May 24, 2019 Sea Grant Notes
This Week
May 31 – Invasive Species and the Air Potato Beetle Give-a-Way
The air potato beetle is an approved biological control for the invasive air potato. This insect will consume this plant but no other. Extension will be having a program to educate about local invasive species and give away the beetles while supplies last. There will be a presentation by Derek Fussell on the Giant Salvinia problem near Bayou Chico.
Free registration can be found at : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invasive-species-awareness-workshop-and-air-potato-beetle-giveaway-tickets-62149825802.
2019 Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day / Emerald Coast Open: The Largest Lionfish Tournament in History. It was a record year for the annual lionfish event.
187 divers participated – record
$48,000 in cash prizes – most ever
5,048 LF turned in during pre-tournament – record
14,119 LF turned in during the weekend tournament – record
19,167 LF harvested total – record
New Articles
Another Mystery in the Marsh – the Gulf Salt Marsh Snake – http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/.
Preparing for Hurricane Season – 10 tips to protect your home and family
http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/.
Water Quality
Health Advisories
- NO HEALTH ADVISORIES THIS WEEK
- 2 stations were sampled this week; Bayou Texar and Sanders Beach on May 20
- GOOD – Bayou Texar, Sanders Beach
- 2019 data at end of these notes
Rainfall
- Rainfall collected weekly from East Hill (UF IFAS)
- Jan (2.1”) Feb (1.5”) Mar (0.7”) – winter = 4.3”
- Apr (6.3”) May (1.0”)
Red Tide
- Last report issued was May 17 (FWC)
- Red tide was reported with background levels in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties in SW FL
Fish Kills
- No fish kills reported from the Pensacola Bay area for May 2019 (FWC).
LAKEWATCH Nutrient Data
- Report will be out in August
Killifish Report
- Project under development; more soon.
REMEMBER
- Maintain your septic tank
- Do not pour fats, oils, or grease down drains – http://www.ecua.fl.gov/green/fats-oils-and-grease.
- Consider a Florida Friendly Landscaped yard – https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Bringing Back the Bayous Program – presentation on the state of the bay and how you can help
- May 23 – Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, 6:00 PM
- Aug 20 – Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring St. 6:00 PM
- Oct 15 – Drowsy Poet, Pensacola Beach Marina (upstairs), 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd, 11:00 AM
Habitat Restoration
- OCEAN HOUR Clean Ups May 25
- – Bruce Beach near the Maritime Park
- – Park West, Pensacola Beach, just before the Ft. Pickens gate
Clean Ups begin at 9:00 and supplies are provided
- Mangrove Surveys Have Begun
- – We have surveyed 4 of the 10 selected locations – no mangroves have been found
- – If you believe you have seen this plant growing in our marshes, please let us know
- Seagrass Monitoring
- – began May 1 a full update will be posted in the fall
- Removing Invasive Species
The following invasive plants have been found on our barrier islands and estuarine coast
- – Beach vitex – http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/vitex-rotundifolia/.
- – Cogon grass – http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/imperata-cylindrica/.
- – Chinese tallow – http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/triadica-sebifera/.
- – Torpedo grass – http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/panicum-repens/.
- – Giant salvinia – http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/salvinia-molesta/.
- – Phragmites – the variety we have is not considered invasive, but the invasive variety has been noted in MS – https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in898.
- Invasive Species Presentations
- – May 31 – Central Office Complex, Giant Salvinia, Derek Fussell FWC, 12:00 PM
- – Jun 13 – Central Office Complex, Science Hour, 6:00 PM
- – Jun 25 – Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring St., 6:00 PM
- – Aug 6 – Drowsy Poet, Pensacola Beach Marina, 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd 11:00 AM
- – Oct 22 – Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy, 6:00 PM
Wildlife
- Horseshoe Crab Nesting Search
- – One small HC was reported from Big Lagoon this week.
- – Locations where HCs have been reported: Big Sabine, Little Sabine, Project Greenshores, Deadman’s Island, Bayou Grande, Big Lagoon, Innerarity Point
- – No nesting has been observed yet but male/female pairs have been seen at Innerarity Point and Little Sabine
- – PLEASE let us know if you see any horseshoe crabs near the shoreline during these days and times
- Diamondback terrapins
- – Surveys began May 1 in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Gulf counties
- – May 2 – First nest of the season was reported in Santa Rosa County
- – Nesting activity has been reported in all three counties and continued this week; full report in the fall
- Snakes
- – Have seen few snakes this week during surveys; intense heat probably has them hiding; they COULD seek water sources during this period
- Invasive Wildlife
- – Brown (Cuban Anoles) – best time to deal with them is in winter. More then.
