Windknot
04-29-08, 05:45 PM
Following are three news releases from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.
SUMMARY OF RELEASES FOR APRIL 24, 2008
1. EFFORT TO KNOCK OUT INVASIVE FLATHEAD CATFISH SPECIES RESUMES IN
GEORGIA’S SATILLA RIVER- Last year’s efforts to eradicate the effects of the unwelcome, invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis
olivaris) on native fish populations in the Satilla River resulted in the removal of exactly 4,399 flathead catfish. This year, those efforts continue as biologists and fisheries personnel with the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team, a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), kick-off the
2008 sampling season with the second round of tagging studies.
2. RIGHT WHALES HEAD NORTH; RISE SEEN IN WINTER SURVEY TOTALS -
After spending the winter in the warm waters off the Georgia and Florida coast, North Atlantic right whales are heading north for the summer.
Research survey results indicate that the number of individual right whales spending the winter in the South increased this year, a hopeful sign for these rare aquatic giants.
3. BUFORD TROUT HATCHERY HOSTS GUIDED BIRD WALK MAY 4 - Springtime
is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division’s Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is very attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole. Local bird expert Karen Theodorou will be leading a bird walk along the hatchery’s Lincoln Sparrow Trail Sun., May 4 at 8 a.m.
For more information, contact:
Tim Bonvechio, Fisheries Biologist - (912) 285-6094; tim.bonvechio@gadnr.org Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist -
(770) 918-6795; jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EFFORT TO KNOCK OUT INVASIVE FLATHEAD CATFISH SPECIES RESUMES IN GEORGIA’S SATILLA RIVER
WAYCROSS, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - Last year’s efforts to eradicate the effects of the unwelcome, invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis
olivaris) on native fish populations in the Satilla River resulted in the removal of exactly 4,399 flathead catfish. This year, those efforts continue as biologists and fisheries personnel with the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team, a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), kick-off the
2008 sampling season with the second round of tagging studies.
"Tagging efforts this year again will aid biologists in obtaining important baseline information, such as fishing mortality, movement, growth, population size and total mortality in the Satilla’s flathead catfish population," explains the project’s lead Biologist Tim Bonvechio. "Removal of flathead catfish in the 2008 sampling season will begin immediately after a target number of fish are tagged."
WRD asks any angler who catches a tagged fish to please mail the bright orange tag to the WRD Waycross office mailing address: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 2089, Waycross, Ga., 31502-2089. Anglers should include their name, address, phone number(s), the date of the catch, the catch location (GPS coordinates if available, local landmarks, etc.), the length and weight of the fish and whether the fish was harvested or released (preferably harvested). Tags may also be hand-delivered to the Waycross Fisheries office located at
108 Darling Ave., Waycross, Ga., 31502.
Flathead catfish were illegally introduced into the Satilla River in the 1990s and the resulting decline of redbreast sunfish (Lepomis
auritus) and other native fish species in this once premier sunfish fishery is an issue that WRD biologists and fisheries personnel are continuing to tackle. Given the predatory characteristics of flatheads, if this non-native species continues to prosper, the reputation of the Satilla River as one of Georgia’s premier sunfish fisheries will likely suffer.
The Satilla Riverkeeper and the Georgia Wildlife Federation were instrumental in obtaining support for the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project. This project is made up of a team of WRD fisheries biologists and technicians working to monitor and determine the effectiveness of flathead removals on native fish species populations in the Satilla River.
Unauthorized release of flathead catfish or any other fish species into public waters is illegal in the state of Georgia and violators can be prosecuted. Exotic species can and often do have severe negative impacts on native fish. Those knowledgeable of illegal fish stocking are asked to please report the violations to any WRD Fisheries Management office or contact (770) 918-6406.
For more information on the project, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/www.gofishgeorgia.com).
You’ll find information on the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project under "Fishing," then "Fisheries Management," then "Aquatic Nuisance Species." For additional information, contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Office or call (770) 918-6406.
###
For more from Wildlife Resources, contact:
Kristina Summers, senior public affairs specialist - (770) 918-6791; kristina.summers@gadnr.org Clay George, wildlife biologist - (912) 262-3336; clay.george@gadnr.org
Kate Sparks, wildlife technician - (912) 262-3141; kate.sparks@gadnr.org
Photos of right whales are available by contacting Kristina Summers at kristina.summers@gadnr.org or by calling (770) 918-6791
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RIGHT WHALES HEAD NORTH; RISE SEEN IN WINTER SURVEY TOTALS
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - After spending the winter in the warm waters off the Georgia and Florida coast, North Atlantic right whales are heading north for the summer. Research survey results indicate that the number of individual right whales spending the winter in the South increased this year, a hopeful sign for these rare aquatic giants.
