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    • NOAA Navigation Services Newsletter – April 24, 2020

      NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) used the Shoreline Update Expedite (SUE) process to respond quickly to the US Coast Guard’s request to chart an area around the car carrier Golden Ray that overturned in September south of St. Simons Island. 

       
      April 24, 2020
      NOAA Navigation Services Newsletter banner
       
      Quarterly Newsletter
       
      NOAA certifies San Francisco Bay shipping channel with top survey rating, increasing confidence for deep draft vessel navigation
      There is a risk factor when navigating in and out of our nation’s busiest ports, particularly at the helm of some of the world’s largest deep draft vessels. Mariners rely on tide and water level information, wind and weather data, but perhaps most importantly, they rely on electronic navigational charts and the quality of depth measurements that comprise them. Recently, NOAA certified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydrographic surveys for the Pinole Shoal Channel in San Francisco Bay — a critical waterway for bulk carriers and tankers to reach the ports of Sacramento, Stockton, Martinez, and Benicia — the highest possible data quality rating, Category Zone of Confidence (CATZOC) A1, for two years. This is the first USACE federally-maintained channel to receive the highest-level certification. NOAA anticipates the increased CATZOC rating will dramatically increase shipping efficiency.
       
       
       
      NOAA works with partners to expand Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System
      NOAA recently expanded the Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®), working with local partners from the greater Tampa Bay Marine Advisory Council PORTS, Inc. and the University of South Florida. This critical system provides real-time information to mariners about ocean conditions, water levels, currents, and winds. Tampa Bay PORTS has added a new current meter in the main ship channel and a new air gap sensor on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to help mariners combat strong currents in the area and clear the bridge more safely. The Physical Oceanographic Real Time System (PORTS) is a successful public-private partnership with one or more local partners to install, maintain, and distribute data from real-time tide, current, meteorological, and air gap sensors in areas in or outside seaports that need this information for navigation safety. There are currently 33 systems in place across the U.S. Next year, the PORTS program will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.
       
      Tanker ships on the lower Mississippi River.
       
      Did you know???
       
      Real-time tide predictions and observations for NWLON and PORTS® stations in various seaports are utilized for strict guidance on transit times for deep draft vessels– depending on the tide levels. This data is critical for determining available under keel clearance… a challenge in many seaports. In fact, pilot operating procedure manuals in many areas refer to data and predictions from specific NOAA tide stations, operating in many of our PORTS®.
       
      For example, due to ongoing dredging activities in two ranges in the Delaware River, the Pilots’ Association of the Delaware River and Bay issued temporary and restrictive guidelines that specifically utilize short windows tied to the timing of tide predictions and observations at the Philadelphia, PA NWLON and Marcus Hook, PA PORTS® stations. This area sees a large daily tide range and the guidance pertains to arrivals and departures for vessels of a certain draft at various pier facilities in PA, NJ and DE.
       
       
       
      NOAA announces new progress report on mapping U.S. ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters
      NOAA released the first annual report on the progress made in mapping U.S. ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters. The depth, shape, and composition of the seafloor are foundational data elements that we need to understand in order to explore, sustainably develop, conserve, and manage our coastal and offshore ocean resources. The 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Ocean Mapping of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska and the global Seabed 2030 initiative make comprehensive ocean mapping a priority for the coming decade. The Unmapped U.S. Waters report tracks progress toward these important goals.
       
       
      NOAA collects critical data to aid in hurricane resilience
       
      In the wake of the severe hurricane seasons the past several years, Congress appropriated disaster relief funds to NOAA for the support of “flood mitigation, disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure.” With these funds, NOAA has been collecting critical data in areas impacted by each hurricane. Over the next three years, more than one hundred temporary water level gauges will be installed to create decision support tools. NOAA will establish benchmarks at each location creating verified points of reference for assessment. Water level products and tidal datums will be calculated to support accurate tide predictions and safe navigation of coastal waterways marred by the hurricanes. These observations will enhance the network of tidal datums foundational to the Vertical Datum Transformation tool (VDatum).
       
       
      Follow along with NOAA’s chart improvements using new web map service
       
      NOAA released a new and improved web map service featuring the status of NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENC®) as they undergo major improvements. The current ENC scheme is based on the extents of the paper nautical charts from which ENCs were originally digitized. Improvements to the ENC suite involve replacing this puzzle-piece layout with a rectangular grid of ENCs (referred to as rescheming), often providing larger scale and more detailed coverage than the existing paper charts. The public can now view ENC project status from the planning and creation stages all the way to completion, keeping them better informed of when these enhanced navigational charts will be available. This process was first announced in the National Charting Plan and explained in more detail in the Transforming the NOAA ENC®.
       
       
      NY Harbor to get updated tidal current predictions
       
      NOAA has recently completed a current survey for the New York Harbor area. Many tidal current predictions in this area date back to the middle of last century to as early as 1885. Updated tidal current predictions are imperative for safe marine navigation throughout a waterway. Each year NOAA measures tidal currents at different coastal and estuarine locations by deploying dozens of temporary instruments, this survey included 36 separate locations. Currents are observed at depths throughout the water column and are measured over a period from one to four months. A statistical process called harmonic analysis determines the part of the current caused by the tides. This “tidal current” can then be predicted at that location for many years into the future. Other factors that influence the current such as wind cannot be forecast for more than a few days and are not included in the prediction. The updated information will be available for mariners to use in 2020. All tidal current predictions can be accessed here.
       