- – Cuban Treefrogs – The have been reported in the New Orleans area. We can show you how to set up a treefrog collector and assist monitoring for the presence of this invasive frog in our area. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw259.
- Invasive Species Presentations
- – May 31 – Central Office Complex, Giant Salvinia, Derek Fussell FWC, 12:00 PM
- – Jun 13 – Central Office Complex, Science Hour, 6:00 PM
- – Jun 25 – Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring St., 6:00 PM
- – Aug 6 – Drowsy Poet, Pensacola Beach Marina (upstairs), 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd 11:00
- – Oct 22 – Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy, 6:00 PM
Fisheries
- The Great Scallop Search
- – Scallop surveys in Big Lagoon are on going. We recommend a team of three to do these. If interested contact me.
- – Training for Santa Rosa Sound will be in May; more to come
- 2019 Scallop Season
- – Jun 15 – Sep 10: Dixie and parts of Taylor counties
- – Jul 1 – Sep 24: Franklin, parts of Taylor, Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties
- – Jul 19-28: Pasco county
- – Aug 16 – Sep 15: Gulf county
- – Scallop harvest is currently prohibited in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties; please let us know if you do find any live scallops.
- Invasive Lionfish
- – Report Skin Ulcerated Lionfish. The University of Florida is asking divers to report any cases of lionfish with skin ulcers to the FWC. You can do this buy calling the FWC Hotline (1-800-636-0511), or visit public.myFWC.com/FWRI/FishKillReport/Submit.aspx, or use the FWC reporter app. Information needed includes: (1) date of occurrence, (2) location, (3) water temperature, and (4) photos. Read more at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa209.
- – 2019 Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day / Emerald Coast Open: The Largest Lionfish Tournament in History. It was a record year for the annual lionfish event.
187 divers participated – record
$48,000 in cash prizes – most ever
5,048 LF turned in during pre-tournament – record
14,119 LF turned in during the weekend tournament – record
19,167 LF harvested total – record
- – Nearshore Lionfish Surveys will begin in June. If you see a lionfish near the beach or in the bay, please let us know.
- Goliath Grouper Count (June 7-17)– Each year Florida Sea Grant conducts a goliath grouper count during the month of June. The objective is to determine the current range and relative abundance of these currently protected fish. To participate you need to be a diver who dives the same locations on a regular basis during the month. For data sheets contact Sea Grant Agent Rick O’Connor at (850) 475-5230 ext111. Or roc1@ufl.edu.
Seafood
- HACCP Training for Seafood Processors
- – The 2-day face-to-face course will be June 5-6 in downtown Pensacola
- – The online class and 1-day face-to-face course begins now and the face-to-face will be June 7 at the Escambia County Extension Office.
- – Register at http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/SSP/1400069938
- Seafood @ Your Fingertips
- – Presentation on local seafood, with samples
- – April 23, Drowsy Poet, Upstairs Pensacola Beach Marina, 11:00 AM
- – August 6, Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, 6:00 PM
- – October 15, Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring Street, 6:00 PM
- Local Seafood in Peak Season for May
- – Softshell blue crab
- – Cultured clams
- – Crawfish season!
- – Mahi-Mahi
- – Pink shrimp
- – Brown shrimp
- – White shrimp
- – Snapper (check annual regulations)
- – Spanish mackerel (no more than one serving per week)
- Seafood Safety Guidelines – Escambia County Division of Marine Resources – https://www.myescambia.com/our-services/natural-resources-management/marine-resources/seafood-safety.
Environmental Literacy
- 2019 SCIENCE HOUR SCHEDULE; programs are held at the Escambia County Central Office Complex; 3363 West Park Place; they begin at 6:00 PM and are free
- – Jun 13 Invasive Species Don Buchanon (FWC) Rick O’Connor
- – Jul 11 Mosquito Control Matthew Mello, Escambia County
- – Aug 8 Agnotology Chris Fenner, UWF
- – Sep 12 Genetically Modified Organisms Libbie Johnson, County UF Extension
- – Oct 10 Online Fact vs. Fiction Jane Daugherty, UWF
- – Nov 14 Bay Bridge & Artificial Reefs Robert Turpin, Escambia County
New Articles
- Gulf Coast Salt Marsh Snake
- Preparing for Hurricane Season – 10 tips to protect your home and family
http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/.
