Sea Grant Notes - May 31, 2019 - UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County

May 31, 2019 Sea Grant Notes

Today

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.

This Week

The Great Scallop Search

This annual event requires a team of no fewer than three to survey one of 11 grids within Big Lagoon. Surveys require snorkeling and volunteers must supply their own snorkels. Some locations require a boat to reach and they must supply their own boat. Other survey equipment is provided by Florida Sea Grant. If interested, contact me.

Escambia County Seeking Input on Tree Protection Standards

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__weartv.com_news_local_escambia-2Dcounty-2Dseeking-2Dinput-2Don-2Dtree-2Dprotection-2Dstandards&d=DwIFAg&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=SIauMjzgFkaRS5SwBRGwnA&m=PCa97XWnsSirNleZxOoGT02Ybi0opn98d6cQrRask-8&s=4td_D6GGtote98SYNJs4lN1ANlizZ1_g6VGoyRn3MEQ&e=

Florida Department of Environmental Protection opens their new interactive algal bloom dashboard – https://floridadep.gov/algalbloom.

Jun 1

Gag grouper opens in state waters. Must be 24 inches total length. No more than 2 allowed, within the 4 / person grouper allotment / day.

Jun 5-6

HACCP training for processors and wholesalers. Public Archaeology Building downtown Pensacola. 207 E. Main Street. 8:00 – 5:00 each day. $150 for the course. Registration at http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/SSP/1400069938.

Jun 7

HACCP training for processors and wholesalers. This one day class is for those who have completed the online class, or have a HACCP plan and just need the updates. Escambia County Extension Office. 3740 Stefani Road. 8:00 – 5:00. $150 for the course. Registration at http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/SSP/1400069938.

Jun 7

The beginning of the Goliath Grouper Count. We are seeking divers who repeatedly dive the same locations between Jun 7 and Jun 17 to count the number of goliath grouper they see. Contact me for more information on how to participate.

New Articles

Prescribed Fire: Habitat Management Tool Number One – http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/.

Water Quality

Health Advisories

NO HEALTH ADVISORIES THIS WEEK
13 stations were sampled this week; all on May 28
GOOD – Perdido Key SP, Quietwater, Opal Beach, Johnson Beach, Ft. Pickens, Park East, Park West, Casino Beach, Big Lagoon SP, Bayou Texar, Bayou Chico, Bayou Grande
MODERATE – 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 24 (FWC)
Red tide was reported with background levels in Manatee, 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/.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection opens their new interactive algal bloom dashboard – https://floridadep.gov/algalbloom.

Bringing Back the Bayous Program – presentation on the state of the bay and how you can help

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 Jun 1
– Gulf Islands National Seashore / Naval Live Oaks – Hwy 98 near Gulf Breeze
– Bob Sikes Bridge – meet at the Grand Marlin

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
– Horseshoe crabs were found near Tarkiln Bayou and Robinson Island AL this week.
– I also ran across a 1978 publication that indicated they once nested along the shores of Escambia Bay near the Bluffs in the 1950s.
– This week the New Moon spring tides will be running around 10:00 AM at the beginning of the week and closer to 2:00 PM at the end. Nesting horseshoe crabs will be on the beach close to high tide. If you see horseshoe crabs please let us know.
– 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, Tarkiln Bayou, Robinson Island AL
– No nesting has been observed yet but male/female pairs have been seen at Innerarity Point and Little Sabine
Diamondback terrapins
– Nesting activity picked up this week. We had reports from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Gulf counties.
– Raccoon predation of these nests remains high in Escambia County.
Snakes
– Have seen few snakes this week during surveys; intense heat probably has them hiding; they COULD seek water sources during this period.
– Expect snake activity to increase when it does rain
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
– 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 June
– Softshell blue crab
– Cultured clams
– Crawfish
– Mahi-Mahi
– Pink shrimp
– Rock shrimp
– Brown shrimp
– White shrimp
– Snapper (check annual regulations)
– Yellowfin Tuna
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

Prescribed Fire: Habitat Management Tool Number One 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	2		2	2
	Sanders Beach	3	1
	Bayou Chico	1		1	1
	Bayou Grande	1		1	1
	Big Lagoon SP	2
	Casino Beach	2
	Park East	2
	Park West	2
	Perdido Key SP	2
	Quietwater	1	1
	Opal Beach	1
	Ft. Pickens	1
TOTAL	106 samples	68	13	25	21
% OF SAMPLES					.20

Health Advisory Frequency

Body of Water	# of samples taken	# of advisories issued	% frequency of advisories
Bayou Texar	22	10	.45
Sanders Beach	24	5	.21
Bayou Chico	7	4	.57
Bayou Grande	7	2	.29

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

Sea Grant Notes – May 31, 2019

More From Blogs.IFAS

Subscribe For More Great Content