       
      Introducing new NOAA liaisons to the navigation community
       
      Quentin Stubbs – Western Gulf Coast Navigation Manager, texas.navmanager@noaa.gov
       
      Lt. Cmdr. Charles Wisotzkey – Great Lakes Region Navigation Manager, greatlakes.navmanager@noaa.gov
       
      NOAA helps USCG chart capsized cargo ship along Georgia coast using SUE expedited process
       
      NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) used the Shoreline Update Expedite (SUE) process to respond quickly to the US Coast Guard’s request to chart an area around the car carrier Golden Ray that overturned September 5 soon after leaving the Port of Brunswick, about 70 miles south of Savannah. The ship’s 24 crew members were all successfully rescued. 
       
      SUE is a process created by NGS to respond to quickly to a high priority navigation issue. This request was one of 84 requests since SUE’s inception in 2018. This request was received at NGS on January 21, 2020 through Coast Survey’s Nautical Data Branch (NDB) via the Southeast Navigation Manager and was completed by NGS in under two hours. The wreck is shown below and is located in Brunswick Harbor, GA at: 31°07’40.80″N, 081°24’10.80″W. NGS provided a shapefile to Coast Survey to overlay on NOAA Nautical Chart 11506.  
       
      During the SUE process, NGS acquires existing high resolution imagery from a variety of sources, analyzes and improves the georeferencing accuracy of the imagery if necessary, then quickly creates a shapefile depicting the new/changed feature(s) using NGS’ standard C-COAST attribution scheme, and delivers a shapefile to NDB for immediate application to the nautical charts. The port of Georgia (Savannah and Brunswick) is the fourth largest by total volume and Brunswick is considered the busiest seaport for automobile imports in the US. Thus, this request is considered a high priority. For previous articles on SUE please see Coast Surveys’ 2018 blog.
       
       
       
      NOAA co-hosts annual Texas Coastal Ocean Observing Network Meeting…virtually!
       
      In mid-April, NOAA co-hosted the first entirely virtual Texas Coastal Ocean Observing Network Meeting (TCOON) along with our partners, the Galveston District US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This was the first time this meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. NOAA partners with the USACE and the state of Texas (Texas General Land Office (TGLO) and the Texas Water Development Board) to manage and operate a coastal ocean observing network that considers federal, state and local observation requirements for a variety of coastal projects and products and leverages the partnerships capabilities and resources toward meeting them. It’s an impressive collaborative network made up of 6 NOAA National Water Level Observation System stations, 28 TCOON stations, 2 NOAA current meter stations, and four NOAA Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems that provide the Texas coast with integrated data to support navigation, emergency response, coastal inundation, marine boundaries and resilience planning. This annual meeting is a venue for marine navigation stakeholders in the Texas region to convene and discuss critical regional issues, opportunities for collaboration and implementation success stories.  
       
       
      New Great Lakes water level information available on NOAA Tides and Currents website
       
       
      Great Lakes partners and stakeholders will now have access to the record high and low water level for each NOAA Great Lakes National Water Level Observation Network station on the NOAA Tides and Currents website.and can use this information as a reference during this spring and summer season which is forecast to continue with high water conditions. NOAA has analyzed historical data for each of its Great Lakes water level stations and provided this information on each station’s homepage, like this one from Ludington, Michigan. The overwhelming majority of these stations reached their highest levels on record in 2019.
       
       
      STAY CONNECTED
       

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    • Operational Status: Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA AICW Statute Mile 12


      Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA.

      Official Current Operational Status for Atlantic Yacht Basin:

      Fully Open and Operational All Are Welcome !!

      Also, we updated our diesel price to $1.45/gal .05 cents off for purchases of 200 gallons or more.

      Have a nice, safe, and healthy day!

      Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin

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    • Good Words for Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route


      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route

      Having just re-opened following a three month maintenance closure and now partially closed due to COVID-19, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. Southbound, the Dismal Swamp Canal departs the VA Waterway at statute mile 7.2 and northbound off Albemarle Sound northeast up the Pasquatank River , NC. Our thanks to Randall Peterson for these kind words as posting on AGLCA’s Forum.

      John is right on about rafting. It’s a time honored tradition to allow one or two rows to raft at the end of the day, since there isn’t much else around for overnighting. Great pet friendly stop also. This particular NC welcome center is the only one in the US that I’m aware of that services both land vehicles and boats at the same place. Staff inside (if open during Covid19) are super nice. We’ve stopped here dozens of times albeit more by car than boat, and always clean.

      Ben Sanderson
      M/V ‘Last Chance’
      44′ Valor Marine

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Donna Stewart -  April 23, 2020 - 9:51 am

        Ben,
        Thank you for the kind words. Staff is in the building, able to answer questions by phone and provide resources, but our Center is closed to the public at this time. Rest Area and Rest Rooms are open, as well as the paved DSC Trail, 3 miles in length. We hope you will join us again, and we'll be able to open our doors when safe. The dock is available and we have had light traffic. Wishing you health and safety.

        Reply to Donna
    • Coastal Georgia 2019 Ecosystem Report Card

      The Report Card is an important tool for planning restoration activities and conservation.

       

       
      CRD Header May 2019 -2
      CRD Latest News
      Cover image

      CRD releases annual ‘Report Card’, Georgia Coast scores well

      BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 22, 2020) — The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) today released the 2019 Coastal Ecosystem Report Card, which gave Georgia’s coast a score of 80 percent, or “A-.”

