THANK YOU, BUD DOYLE

. . . . .   FOR ALL THE nature walks with SW Florida American Littoral Society

Bud has retired after 10 years - 30 walks per year.

Finally, evidence that a starfish let it see

https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/wild-things/finally-evidence-starfish%E2%80%99s-eyes-let-it-see?utm_source=Society+for+Science+Newsletters&utm_campaign=a2e826acee-Ed_picks_wk_of_January_6_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4c415a67f-a2e826acee-93290633

-Science News

Kayak Around Florida | Circumnavigating Florida on the Saltwater Paddling Trail

http://kayakaroundflorida.wordpress.com/

Waterways TV Show

http://www.youtube.com/user/WaterwaysTVShow

December 2013 Kayak Trips

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 otherwise noted. State parks require an additional entrance fee.

Call John at 941-966-7308 for info and reservations.

December

Dec  1   South Lido Park / Bird Key   10 am – 1 pm
Dec  3   Myakka River State Park   9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Dec 11   Blackburn Pt. / Oscar Sherer State Park   9 am – 1 pm
Dec 14   South Lido Park / Bird Key   10 am – 1 pm
Dec 15   Myakka River State Park   9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Dec 18   Waterways of Nokomis   12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Dec 21   Little Sarasota Bay / Palmer Pt Park    10 am – 1 pm
Dec 22   Myakka River State Park   9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Dec 25   Little Sarasota Bay / Palmer Pt. Park   10 am – 1 pm
Dec 26   South Lido Park / Bird Key   10 am – 1 pm 

She's studied red tide so much they named it after her

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20131028/COLUMNIST/131029634/2416/NEWS?Title=Ernst-She-s-studied-red-tide-so-much-they-named-it-after-her

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20131028/COLUMNIST/131029634/2416/NEWS?Title=Ernst-She-s-studied-red-tide-so-much-they-named-it-after-her

Stone Crab Season

Stone crab season opens Oct. 15^th – you will soon be seeing a host of media stories about this unique Florida delicacy.

Yes, it is true that stone crabs are able to regenerate harvested claws – this is why only the claws are removed and the crab is returned alive to the water.

Want to learn more?

We have just posted an article on the Marine Scene Plus  Trust me you will learn a lot about what many consider to be the greatest seafood delicacy in the world.

Please use the search function on the Marine Scene Plus and you will find a number of other interesting articles on the subject.  You can also find a number of past articles on a variety of fascinating topics.

Remember, we have migrated the old Marine Scene newsletter to this blog-like format. Please make it a habit to check make from time to time for new articles or just browse back through other topics.

 Note from John M. Stevely

Photos: Bryan Fluech, Fresh from Florida

Sarasota Bay Watch 5th Annual Fishing Line Cleanup

5th Annual
Fishing Line Cleanup 

 

     Who:  Volunteers like you who love to make a difference!
     When:  Saturday, October 5th, 8:30 - 12:30
     Where:  Launching from Sarasota Sailing Squadron 
     Registration:  Required, lunch available after the cleanup.  Sign up NOW!

 

 

We collaborate with Audubon Florida to conduct this cleanup now because most birds do not nest in the fall.  We will target removing fishing line from bird nesting habitat islands and coastlines.
Last year Sarasota Bay Watch's Fishing Line (Monofilament) Cleanup  event attracted over 80 volunteers and retrieved three football field lengths of fishing line from the bay coastline!  The materials collected will be weighed and measured and the data shared with scientists working on entanglement issues.  It is a great day to make a real difference for our waterbirds and other marine wildlife.
 

      What you need:  Boat or Kayak preferred.  We will have limited space available on boats and kayaks.  If you don't have a boat, we will  'cab assign' you to a boat captain with space.  Some cleanup can also be done on foot around the bridges, also.
      What to Bring:  Sturdy footwear, sunscreen, eye protection, hat, gloves, water, and an enthusiastic spirit. 

Come, join our volunteer powerhouse that loves our bay
and does the work to keep it healthy.
 

Register today
(This event is nearly here!)

