(pdf
file 248k) (convert
PDF) S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Extension
The S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program (SCSGEP) is a joint outreach program of
the Clemson University Extension Service and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.
The SCSGEP applies science-based information to educate individuals, businesses,
local and state government, and other organizations on the wise use and conservation
of coastal and ocean resources.
[ TEXT HOME | CONTACT
| SEARCH | GRAPHIC VERSION
]
SCSGEP Staff
Aquaculture
Coastal Hazards
Coastal Business and Economics
Coastal Environmental Quality
Coastal Communities
Marine Fisheries
Conferences and Meetings
SCSGEP Links
Robert H. Bacon, Extension Program
Leader
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
287 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
P: 843/727-2075 F: 843/727-2080
Robert.Bacon@scseagrant.org
Jack Whetstone, Marine Aquaculture
Specialist
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
P.O. Box 596 Georgetown, SC 29442
P: 843/546-6321 F: 843/546-6296
jwhtstn@clemson.edu
April Turner, Coastal Communities
Specialist
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
287 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
P: 843/727-2078 F: 843/727-2080
April.Turner@scseagrant.org
Sandy Bernard, Coastal Hazards Specialist
SECOORA Program Coordinator
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
287 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
P: 843/727-2078 F: 843/727-2080
Sandy.Bernard@scseagrant.org
Amber Von Harten, Fishery Specialist
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
c/o Clemson Extension Service
P.O. Box 189
Beaufort, SC 29901-0189
(102 Beaufort Industrial Village, Suite 101, Beaufort, SC 29902)
ambervh@clemson.edu
Dan Hitchcock,
Ph.D., Coastal Environmental Quality Specialist
S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program
259 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
P: 843/722-5940 F: 843/722-5944
dhitchc@clemson.edu
The SCSGEP Aquaculture Program's goal is to assist in the development of an economically viable and natural resource-friendly aquaculture industry in the state. South Carolina's aquaculture industry has grown dramatically in the last ten years, and SC Sea Grant has played a leading role in support of that growth. Contact: Jack Whetstone
Examples of How We Work:
Aquaculture Permitting
The SCSGEP works with industry and regulatory agencies to develop regulations
and "Best Management Practices" (BMPs). These BMPs encourage producer's compliance
because they are efficient and cost effective. At the same time, they protect
the environment.
Sustainable Aquaculture
Addressing sustainable growth is critical. The SCSGEP collaborates with
the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other aquaculture producers
in finding ways to reduce aquaculture pond discharges into natural waters. To
date, discharges have been reduced from 20% per day to less than 5% per day,
with no adverse effect on production.
Aquatic Weed Control / Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic weeds and other nuisance species, plant and animal, are an increasing
threat to natural ecosystems. The SCSGEP, with the state DNR, worked to eradicate
the first documented infestation of Salvinia molesta. This species threatened
the Ace Basin -- a 350,000-acre natural area, part of which is designated a
Natural Estuarine Research Reserve.
Shrimp Disease / Crop Insurance
Taura Syndrome virus struck state shrimp farms for the first time in 1996. The
SCSGEP responded to this crisis, joining with the South Carolina Shrimp Growers
Association, to help eight farmers receive USDA crop insurance payments totaling
$199,912.00. This was the first USDA crop insurance payment ever made to shrimp
farmers in the United States, and prevented several farms from going out of
business.
Hard Clam Aquaculture
Hard clam aquaculture has grown dramatically in South Carolina: From 1992 to
1998, it grew twenty times – mostly because of Sea Grant research and SCSGEP
outreach work. Sea Grant helped fund early research leading to the Sea Perfect
Atlantic Farms opening in 1991. The SCSGEP aquaculture specialist assisted Sea
Perfect in establishing a "Family Clam Farmer" program, which continues to flourish.
The SCSGEP also worked with others to adapt, test, and perfect a tidally powered,
upwelling system for rapid, efficient production of clam seed.
Eastern United States Interstate Shellfish Seed Transport Workshop
A shellfish seed transport workshop was held at the South Carolina Marine Resources
Center, Charleston, SC in February 2002 to exchange information concerning the
need to protect state resource interests, reduce risks associated with shellfish
importation and facilitate interstate commerce of aquaculture products. This
publication is updated periodically and includes abstracts from the workshop
and breakout summaries as well as current (1) east coast state contacts for
interstate shellfish importations, (2) shellfish pathologists, and (3) a contemporary
east coast shellfish hatchery and nursery list.
