|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Projects SC DNR's SCORE Project Several members of SIFF joined master naturalists and biologists from the SC DNR's SCORE project to install the second SIFF sponsored oyster reef in Battery Creek. The reef consists of about 350 bags of oyster shells and will provide much needed structure for oyster fry released in the spring spawing. Unlike many aquatic animals, once an oyster fry comes to rest, it can't move. If it lands on poor substrate, it will die. Artificial reefs provide lots of good structure to establish reefs that will eventually host small crustaceans and minnows attractive to game fish. They also protect marsh grasses from erosion.
For additional information please call Alan Dechovitz at 476-7208 Osprey Nesting Survey Reslts for 2010 - Joint Project with The Low Country Institute
Below are the results of the second survey of osprey nesting success in the areas adjacent to Callibogue, Port Royal and St Helena sounds. This year we had just over 35 observers participate in the project. The survey is a joint project of the Low Country Institute of Spring Island and the Sea Island Fly Fishers. Kristen Marshall Mattson was our naturalist for this year's study and she has just finished tabulating the data. Here's her report:
"Let me first of all say thank you for the hours you all spent out on the water surveying our osprey populations this summer. Though I didn’t get 100% of the data in, I do want to give you all a summary of what I received. I’ll be sharing these data with DNR and the power company who puts out the platforms so that they can know about nesting success of Beaufort County osprey.
Of the 105 nests reported on this season, 80 were active nests and 54% of them produced at least 1 chick. 65 of the active nests were made on platforms (42) or other man-made structures (23). The remaining nests were found in snags or live trees. Last year, 125 nests (all on platforms) were observed. 78 (62%) of those nests were active, and 34 nests (43%) had at least 1 chick observed. Though nest numbers reported this year were lower, nest “success” seems to have been a bit higher. If I get any last minute data, I will update these numbers and report back!" Kristen Marshall Mattson, environmental educator, The Low Country Institute We had a bit more trouble keeping folks involved for the whole April - August observation period this year. So the reduced number of reported nests is probably more an artifact of fewer reporting observers than a decline in osprey activity. Osprey nesting success is a key indicator of the health of a water shed. We are trying to capture a mutli-year baseline to give naturalists an additional tool for detecting environmental changes in our sounds. The Sea Island Fly Fishers' environmental program coordinates the annual osprey study for the LCI. We are also assisting the DNR to restore oyster reefs in the Beaufort River and Battery Creek. Our programs are meant to protect and improve the environment on which our sport depends.Click Here for more great Osprey Pictures: http://frauleindi.com/ospreys.htm
I would like to thank the 16 members, friends and family who helped with bagging the oyster shells for the first SIFF - DNR oyster restoration. The reef will be planted in late March or early April and we will alert the Club and ask for volunteers when the date is set. The DNR hopes to build many reefs in the Beaufort River/Battery Creek area over the next 3-5 years. We will get you involved as opportunities arise and will be posting the coordinates of these reefs on the Club's website as they become available. It was a great morning, doing meaningful work, for the place we all love. Thanks to all who came. Alan For additional information please call Alan Dechovitz at 476-7208
|