The last of the right whales were seen heading north at the beginning of April, signaling the end of the calving season. Right whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off Cape Cod Bay and Canada, returning to Georgia and Florida in the winter. Research done by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from December 2007 through March is helping wildlife biologists determine the status of these endangered animals.
Approximately 150 right whales were sighted off the Georgia coast during the season, up from 87 in 2007. The total includes 19 sets of mother and calf pairs, as well as juveniles and single animals. Whales are counted using aerial surveys and on-the-water monitoring.
Since 2005, at least one adult mortality has been documented each year.
This year, however, none were reported. There were two reported cases of calf mortalities, both from unknown causes.
Researchers identify right whales by the unique pattern of callosities, or rough patches of skin, found on the whales’ heads and around their mouths. These patches are usually covered with whale lice, a type of crustacean, making the patches appear white. Photographs are used to tell which whale is being observed.
Right whales are baleen whales with a bow-shaped lower jaw and a head that is up to one-quarter of the body length. Calves weigh approximately
1 ton at birth and adults can reach 60 tons and almost 50 feet in length. They have no dorsal fin and breathe through two blowholes on the top of their heads. These unique blowholes create a V-shaped blow, which also helps researchers identify the whales from a distance. Right whales can live for up to 70 years.
Classified as endangered in 1931, these whales are listed as a priority species in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the blueprint for conservation in Georgia.
Although not hunted now, right whales face conservation problems including ship strikes, entanglement in commercial fishing gear and habitat destruction. Even after nearly 50 years of protected status, there are only an estimated 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales left.
How can you help?
** Be wise stewards of Georgia's natural environment and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. If boating off Georgia's coast from December to April, follow the Guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters, available on the DNR Coastal Resources Division’s Web page, http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us (http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/) . Report right whale sightings by calling
(800) 272-8363. For more information, please visit http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us (http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/) .
** Buy a nongame wildlife license plate. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which works to conserve nongame species such as right whales, receives no state appropriations.
Instead, the section relies on federal grants, donations and fundraisers like license plate sales. Nongame plates featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird are available for $25 at all county tag offices, by checking the appropriate box on mail-in forms or through online renewal at http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags (http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags).
** Donate to the Nongame Conservation Section’s work through the Give Wildlife a Chance State Income Tax Checkoff. Simply fill in a dollar amount on line 26 of the long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ).
###
For more information, contact:
Pat Markey, Assistant Hatchery Manager, Buford Trout Hatchery - (770) 781-6888; pat.markey@gadnr.org Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist -
(770) 918-6795; jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFORD TROUT HATCHERY HOSTS GUIDED BIRD WALK MAY 4 Window of opportunity available to observe beautiful neotropical migrant species
BUFORD, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - Springtime is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’
Wildlife Resources Division’s Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is very attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole. Local bird expert Karen Theodorou will be leading a bird walk along the hatchery’s Lincoln Sparrow Trail Sun., May 4 at 8 a.m.
Lincoln Sparrow Trail is a short half-mile loop that’s easy to walk, and features two wildlife-viewing blinds and an observation deck which overlooks a wetland. Bird checklists and a limited number of binoculars are available for participants of the May 4 bird walk. The walk is intended for individuals and families and is not designed to accommodate large organized groups. The walk is scheduled to begin promptly at 8 a.m. and should last approximately until 9:30 a.m.
Birding participants can expect to see a variety of neotropical species, including indigo buntings, summer tanagers, orchard orioles and numerous warblers. These neotropical migrants now are winging their way north on an annual migration from the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Buford Trout Hatchery is located between Cumming and Buford off Ga.
Hwy. 20. From Atlanta, take Ga. Hwy. 400 north to Exit 14. Exit right on Ga. Hwy. 20 and travel east for four miles, turn left on River Club Drive in the Chattahoochee River Club subdivision. Travel approximately ½ mile and turn right at the second stop sign onto Trout Place Rd.
Trout Place Rd. dead-ends into Buford Trout Hatchery.
For additional information about the May 4 bird walk, contact the Buford Trout Hatchery at (770) 781-6888.
In addition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Historic Sites Web site offers free educational materials about neotropical migrating birds for both teachers and the general public at www.gastateparks.org (http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/www.gastateparks.org) under the "Educational Resources" tab located in the "Kids and Educators" section.
###
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windknot here -
Large flatheads, unlike many other catfish species that get large, taste terrific! Do yourself (and WRD) a favor and try some today!
