Atlantic Sturgeon
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Vol. 24 - No. 3 Accredited by the American Association of Museums FALL 1 999 ATLANTIC STURGEON: GHOSTS FROM THE PAST A New Museum Exhibit Examines Their History and Ecology Ken Kaumeyer, Jimmy Langley, Stephen Godfrey, Skip Edwards, Laura Magdeburger, and Tim Scheirer n the earth's murky past, giant sturgeon roamed the ancient perished. Lacking nets, the settlers were able to catch the sturgeon seas during the age of the dinosaurs. Dating back seventy by hand as they waded in shallow water. I million years, and possibly twice that, sturgeon are relic fish Captain John Smith noted that between May and September which have changed lit tie over time. These huge fish, which can 1607 they lived upon sturgeon, sea crabs (probably horseshoe reach fifteen feet or more in length, survived the cataclysmic events crabs), and oysters. He wrote: "Wee had more Sturgeon then that destroyed the dinosaurs, but now face a very could be devoured by dogge or man; of which, the industrious by uncertain future due to a combination of drying and pownding, mingeled with caviare, sorrel and other human impacts and a curious life hearbs, would make bread and good meate." cycle. This article will describe Excavations at the recently discovered site of the briefly the sturgeon's long original Jamestown Fort demonstrate that journey through time, as well as sturgeon were a major source of food current efforts to save the few for the settlers, as substantial amounts remnants in the Chesapeake Bay. of sturgeon remains have been When the Chicxulub (Chic-za- unearthed. Sturgeon were lube) meteorite slammed into the extremely easy to capture in Yucatan Peninsula sixty-five million shallow water, being speared or years ago, it caused one of the greatest literally picked up by hand. This extinction events recorded in the fossil ease of capture, which allowed the record. For years after the impact, early settlers to survive, would prove the earth apparently became disastrous for the sturgeon two inhospitable for most life. All non- centuries later when they became avian dinosaurs, pterosaurs (flying one of the East Coast's most valuable reptiles), plesiosaurs (marine fisheries. The Jamestown Recovery reptiles), mosasaurs (giant marine Project of the Association for the lizards}, and a host of other Preservation of Virginia Antiquities terrestrial and aquatic organisms has been kind enough to loan several perished. Although we do not know fishery related artifacts recovered the exact details of this catastrophe, from the Jamestown Fort for CMM's the sky was darkened with exhibit. vaporized rock dust, temperatures CMM photo by Bob Hall Unlike the Plymouth colony, fluctuated widely, and the air which was established for the purpose of became acidic. How could sturgeon have survived in this terrible religious freedom, the Jamestown settlement was a commercial environment? One possible explanation is that adults have the venture, and the investors in England expected profits. Because ability to go several years without eating. Most likely they survived of the high cash value, the Jamestown settlers made several early on very limited food supplies while the earth's environment slowly attempts to produce caviar for exporl. These efforts were recovered. This theory is supported by the fact that another unsuccessful, however, as they did not know the proper procedure, survivor, horseshoe crabs, which have existed relatively unchanged and the caviar spoiled before reaching England. They soon turned for over four hundred million years, can also live for extended to the more profitable tobacco crop as a source of income. periods without food. Although sturgeon continued to be caught for personal Large numbers of fish, crabs, oysters, and waterfowl existed consumption, there was little effort to harvest them commercially in the Chesapeake Bay region when Europeans first arrived. for many years. Unfortunately, the first settlers at Jamestown in 1607 were not In the early nineteenth century, sturgeon were regarded as a prepared to take advanlage of these resources and nearly starved. terrible nuisance to fishermen. Early accounts note that the rivers If it were not for the abundant sturgeon they might well have (Continued on Page 6) 2 CALVERT MARINE MUSEUM'S STRONGEST FRIENDS, THE BUGEYE SOCIETY At every Calvert Marine Marine Museum's Bugeye Museum concert, inter- Society. Consider (he following: national dinner, reception and What can your commitment opening, at all the most lively bring to you in terms of a events produced for the greater forum to share museum, an 'inner circle' of resources and ideas? Can more business and community exposure to other corporate leaders can be found. These leaders in Southern Maryland honored guests are not only help your own business group? major museum donors, but Will the events and receptions volunteers, planners, event confirm your sense of administrators, and front line fellowship with people devoted workers as