Our thanks to Ted Arisaka and Robert Sherer for their efforts to clarify Georgia’s restrictive anchorage regulations.
Robert Sherer, aka Bob423, asked me to overlay his long ICW tracks on a map showing the most recent Georgia anchoring restrictions as a result of the revised shellfish harvest areas. The easiest way for me to do this was in Google Earth, from which I took screen captures. They are in the following photo album. They go North to South, Bob’s track shows in magenta. The anchorages that are outside of the harvest areas are shown in yellow. The anchorages that are inside the areas (prohibited) shown in red.
Author, researcher and contributor Kevin Duffus shares his findings that depict the the story of what he calls “America’s lighthouse” and the people connected to it. See also Restoration.
An all-encompassing report on recreational boating activity in the U.S. is giving the U.S. Coast Guard, policymakers and the boating community the ability to shape smart boating safety policy into the future.
A leading group in the conservation of dwindling corals in the Philippines has cited the success of its experimental coral restoration project pioneered by David Vaughn of the Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys.
A study by Florida International University showed that increasing the abundance of the Caribbean king crab, found in Florida waters and throughout the Caribbean, can reduce algae overgrowth and help restore the natural balance, improve coral health overall.
Caribbean king crabs are very efficient at removing seaweed from coral reefs because they eat all kinds of algae. Too much algae can kill corals because they block out the light. COURTESY OF A. SPADARO
NMMA Survey Shows E15 Gasoline Warning Labels at the Pump Do a Poor Job
Gas Station Pump Labels Are Supposed to Warn Boaters Against Putting the Wrong Fuel in the Tank; Survey Reveals They Fail Miserably
Respondents favor prototype E15 warning label 4-to-1 over existing label
SPRINGFIELD, Va., Dec. 2, 2020 – With the boat in tow, you head to the gas station to fill her up. At the pump you find a fuel prohibited for use in boats, E15 gas, being sold alongside approved E10 fuel. What’s to prevent you from misfueling? A little warning label about the size of a pack of gum that’s often hard to notice, difficult to understand, and too often fails to protect consumers, said boat owners and other non-road-engine users in a recent National Marine Manufacturers Association survey on the effectiveness of current E15 warning labels.
The ethanol warning label survey is being used to help persuade EPA regulators, currently reviewing E15 labels, to offer a more effective warning. Survey takers were shown the existing orange E15 warning label and a red prototype label with pictographs. Respondents were more than four times as likely to say that the prototype label more clearly conveys the idea of a “warning” for consumers than the current label.
What made the difference? The prototype’s red color and visual reinforcement was cited as more effective than the real label. Where the label is located on the pump can also be improved: 70% of respondents noted that inconsistent placement of the E15 label on fuel dispensing pumps made it harder to locate and less effective.
“EPA has some work to do in regard to educating consumers at the pump with more effective ethanol fuel labeling that better communicates the hazards of E15 for boat engines and other small motors,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. E15 is prohibited by federal law for use in recreational boat engines, off-road vehicles and small engines.
In addition to supporting improvements to the ethanol content warning label type, size and location on the pump, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) supports public education efforts, evaluating the adoption of different fuel pump nozzle sizes, ceasing misleading marketing of ethanol fuels such as “Regular 88” fuel (containing 15% ethanol), evaluating the use of physical barriers and keypad systems, and offering a dedicated pump for E0 (0% ethanol) fuel.
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Suggested social media post: .@thenmma survey responses show that E15 fuel warning labels at the pump do a poor job of helping protect boats and other small engines from misfueling https://bit.ly/39tgYlS #BoatUSonWatch
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with more than 700,000 members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. BoatUS offers GEICO Marine Insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
Author Kevin Duffus writes that pirate historians have failed to consider Blackbeard and his crew were unwitting pawns caught up in what turned out to be a failed political coup.
By combing the ocean for antimicrobials, scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have discovered a new antifungal compound that efficiently targets multi-drug-resistant strains of deadly fungi without toxic side effects in mice.
Whether you’ve found yourself in Florida after a trip down the ICW or you call the Sunshine State your home, when you’re boating in Florida, the Bahamas beckons. A great article from our friends at DOCKWA.
The truth about Blackbeard’s Battle at Ocracoke conflicts with popular interpretations and numerous published accounts, according to author Kevin Duffus.
“Battle at Ocracoke,” painting by American artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1920.
