I had to leave early to run out to John’s Island, so no telling how many people showed up, but I’m sure they all had great time, especially with the awesome oyster eating weather we had yesterday afternoon.

From the Shem Creek blog.

Oysters and Pelicans Oh My!

Sound familiar?

From the Shem Creek blog.

Shem Creek has something in common with Louisiana’s Grand Bayou

DHEC has already closed about 1/3 of the state’s 3,000 acres of oyster beds to harvesting because of pollution.

On top of that, commercial fishermen take about 100,000 bushels a year, SCDNR biologist and SCORE manager, Nancy Hadley said. SCDNR usually replants about 1/2 that much, using revenues from saltwater fishing licenses and volunteer help through SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement), but it’s necessary to do that and more to help oysters thrive in nature.

“We’ve got 20 years of not quite enough being replanted every year… Each little deficit might not be all that much, but over 20 years, we are a bit behind… so we need to play some catch-up.”
– Nancy Hadley.

SCDNR hopes to get a $1 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act so it can restore about 9 acres of oyster reefs along our coast, but that proposal is only #77 among R-Okla. Sen. Tom Coburn’s list of the 100 worst examples of waste amongst stimulus projects – fortunately for us, it was the only S.C. project on his list!

South Carolina isn’t the only area with depleting oysters though – although as much as we eat, that may have something to do with it. Out West, Pacific wild oysters haven’t successfully reproduced since 2004! They suspect water that rises from deep in the Pacific Ocean may be corrosive enough to kill baby oysters.

If carbon dioxide is the culprit dramatically affecting the ocean, it’s one more incentive for us to do something now to protect the environment and our planet’s healthy future.

So in the end, the goal of having sustainable oyster reefs needs to be looked at more closely, because the question is, “what actually caused the oysters to start dying off” – was it global warming, ocean acidification, pollution, or something else?

A stranded pygmy sperm whale on Sullivan’s Island.
Credit: NOAA

Speaking of water pollution and debris in the ocean, just the other day a pygmy whale and her calf were stranded on the beach – dead because they mistook a plastic bag for food that somebody threw in the water, according to SCDNR officials, something that happens pretty often.

Come on guys, do the right thing and put trash where it belongs!

From the Shem Creek blog.

They may be muddy, but oysters will survive – if we let them!

• gospel songs and praise dance,
• basket-making demonstrations,
• story-telling & Gullah Geechee skits, and
• the Adande African Drummers and Dancers.

And of course, there is also going to be good food: a variety of authentic Gullah cuisine, classic barbeque, fish, chicken and beverages offered for sale by more than 15 Lowcountry restaurants and food vendors.

Among other family friendly activities, there will be a water-slide for the kids.

If you’d like to read up on this fascinating culture, there will be publications on Lowcountry Gullah Geechee history, fiction, and cookbooks available for sale, and other various merchandise as well:

Admission and parking are free. The festival is a family event, so no alcohol is sold. Animals, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor for the event should contact Thomasena Stokes-Marshall at (843) 856.9732.

And don’t forget, for all the oyster lovers out there – which includes everybody I know!:

2009 Oyster Roast Fundraiser
November 21
Goldbug Island
Tickets are $20

From the Shem Creek blog.

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival 2009

Currently a saltwater recreational fishing license is required for people:

• * Harvesting oysters or clams
• * Fishing for fin-fish from a private boat or transporting catch in a private boat.

The new legislation will also require a saltwater recreational fishing license for:

• * Recreationally fishing from shore (beach, bank, private dock, free public pier, etc.)
• * Recreationally harvesting shrimp and/or crab.

We can purchase a license 24/7 via 1-866-714-3611 or www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html.

There are a few exceptions allowing people to harvest marine resources without a saltwater recreational fishing license:

• * fishing off a licensed commercial public fishing pier,
• * fishing off a licensed for-hire vessel (charter and headboats),
• * taking shrimp over bait (still required to have Shrimp Baiting License)
• * fishing with 3 or fewer drop nets,
• * fishing with 3 or fewer fold-up traps, and
• * fishing with 3 or fewer handlines with a single bait and no hooks (chicken necking).

A South Carolina resident 64 years or older may obtain a statewide lifetime hunting & fishing license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing. A person who has been a South Carolina resident for at least one year, and has been determined to be totally disabled, may obtain a statewide fishing & hunting license which includes the privilege of saltwater fishing.

Revenue generated from Saltwater Recreational Fishing License sales will be used for the direct benefit of South Carolina’s marine recreational fisheries. – SCDNR

The same Saltwater Recreational Fishing License fees remain:

• * 14-day Resident – $5
• * Annual Resident – $10
• * 14-day Non-Resident – $11
• * Annual Non-Resident – $35

From the Shem Creek blog.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing License changes

Entertainment includes live music from Plane Jane, one of the locals favorite party bands.

