Spectacular Macro Photos of Starfish and Coral

http://www.b.weather.com/news/science/spectacular-macro-photos-starfish-coral-20130325

- Weather.com

American Littoral Society Events

MONTAUK SPRING WEEKEND

JUNE 7-9, 2013

    

     Always a trip worth taking. Start with an orientation and slide show on Friday night. This is peak orchid and heather blossom time. Activities include: hiking, birding, tide pools, butterflies, rocky cliffs, a visit to Montauk Light and an optional whale watch.

   The Montauk Manor is a perfect place to stay after a long, cold winter with its well-appointed rooms, restaurant, hot tub, and pool. You will enjoy vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and be able to take walks around the grounds. Leaders:Don Riepe and Mickey Cohen

Cost: $385 includes 5 meals, 2 evening programs, a star watch and 2 nights at Montauk Manor. Send deposit of $100 per person to Don Riepe, ALS, 28 W. 9th Rd, Broad Channel, NY 11693 by April 30, 2013.

RHODE ISLAND/BLOCK ISLAND

STRIPED BASS TAGGING WEEKEND

JUNE 8 - 9, 2013

   Join our tagging director for a weekend of striped bass tagging; fishing the rocky coast of Rhode Island and the rips of Block Island. We will be fishing with the American Littoral Society's most prolific and successful tagger, Captain Al Anderson of Narragansett, Rhode Island, aboard his boat, "The Prowler", Sailing from the port of Galilee, RI, right next to the ferry to Block Island. The Prowler is a 42 ft. North Carolina Custom Express twin diesel sportfisherman with a cabin, tower and full electronics.

  

   Captain Al, who has recently been inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame; has been stalking and tagging stripers in Rhode Island Waters for over 40 years and has tagged and released well over 50,000 gamefish during that time.

   The trip is limited to 6 anglers for the weekend, with an all-day fishing trip both Saturday and Sunday. All bait, tackle, and tags will be provided. Bring your surf fishing gear along, as there will be opportunities to experience some of Rhode Island's great shoreline fishing as well.

   On Saturday the party will meet for a late lunch (Dutch treat) at a local seafood restaurant. After lunch we will visit the Point Judith light house, and take a stroll out to Black Rock on Narragansett Bay.

Cost:

$275 - ALS Member

$325 - Non Member

Price includes all costs for 2 fishing trips and tags, as well as a signed copy of Capt. Al's latest book, "Island Stripers". Anglers are responsible for their own lodging and meals. Call Jeff at (732) 291-0055 for more information.

New trip

COLUMBIS RIVER GORGE, MT. ST. HELENS, and the PACIFIC END of the LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL

JULY 18-27, 2013.

     A fascinating gorge described as a "Top ten scenic wonder" plus Mt. St. Helens and Lewis and Clark history, what could be better? We will have a leisurely exploration of some dramatic and varied scenery from the amazing river that separates Washington State from Oregon (and spends a significant part of its length in Canada) to the explosive remnants of St. Helens to the windswept coast. Along the way we will learn about and enjoy the fascinating human and natural history. This is a rather different part of the northwest from the rainy Olympic coastline farther north and you will be surprised by the dryness of the interior versus the rugged marine environment. Mammals, birds, and wild flowers will brighten each day. Leader:  Bob Quinn

Cost: $1985 per person (double occupancy- $385 single supplement) includes lodging, most meals, ground transportation, guides, and all entrance fees. Not included- airfare.. Please send a deposit of $250 per person to Highlands address by April 15, 2013.   This trip begins and ends in Portland, OR.

CAPE ANN WHALE WATCH WEEKEND

AUGUST 15-18, 2013

     Gloucester and the surrounding areas are filled with beautiful shorelines and bays teeming with bird life. On your way up stop off at The Butterfly Place just off Rt. 495 (exit 34). There will be leisurely canoeing on the Ipswich River, a half-day whale watch trip where we hope to also see dolphins and seals, a sunset river cruise along the Essex River, and birding at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Leader: Don Riepe

Cost: $385 per person ($120 single supplement) includes lodging, lobster dinner, guides, park and boat fees. Limit: 20. A deposit of $50 by June 15, 2013.

MONHEGAN ISLAND, MAINE

SEPTEMBER 23-27, 2013

     For the naturalist Monhegan is a major site for fall migration, often with hordes of tired land birds hopping about in the open. Such odd spectacles as warblers flitting through the tide wrack or a Black-billed Cuckoo perching on a lobster pot can be common sights.