With holiday lighted boat parades just around the corner, BoatUS reminds us that brightly lighted vessels are for navigating only in a properly sanctioned parade, not for normal night time boating.
Photo Caption: Decorative lights can present navigation challenges for other boaters. BoatUS offers two installation tips. Credit: Shannon Carrithers
Photo Caption: Decorative lights can negatively affect a boat operator’s night vision. Credit: Rodney Webster
Don’t Make Your Boat Look Like a Christmas Tree
BoatUS advises boaters about unsafe decorative lighting when navigating
SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov. 18, 2020 – Boaters looking to buy themselves a Christmas gift may be thinking about adding some “bling” to the boat – multicolored decorative LED deck and space lighting. Just don’t light your boat up like a Christmas tree, says the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Extra lights installed in the wrong place could cause other boaters to misinterpret your boat’s navigation lights and present a safety hazard.
“Today’s decorative lighting options, from ropes to underwater lighting, allow DIYers to personalize their boats,” said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Chris Edmonston. “The challenge comes when the boat is underway. Decorative lights installed in the wrong location may cause others to misinterpret your vessel’s red, green and white navigation lighting. Bright lights of many colors can also reduce your night vision and hamper your ability to safely navigate.”
The BoatUS Foundation has two tips when shopping for and installing decorative boat lights:
1. When underway, avoid displaying any light that could be confused as a navigation light or another type of vessel. When installing decorative LED lighting, running wiring to a single master switch allows you to easily turn off all nonessential lights before heading out. Remember, flashing blue lights are reserved for law enforcement – at a distance, wave action combined with the steady rocking of high-intensity blue lights below the waterline can give the appearance of a police vessel.
2. Don’t install decorative lights that prevent the operator from maintaining a good lookout. When running between sunset and sunrise, it’s critical that those behind the wheel maintain their night vision, so the number-one goal is to keep light out of the operator’s eyes. Glare from aesthetic lighting such as LED rope lights wrapped around a helm station can hinder night vision.
Our thanks to Phil and Karen for sharing their AGLCA Forum posting with our readers. Many of you will travel through Snows Cut at some point in your cruising lifetime. Mile long Snows Cut departs the coastal Waterway at the entrance to Carolina Beach and intersects Cape Fear River at Mile 296.
Living on the ICW, it’s amazing the number of boats we see every day heading south for the winter. 20, 30 a day perhaps, and we only see some of them. Trawlers, sailboats, large yachts and other craft, a few with looper flags but mostly snowbirds. Most loopers know Snow’s Cut, a few miles south of us, as a tricky waterway that connects the Cape Fear River with the ICW at Carolina Beach.
Though interesting, few good photos of this area exist. It’s difficult to get decent photos as you’re transiting it as you’re busy navigating a narrow, tricky channels with a 2 or 3 knot current. On a recent bike ride over the Snow’s Cut bridge, I took a few photos that might give our captains a good overview of the mile-long man-made cut.
Phil & Karen Barbalace
Helms Port
Wilmington,NC
Gold Loopers
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
Phil Kent and Karen Barbalace
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Winston Fowler- November 6, 2020 - 3:39 pm
Thanks for the great photos… Pictures are certainly worth a thousand words.
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: “New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas” plus 1 more
Lewis Offshore Ltd. is announcing the publication of the latest edition in the Explorer stable of chartbooks for the Bahamas: The EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS 9TH EDITION, which covers Biminis, Berrys, Abacos, Grand Bahamas, Andros and New Providence.
There are 80 charts in the new book. All charts have been updated with variation on compass roses for 2020, plus much new hydrographic data.
This revision includes four brand new charts:
Victory Cays to South Riding Rock
Great Isaac
Mangrove Cay
Carter Bank (larger scale)
Plus Walkers Cay (new drawing of the marina basin)
Also, you will find the most recent Post-Dorian updates on the Abacos and Grand Bahama facilities and services.
All Need-to-Know Info for each community has been updated, including many new cell phone numbers for local businesses. Land lines are still down in many areas hit by Hurricane Dorian.
Tide Tables are updated for 2021-2022.
The Table of Marinas (spreadsheet of current status of marinas) has been revised as well.
Our new Print on Demand protocol will allow us to make more frequent changes in the future.
The Islands of The Bahamas are currently open and looking forward to welcoming visitors from all countries. There are no restrictions on commercial international travel from any jurisdiction, nor are there restrictions on private planes or boats.