      The Report Card is an important tool for planning restoration activities and conservation. It provides resources managers and the public with a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of the ecological health of coastal Georgia. Coastal Georgia health is defined as the progress of indicators toward scientifically-derived thresholds or goals. The twelve indicators in the report card examine aspects in human health, fisheries, and wildlife.

      The coast’s good score this year can be partially attributed to positive gains in indicators including fecal coliform, Red drum and sea turtle hatchlings. This year’s grade was calculated using data primarily collected by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Coastal Resources and Wildlife Resources divisions.  

      “Another year of good scores for Georgia’s coast continues to show that conservation efforts by DNR, as well as nongovernmental partners, is paying off,” said Doug Haymans, director of CRD. “While there is always more work that can be done, compared to other ecosystem report cards in the United States, coastal Georgia has a very high score. Much of this can be attributed to the relatively undeveloped coastal landscape in Georgia and good stewardship by the people of Georgia.”

      Ecological report cards are considered a public friendly way to provide a timely and geographically detailed assessment of ecosystems and rivers. Report cards provide a numeric grade or letter that is similar to a school report card, allowing for quick and understandable results to a broad audience.

      However, the Report Card scoring is based on a twenty-point scale (100-80% = A, 80-60% = B, etc). This is the scale accepted for ecosystem health report cards (such as the Chesapeake Bay and Mississippi River) as it is able to provide a clearer picture of health. Following the typical school grading scale overall (<60% = F, 60-70% = D, etc.) would result in consistently similar grades, but does not provide information about small improvements or declines in ecosystem health. The equally divided grading scale allows for evaluation of small changes in ecosystem health, even at the very poor, poor, and moderately poor ranges.

      To read the 2019 Coastal Georgia Ecosystem Report Card, visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org/ReportCard, or click here.

      Members of the media may contact CRD’s communications specialist, Tyler Jones, at 912-230-9709 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov

       
       
      20 years of Sustaining, Protecting,Enhancing, and Conserving

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      Support marine habitates by upgrading your license plate!

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    • Southport Marina Re-Opening Update, April 22, Southport, NC AICW Statute Mile 309.5


      This excellent facility and longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. See Emergency Only prior to April 22.

       

       
      Southport Marina Will Reopen Wednesday, 4/22/2020
       
      Thank you all for your patience with us as our team works hard to safely get our facility back up and running after our three week shutdown! We are looking forward to serving you once again!- Sincerely, your Southport Marina team.
       
       
       
       
      Sincerely,
       
      Hank Whitley, CMM
      Southport Marina
       
       
       
      Southport Marina | 606 W. West Street, Southport, NC 28461

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina

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    • Happy 50th Earth Day from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

      Here are nine scenic locations around South Carolina you can enjoy virtually to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.

      General SCDNR header


      🌎 Happy 50th, Earth Day! 🌎


      While you’re practicing good social distancing, we know you miss exploring our state’s beautiful natural resources. We do, too.

      Here are nine scenic locations around South Carolina you can enjoy virtually to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.

      Read more about these photos on scwildlife.com.

      Which one will you visit first? 

      ACE Basin

      ACE Basin

      Brookgreen

      Brookgreen Gardens

      Charles Town Landing

      Charles Towne Landing

      Chattooganew

      Chattooga River

      Lake Jocassee

      Lake Jocassee

      Editso

      Edisto River

      Sassafras Mountain

      Sassafras Mountain

      Congaree Swamp

      Congaree Swamp

      Sunset at Lake Murray

      Sunset at Lake Murray


      Like what you see?

      If you haven’t already, click the button below to subscribe to South Carolina Wildlife magazine.

       

       SCW magazine cover of sunflower

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    • Happy Earth Day from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

      The activism ignited by the 1969 spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, helped spur the first Earth Day, celebrated by 20 million Americans across the country.

       
       

      Earth Day and Our Sanctuaries

      On January 28, 1969, a blowout on an oil drilling platform six miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, spilled an estimated 3 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. The massive spill shut down commercial fishing, fouled beaches, and killed a great number of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and more than 3,600 seabirds. At the time, the disaster was the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Americans witnessed the oil-coated animals’ suffering on live television and reacted with a new intensity of environmental concern and activism. The event, horrific as it was, marked a turning point in the nation’s conservation history. The activism ignited by the spill helped spur the first Earth Day, celebrated by 20 million Americans across the country. It also built bipartisan support for landmark laws to protect our ocean and Great Lakes. One of those laws was the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act passed in 1972.  
      The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. Photo credit: USGS
      The breadth of life in our ocean and Great Lakes is truly astounding. A healthy planet is essential to our health, well-being, and economic livelihood. Nature provides the clean air we breathe, the fresh water we drink, the food we eat, the medicines we take, and the raw materials we use. It mitigates carbon emissions that cause global climate change. Globally, scientists estimate that nature provides services worth $125 trillion per year. The ocean contains a multitude of wonders yet to be discovered, including potentially life-saving cures. The possibilities of new vaccines and medical therapies underscore the importance of conserving biodiversity in these largely unexplored ecosystems.