(pdf
file 248k) (convert
PDF)
Aquaculture-Related Publications
The South Carolina coast has been struck by hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes many times in the past and will likely be many more times in the future. The SCSGEP develops and conducts education programs that contribute to natural hazards awareness and help reduce hazard-induced human, economic, and environmental costs. Contact: Robert Bacon
Examples of How We Work:
Study of Insured Property Losses
In the periods after Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew, the SCSGEP supported research
on insurance loss records to uncover the principal causes of wind-related insured
property losses. This work helped the insurance industry learn what kind of
damages produced large loss claims -- and that much of it can be greatly reduced
or prevented. It also stimulated research into effective ways to make low rise
buildings more resistant to hazard damages.
Development of Low-Cost and Self-Help Retrofit Techniques for Reduction
of Damage and Losses in Severe Wind Storms.
This researcher's focus has been on the elements of the building envelope:
the roof, windows and door openings. Research-developed methods and materials
have been used in SCSGEP education programs and by the Florida Department of
Community Affairs' Residential Construction Mitigation Program.
113 Calhoun St.: A Multi-Hazard, Residential, Retrofit Mitigation Project
At 113 Calhoun St., the SCSGEP is helping homeowners, builders, and architects
learn how to build and retrofit homes to be more resistant to wind, flood, and
earthquake. The project provides a way for research-based information on hazard
resistant building techniques to get from the laboratory to the community. A
partnership of the Sea Grant Consortium, Clemson University, and the City of
Charleston, the project receives principal funding from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. A Project Impact partner in Charleston County, 113 Calhoun
St. received the 1998 John R. Shaeffer Award for "Excellence in Flood Proofing"
from the Association of State Flood Plain Managers, a national organization
of flood management professionals.
The S.C. Hazard Mitigation Roundtable
Co-founded by the SCSGEP in 1996, the Roundtable seeks to improve idea exchange
and the flow of information on hazards and hazard mitigation efforts within
the state's public and private sectors. It is a rotating, bimonthly discussion
of hazard-related issues, opportunities, and interests. Membership includes
academics, state agency representatives, town managers, building code officials,
local flood plain managers, county planners, and local emergency response officials.
The S.C. Association for Hazard Mitigation
This private, non-profit association is a direct outgrowth of the S.C. Hazard
Mitigation Roundtable. It was organized by Roundtable participants as the state
chapter of the Association of State Flood Plain Managers. The SCSGEP has had
a leadership role on the association's board and in developing the educational
program for its annual conferences.
HazNet.org
HazNet.org is the National
Sea Grant Coastal Hazards network homepage. HazNet provides information on Coastal
Natural Hazards by providing science-based information to individuals, businesses,
and local and state government.
Find out how Sea Grant programs nationwide are working together to better understand coastal natural hazards and develop ways to reduce their impacts on lives, property, and coastal economies. You'll also find illustrations of natural hazards, courtesy of the National Geographic Society, and links to materials for students and teachers of grades k-12.
S.C.
Dept. of Transportation
Coastal Evacuation Routes Map
The maps on this SCDOT site are in PDF format. They provide evacuation routes for coastal South Carolina in the event of a hurricane. You may choose PDF maps of the entire coastal region, northern region, central region, southern region, or a close-up on the Charleston area.
Coastal Hazards-Related Publications
The coast is a valuable locus of economic activity in South Carolina. The SCSGEP Coastal Business and Economics program takes a smart growth approach to the wise and sustainable use of coastal natural resources for economic benefit, quality of life, and the enjoyment of residents and visitors, now and in the future. The Business and Economics Extension Program provides informal education programs to assist coastal, natural resource-dependent businesses in developing effective environmental management programs, plans, socioeconomic issues, marketing, and global trade. Contact: Robert Bacon
Examples of How We Work:
Business Assistance
The Business Assistance Program works with Consortium institution research faculty to develop and deliver interdisciplinary extension education programs for coastal water and natural resource dependent businesses, including marinas, aquaculture farms, nature-based tourism operations, commercial fishing, marine trades and others.
The program provides assistance to entrepreneurs in the creation of new businesses and works with existing owners to maintain existing businesses and identify development opportunities in coastal communities. The extension specialist plans, promotes, and conducts seminars and workshops, and speaks to business groups, community groups, and agencies on business and economics topics. The program assists small businesses plan and develop coastal recreation, tourism activities, and enterprises which contribute to a vigorous economy and abundance of healthy natural resources.