It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdatesbefore booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry.
Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only.
Travellers planning to visit The Bahamas should also be prepared to:
Monitor business websites (airlines, hotels, attractions, etc.) for changes in protocols.
Avoid travelling when they feel ill.
Follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveller Campaign” which includes the ongoing practice of:
Physical distancing measures
Regularly washing hands
Wearing PPE such as face masks when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions as of 10.31.20
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: TESTING, INSURANCE AND HEALTH VISA
PRE-TRAVEL TESTING:
Is a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test required to enter The Bahamas?
Yes. All persons travelling to The Bahamas must first obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed on the test result.
Upon arrival, any person presenting a test older than five (5) days will notbe allowed entry into The Bahamas.
Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.
Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?
Persons travelling inter-island from New Providence to other islands are required to undergo a RT-PCR test no more than five (5) days prior to travel and produce a negative result.
Persons travelling from a Family Island to New Providence do not need to take a RT-PCR prior to travel; however, will need to undergo a RT-PCR before returning to the Family Island from New Providence.
Where can I get a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test prior to travel?
Contact your health care professional to receive a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.
Can I use my Antigen or Antibody Test to enter the Country?
No, only a negative RT-PCR (swab) test from a referenced lab will be considered a VALID test to be granted entry into The Bahamas.
COVID HEALTH INSURANCE
Does The Bahamas require separate COVID Health Insurance?
Beginning November 14, all visitors entering The Bahamas will be required to opt into the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Health Visa (More details on Bahamas Health Visa below).
The COVID Health Insurance will cover visitors for the duration of their stay in the event they become ill with COVID-19 while in The Bahamas.
What is included as part of the COVID Health Insurance?
Coverage includes:
Medical expenses incurred on-island due to COVID-19, up to $50,000 (USD)
Trip interruption/delay for necessary quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, up to $500 (USD) per day/$7,000 (USD) max
Medical evacuation and/or repatriation of remains due to COVID-19, and subject to medical necessity, up to $100,000 (USD)
How much does the COVID Health Insurance cost?
The cost of the required COVID Health Insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.
HEALTH VISA
Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
All travellers arriving via commercial flights, as well as by private planes, private boats, yachts or pleasure craft, are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields.
It is mandatory that a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result be uploaded to complete the Health Visa application.
Beginning November 14, travellers must also opt in for Health Insurance coverage.
Name of applicant must exactly match name on applicant’s valid passport.
Households are encouraged to use one email address per family/household to receive responses. Groups may opt to use the same method of collecting responses through one email facility.
Is a Health Visa required for domestic inter-island travellers?
Yes, all those travelling inter-island – both residents and visitors – will be required to complete an electronic Travel Health Visa, via the domestic or international sections, as appropriate.
Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Yes, there is a fee for the Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay. Fees include costs for required COVID insurance, as well as the rapid antigen tests for those staying more than four (4) nights, five (5) days. (More details on rapid testing below)
$40 – Visitors staying up to four (4) nights and five (5) days
$40 – Citizens and returning residents
$60 – Visitors staying more than four (4) nights
Free – Children ten (10) years and under
How do I upload my COVID-19 RT-PCR test results to my electronic Travel Health Visa?
Each applicant will be required to upload their individual negative test results. Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test result.
Travellers should upload ALL pages of the test results report, even if there are multiple pages.
Please ensure your test results state clearly the following information:
Name of Applicant (must match the name used on the application form)
Confirmation of a negative result
Type of test – RT- PCR (not an antigen test nor an antibody test)
Date the test was administered (collection date of swab), not to exceed five (5) days prior to the date of arrival
Name and address of the accredited lab where test was performed
For travellers from other countries, labs that have been accredited by the local medical health officials should be used.
Children age ten (10) and under are exempt from requiring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test; they will, however, be required to have their application submitted by a parent/guardian.
Proof of age must be uploaded (applicable passport page, birth certificate and/or other government-issued ID).
When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process so they should be completed with adequate lead time.
Applicants will receive an automated response within 1 hour of submission indicating the application is being processed. Travellers should not apply again unless they do not receive the automated response within the hour.
An approved Health Visa will receive a green code, and proof of confirmation should be presented at check-in and upon arrival in the destination.
If a Health Visa application is pending, visitor will receive a yellow code which means it requires additional review.