    On one day we will venture out by boat in search of sea birds such as puffins, shearwaters, gannets, phalaropes, and maybe a whale or two. Monhegan is a gem of the rocky coast of Maine and one of the most enchanting islands on the entire east coast. Its combination of beauty and quiet island life will entrance you and it can be as relaxing or as invigorating as you wish. It creates a sense of serenity, from the calm harbor with beautiful sunsets to the pounding surf against the craggy eastern cliffs, through the beautiful Cathedral Woods with its elfin inhabitants.

     Our inn is quite nice and has a commanding view of the harbor and the ocean. We will do a lot of walking and exploring of the island's varied habitats; some moderately vigorous hiking and early morning bird walks will be optional. There is something special about Monhegan, even by island standards, and this short trip is a perfect chance for you to experience that magic. Leaders: Bob Quinn and Phil Brown

Cost: $1195 (Single supplement $295) includes lodging, ferry, boat trip, guides, and most meals. Group Size: Max 14. . Send a deposit of $150 per person to Highlands address by May 15, 2013.

CALIFORNIA'S NORTH COAST: Redwood National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and the Klamath Basin

OCTOBER 13-22, 2013

     The Redwoods, tallest trees in the world, tower above the mist-shrouded shoreline. Huge Pacific waves crash upon massive sea stacks and coastal headlands while countless flocks of sea birds migrate south. This is the dramatic and isolated northern California coast. Del Norte county is more like the true Pacific Northwest than the rest of California and it has abundant wildlife and scenery, without the crowds. Besides the magnificent Redwoods we hope to see mammals such as California Sea Lions and Roosevelt Elk plus one of the largest concentrations of water birds in all of North America.

     We'll also spend several days in southern Oregon, including a day at the spectacular Crater Lake National Park- with it's almost unbelievably blue volcanic lake. Other sites will include Lava Beds National Monument and the Klamath Basin National Wildlife refuges, all in habitats vastly different from the coast. This is a wonderful time of year to explore an exciting and unique, yet little visited, part of our continent. Leader: Bob Quinn

Cost: $2185 per person (double occupancy- $385 single supplement) includes lodging, most meals, ground transportation, guides, and all entrance fees. Not included- airfare. Send a deposit of $300 per person to Highlands address by June 15, 2013.

ANNUAL MEETING - CAPE MAY, NJ

OCTOBER 24-27, 2013

   Once all details have been finalized this site will contain all the information needed to sign up. We will also be sending out the a form tat can be sent in to our Highlands office in our publication "Littorally Speaking" later in the year. There will be no separate form sent so please check our website for details around the middle of April. There will be limited rooms available. If interested please contact Pat by phone or email.

ASSATEAGUE FALL WEEKEND

NOVEMBER 7-10, 2013

The Assateague Wildlife Refuge is always in season to enjoy!

     The peak fall migration is beginning at one of the best birding spots on the east coast. We're likely to see snow geese, widgeons, teals, ruddy ducks, eagles, Sika deer, the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, wild ponies and if we're lucky, maybe red fox and otters. On Sunday follow us north to Bombay Hook, where at sunset, we'll stop to watch and listen as up to 20,000 snow geese come in to roost. Leader: Don Riepe

Cost: $385 per person (180 single supplement) includes lodging, guides, lectures, and a par excellent seafood buffet on Saturday night. Limit: 20. Send a deposit of $100 per person by August 1.

What's killing Florida's manatees?

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t5#/video/us/2013/03/23/tsr-dnt-zarrella-toxic-algae-manatee-deaths-duplicate-2.cnn
- CNN.com

Caspersen Beach Bathrooms

Bud Doyle's follow-up comments :

Mr. Hester's comments about the ugly new bathrooms at Caspersen Beach are right on the money. Caspersen was designated a "Clean Rural Beach" by the federal Clean Oceans Council several years ago. You would think this honor would be a matter of pride with the county. Building, if needed, in natural areas should be "designed with nature" and this is certainly not the case when it comes to the new Sarasota beach bathroom facilities.