Environmental Management System Guidance
Environmental Management is an important tool to effectively manage a businesses impact on the environment. The Coastal Business Assistance Program provides natural resource dependent businesses with guidance needed to develop and implement a formal environmental management system based on the ISO 14001 standard.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Tourism dependent industries are increasingly concerned about their impacts on the environment and how to simultaneously reduce operational costs. The Business Assistance Program provides nature-based tourism operations with guidance needed to develop and implement a sustainable tourism operation via a formal environmental management system.
Valuation of Natural Resources
Environmental economics is a subfield of economics concerned with environmental issues. The Coastal Business and Economics Specialist works with various resource economists, state/federal agencies, commercial firms, coastal communities, and university research faculty to coordinate programs and activities related to the valuation of coastal and marine resources. Resource economics focused on the valuation of coastal and marine resources in the context of continuing demographic and development pressures is applied in extension programming. The program facilitates community access and engagement with the partner institutions and their expertise and resources.
Nature-Based Tourism (NBT) Conferences
In 1994, the first statewide Nature-based Tourism workshop was organized under, in part, SCSGEP's leadership. It attracted over 125 participants, received media attention from state newspapers and television, and was even mentioned in USA Today. SCSGEP has taken a leadership role in six such conferences.
Nature-Based Tourism Guidelines
Under SCSGEP's leadership, an ad hoc task group from academia, state natural resource agencies, and the private sector developed guidelines and recommendations as an industry standard to encourage a sustainable NBT industry in South Carolina. The S.C. Nature-Based Tourism Association (NBTA) later adopted them as its guide for industry standards and practices.
The S.C. Nature-Based Tourism Association
The SCSGEP helped found the S.C. Nature-Based Tourism Association, and continues to support it as a Technical Advisory Board member. The association promotes sustainable NBT development, educates and assists small NBT businesses, provides quality assurance in NBT services, and encourages voluntary industry self-regulation. http://scnatureadventures.com
Nature-Based Tourism Marketing
In 1996, the SCSGEP and Clemson's Recreation, Travel, and Tourism Institute helped the NBTA begin marketing natural resource-based vacations in South Carolina. A directory listing natural resource-based businesses and public facilities, such as state parks, was produced. Later, the NBTA published "South Carolina Adventures," a series of South Carolina nature vacation packages, used in tourism promotion efforts at home and abroad.
Additional Coastal Business and Economic links
SC Nature-Based Tourism Association (SCNBTA)
http://www.sciway.net/scnbta/
SC Trails information
http://www.sctrails.net/trails/
SC Professional Paddlesports Association
http://www.paddlesc.com/
Environmental Education Association of SC
http://scssi.scetv.org/eeasc/index.html
SC State Parks
http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/
SC State Parks
http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/sp.asp
Coastal Parks
Myrtle Beach State Park, Phone 843 238-5325
Huntington Beach State Park, Phone 843 237-4440
Edisto Island State Park, Phone 843 869-2756, 2156
Hunting Island State Park, 843 838-2011
Hampton Plantation State Park, Phone 843 546-93611
ACE Basin
http://www.llbean.com/parksearch/parks/html/15467gd.htm
Charleston County Parks
http://www.ccprc.com/
SC Dept. of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/
Wildlife Managment Areas
Heritage Preserves
Coastal Business and Economic-Related Publications
The SCSGEP Coastal Environmental Quality (CEQ) program works closely with state natural resource managers, community groups, scientists, universities, and decision-makers to help sustain our coastal environmental quality. This is accomplished by providing the users and managers of coastal resources with science-based information and tools to assist in ensuring that the environmental quality of the South Carolina coast is protected and enhanced. The SCSGEP CEQ program promotes environmental quality in coastal Carolina by developing flexible programs for every audience while providing a mechanism of delivery at every level. For more info, please contact Dan Hitchcock.