If a Health Visa application is denied, visitor will receive a red color code and will not be permitted entry to The Bahamas.
Travellers shouldnotsubmit more than one application per person travelling (per trip). Do NOT submit multiple applications.
For all questions regarding the Travel Health Visa process, or to check on the status of your application, contact healthvisa@bahamas.com.
Is a print version of my electronic Travel Health Visa required?
Yes, please ensure you print your Approved (Green) Bahamas Travel Health Visa Response issued electronically by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Ministry of Health.
What if I do not complete the electronic Travel Health Visa application form?
Travellers who fail to complete an electronic Travel Health Visa application form or provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test from an accredited lab will be denied entry to The Bahamas and are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.
How long are Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Health Visa each time they travel?
Travel Health Visas are valid for the duration of each individual traveller’s trip. Because a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result be uploaded to complete the Health Visa application with test date no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival, it is necessary for all travellers to apply for a new Health Visa with each trip.
POTENTIAL FOR CHANGES TO REQUIREMENTS
What is the plan for the tourism industry should The Bahamas see a dramatic rise in cases?
Due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.
The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
Will persons wishing to travel from an island with a higher number of cases be permitted to enter an island with a low number of cases?
All travellers must follow appropriate testing, visa and insurance protocols to be granted entry to any island.
Per the current Emergency Orders, there are restrictions for persons travelling from an island with mandatory lockdown orders in place.
A person should not be permitted to travel from an island for which notice has been given of an impending lockdown order or for which additional measures and restrictions have been imposed.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
ARRIVAL PROCESS: TESTING PROCEDURES (AS OF NOVEMBER 1)
INSURANCE, CONTACT TRACING AND RAPID ANTIBODY TESTS (NOV 14 AND LATER)
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?
Beginning November 1, The Islands of The Bahamas will have streamlined entry protocols that will remove the Vacation-in-Place requirement and enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.
What are the updated travel and entry protocols?
Specifics of the new protocols, which go into effect on November 1, are as follows:
·
Prior to Travel:
o COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more thanfive (5) daysprior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
· Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines, who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.
o Travel Health Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travellers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded.
· Beginning November 14, all visitors will be required to opt in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Visa.
o The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
· A fee for the visa will be dependent on length of stay (ranging from $40-60 USD) and includes expenses for COVID Health Insurance and rapid antigen testing as appropriate.
o Children age ten (10) and under will be covered at no extra charge and are exempt from taking a rapid antigen test. (more on visa pricing above)
· Upon Arrival
o Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable): all persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
· All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
· The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
· Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
· All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
· All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
o Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
· If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.
Who has to take a rapid antigen test?
All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
Children age ten (10) and under are exempt from taking rapid antigen tests.
Where can I make arrangements to take a rapid test if I’m staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days?
Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
How much does the rapid test cost?
The cost of the rapid antigen test is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.
How long until rapid test results are ready?
The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically by SMS text message and email.
What if I have a positive result on my rapid antigen test?
All positive test results are reported to the Ministry of Health who will conduct additional clinical screening per their own mandates.
If an on-island rapid test returns positive, that person will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.
With a positive result, the traveller may either:
Leave the destination via approved medical transportation (using either insurance or personal resources)
Quarantine at their booked place of stay
There is no mandatory government facility where visitors will be sent.
How will the Ministry combat the risk of asymptomatic persons?
The Ministry is implementing these new protocols to mitigate the risk by ensuring multiple testing touch points which include testing prior to arrival as well as tracking, monitoring and an additional test 5 days upon arrival.
ON ISLAND EXPERIENCE: TOURISM PROTOCOLS
Restaurants, Businesses and Attractions
Are on-island businesses, restaurants and attractions operating normally?
Notwithstanding any public health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travellers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.
Conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors.
The current situation in Grand Bahama Island,Nassau & Paradise Island and Abaco requires increased restrictions.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
What are the requirements for travellers who are staying on an island that has curfew or lockdown measures in place?
Visitors will be required to adhere to all island restrictions, including curfew and lockdown measures, applicable to the island where they are staying .
Hotel guests must stay within hotel grounds for the duration of the lockdown or curfew period, however, are permitted to move about the property and access all available amenities.
What is the status of beaches?