      Safeguarding biodiversity and building a sustainable global economy that protects our blue planet is critical to people’s health and well-being.  This year, Capitol Hill Ocean Week will focus on protecting the amazing biodiversity of our ocean and Great Lakes. Throughout the world, we are losing species diversity, with harmful consequences for humans, economies, and the environment. But there are solutions if we work together as stewards of these places.  Scientists, managers, and governments are calling for countries to work together to protect nature and to reduce the loss of diversity, slow climate change, and increase our ability to adapt to it.

      Support our programs
      Our current sanctuaries and monuments are an essential part of this global effort to protect nature. However, there is more we can do. With jurisdiction over almost 4.5 million square miles of ocean – an area 23 percent larger than our nation’s landmass – the U.S. plays a critical role in protecting our global ocean. These waters span ecosystems from the icy cold, gray waters of the Arctic to the warm, tropical blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. By designating new national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments in areas that represent unique marine and freshwater ecosystems and expanding existing ones with strengthened protections for biodiversity, we can do our part in the global effort to maintain the health of our ocean and Great Lakes. 
      Blue whales in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Photo credit: NOAA

      Today, nearby the site of the Santa Barbara oil spill is Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, where massive forests of kelp shelter a diversity of marine life. Private entities, local communities, the state of California, and the Chumash Tribe are working in partnership with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to manage this protected area. Their work is local; its impacts are global.

      I hope you will join us virtually on June 9, 2020 for Capitol Hill Ocean Week to learn more about how we can all contribute to protecting our ocean and Great Lakes. Your partnership and financial support are critical to solving some of our most pressing issues, both above and below the waves. This Earth Day, please consider making a donation to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in honor of our national marine sanctuaries and monuments, and be part of the solutions to come.

      Donate Now
      Together we can accomplish so much! Thank you for your commitment to the health of our global ocean. 
       
      Sincerely,
      Kris Sarri
      President & CEOP.S. I hope you enjoyed our new Foundation video above, exploring the wonders of our national marine sanctuaries!

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      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

      8601 Georgia Ave, Suite 510

      Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

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    • SCDNR to Keep Some Properties, Facilities Closed

      South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will keep some properties and facilities closed during SC’s initial easing of restrictions.

      —- NEWS RELEASE —-

      For Immediate Release
      dnr logo

       

      SCDNR to keep some properties, facilities closed

       

      COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 21, 2020) — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will continue to keep several properties and facilities closed until further notice.Those closures include piers at SCDNR’s 13 state lakes, Capers Island, St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve islands, Fenwick Island, and Botany Bay beach access, as well as Bald Rock Heritage Preserve and Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower.

      SCDNR continues to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will make decisions regarding the opening or closing of SCDNR-managed properties with the goal of ensuring the health and safety of staff and visitors as our first priority.

      SCDNR remains committed to coordinating a strategic approach to safely reopening these properties and facilities.

      South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Rembert C. Dennis Building
      1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

       

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    • Report from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route


      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route

      The Dismal Swamp Canal just re-opened following three months of maintenance and we are grateful to Paul and Gillian for this report as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County, NC. See Dismal Swamp Canal Re-Opens and April Programs.

      We came through the Dismal Swamp Canal the last two days with over 6 feet of depth and commonly 8 feet. Notwithstanding that we felt two minor bumps against the hull and one bigger with our 4 foot draft. The visitor centre information office is closed but the washrooms and walking path are open.
      Paul and Gillian
      Blue Moon

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Donna Stewart -  April 23, 2020 - 9:46 am

        We are glad you came our way. Although our Visitor Center is closed to the public, Staff is available to answer questions, and we can always make a way to provide resources. Leaving a package outside, etc., purchasing a hat or t-shirt, etc. Staff is in the building on Monday-Friday at this time. We're taking the opportunity to clean and organize. Thanks for the comments.

        Reply to Donna
    • Surveys: How the Virus is Impacting the Maritime Industry – MIATC, Martin County, 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 home to Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and a hub of boating activity and events of interest to boaters.

       

       
       
      TO ALL MARINE INDUSTRY BUSINESSES!
       
      The University of Florida / IFAS / Florida Sea Grant, is seeking your help to identify the effects of COVID-19 on our industry. They have reached out and asked that we encourage you to participate. Please take a moment to complete the survey(s) that most closely represents your business activities. If you have business interests corresponding to multiple surveys, you are asked to respond to all appropriate surveys.
       
      The information you provide will help UF/IFAS assess the impacts of COVID-19 to the agricultural and marine industries. This information could be vital to informing decisions made by policymakers and establishing a roadmap for moving forward.
       
      The UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics department designed the five surveys to encompass agriculture, aquaculture, and selected marine industry operations.
      1. Click here (link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sYZE3NF19Ik949) for the survey on agriculture and aquaculture production, processing and transportation. This includes areas such as crop production, forestry/timber, nursery and greenhouse operations, agritourism, beekeeping, etc.
      2. Click here (link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SrtQ85OwrZBfCJ) for the survey on commercial fishing
      3. Click here (link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3O7uvt3RHZdBdTn) for the survey on charter/for-hire operations. This includes for-hire fishing operators (charter, head boat, and guide), dive charter operators, and sightseeing charter operators.
      4. Click here (link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0P3r31Br6gJCAvP) for the survey on seafood wholesale dealers
      5. Click here (link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Oja5J2OUUT9upT) for the survey on marine recreation support businesses. This includes businesses involved in boat rentals, boat repairs, wet and dry boat storage, and bait and tackle retailing.
       