Examples of How We Work:
Coast-A-Syst
Harmful Algal Blooms and Coastal Pond BMPs
Water Quality Education for Municipal Officials (SCNEMO)
Carolina Clear and Clearwater Contractor
Regional Stormwater Education Consortia
The SC Clean Marina Initiative
The Coastal Home Assessment System (Coast-A-Syst) is a property owner-based program to help protect surface and ground water quality in coastal regions. This program engages homeowners in a voluntary and confidential home self-assessment. The program is designed so that the individual homeowner can better understand their environmental “footprint”. Coast-A-Syst is a spin-off of the highly successful nationwide Cooperative Extension Service programs, Farm-A-Syst and Home-A-Syst, the program is funded through a U.S. EPA grant under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The program can be accessed by using the Coast-A-Syst booklet or through the Clemson Extension web site. Contact: Dan Hitchcock
Harmful Algal Blooms and Coastal Pond BMPs
The SC Sea Grant Consortium formed the Harmful Algae Task Group in 1997 in response to Pfiesteria and other harmful algal blooms along the Carolina coast. The task group holds workshops on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and best management practices (BMPs) to aid in minimizing the presence of HABs in our coastal waters. Target audiences include scientists, educators, regulators, water quality specialists, extension agents, ponds managers, and property owners. Information presented includes background information on HAB ecology and toxicology, as well as guidance on BMP strategies to reduce the potential for HABs. Contact: Dan Hitchcock
Water Quality Education for Municipal Officials (SCNEMO)
South Carolina Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (SCNEMO) is an informational, educational, and technical assistance strategy for protecting local water quality by linking land use decisions with nonpoint source pollution. SCNEMO has been a successful mechanism for informing elected and appointed officials about the potential impacts of nonpoint source pollution. As of 2004, programs have been conducted in 27 of 46 SC counties (59%). Products that have been developed out of the program include the NEMO fact sheet series, the Taming Stormwater Toolbook, and several journal articles and conference proceedings. SCNEMO was originally funded through a U.S. EPA grant under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, while SC DHEC administered the original projects. Contacts: Dan Hitchcock or April Turner
Additionally, Coastal Community Initiative grants, part of the Coastal Growth Initiative program, serves as a support framework for SCNEMO projects. Such funding recently supported projects in Bluffton and Edisto Beach, SC. As a provision of these grants, SCSGEP staff provided water quality education and technical assistance training to the local officials. The SCSGEP staff provided input and recommendations on best management practices (BMPs) for reducing polluted runoff from stormwater, including information on the newest types of pervious and semi-pervious surfaces and how address issues of erosion control, subdivision regulations, maintenance of roads and storm drains, open space plans, and buffer requirements. Contact: April Turner
Carolina Clear and Clearwater Contractor
The SCSGEP is a partner in a state-wide water quality team led by Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service (CES). State-wide programs for South Carolina developed and delivered through Clemson CES include the Carolina Clear and Clearwater Contractor programs. The SCSGEP CEQ program takes a leadership role in these state-wide programs in the eight coastal counties of South Carolina. The latest phase of Clemson’s state-wide Clearwater Contractor program is the development of certification and training programs for construction site inspectors of erosion prevention and sediment control and management practices known as CEPSCI. These trainings are preparations in response to the recent issuance of the Construction General permit, of which the CEPSCI trainings address the educational component for inspectors. For more information, visit the CEPSCI web page on Clemson’s CES web site, or contact Dan Hitchcock.
Regional Stormwater Education Consortia
The regional stormwater education consortium concept connects education providers with potential cooperators for efficient and effective NPDES Phase II compliance. Specifically, the MS4 (municipal separate stormwater sewer systems) communities can look to a consortium for assistance to meet the public outreach component under permit requirements. For example, the SCSGEP CEQ program has recently partnered with Clemson Extension, Coastal Carolina University, and the North Inlet-Winyah Bay (NI-WB) National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) Coastal Training Program (CTP) to form the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium (CWSEC), which is intended to provide education and outreach guidance for MS4 communities in Horry and Georgetown Counties. For more information, see the CWSEC web site at the NI-WB NERR CTP web site, or contact Dan Hitchcock for more information about consortia opportunities in the coastal SC region.
The SC Clean Marina Initiative
The SCSGEP Coastal Environmental Quality program is collaborating with the SC Marine Association and SCDHEC-OCRM to develop a guidance document to assist marinas in protecting water quality from point and nonpoint pollution. Stay tuned for more information on this effort…
Stay tuned!!!
Please stay tuned for updated information on upcoming efforts and events, including stormwater wetland design workshops, stormwater best management practices (BMPs) manuals, and municipal wetland buffer ordinance guidance manuals. For more information, or to submit ideas, concerns, or questions regarding coastal environmental quality programs, please contact Dan Hitchcock.