 

 (Page down to see Hester comments.)

 http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130321/LETTERS/303219999/2163/OPINION?Title=Thursday-s-letters

 

Some of Sarasota Bay Watch's Upcoming Events

• 3^rd Annual Skier's Island Cleanup - March 23
• 1st Jim Neville Marine Preserve Cleanup - April 13
• 5^th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup - May 11
• 3^rd Annual Scallopalooza - August 3
• 6^th Annual Great Scallop Search - August 17
• 3^rd Annual Monofilament Cleanup - October 
•  
• See:  http://sarasotabaywatch.org/

Horseshoe Crabs in Cedar Key

(This article published in the current CedarKeyNews.com  by Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida IFAS Shellfish Extension)

Sun, Mar 17th 2013 UF/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension

Saturday, March 30, 10:30-Noon
Cedar Key Library, 466 2nd Street

Learn about these unique marine animals and their importance, find out about University of Florida`s research at Seahorse Key, and discover how you can protect our local populations by participating in a talk held at the Cedar Key Library, 466 2nd Street on Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 am. Speakers will include Dr. Jane Brockmann, Emeritus Professor, Biology Department, University of Florida; Tiffany Black, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute; and Leslie Sturmer, UF IFAS Shellfish Extension. At Noon, a horseshoe crab educational panel will be unveiled at the A Street railing adjacent to the City Park. The panel is dedicated in memory of Kathleen Tuck, a Cedar Key resident, who devoted hours conducting beach surveys and educating the public about horseshoe crabs. For more information, contact Leslie Sturmer at (352) 543-5057 or LNST@ufl.edu.

Read More...

Algae hunger ramps up red tide toxins

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130317/ARTICLE/130319646/2416/NEWS?Title=Algae-s-hunger-ramps-up-red-tide-toxins
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Red tide kills record number of manatees

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130312/ARTICLE/130319902/2416/NEWS?Title=Red-tide-kills-record-number-of-manatees
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Restore Florida's Gulf

http://fl.audubon.org/restore-floridas-gulf
- Florida Audubon Society

Florida beaches reopen after sharks invade

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/bestoftv/2013/03/07/exp-erin-pkg-george-howell-florida-beaches-reopen-after-sharks-invade.cnn
- CNN.com

Canoe & Kayak Coastal Clean Up Event

http://canoecleanup-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

- Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center - Pinellas County Extension

Despite Shale Boom, Deep-Water Gulf Still Lures Oil Drillers

http://loga.la/despite-shale-boom-deep-water-gulf-still-lures-oil-drillers/
-  March 1, 2013 | Louisiana Oil and Gas Association

Official Sarasota Wildlife Art Festival - March 2 & 3

http://www.sarasotawildlifefest.com/

Red tide returns to Sarasota County beaches

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130227/ARTICLE/130229630/2416/NEWS?Title=Red-tide-returns-to-Sarasota-County-beaches
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Red-necked pelican from California spotted by John Sarkozy.

(Thanks to Heather Booth for photo) 

Sarasita Bay Estuary Program 2013 GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 1

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is accepting applications for the 2013 Bay Partner Grants Program with a deadline of March 1. The purpose of the annual program is to promote environmental education, community involvement and stewardship to improve the overall quality of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries. Organizations can receive up to $3,000 for projects that benefit Sarasota Bay. SBEP has awarded $213,000 in grants to more than 100 organizations since 2002.

Schools, businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, churches, and civic groups in Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible. The watershed boundaries are from Anna Maria Sound to the Venice Inlet as well as all of the barrier islands. Some of the prior projects have included wildlife gardens and landscaping featuring Florida native plants, micro-irrigation projects, land contouring to create bioswales, signs that promote Bay-stewardship, and education programs.    

Bay Partner Grant applications must be received at the SBEP offices by 4pm on Friday, March 1 to be eligible. Applications can be emailed as a Word document or PDF file to Sara Kane at sara@sarasotabay.org. You can learn more about the grant program online by visiting the Get Involved page on the SBEP website at sarasotabay.org. The website also lists the eight grant projects that were funded for 2012. Inquires are welcome at 941-955-8085 or sara@sarasotabay.org.

This just in from the Audubon Society....

Stay Engaged to the Gulf Restoration Process in Florida

Help make conservation a priority, sign-up for this eNewsletter right now.

Fiddler Crabs by RJ Wiley

Welcome to the inaugural edition of RESTORE Florida’s Gulf – the eNewsletter dedicated to tracking the Gulf restoration process in Florida in the wake of the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill disaster.
You are receiving this eNewsletter as an introduction, but you will need to SIGN UP to continue to receive regular updates in the future. Please click here and add your name to RESTORE Florida’s Gulf.

What is the RESTORE Act?

The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of all administrative and civil penalties related to the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster to a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund and outlines a structure by which the funds can be utilized to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region.
Three major “pots” of funds are addressed in the RESTORE Act: the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council pot (30%), the equal-share state pot (35%), and the impact-based state pot (30%).
For more information on trust fund resources, please click here.

Why is the restoration process so important?