      MIATC | PO Box 1639Stuart, FL 34997

       

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    • An AICW Voyage North during the Coronavirus

      Osprey Marina

      Our thanks to Kellirae and Bill on Ocean Dancer for this AGLCA Forum detailed log of their voyage north on the Waterway during these weeks of coronavirus shutdowns. Please note that Osprey Marina and Barefoot Marina are both CRUISERS NET SPONSORS.

      Below is an updated report. With regard to anchorages, we have a 5’ draft and use a 144’ CQR.

      4/1 New River anchorage (MM570) Anchored in 19′ deep @ 5.7’AMLR. Dodged quite a few crab pots at the entrance but they are along the edges once far enough in. Excellent spot.

      4/2 Lady’s Island Marina, Beaufort, SC. (MM536) Marina open, amenities closed. I like the yoga studio there and took a class via Zoom. Mary said Publix delivers but available times are several days out.

      4/3 Toogoodoo Creek (MM495) had a strong enough cell signal to read the news. We had to move past a few more crab pots this time, going a bit further into the bend. Anchor held firm in 16′. Lo tide, about 10′ deep. DEPARTURE: tide pushing us out, gentle bumps forward to retrieve chain. Chain was clean. Anchor had thick greasy mud to rinse down.

      4/4 Awendaw Creek (MM436) All charts said 8’, in those spots we were in 15′. We had concern about reviews stating it was soft, draggy mud. The 144lb CQR grabbed firm immediately. Grateful. Thick greasy mud took about 10 minutes to rinse off all sides of the anchor. The chain was clean. Good cell coverage here, too.

      4/5 Butler Island (MM396) is a great oxbow anchorage north of Georgetown, SC, with a lot of room and a strong current, 20’ deep. A few locals zipped by waking us for the fun of it. Excellent holding and cell service.

      4/6 Bob Creech alerted us to the (MUCH better) fuel price at Osprey Marina. We radio’d as we approached to make sure the dock was free. The dock was, indeed, free. However, the boat that had just left it was still coming out of the narrow marina channel. Hello there! (Note to self: ask better questions.) After securing ourselves, Brian arrived and facilitated a fillup and a pumpout. We wore our homemade masks and our outside gloves, with additional tweaks to our dock safety procedures. Payment was made from an outside window at the knee level of the new person (June) inside, who was standing at the register. Between talking to her knees, through a mask, over the hum of the ice maker, it was hard not to laugh at the whole situation.

      We stopped that night at Barefoot Marina (MM354) in Myrtle Beach. Bonus: there is a Walmart about 4 miles away that delivers to the marina and had a time slot that worked for us. We had a positive experience ordering directly through Walmart’s website.

      4/7 We arrived Pipeline Canal anchorage (MM311) in Southport. After feeling our way around in there at low tide (and a supermoon) throwing all kinds of mud, (even up past the boat ramp, Bob), we inched back out and docked at South Harbor Marina. Remembering how small the office was, we made our payment over the phone and were emailed a receipt. Bill cleaned the strainers after their mud bath, and I took a walk up the road to see that a catamaran and small trawler had found safe water in the canal.

      After stops at Osprey, Barefoot, and South Harbor, including a grocery intake, we felt like we had enough exposure risk to start another two-week countdown.

      4/8 A longer run (almost 58NM) to Mile Hammock anchorage (MM244.5). It took two tries to get the anchor to hold but hold it did; we went all the way around it in a thunderstorm. There were nine boats (counting us) in the basin. One may have dragged during the storm. They moved into the corner behind us and sat with engines running. Up to this point, we’ve been the only boat in most anchorages. Once or twice there’s been another boat or two but certainly not nine. Traffic is picking up. NOTE: Aquamap’s anchor alarm is awesome.

      4/9, Another storm hit while passing Swansboro. By Beaufort, the sun was shining and the winds had settled to a breeze. We checked out several anchorage possibilities along the way and chose a new spot at MM170 the north bank of the Neuse River; we thought it would offer better protection, a nice depth, and swing room in the high winds expected that night. Two out three was not enough! This is an excerpt from our log: “We were able to go to sleep but were awakened at 1:25 by 2-4’s and serious wind. Anchor was firm, we were safely held. Conditions worsened, things and crew were being tossed about inside the boat. We decided to pull anchor and move. First, life jackets. Life ring at the ready, too. With headsets on, Kr carefully maneuvered to bow to work anchor, Bill handled the boat. We were patient, careful, and maintained calm demeanors. Clear communication at every step. It was difficult to stay on course at slow enough speed to watch for crab pots. At approx 4am, we reached the entrance to Bay River where it was a whole different experience: calm wind, glassy water. We sat with engines running for 2hrs before braving the narrow river channel in the dark. Just before 6am, decided to make the run to Belhaven (34 st miles) to get across Pamlico before winds pick up again later this morning and to wait out the rest of the expected weather for the weekend.”

      4/12 River Forest Marina, Belhaven (MM136). Thank goodness for Henry’s hospitality. We took his advice and “prepped the boat for extreme conditions, replaced lines and added six 1.5” hurricane lines (Many thanks to the previous owners for those!) for 13 total lines. Wind will blow us off the dock, everything that can be stowed is tucked away or strapped down. Front hit in the morning, several tornadoes reported. We were lucky; they missed us. One 1″ line on the port bow frayed. Winds clocked at 60mph. Front passed as expected and things had calmed by 6pm.” (another partial log entry). We stayed a few days to rest up and clean up.