Sponsors are:

• Firefly Vodka,
• Pabst Blue Ribbon,
• SweetWater Brewing Company, and
• Yuengling.

Admission is $6 at the door, and it’s a rain or shine event.

From the Shem Creek blog.

Vickery’s Oyster Shuckin’ on the Creek

The SPA’s Pledge for Growth program is finally moving forward with the goal of improving air quality, saving fuel costs, and reducing emissions across their domain.

Some water management steps the SPA is taking include:

1. The SPA is donating up to $1 million for a five-year agreement with Wildlife Trust to protect the Northern right whale.
2. The Port is contributing $1 million to restore and enhance more than five acres of self-sustaining oyster reefs in and around Charleston Harbor. This project is being coordinated through SCDNR’s South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program (SCORE).
3. A Sediment Suspension System has been put in place that prevents the need for maintenance dredging, which can be disruptive to marine species and air quality. It uses a system of water jets that keep silt from settling along the bottom of the harbor.

From the Shem Creek blog.

SPA water management steps needed

Those who were there last year may remember that Ryan Seacrest and the ‘American Idol’ folks were in town for auditions; I wonder if any special events are planned for this year? It doesn’t really matter, the oyster festival is always a great time IMO!

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 day of.

For more information, call Boone Hall Plantation at (843) 884-4371. They do ask that no pets or coolers be brought to the event. Enjoy!

To date, more than $1,000,000 has been donated to the Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center, the Hollings Cancer Center, and the Ronald McDonald House.

From the Shem Creek blog.

The 2009 Lowcountry Oyster Festival is this weekend

Our state legislators return to Columbia next week to begin a new two-year session. The S.C. General Assembly convenes on Tuesday, January 13th. The Coastal Conservation League’s legislative priorities for 2009 include:

• * Empowering South Carolina to Manage our Water Resources – We need water withdrawal permitting to protect our increasingly scarce water supplies.
• * Encouraging our State to Build a New Energy Economy – Secure energy independence by re-injecting our energy dollars into homegrown renewables, energy efficiency and conservation programs.
• * Reforming Outdated Annexation Laws – Stop sprawl, lower taxes, and protect the environment. Our annexation priorities achieve all 3 goals as we strive for sustainable growth patterns for communities.
• * Restoring Full Funding of the Conservation Bank – Funding for this important state land protection tool is at risk and we will fight to maintain it.

You’re invited! Show your support for the conservation community’s Common Agenda by joining us for the “Conversations with Conservationists” Senate briefing on Wednesday, January 14th. The briefing will be held from 10 – 11:30 AM in Room 308 of the Gressette Building.

Also, mark your calendar, because there are a number of opportunities to influence your legislators this session:

• * February 17th – Conservation League Lobby Team Tuesday
  Spend the day with the conservation community’s legislative team and catch up with your legislators. If you can’t make it on this date, don’t worry. Lobby Team meets almost every Tuesday through the end of session.
• * April 28th – Sixth Annual Conservation Lobby Day
  This is our big day to show broad, statewide support for important conservation issues in Columbia. Our hard work is always rewarded with an evening oyster roast and reception.
• * Friday’s – Legislative Update and Action Alerts
  Taking a day off work to join us in Columbia can be difficult. Member emails, phone calls, and letters go a long way, and are critical to our success at the state house. Find out what you can to do help by reading our weekly update, beginning next Friday.

Help spread the word – forward this message. Many thanks for your interest and support!!

Until next week,
Your CCL legislative team,
Heather, Patrick & Patty

From the Shem Creek blog.

Coastal Conservation League: Legislative Preview 2009

This is always a great event to go to, and unless something unexpected comes up, I’ll be there shucking plenty of oysters and clicking away with the camera.

For those coming in from out of town (since this always draws a big crowd), I’ve included an aerial shot below to give you an idea of the size of this place (which I stretched out to Hwy 41 for reference). Don’t worry though, Boone Hall Plantation is an easy find. Usually everybody enters from Long Point Run off 17N just north of the Isle of Palms connector (notice the green arrow in the lower left corner). For those that need further assistance, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of Mt. Pleasant’s finest around directing traffic.

Advance tickets for the 25th Annual Oyster Festival are on sale for $10.00 and are available at all Charleston area Applebee’s Restaurants, and through the Association Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $12.00 (kids 10 and younger are admitted free when accompanied with an adult).

And don’t let a little wet weather scare you away. I can’t count how many times we’ve been there in the past with overcast skies and patches of mud around us, so wear warm clothes and boots if you can. No matter what the weather is though, we always have a blast, and I’m sure you will too! Have fun and see you there.

From the Shem Creek blog.

American Idol and Oysters: thanks Boone Hall Plantation!