Coastal Environmental Quality Publications
Coastal counties' population has exploded in recent years. This growth, while economically beneficial, puts pressure on natural resources. The SCSGEP Coastal Community Program's goal is to help find a sustainable balance between necessary economic growth and natural resources conservation. Contact: April Turner
Examples of How We Work:
SC Coastal Community Initiative
Infrastructure Investment Project
"Smart Growth"
Alternative Dispute Resolution
S.C. African-American Heritage Guide
SC Coastal Community Initiative
The South Carolina Coastal Community Initiative (CCI) is a collaborative land-use planning and water quality program for local decision makers to help foster sustainable land use planning and resource management. As part of the CCI, a small grants program was established to assist decision makers in local government in the development and implementation of “quality growth” land management policies and practices. In 2003 the Town of Edisto Beach and the Town of Bluffton were selected as recipients of the award. The Town of Edisto Beach revised its local Comprehensive Land Use Plan, incorporating SC NEMO strategies to address nonpoint source pollution issues. The Town of Bluffton developed a natural resource protection ordinance and a critical resources map to provide protection for resources including wetlands, floodplains, scenic resources, trees, and wildlife habitat. The objective of the CCI program is to provide information that will assist local decision makers in making land-use decisions that enable the wise use of coastal natural resources for the economic benefit of coastal communities, and conserve those resources for the continued use of future generations.
Infrastructure Investment Project
The Infrastructure Investment Project is a model for how infrastructure investments can be made regionally for greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. A systems analysis approach incorporates social, economic, and environmental elements into infrastructure investment decisions. The project is a partnership between Sea Grant, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, the Lowcountry Council of Governments, University of South Carolina (USC) Center for Environmental Policy, USC Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the S.C. Coastal Conservation League.
"Smart Growth" is an idea that is catching on around the state. In 1998, the SCSGEP held a workshop for the Charleston metro region's planning commission members. The focus: how to use both social and physical sciences to plan effectively for growth. The workshop led to development of a water quality education program for local elected officials, now being implemented statewide.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The Office of Coastal Resource Management and the S.C. Council for Conflict Resolution have begun a pilot project to employ mediation in permitting disputes. The SCSGEP is assisting by identifying scientists who can provide expert information to help resolve conflicts.
S.C. African-American Heritage Guide
Sea Grant partnered with the S.C. African-American Heritage Council, S.C. State University, and S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to develop and distribute 40,000 copies of a map guide that provides a brief history of African-American influence in the Lowcountry. The guide locates important African-American cultural and historical places, and highlights African-American-owned businesses.
Coastal Growth-Related Publications
Fisheries/Living Marine Resources
The SCSGEP Fisheries/Living Marine Resource Program’s goal is to develop and provide science-based information and solutions that address the socio-economic, regulatory, research, and technology transfer issues facing South Carolina’s commercial/recreational fisheries and living marine resources in support of economically and environmentally sustainable fisheries and fishing communities.
Objectives include:
1. Maintain a fundamental capability to identify and address issues of importance to living marine resources in state and federal waters off of South Carolina.
2. Integrate multi-disciplinary approaches to extension programming in regards to ecosystem based approaches to management of living marine resources.
3. Identify, develop, and deliver scientifically based information on critical living marine resource issues, through an enhancement of information, research, and technology exchange, productive interactions, and program coordination among Sea Grant programs, state and federal fisheries managers, Universities, and the commercial/recreational fishing industries in state and federal waters off of South Carolina and the region.
South
Carolina Fisheries – Brief Overview
South Carolina contains 2,876 miles of tidal shoreline, 10,000 square miles
of continental shelf, 500,000 acres of tidal bottoms, and 504,450 acres of
salt marsh (representing 20 percent of the East Coast total). In addition,
its coastline is characterized by over 165 linear miles of beaches and dotted
with more than 40 barrier and sea islands. Five major estuaries help drain
major watersheds originating from as far away as western North Carolina. The
dense areas of highly fertile salt marsh surrounding these estuaries and scattered
barrier islands along the coastline provide a favorable habitat for many important
commercial and recreational species during their juvenile and adult life stages.
The commercial shrimp fishery is the largest and most economically valuable
commercial fishery in South Carolina.