      4/16 Still a bit anchorage shy, we skipped a planned Alligator River anchorage and headed for Coinjock (MM50). There was a patch of 3-5’s in the Albemarle Sound; we picked up speed to get out of there. The restaurant was doing a bang-up take-out business and the docks were full by dusk. We are definitely seeing more boat traffic now, almost all northbound.

      4/17 Top Rack Marina (MM8). Currituck Sound WARNING: “Called NC Wildlife Violations 800-622-7137 for line of crab pots well inside channel from G97 to N of G83. Many of the pots were directly on the magenta line or to the port of it. A catamaran (Selah) also called to report. At G55 another crab pot dead on sail line. At G53, we hit one, heard 2 bumps under the boat, the float came out the back intact. The hull protects props; was it pushed aside and banged along until we passed? Now in VA, called VA Marine Police 757-247-2200 (Dispatcher Borum) took report and contact info, affirmed they handle these reports.” At the Great Bridge Lock, we were one of three boats and went in with radio silence. No instructions on how far to pull up, no one to catch lines, it was a little weird. It wasn’t hard; we were glad we weren’t first timers.

      Several marinas have asked us to use Dockwa to facilitate no-contact payment. It’s proved to be efficient, accurate, and includes direct contact with the marina staff before confirming. (I confess that I was expecting to dislike it.) Henry at River Forest prompted us to add our BoatUS membership number in our Dockwa account information to automatically benefit from discounts.

      So, here we are so far. We greatly appreciate the marinas that have been open to transient boaters, especially the ones offering fuel and pump-outs. We have gotten creative and come up with a few more washable masks. We are wearing them at all docking situations and sticking to our on-board safety protocols. This has been a different trip north, for sure.

      Kr

      Kellirae and Bill
      MV Ocean Dancer

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    • Slight Marker Problem at Fort Myers Beach, FL

      Uh…favor the green?

      Slight Marker Problem in Fort Myers Beach, FL/Mantanzas Pass Entrance Channel
      by
      Captain Art Armstrong

      I wonder if the Army Corp of Engineers knows about this shoaling problem?
      David Brodhecker

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

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    • Letter from Lake Okeechobee by Greg and Barbara Allard

      If you have not read and viewed Greg and Barbara Allard’s wonderful photo journals, then let this latest “Letter” be a primer, to be continued by exploring the beautiful “Letters from the Bahamas.” Simply enter “letters” in the search window of our Homepage. During this time of lock-down and social distancing, these letters are sure to help cure your cabin fever! As usual, Cruisers Net is so grateful to the Allards for sharing their experiences with us.

      Hi Everyone – We had planned to make our annual voyage to the Bahamas. We provisioned the boat, and headed east across the state of Florida in February, using the Okeechobee Waterway. The Waterway saves about 150 miles; otherwise we would have to travel down the entire west coast of Florida, cross through the Keys, and then back north, up the east coast.

      The Okeechobee Waterway has several parts: two rivers, the (Caloosahatchee and the St. Lucie), plus several stretches of man-made canals, five locks, and the huge Lake Okeechobee itself, which is in the center of Florida. The Lake is usually about 12+ feet above sea level, hence the need for locks to raise boats up to the Lake level, and then down again on the other side.

      We have made the crossing dozens of time, and find it always a fascinating and intriguing passage. It’s often been described as a time-warp into old Florida.

      Once we reached the east coast of Florida in Stuart, the news about the corona virus had intensified, and we decided to forego the trip to the Bahamas this year. That ultimately was a good decision, because as of now the entire Bahamas is locked down, there are significant restrictions on visiting boats, and travel is not permitted from one island to another. We support what the Bahamian government has done to keep their country safe.

      After deciding that this was not a good time to leave the U.S., we turned around to head home; this meant we would complete two Okeechobee crossings in one month. So instead of a Letter from the Bahamas, this will be a Letter from Lake Okeechobee, showing you some of what makes us enjoy this old-world part of Florida. We also hope that in your isolation, this will serve as a distraction, however brief, from world events. Yes, we’ll miss the Bahamas, and the water isn’t as beautiful, but that’s just one of many concessions we’ve all had to make to fit in with our changed world.

      We sincerely hope that you, your families and your friends are safe and well during these troubled times.

      Warmest regards

      Greg and Barbara


      For those of you unfamiliar with the Okeechobee Waterway, this map is helpful, showing how it cuts through the middle of Florida. You can see the starting and ending points, the distances involved, and well as the location of the locks. Wikipedia reports that Lake Okeechobee is the “second largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the contiguous 48 states”.


      We’ve done dozens of Okeechobee crossings, but rarely see deer, especially the water’s edge. Her left front leg remained in that position through several photos. I don’t know if she was getting ready to run, or whether she was just posing for the photo. The calm water helped make a fine reflection.


      The railway lift bridge is just east of the Port Myacca lock. In this photo it was coming down slowly, so we had to stop and wait for the train. Most things along the Okeechobee Waterway happen slowly. It takes about five minutes for the bridge to come down, the train doesn’t arrive for ten minutes, and once the train crosses (sometimes a long freight train), then there’s a wait for another 10 minutes for bridge operator to decide to raise it. Life is not in a hurry along the Okeechobee.