well. They are to preservation and education? Bugeye Society members. Can the Museum Society's The Bugeye Society, 501 (c)(3) designation ease your chartered in 1993, is the lax burden when you make a highest museum membership bigger contribution? And finally, level available. Each member does the idea of keeping the has agreed to the $1000 Chesapeake Bay region's enjoy the "Tropic Nights" evening evenl on }uly 24, shared heritage alive for tens of annual fee, with the CMM photo by Richard Dodo's understanding that Bugeye thousands of children and adult Society membership conveys visitors each year appeal to with it both tangible and intangible benefits. They also serve as museum ambassadors your sense of pride in our beautiful home? They've committed themselves to share by encouraging their peers in the Take these questions with you over the responsibility for maintaining and even community to join CMM and participate next few weeks, and please, contact us if enlarging museum programs and facilities. as fully as they do. you'd like more information before deciding They've assumed leadership when special Naturally, the CMM administration and to join. Your contribution may be the one fundraising efforts are called for, and have Board of Governors have gladly extended that makes Calvert Marine Museum's long- set a sterling example for the rest of us by premium benefits to thank the Bugeye term goals for Southern Maryland become giving not only funding assistance, but Society members in return for their realities. As a Bugeye Society member, business services, manpower, and important role. They are consistently you'll be in the best company this invaluable guidance at a moment's notice. recognized during VIP events, their names organization can offer. Cal! CMM director are carried within the text of our Bugeye Doug Alves or membership coordinator Ball and Waterside programs. They are also Vanessa Gill at (410) 326-2042 to be gratefully acknowledged by name on a counted among us. beautifully handcarved plaque in the Calvert Marine Museum Bugeye museum Exhibit Hall. Each is extended Quarterly Newsletter of the Society members include: Ted and Jennifer Calvert Marine Museum courtesy premium tickets for our major Stanley; Pat and Celeste Furey; Mr. and Mrs. and the Waterside Music concerts, and they enjoy Rick Bailey; Paul and Doris Berry; Baltimore Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc. extensive facility use privileges and no-cost Gas and Electric; Direct Mail Group; Asbury (ISSN0887-651X) Wm. B. Tennison charters for cruising with Solomons; Solomons Landing; Barbara and C. Douglass Alves, Jr., Director friends or business associates. Paul L Berry, Editor Harold Gill; Ralph's Dodge of Prince Other contributors to this issue: Thanks to Bugeye Society partners, Frederick; Farmers Bank of Marylapd; Vanessa Gill, Lee Anne Wright Calvert Marine Museum enjoys a great deal Marianne and John Harms; Mimi The bugeye was the traditional bailing crafl of (he of support and commitment. Our reach into Lacouture; P. Chrisman Iribe & Family; Bay, and was built in all its glory at Solomons, the the Southern Maryland communities as well SMECO; George Tilghman; Electa and Lee "Bugeye Capital of the World." Membership clues as to the Mid-Atlantic region grows further Phillips; Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Zahniser 111; are used to fund special museum projects, programs, and printing of this newsletter. Address comrneiUs every year, in large part because Bugeye Isabellc Woodburn; Bill and Robin Fetsch; and membership applications to: Society resources have given us the Sheldon Seidel; W. Alan and Thelma Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc. foundation we need. To belong to the Raffensperger; Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Rowe; P.O. Box 97 Bugeye Society is to become a part of that Amos Hutchins; Phyllis Laniz; Matt Solomons, MD 20688-0097 foundation, where members can network Gambrili; Solomons Veterinary Clinic; The 410-326-2042 FAX 4 10-326-6691 with one another in a private and Candace Milcarzyk Family; Carmen Nance TDD 41 0-535-6355 comfortable setting. Sanders; Holly Property Management We invite all of you to consider Calvert Corp. LLC; and Bell Atlantic. FALL 1999 The Wm. B. Tennison - Part II By Richard J. S. Dodds, Curator of Maritime History The previous issue of the Bugeye Times gave a historical overview of the museum's tour boat and floating exhibit, Wm. B. Tennison, on the occasion of her centennial. At the time, research into her history was still ongoing. The following are some of the highlights of this research that build on the work already done. The Builder Calvert Gazette, As mentioned in the previous May 7, 1887. article, the builder of the Tennison was Frank Laird of Monie in Somerset County (or to give him his full name, himself passed away in 1935. A staunch Benjamin Franklin Washington Laird). Methodist, he is buried in St. Peter's He was born near Crisfieldin 1851, the Church cemetery in Oriole.