South Carolina’s
offshore features also serve to support and sustain many resident and migratory
fisheries species. Structural features on the continental shelf include natural
hard bottoms as well as 37 artificial reefs and five major shipwrecks. The
Charleston Bump, a unique habitat located southeast of Charleston on the
Blake Plateau, deflects the Gulf Stream offshore in the South Atlantic Bight
resulting in ocean upwelling that brings nutrients to the surface waters.
This increases the primary productivity of South Carolina’s coastal
ocean waters, supporting and concentrating a food chain from zooplankton
to small fish to commercially and recreationally important reef and pelagic
fish that prey on them.
Examples of How We Work:
South
Carolina Shrimp Fishery Assistance Project (SCSFA)
Recreational Fishery Needs Assessment for S.C
South Atlantic Sea Grant Fisheries Extension & Enhancement
Initiative
Educational Seminar on Shrimp Fishery Management
Plan Amendment
South
Carolina Shrimp Fishery Assistance Project (SCSFA)
The SCSFA project
developed as a result of an in response to collaborative efforts with the South
Carolina commercial shrimp industry. South Carolina Sea Grant hosted a forum
in 2002 bringing together commercial shrimp fishermen, University researchers
and extension agents, and state/federal management agencies to discuss strategies
for saving the commercial shrimp industry in the state. Coincidentally, federal
funding was awarded for economic assistance to the ailing industry. The industry
then formed a Shrimp Industry Task Force, which would be facilitated by Clemson
University and Extension
Service, to address the growing need for research, education, and marketing
efforts to create a sustainable shrimp fishery in S.C. The task force brought
together partners to include:
• Shrimp
fishermen
• Dock owners
• S.C. Shrimpers Association
• S.C.
Seafood Alliance
• Southern
Shrimp Alliance
• S.C.
Sea Grant Extension Program
• Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments
• S.C.
Department of Natural Resources
Federal funds were allocated for research aimed at economics, niche marketing, travel and tourism marketing, packaging and infrastructure support, and quality assurance. Additionally, education projects involved hiring a fisheries specialist through the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, shrimp festival development, hiring a shrimp quality extension associate through Clemson Extension, and participation in the Trade Adjustment Assistance program for shrimp fishermen.
See the following website
for additional information and research reports:
http://www.clemson.edu/scshrimp/index.htm
Recreational
Fishery Needs Assessment for S.C.:
In collaboration with Clemson
University’s Recreation, Travel, and Tourism Institute and the S.C.
Department of Natural Resources, a needs assessment for the marine recreational
fishing sector in S.C. is in progress. The needs assessment aims to identify
the extension programming and potential research needs within the marine recreational
fishing community. In May 2005, focus groups of selected participants within
the marine recreational fishing community will gather to discuss current issues
and hot topics regarding marine and coastal fisheries. Results of the focus
group discussions will be compiled and used to develop education and outreach
programs in the Consortium’s Fisheries Extension Program.
South
Atlantic Sea Grant Fisheries Extension & Enhancement Initiative:
Fisheries Extension specialists from Sea Grant programs in NC, SC, GA,
and FL have formed
a coordinating committee for the South Atlantic to communicate and collaborate
on fisheries related extension programming. The committee has created a summary
of Sea Grant fisheries extension activities in each state as well as a directory
of Sea Grant fisheries extension staff within the South Atlantic region. In
June 2005, the committee will meet with NOAA
Fisheries regional staff and state fishery management agency staff to discuss
state, regional, and national fisheries extension efforts.
For more information regarding fisheries extension activities in the South Atlantic region, please contact:
North Carolina Sea
Grant Extension Program
Scott Baker,
Fisheries Extension Specialist,
E-mail: bakers@uncw.edu
Phone (910)-962-2492
South Carolina Sea
Grant Extension Program
Amber Von Harten,
Fisheries Extension Specialist
E-mail: ambervh@clemson.edu
Phone: 843-470-3655 ext. 112
University of Georgia
Marine Extenstion Service
Richard Vendetti,
Public Service Assistant/South Atlantic Regional FEE coordinator
E-mail: vendetti@uga.edu
Phone: 912-264-7308
Florida Sea Grant
Chuck Adams,
Marine Economist,
E-mail: CMAdams@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
Phone: 352-392-1826 ext. 223
Educational
Seminar on Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Amendment:
The commercial shrimp fishery is federally managed by NOAA
Fisheries under a fishery management plan developed through recommendations
made by the South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council. In 2004, Amendment 6 to the shrimp
fishery management plan proposed several actions affecting commercial shrimp
fishermen relative to the initiation of federal permits, bycatch issues, and
overfishing definitions. In response to concern from shrimp fishermen and Council
staff, an educational seminar was jointly developed and presented to shrimp
industry leaders in S.C. The goal of the seminar was to educate fishermen about
the process of amending the fishery management plan, the proposed actions in
the amendment, the affects of the proposed actions to the industry, and ways
to engage fishermen in participating in the public comment process. Similar
seminars will be developed in the future to address other commercial and recreational
fishing issues in S.C.