SUMMARY OF RELEASES FOR APRIL 24, 2008
1. EFFORT TO KNOCK OUT INVASIVE FLATHEAD CATFISH SPECIES RESUMES IN
GEORGIA’S SATILLA RIVER- Last year’s efforts to eradicate the effects of the unwelcome, invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis
olivaris) on native fish populations in the Satilla River resulted in the removal of exactly 4,399 flathead catfish. This year, those efforts continue as biologists and fisheries personnel with the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team, a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), kick-off the
2008 sampling season with the second round of tagging studies.
2. RIGHT WHALES HEAD NORTH; RISE SEEN IN WINTER SURVEY TOTALS -
After spending the winter in the warm waters off the Georgia and Florida coast, North Atlantic right whales are heading north for the summer.
Research survey results indicate that the number of individual right whales spending the winter in the South increased this year, a hopeful sign for these rare aquatic giants.
3. BUFORD TROUT HATCHERY HOSTS GUIDED BIRD WALK MAY 4 - Springtime
is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division’s Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is very attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole. Local bird expert Karen Theodorou will be leading a bird walk along the hatchery’s Lincoln Sparrow Trail Sun., May 4 at 8 a.m.
For more information, contact:
Tim Bonvechio, Fisheries Biologist - (912) 285-6094; tim.bonvechio@gadnr.org Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist -
(770) 918-6795; jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EFFORT TO KNOCK OUT INVASIVE FLATHEAD CATFISH SPECIES RESUMES IN GEORGIA’S SATILLA RIVER
WAYCROSS, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - Last year’s efforts to eradicate the effects of the unwelcome, invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis
olivaris) on native fish populations in the Satilla River resulted in the removal of exactly 4,399 flathead catfish. This year, those efforts continue as biologists and fisheries personnel with the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team, a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), kick-off the
2008 sampling season with the second round of tagging studies.
"Tagging efforts this year again will aid biologists in obtaining important baseline information, such as fishing mortality, movement, growth, population size and total mortality in the Satilla’s flathead catfish population," explains the project’s lead Biologist Tim Bonvechio. "Removal of flathead catfish in the 2008 sampling season will begin immediately after a target number of fish are tagged."
WRD asks any angler who catches a tagged fish to please mail the bright orange tag to the WRD Waycross office mailing address: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 2089, Waycross, Ga., 31502-2089. Anglers should include their name, address, phone number(s), the date of the catch, the catch location (GPS coordinates if available, local landmarks, etc.), the length and weight of the fish and whether the fish was harvested or released (preferably harvested). Tags may also be hand-delivered to the Waycross Fisheries office located at
108 Darling Ave., Waycross, Ga., 31502.
Flathead catfish were illegally introduced into the Satilla River in the 1990s and the resulting decline of redbreast sunfish (Lepomis
auritus) and other native fish species in this once premier sunfish fishery is an issue that WRD biologists and fisheries personnel are continuing to tackle. Given the predatory characteristics of flatheads, if this non-native species continues to prosper, the reputation of the Satilla River as one of Georgia’s premier sunfish fisheries will likely suffer.
The Satilla Riverkeeper and the Georgia Wildlife Federation were instrumental in obtaining support for the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project. This project is made up of a team of WRD fisheries biologists and technicians working to monitor and determine the effectiveness of flathead removals on native fish species populations in the Satilla River.
Unauthorized release of flathead catfish or any other fish species into public waters is illegal in the state of Georgia and violators can be prosecuted. Exotic species can and often do have severe negative impacts on native fish. Those knowledgeable of illegal fish stocking are asked to please report the violations to any WRD Fisheries Management office or contact (770) 918-6406.
For more information on the project, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/www.gofishgeorgia.com).
You’ll find information on the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project under "Fishing," then "Fisheries Management," then "Aquatic Nuisance Species." For additional information, contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Office or call (770) 918-6406.
###
For more from Wildlife Resources, contact:
Kristina Summers, senior public affairs specialist - (770) 918-6791; kristina.summers@gadnr.org Clay George, wildlife biologist - (912) 262-3336; clay.george@gadnr.org
Kate Sparks, wildlife technician - (912) 262-3141; kate.sparks@gadnr.org
Photos of right whales are available by contacting Kristina Summers at kristina.summers@gadnr.org or by calling (770) 918-6791
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RIGHT WHALES HEAD NORTH; RISE SEEN IN WINTER SURVEY TOTALS
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - After spending the winter in the warm waters off the Georgia and Florida coast, North Atlantic right whales are heading north for the summer. Research survey results indicate that the number of individual right whales spending the winter in the South increased this year, a hopeful sign for these rare aquatic giants.