      For those with mechanical interests, in its fully open position, the bridge (lift) section is all the way at the top of the structure; here, it is about two-thirds of the way down. On the left and right sides of the structure, the two rectangular boxes hanging down from cables are the counterweights. They are designed to weigh just about the same as the bridge itself, so that it only takes a relatively small electric motor to raise and lower the bridge since the counterweights have made it essentially weightless.


      Fishing along the St. Lucie river. On these two trips, we saw no signs of any algae bloom which on occasion has been evident in the lake and rivers.

      Sugar cane is a major crop around Lake Okeechobee, and sometimes the farmers burn the sugar cane remnants
      to clear the fields and prepare for the next crop. On occasion, the ash from the fires lands on boats, in this case on our deck, surrounding one of our fuel fills.


      It’s rare not to see alligators. On this trip we counted over three dozen, including this big guy who is enjoying the sun. Happy that the hull of our boat is thick.

      The majestic “Lone Cypress” at Moore Haven; this tree has served as a navigational aid since the mid 1800’s.

      These four trees at Belle Glade, draped with Spanish Moss, stand sentinel to the morning sun.


      “Resting on her Bones.” This wooden fishing boat has sat on the bottom, at the edge of the Caloosahatchee river, for at least a decade, slowly deteriorating. There’s a story there, for sure.

      Morning fog on the Caloosahatchee River. (Photo by Barbara Allard)

      Goodbye for now. Again, stay safe and healthy.

      Greg and Barbara

      Copyright 2020, Greg and Barbara Allard

      5 Facebook Likes, 8 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Winston Fowler -  April 19, 2020 - 7:09 pm

        Greg and Barbara have presented the Okeechobee Waterway in such great detail. There is so much to see and experience on this one-of-a-kind waterway but they have captured the core essence. Well done – thank you.

        Reply to Winston
      2. Sue Ward -  April 19, 2020 - 12:51 pm

        They have really shown the true essence of this waterway. we have crossed this route dozens of times over the last 11 years and love it. Sadly we have had to sell our boat so all we have left are these sort of memories. Thank You.

        Reply to Sue
    • Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers

      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: Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers


      Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers

      Posted: 18 Apr 2020 12:24 PM PDT

      Updated 4/17/20

      The Government of The Bahamas has released official COVID-19 related protocols for foreign and local boats that are currently in the waters of The Bahamas.

      The Bahamas Safe Passage Home and Sea Quarantine has been established by the Association of Bahamas Marinas as an orderly way to help boats either remain moored or leave Bahamian waters safely while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus throughout the islands. The program will be in effect until normal border travel is restored.  Please note that our program exists within the existing guidelines of the curfew order. Service will NOT be offered on days where a total shutdown has been ordered.

      Boaters will be granted safe passage through Bahamian waters provided they observe the requirements of the government protocols.

      There are now strategically placed participating marinas through the country available and open to provide vessels with water, provisioning and fuel, provided you have made arrangements with that marina prior to arrival.  The program also applies to those crossing through Bahamian waters in order to get back to their country of origin (Right of Innocent Passage).  Pre-approval from the DGC must be granted for this and any other exceptions to the protocols.  Recreational boating from one island to another is strictly prohibited by the government.

      Participating Marinas:

      For more information on the program, please post questions on The Bahamas, Land & Sea Facebook group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/bahamlandsea.

      Please note in the amended protocols only the email of Capt. Hutchinson has changed – it is now sheltering@bahamasmaritime.com.

       

       
       
       

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    • Possible NY Canal Closures or Delays

      NY canals are well out of Cruisers Net’s range, but some of you Southeasterners might be headed north for the summer. Our thanks to Roger Long for this information. See 4/19 comment below.

      Far northbound snowbirds and loopers must keep an eye on this.  Governor Cuomo was also talking a while ago about the impact of Covid on the state budget and said, “We will have to be cutting and shutting down things you wouldn’t believe.”   The canals have never been mentioned but I fear they could be in that unbelievable category.   We try to find dockage for our boat every summer on the river and it is hard enough that I don’t think there is any way even a small portion of northbound cruisers could be accommodated.  The state is presently putting pressure on all marinas to close and restrict fuel sales to emergency and commercial craft.  Many are resisting and staying open but it might be just a matter of time before it is enforced.  If I had to bet, it would be that Canadians and Great Lakers will be able to get through but nothing is sure these days and careful tracking and development of alternate plans is warranted.

      https://buffalonews.com/2020/04/14/erie-canal-boating-season-likely-to-be-delayed-as-state-suspends-repair-work/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=puma&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1586893566

       
      Roger Long
      “Gypsy Star”

       

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Greg Allard Reports: Harborage Yacht Club Marina, Stuart, FL

      Cruisers Net is always grateful for Greg Allard’s observations and willingness to share his vast experience with our readers. Be sure to read and view his several  Letters and photo journals from the Bahamas. Harborage Yacht Club Marina is in Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and a major hub of boating activities.

       

      Harborage Yacht Club and Marina

      Stuart, Florida

      772-692-4000

      https://harborageyachtclub.com

      In February of 2020 we spent two weeks at the Harborage, which is just northeast of the three bridges in the center of Stuart.

      In past years we had docked there a couple of times, and had found it to be just ok, but not great. During that period it was a Loggerhead marina and between deferred maintenance and a hurricane, it had suffered. All of that has changed, and I’m pleased to report that the marina has been virtually redone and is now a solid choice for boaters and cruisers.