Stay
tuned!!!
Please stay tuned for updated information on upcoming efforts and events, including
seminars on the commercial shrimp industry, diamondback terrapin education
workshops, commercial blue crab fishery collaborations, and charter boat operator
workshops. For more information, or to submit ideas, concerns, or questions
regarding commercial and recreational fisheries and living marine resource
programs, please contact: Amber Von Harten Tel. 843-470-3655 ext. 112.
Marine Fisheries-Related links
www.dnr.state.sc.us/water/envaff/flood/scnfip.html
South Carolina Flood Mitigation Programs
www.HazNet.org - National Sea Grant Coastal Hazards network homepage. HazNet provides information on Coastal Natural Hazards by providing science-based information to individuals, businesses, and local and state government.
www.scseagrant.org/scnemo.htm - SC NEMO is an educational program that provides information to help local decision-makers understand the impacts of nonpoint source pollution on water quality, the link between those impacts and land use, and some innovative ways to manage for those impacts.
Marine Fisheries-Related links
www.safmc.net - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
EDEN (The Extension Disaster Education Network) is a collaborative multi-state effort by Extension Services across the country to reduce the impact of disasters.
www.sgnis.org/wow/
Directory of National Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species (NIS) Web sites.
Marine Fisheries Related Links
FEDERAL/STATE FISHERIES INFORMATION:
NOAA Fisheries (National
Marine Fisheries Service):
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council:
http://www.safmc.net/
Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission:
http://www.asmfc.org/
Gulf and South Atlantic
Fisheries Foundation:
http://www.gulfsouthfoundation.org/index.htm
South Carolina Department
of Natural Resources-Marine Resources Division (SCDNR-MRD):
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/index.html
SCDNR-Saltwater Recreational
Fishing License Program
http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/
S.C. MARINE FISHERIES INFORMATION:
SHRIMP:
SCDNR-Sea Science Series: Shrimp in South Carolina
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/seascience/shrimp.html
SCDNR-State of the Resource:
Shrimp
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/state%20of%20shrimp.pdf
BLUE CRABS:
SCDNR-Sea Science Series: Blue Crabs
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/seascience/bluecrab.html
SCDNR-State of the Resource:
Blue Crabs
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/state%20of%20blue%20crab.pdf
OYSTERS/CLAMS:
SCDNR-Sea Science Series: Oysters & Clams
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/seascience/oyster.html
SCDNR-State of the Resource:
Oysters
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/state%20of%20oysters.pdf
MARINE FISH:
SCDNR-Sea Science Series: Summer Inshore Fishing
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/seascience/inshore.html
SCDNR-Sea Science Series:
Summer Offshore Fishing
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/seascience/offshorefish.html
SCDNR-State of the Resource:
Red Drum
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/state%20of%20red%20drum.pdf
SCDNR-State of the Resource:
Coastal Fisheries
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/pub/state%20of%20coast%20fish.pdf
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES RELATED:
Southern Shrimp
Alliance (SSA):
A non-profit alliance of members of the shrimp industry in eight states committed
to preventing the continued deterioration of America's domestic shrimp industry
and to ensuring the industry's future viability. SSA serves as the national
voice for the shrimp fishermen and processors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
http://www.shrimpalliance.com/index.htm
Wild American
Shrimp, Inc. (WASI):
Serves as the marketing arm of the Southern Shrimp Alliance to increase public
awareness about the quality of wild-caught shrimp and to educate the trade
and consumers about the advantages of choosing naturally grown seafood.
http://www.wildamericanshrimp.com/main.html
South Carolina
Seafood Alliance (SCSA):
A private non-profit that promotes local seafood products and local seafood
industries in South Carolina.
http://www.seafood.org
Clemson University-Shrimp
Industry Partnership:
http://www.clemson.edu/scshrimp/index.htm