The last of the right whales were seen heading north at the beginning of April, signaling the end of the calving season. Right whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off Cape Cod Bay and Canada, returning to Georgia and Florida in the winter. Research done by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from December 2007 through March is helping wildlife biologists determine the status of these endangered animals.
Approximately 150 right whales were sighted off the Georgia coast during the season, up from 87 in 2007. The total includes 19 sets of mother and calf pairs, as well as juveniles and single animals. Whales are counted using aerial surveys and on-the-water monitoring.
Since 2005, at least one adult mortality has been documented each year.
This year, however, none were reported. There were two reported cases of calf mortalities, both from unknown causes.
Researchers identify right whales by the unique pattern of callosities, or rough patches of skin, found on the whales’ heads and around their mouths. These patches are usually covered with whale lice, a type of crustacean, making the patches appear white. Photographs are used to tell which whale is being observed.
Right whales are baleen whales with a bow-shaped lower jaw and a head that is up to one-quarter of the body length. Calves weigh approximately
1 ton at birth and adults can reach 60 tons and almost 50 feet in length. They have no dorsal fin and breathe through two blowholes on the top of their heads. These unique blowholes create a V-shaped blow, which also helps researchers identify the whales from a distance. Right whales can live for up to 70 years.
Classified as endangered in 1931, these whales are listed as a priority species in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the blueprint for conservation in Georgia.
Although not hunted now, right whales face conservation problems including ship strikes, entanglement in commercial fishing gear and habitat destruction. Even after nearly 50 years of protected status, there are only an estimated 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales left.
How can you help?
** Be wise stewards of Georgia's natural environment and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. If boating off Georgia's coast from December to April, follow the Guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters, available on the DNR Coastal Resources Division’s Web page, http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us (http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/) . Report right whale sightings by calling
(800) 272-8363. For more information, please visit http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us (http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/) .
** Buy a nongame wildlife license plate. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which works to conserve nongame species such as right whales, receives no state appropriations.
Instead, the section relies on federal grants, donations and fundraisers like license plate sales. Nongame plates featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird are available for $25 at all county tag offices, by checking the appropriate box on mail-in forms or through online renewal at http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags (http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags).
** Donate to the Nongame Conservation Section’s work through the Give Wildlife a Chance State Income Tax Checkoff. Simply fill in a dollar amount on line 26 of the long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ).
###
For more information, contact:
Pat Markey, Assistant Hatchery Manager, Buford Trout Hatchery - (770) 781-6888; pat.markey@gadnr.org Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist -
(770) 918-6795; jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFORD TROUT HATCHERY HOSTS GUIDED BIRD WALK MAY 4 Window of opportunity available to observe beautiful neotropical migrant species
BUFORD, Ga. (April 24, 2008) - Springtime is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’
Wildlife Resources Division’s Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is very attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole. Local bird expert Karen Theodorou will be leading a bird walk along the hatchery’s Lincoln Sparrow Trail Sun., May 4 at 8 a.m.
Lincoln Sparrow Trail is a short half-mile loop that’s easy to walk, and features two wildlife-viewing blinds and an observation deck which overlooks a wetland. Bird checklists and a limited number of binoculars are available for participants of the May 4 bird walk. The walk is intended for individuals and families and is not designed to accommodate large organized groups. The walk is scheduled to begin promptly at 8 a.m. and should last approximately until 9:30 a.m.
Birding participants can expect to see a variety of neotropical species, including indigo buntings, summer tanagers, orchard orioles and numerous warblers. These neotropical migrants now are winging their way north on an annual migration from the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Buford Trout Hatchery is located between Cumming and Buford off Ga.
Hwy. 20. From Atlanta, take Ga. Hwy. 400 north to Exit 14. Exit right on Ga. Hwy. 20 and travel east for four miles, turn left on River Club Drive in the Chattahoochee River Club subdivision. Travel approximately ½ mile and turn right at the second stop sign onto Trout Place Rd.
Trout Place Rd. dead-ends into Buford Trout Hatchery.
For additional information about the May 4 bird walk, contact the Buford Trout Hatchery at (770) 781-6888.
In addition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Historic Sites Web site offers free educational materials about neotropical migrating birds for both teachers and the general public at www.gastateparks.org (http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/www.gastateparks.org) under the "Educational Resources" tab located in the "Kids and Educators" section.
###
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windknot here -
Large flatheads, unlike many other catfish species that get large, taste terrific! Do yourself (and WRD) a favor and try some today!