Beaches are operating normally, with a few exceptions:
New Providence and Abaco are abiding by weekend lockdown orders, and so beaches and parks on these islands will be closed for the weekend, from 8 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. Monday (excluding Green Turtle Cay, Grand Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay).
When do I have to wear a face mask?
All travellers must wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as:
When entering and transiting air and sea terminals
During security and customs screenings
At baggage claim
When checking in and boarding aircraft, vessel or other form of transportation
When travelling in a taxi
When standing in lines
When entering any establishment
While checking into a hotel
Do I have to wear a face mask at the beach?
Face masks are not mandatory on the beach but must be worn in all other public spaces that surround the beach and while entering and exiting the beach.
Social distancing is mandatory on the beach
What if I don’t wear a face mask?
All persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors are subject to a new fine of $200 or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both, if they are found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.
What is the “Clean & Pristine”Certification?
A Certification Agency has been established – representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies – to enforce a “Clean & Pristine” Certification Program.
All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations, helping to guide staff and visitors.
What are the safety measures in place for front line staff and those that work in the tourism industry at all points of entry?
All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines outlined by the Clean & Pristine certification (more on Clean & Pristine certification below).
All visitors, staff and residents are required to practice social distancing and adhere to mandatory mask wearing in public places.
What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?
Passengers to wear masks at all times throughout journey
Passengers should not ride in front seat
Vehicles to reduce the maximum number of people by 50%:
Sedans = 2 persons or a family travelling together
SUVs = 4 persons
What does this mean for Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals?
Extensive health and safety protocols enforced; details will be clearly stated by specific institutions
Enhanced cleaning for guest rooms
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant readily available
Employee health monitoring
Limiting guests in elevators
What does this mean for Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services?
Buffets discontinued until further notice
All meals must be served at individual tables where social distance is adhered to, or meals must be prepackaged
Disposable menus offered or displayed on monitors or chalkboards
Seating to accommodate for physical distancing of guests; limiting number of guests
What does this mean for Excursions, Tours, Local Attractions and Shopping?
Maximum number of guests and duration of guest visit limited
Guests to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) as appropriate
Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless purchasing
Cashless sales encouraged
Beach chairs to allow 6ft. physical distancing between family units; gatherings limited to 5 persons
Cleaning timetable / checklist to be maintained
What does this mean for Vessel and Ferry Operations?
Maximum passengers onboard reduced by 50%
Passenger seating assigned to ensure proper distancing
Vessel sanitizing:
Before any passenger embarks
Between all passenger exchanges
On high touch surfaces consistently during passage
The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is exploring an essential element — water — with the Water/Ways traveling exhibition, a part of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.
America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration is out now!
Hot off the Press! America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration
America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration is out now! The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation partnered with Smithsonian Books to release this coffee table-style book to bring the wonders of our national marine sanctuaries to your fingertips. America’s Marine Sanctuaries takes you on an intimate and immersive journey to explore the rich history, iconic wildlife, and vibrant habitats that makes sanctuaries so special and worthy of protection.
America’s Marine Sanctuaries is a tribute to the ocean’s incredible ecosystems and landscapes, from kelp forests to deep sea canyons. The fourteen underwater gems that make up the National Marine Sanctuary System are celebrated for their beauty, history, and importance. Featuring a foreword by actress and activist Sigourney Weaver, the book serves as a gorgeous reminder of what’s at stake in our efforts to conserve the world’s most critical and beautiful environments.
Exploring Beyond the Lens with ocean photographers
Keith Ellenbogen exercising his craft. Photo credit: Nick Zachar
To celebrate the launch of America’s Marine Sanctuaries and the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System, the Foundation is hosting a series of virtual seminars and intimate discussions with some of the world-class photographers behind the book. Underwater photographer Keith Ellenbogen kicked off the series, Beyond the Lens: Discovering Sanctuaries Through Photography on October 20th with an engaging presentation on his close encounters with whales, sharks and more in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Two more installments of the series will follow on October 27th, by Hawaii-based photographer Melody Bentz, and on November 10th, with Florida Keys diver and photographer Stephen Frink. You won’t want to miss out on these incredible opportunities to learn about the craft and inspiration behind ocean photography.
State of the Monument report reveals the benefits of science-based management practices
Red squirrelfish in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Photo credit: James Watt/NOAA
This month, NOAA and the co-trustees of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument released the 2020 State of the Monument report, which will support monument managers in future management planning, research priorities, and decision making. It found that most of the habitats within Papahānaumokuākea remain in good condition, owing to the science-based management practices in place to protect them. Lost fishing gear as well as climate change impacts including, coral bleaching, invasive algae growth and intense storms still threaten the ecosystem.