Upcoming Programs
- May 31 – Invasive Species and Air Potato Beetles – We will hold another lunch & learn at the Escambia County Central Office Complex. We will have information tables on a variety of invasive species, a guest speaker, and provide air potato beetles for those who are battling air potato. 11:00 – 1:00.
- Jun 5-6 – Seafood HACCP Training for Seafood Processors – The 2-day face-to-face course will be in downtown Pensacola. The online class and 1-day face-to-face course begins now and the face-to-face will be June 7 at the Escambia County Extension Office. Cost $150. Register at http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/SSP/1400069938
- Jun 7 – Seafood HACCP Training for Seafood Processors – This 1-day face-to-face course will be at the Escambia County Extension Office (3740 Stefani Road). Those taking this course must have completed the online class – OR – have a completed HACCP plan and are just interested in updates. Cost $150. Register at http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/SSP/1400069938
- Jun 7-17 – Goliath Grouper Count – Each year Florida Sea Grant conducts a goliath grouper count during the month of June. The objective is to determine the current range and relative abundance of these currently protected fish. To participate you need to be a diver who dives the same locations on a regular basis during the month. For data sheets contact Sea Grant Agent Rick O’Connor at (850) 475-5230 ext111. Or roc1@ufl.edu.
- Jun 13 – Science Hour: Local Invasive Species. Presentation will be at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place. 6:00 PM. Free.
- Jun 14 – Stormwater Impacts and Green Infrastructure Solutions – This workshop is targeting city and county planners, monitors, and engineers who work with stormwater issues and mitigation. The all day workshop will be held in Crestview.
- Jun 25 – Invasive Species. This presentation will discuss local invasive species issues and management. The presentation will be at the downtown library, 239 N. Spring Street. It will begin at 6:00 PM and is free.
HEALTH ADVISORY DATA
Enterococcus bacteria count rubric for health advisories (Florida Department of Health)
GOOD 0-35 colonies/100ml of sample
MODERATE 36-70 colonies/100ml
POOR 71> colonies/100ml
Data provided by the Florida Department of Health’s Healthy Beaches Program
| Month | Water Body | Good | Moderate | Poor | Health Advisory Issued |
| Jan | Bayou Texar | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sanders Beach | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Feb | Bayou Texar | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sanders Beach | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| Mar | Bayou Texar | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Sanders Beach | 3 | 1 | |||
| Bayou Chico | 2 | 2 | |||
| Bayou Grande | 2 | ||||
| Big Lagoon SP | 2 | ||||
| Casino Beach | 2 | ||||
| Park East | 2 | ||||
| Park West | 2 | ||||
| Perdido Key SP | 1 | 1 | |||
| Quietwater | 1 | 1 | |||
| Apr | Bayou Texar | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Sanders Beach | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Bayou Chico | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Bayou Grande | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Big Lagoon SP | 3 | ||||
| Casino Beach | 3 | ||||
| Park East | 3 | ||||
| Park West | 2 | ||||
| Perdido Key SP | 2 | ||||
| Quietwater | 3 | 1 | |||
| Opal Beach | 1 | ||||
| Ft. Pickens | 1 | ||||
| May | Bayou Texar | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Sanders Beach | 3 | ||||
| Bayou Chico | 1 | 1 | |||
| Bayou Grande | 1 | 1 | |||
| Big Lagoon SP | 1 | ||||
| Casino Beach | 1 | ||||
| Park East | 1 | ||||
| Park West | 1 | ||||
| Perdido Key SP | 1 | ||||
| Quietwater | 1 | ||||
| Opal Beach | |||||
| Ft. Pickens | |||||
| TOTAL | 93 samples | 56 | 12 | 25 | 21 |
| % OF SAMPLES | .23 |
Health Advisory Frequency
| Body of Water | # of samples taken | # of advisories issued | % frequency of advisories |
| Bayou Texar | 21 | 10 | .48 |
| Sanders Beach | 23 | 5 | .22 |
| Bayou Chico | 6 | 4 | .67 |
| Bayou Grande | 6 | 2 | .33 |
Fish Kill Data provided by FWC
| Month | # of Fish Kills reported | # of Dead Fish reported | Cause |
| Jan | 0 | 0 | |
| Feb | 0 | 0 | |
| Mar | 0 | 0 | |
| Apr | 0 | 0 | |
| May | 0 | 0 |
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