Sarasota witnesses remarkable comeback for endangered green sea turtles

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130922/ARTICLE/130929902/2416/NEWS?Title=Sarasota-witnesses-remarkable-comeback-for-endangered-green-sea-turtles
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Brilliant photos of the bobtail squid

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2013/09/brilliant-photos-of-the-bobtail-squid/
- ABCNews

Sarasota Field Trips Fall 2013

Fall 2013

  

  

  

Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida boasts some of the most amazing coastal flora, fauna, and habitat in the U.S.  Our Southeast Chapter offers a variety of ways to observe and learn about them. We offer kayaking, guided beach walks, seining, and eco-tours at various times throughout the year. 

Marine Life Explorations - Saturday October 12, 9:30 to 11:30 am

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.  Wading shoes suggested. Call  for reservations.  Call  Chuck at  941-488-8998

Quiet Water Kayaking

Leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means.  Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc.  supplied.  If you've never used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going.  Call John at (941) 966-7308 for reservations.  Members who own a kayak and life vest are welcome to go on trips marked with no asterisk (*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless otherwise noted.  Trips into State parks also require an additional fee.

  

September

21   Bird Key/South Lido Park......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

22   Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County...........................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

24   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................8:30 - 11:30 am

October  

12   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................9 am - noon

13   Little Manatee River State Park...................................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

15   Waterways of Nokomis..........................................................9 am - noon

*16  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

*17  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

19  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

20  Bird Key/South Lido Park..........................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

23  Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve.............................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

27  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am  

NOTE:   November Preview - Myakka Daze!!! All-day trip down the Myakka River. $50 or $30 with your own boat.  Call John for details @ 941-966-7308

 

  

www.littoralsociety.org 

Audubon: Restore Florida's Gulf

http://fl.audubon.org/restore-floridas-gulf

After death, a reef life

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130915/ARTICLE/130919733/2416/NEWS?Title=After-death-a-reef-life

Lionfish invade Gulf Waters

This news has been recurring over the years...
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130912/COLUMNIST/130919873/2416/NEWS?Title=Ernst-Lionfish-invade-Gulf-waters
Sarasota Herald Tribune

"Toast to the Coast" National Estuaries Day 2013 Photo Contest

- from Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

SBEP is joining its 27 sister National Estuary Programs around the U.S. in a nationwide "Toast to the Coast" in honor of National Estuaries Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.   

We invite you to join us by lifting a glass, mug, or cup in a salute to our very own Sarasota Bay.

Snap a picture of yourself or a group of friends toasting to Sarasota Bay and email to info@sarasotabay.org to enter SBEP's 'Toast to the Coast' photo contest.

Creativity is encouraged, but all pictures must show Sarasota Bay in the photograph. Please be sure to reference where the photo was taken.

Those wanting to participate should submit a picture by Monday September 23rd. Later that day, an album will be posted on the SBEP facebook page with all the submissions. The picture to get the most "likes" via the album will be named the winner on National Estuaries Day, September 28.

The winning submission will receive 4 Sarasota Bay Explorers tickets. 

 

 

Questions? Contact Stephanie Hames at info@sarasotabay.org, 941-955-8085

State bans tarpon fishing with Boca Grande Grande jig

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130908/ARTICLE/130909665/2416/NEWS?Title=State-bans-tarpon-fishing-with-Boca-Grande-jig-

Living Shoreline Project at Bay Front Park in Downtown Sarasota

  -copied from Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Newsletter September 2013

SBEP and the City of Sarasota have installed a living shoreline area at Bay Front Park in downtown Sarasota. The project features 150-feet of Florida-native plants. The use of plants will help stabilize the sediments and provide habitat that attract birds and other wildlife. Living shorelines provide a natural alternative to hardened seawalls made of concrete, rock and other materials. The use of plants and sloping shorelines provides a buffer for stormwater pollution running into local waterways.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District provided funding support for the new project and Stantec is the contractor. SBEP and its partners completed the region's first living shoreline project in 2011 at Herb Dolan Park in Bradenton Beach. Concrete rubble was removed from the site and replaced with natural fiber material and native vegetation. The SBEP website provides more information about living shorelines.