Oil on a Pensacola Beach, June 2010.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster had major impacts on the environment and wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. Through the RESTORE Act, Floridians have the opportunity of a lifetime to restore the health of the Gulf's water, beaches, and marshes and the shorebirds and sea life make this ecosystem their home.
The signing of the RESTORE Act in July 2012 set the framework for what is anticipated to be the largest environmental restoration trust fund in history. Restoration of the Gulf of Mexico will be financed by funds from court cases and settlements related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Audubon Advocates, nature-lovers, and concerned citizens will have a variety of ways to influence how the funds are spent. Sign-up for this eNewsletter right now to receive information on how you can participate in breaking advocacy issues and local events.

What's the latest information?

On January 29, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council released The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf: A Proposed Comprehensive Plan.
This is the Council’s first step in developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term health, prosperity and resilience of the Gulf Coast. The Council knows that collaboration with the residents of the Gulf is essential to restoring the Gulf of Mexico. Public hearings are anticipated for all Gulf States, probably in late February and again in April-May.
You will be able to participate in many of these hearings; dates and locations will be announced on our website RESTOREFloridasGulf.org. 
The Path Forward incorporates the findings and recommendations of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, including 5 restoration goals:

1. Restore and conserve habitat;
2. Restore water quality;
3. Replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources; 
4. Enhance community resilience; and
5. Restore and revitalize the Gulf economy. 

The plan will include a three-year list of projects based on criteria in the RESTORE Act. Your voice, at the local and regional levels, is important to help guide which projects will be included on the list.
Make sure you are subscribed to this eNewsletter to receive information on how you can participate in breaking advocacy issues and local events. Together we will make a difference!

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

http://www.fws.gov/cedarkeys/

Governor to consider springs restoration money

http://www.cedarkeybeacon.com/content/governor-consider-springs-restoration-money
- Cedar Key Beacon

SE American Littoral Society Field Trips and Events

Quiet Water Kayak Trips

Enjoy leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddles, life vest, etc. supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going. Members who bring their own kayak and life vests can participate for a $5 donation to the Society. Otherwise, cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless noted. State parks require an additional entrance fee.
Call John at 941-966-7308 for info and reservations.
Red Font = Schedule change since original post.
January
 5 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
 9 Waterways of Nokomis, 10 am - 1 pm
10 Myakka River/Snook Haven, 10 am - 1 pm
12 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
13 Myakka River/Snook Haven; 10 am - 1 pm 
15 South Lido Park/Bird Key, 10 am - 1 pm 24 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
26 Myakka River State Park, 11 am - 2 pm
31 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary  $30/members; $35 non-members
     plus $5 boat launch fee; 10 am - 2 pm
February
 2 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm 
 3 South Lido Park/Bird Key, 10 am - 1 pm
 5 Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County; 10 am - 2 pm; $30/members; $35 non-members
10 Blackburn Pt. Oscar Scherer State Park; 10 am - 1:30 pm
12 Historic Cortez/Kitchen Preserve; 10 am - 1 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member
14 Don Pedro State Park/Lemon Bay; 10 am - 1:30 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member
20 Waterways of Nokomis; 10 am - 1 pm
23 Myakka River at Snook Haven/Palmer Pt. Park; 8:30 am - 11:30 am
24 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Beach; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
26 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary  $30/members; $35 non-members
     plus $5 boat launch fee; 10 am - 2 pm
28 Edwards Islands/Roberts Bay Rookery; 10 am - 1:30 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member

Upcoming Marine Life Explorations
Explore the sea life near our shores with American Littoral Society biologists.  Using hand and seine nets, we will be searching shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay.  Trips run on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Wading shoes suggested. Call  for reservations.  Call  Chuck at  941-488-8998 Sept 8- Lemon Bay Park
Oct 13- Lemon Bay Park
Dec 8-  Lemon Bay Park
Jan 12- Bird Key
Feb 9- Lemon Bay Park
Mar 9- Blackburn Point Park
Apr 13- Lemon Bay Park



Eco-Tour with Us Aboard the Carefree Learner (January - May)Get hands-on fun and learn up close about the critters of the Bay with our expert naturalists and educators. Also see amazing nesting bird life. The boat is small and provides a great experience for students of all ages. The Carefree Learner are on Wednesdays at 1 to 3 pm departing from Bayfront Park next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle. Members $15, Non-members $20, kids (12 and under) $10.
January 30, Contact Linda at 607-423-9027
February 13, Contact Linda at 607-423-9027
February 27, Contact Loyola at 206-484-7092
March 6, 20, 27, Contact Bobbi at 941-927-3409
April 6*, 17, 24, Contact Loyola at 206-484-7092
*Note, our April 6 trip is the only Saturday trip