Following the report’s release, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and hundreds of supporters urged policymakers to keep in place restrictions on commercial fishing within Pacific marine monuments. In its letter to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, the Foundation explains that opening up Pacific monuments would undermine the health and resilience of these special places and undermine fishery conservation efforts. In fact, according to a recent study in Nature, the Hawaii longlining fleet’s catch and its catch per unit effort increased since the monuments’ designations.
Attention federal employees! The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a proud participant of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the world’s largest annual workplace charity campaign. The CFC official solicitation period is running now through Jan. 15, 2021.
Support America’s national marine sanctuaries by designating your gift to the Foundation. Visit the CFC Donor Pledging System and use our CFC number: 10762.
On World Fish Migration Day, October 24th, the Pacific Northwest College of the Arts (PNCA) is premiering an educational short animated film “The Life Cycle of Pacific Salmon.” Supported by the Foundation through a NOAA Fisheries grant, a team of PNCA Animated Arts students worked together on this animation to teach about the life cycle of Pacific salmon and their role in the ecosystem.
The film will premiere live on YouTube on Saturday, October 24th at 3pm Eastern/12pm Pacific, along with short talks by PNCA animators and NOAA’s Alicia Keefe. Watch it here. You don’t want to miss it!
A virtual exploration of cultural heritage in Papahānaumokuākea
As part of its “Third Thursday” series of talks supported by the Foundation, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center will host Reframing wahi kūpuna: The tangibles and intangibles of cultural heritage in Papahānaumokuākea, a virtual presentation from NOAA Native Hawaiian Program Specialist Kalani Quiocho.The presentation will provide a brief history of research on cultural resources, and several examples illustrating how the concept of cultural resources is (re)framed and implemented in the monument’s management. The talk will take place on Thursday, November 19 at 12 noon HT/6 pm ET.
Colleen Maynard grew up in Michigan drawing and photographing the great outdoors. As an artist, she showcases the richly beautiful animals and plants of our world in hopes of creating lifelong stewards to protect them. She says, “I feel an urgency to learn about, honor, and learn how to spread awareness of these living coral that generate so much activity and life.”
Read more of Colleen’s story and others, and learn how to discover wonder in sanctuaries for yourself at marinesanctuary.org/discoverwonder.
From the Blog: A quest to photograph California’s rare and endangered abalone species
Photo credit: Oriana Poindexter
Marine scientist and artist Oriana Poindexter took us on a two-part journey to photograph the endangered black and white abalone off of California’s Coast.
In part one of the series, The Iridescent Ones: Visualizing California’s Abalone, Oriana goes extreme tidepooling to photograph the endangered black abalone. Black abalone were once found all along the western coastline, from Crescent City, California to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico, but are now scarce in much of that range. Photographing these masters of camouflage and shy crevice dwellers was no easy task.
In part two, Oriana ventures underwater, scuba diving in the coastal waters off San Diego in search of white abalone. Facing intense fishing pressure in the 1970s, the white abalone were the first marine invertebrates to be listed as endangered in 2001.
The Florida Keys tourism council released this new video with tips on how to recreate responsibly in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. You can enjoy all the boating, diving and fishing the Florida Keys have to offer while doing your part to keep yourself and this special place safe and healthy.
Recreate Responsibly, Explore Locally
This month, we blogged over at the Recreate Responsibly Coalition about exploring locally and recreating responsibly around the National Marine Sanctuary System.
In the era of COVID-19, planning vacations and connecting with nature is proving to be harder than ever. Many people are dreaming of far-off destinations to find adventure or take a much-needed break from reality. Instead of hopping on a plane, consider the wonders around you! There are 14 national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments all around the U.S. that can serve as a long-awaited escape while reducing long-distance travel and limiting the spread and exposure to COVID-19.
Watch Ocean Today’s latest Climate Alive: WILD WEATHER Field Report with NOAA climate scientist Tom Di Liberto as he takes us on a satellite tour of recent hurricanes and wildfires. It’s a fascinating, fun way to learn about the ocean/weather/climate connection.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I had no idea how to figure this out so thanks. After all there are oysters seemeverywhere in Georgia.