday a dive team found “significant damage” to the marine environment allegedly caused by ship anchors.“The anchors are totally destroying the fishing grounds, and dragging through the coral. The chains are dragging coral and mountains of sand, ripping up the shoals and bars, totally devastating the fishing area. It looks like someone was driving a bulldozer across the seafloor,” the report alleged. A team is urgently putting together a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the damage and quantify the value of the damage and the potential remediation costs.

      The report stressed that all vessels sheltering in Bahamian waters are “obliged to anchor, operate and navigate in a safe manner  and in all respects compliant with all local laws and regulations, including safety and environmental regulations.”It added: “This extends to discharges of any kind, to the avoidance of any protected or restricted areas, and to the avoidance of damages to any sensitive commercial and environmental resources including reefs.”

      Divers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of the Environment have been ordered to carry out further anchorage site assessments between the Berry Islands and Bimini.

      Editors note: Most cruise ships should be able to use Dynamic Positioning to maintain a fixed position providing it is properly manned.

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