      The northerly set of fixed docks are like new, with composite decking and new electrical and water supplies. From what we observed, most transient boats are assigned to the fixed docks, where you are permitted to stay aboard for any length of time. The southern section of the marina consists of floating docks which can also be rented for transient or longer term; staying aboard there is limited to four consecutive days, and nine total days, per month. The southern section is a much further walk to reach the pool and clubhouse area. The marina has a total of 300 slips, 150 are fixed and the rest are floating.

      One of the issues with this marina, in the past, has been the depth of water in the basins and slips. When we were there almost two months ago, dredging was underway full time. The dockmaster now reports that the dredging has been completed (except for a couple of slips which had boats in them), resulting in 7.5’ depth at MLW in both the slips and the fairways. While some marinas in the area have issues with current, we observed none of any significance here.

      The shore side facilities are excellent – pool and spa, outdoor fire-pit lounging area, free OnSpot wi-fi, a laundry,

      Captain’s lounge with TV, new bathrooms and showers, fitness center, boatside (golf-cart) pumpout, poolside bar and grill, and good security. They offer golf-cart rides from your boat to landside. There is an easy-approach fuel dock, with competitive prices and pump out.

      On site is the TideHouse restaurant, not operated by the marina. We had a very good bar-menu meal on the outside deck, with live music. There is a full dinner menu for inside.

      Across the street from the marina, in a shopping center, is a casual Italian restaurant, Uncle Giuseppe’s, which is easy to recommend – a comfortable place, reasonably priced, with good Italian dishes and pizza.

      While the marina facility is now first-rate, this is also now a well-managed marina. The Dock Master, Scott Fletcher, is a true professional, and has his hand on the pulse of the place. The dock staff he has assembled are exceptional and understand customer service. They could just not do enough for you. We had the most contact with excellent dockhands Nick and Jim. The general manger of the facility, Allison Ackell, gave us a warm welcome as we checked in and provided a detailed tour of the facility.

      The long term dock rates are 17-$18 a foot, per month, with metered electricity. Daily rate is $2.95 a foot, plus flat fee electric. The long term rates makes sense for a stay of more than about two weeks. A full list of rates is on their website, listed above.

      There is a Sam’s Club, a West Marine and a Publix market a couple of miles north on Federal Highway, along with any other stores you might ever need. Enterprise delivered a rental car to the marina for us. On Saturday mornings, in the neat historic section of Stuart, there is a small but quality farmer’s market.

      From the GIWW, to enter the marina you leave the main channel at marker 23, (which is northeast of the high, fixed New Roosevelt bridge) and steer for the green buoy which is just outside the entrance to the marina, between the breakwaters; that heading is approximately 310M. From 23 to the green buoy the depth was around seven feet at MLW. If you are uncertain of your track, the dock staff will “talk you in” to the marina on VHF.

      Is everything perfect? They need to add more dock carts – there always seemed to be a shortage. Additionally, since parking spaces are really tough to find, it would be a welcome service if the marina provided a van type shuttle to Sam’s, West Marine and Publix a few days a week.

      A couple of people have commented about the noise from the nearby railroad. Yes, there is some noise, but every marina in the area, including the nearby Sunset Bay, is subject to the same thing.

      The Stuart area is a hub for boaters on the east coast of Florida, and dock space is invariably hard to find. The rebirth of this marina makes for a great new facility in the area.

      The Harborage Marina is open and running during these difficult times, with a number of boats having arrived from the Keys and from the Bahamas.

      Greg Allard

      M/V Meander

      Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Harborage Yacht Club Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Harborage Yacht Club Marina

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    • Fort Pierce City Marina, COVID-19, 4/18 Update, FL AICW Statute Mile 966.5


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

      Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a public facility, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188. See FOCUS ON for more on this excellent facility.


      4/18/2020

      Just wanted to update you. We are fully open for fuel and pump outs. We are also taking boats for 1-6 nights (basically those that are waiting for a weather window. We will take new monthlies; but only as a “drop and go”. They can stay for a day or two to get there boat secured and then they will have to leave. We are not letting anyone besides our regular tenants use the facilities, in an attempt to try and contain any germs.

      _____________________________________________________________

      Anne Bowen | Marina Concierge | City of Fort Pierce

      City Marina

      Phone: 772.464.1245 | Fax: 772.464.2589 |1 Avenue A Fort Pierce 34950

       

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina

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    • Covid-19 Volunteer SEA TURTLE Help Needed – Wounded Nature, Working Veterans

      Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.

      It is almost sea turtle nesting season.  When most people walk a beach they walk the shoreline at the water’s edge.  Please consider taking a walk along the high tide washup line and removing debris from this area.  Right now the beaches are still off limits to the public in most areas.  During the restricted time a lot of new debris has accumulated that will impact the ability of hatchlings to make it to the ocean.  As the restrictions are lifted we need to encourage everyone to visit the high tide line and help remove the accumulated debris on the public beaches AND in the critical wildlife areas.  Please take a minute and watch the following video:  https://woundednature.org/videos/sea-turtles-hatching/

      If you are able to support us, please make an online donation at:  https://woundednature.org/support-us/become-a-member/

      To buy a reusable Sea Turtle shopping bag that supports our cleanup efforts, go to: https://www.partycity.com/wounded-nature-sea-turtle-tote-bag-895011.html

      Rudy Socha

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