FALL 2013

Marine Hazards in the Women Paddling Surf Zone Through Science By Patrick Amico, Conservation Biologist By Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator and Outreach Coordinator L ast week past intern, Ryan Walsh, and I were conducting a fisheries research project on “If a child is to keep alive (her) inborn sense of Bald Head Island when we noticed a few marine wonder without any such gift from the fairies, (she) hazards in the near-shore environment: Carolina needs the companionship of at least one adult stingrays, box jellyfish, and sharks feeding on who can share it, rediscovering with (her) the joy, schools of fish. This time of year there can be excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” many of these animals in the water. – Rachael Carson

Autumn also brings tropical system swells to our In April, the BHI beaches; this increase in wave activity increases Conservancy was the intensity of near shore currents which can be awarded the Paddle hazards to swimmers. This article will include Nation Project Grant facts about the most common marine hazards that from Outdoor Nation, occur this time of year, and will dispel myths that a national initiative people have about them. connecting the Millennial Generation Sharks to the outdoors. This North Carolina is host grant opportunity to 50 species of sharks. supports pioneering Photo by Kendyll Collins This figure may seem projects, like Women staggering but includes Paddling Into Science, and initiatives aiming to some that are only connect young Americans with their waterways sand tiger (Odontaspis taurus) seasonal inhabitants, through recreational paddling. The Bald Head preferring only warm or cool water, or those that Island Conservancy was one of 25 projects, the stay far offshore preferring only deeper water only organization in North Carolina, selected (such as the whitetip, silky, or blue shark). In late by Outdoor Nation and the Outdoor Industry continued on page 9 continued on page 2

INSIDE October Programs, Sea Turtle Update, Turtle Central Update, Volunteer Call, 30 Years in the Making Education Updates Environmental Education— Continued from page 1 by Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator

Association® Paddle Advisory Council from a pool were able to hear about the different road maps of 150 applicants. that each staff member took to get where they are today. They also received great advice that will set Over the past few months, mother and daughter their job and school applications apart from others. pairs from the surrounding New Hanover and The discussion between participants and staff Brunswick county areas have joined us for also demonstrated the malleability of a “love for exclusive kayak expeditions. These trips focused nature,” and the many jobs available. Girls reported on proper kayaking techniques, navigational skills wanting to be everything from engineers to nature and estuarine ecology. The groups participated in a photographers. Involving a female family member- salt marsh cleanup and learned about water quality mother, aunt, or grandmother, will help to keep the testing procedures. In addition to covering ferry girls on a focused path. transportation fees, the award provided for new personal flotation devices and safety equipment. “This project has ushered underserved youth into the realm of science by providing them with The Paddle Nation Project grants were made a life-long pastime, enabling exploration of the possible by support and funding from the Outdoor ecologically and economically important salt marsh Industry Association® Paddle Advisory Council, ecosystem, and exposing them to female scientists a coalition of top paddlesport manufacturers, with a variety of fortes.”- Kendyll Collins, BHI retailers and stakeholders; a $30,000 contribution Conservancy EEOC from Nielsen Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor industry tradeshow held twice each year; Over the next few months, the BHI Conservancy will and many individuals, manufacturers and retailers continue its dedication to introducing youth groups in the paddlesport community. to the uniqueness and importance of a barrier island. The Education Department will be housing troops, “Recreational paddling is one of the most clubs, and classes in the on-site dormitory through accessible and impactful ways to introduce young April. For more information about spending a long Americans to the outdoors,” said Lili Colby, sales weekend with the BHI Conservancy naturalist staff, and marketing director for MTI Adventurewear and please email [email protected]. Happy paddling! chair of the Paddle Council. “Though so many of the applications were inspiring, we believe the winning Go to www.bhic.org to sign up for kayaking. projects will creatively and effectively involve young people in all types of paddling, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and rafting.”

The “women paddling through science” trips were conducted by female BHI Conservancy staff members, in a “judgment free zone.” Almost all of the 10 trips were comprised of kayaking novices. The greatest benefit that participants enjoyed was learning from the female staff and interns, from the BHI Conservancy. Young tweens and teens

2 Conservator | BHIC.org October Programs, see pricing and 23rd from 10:30am-12:30pm; Thursday, October 24th from 11:00am-1:00pm; Friday, October 25th from 12:00pm-2:00pm; Sign up Online at www.bhic.org: Saturday, October 26th from 12:30pm-2:30pm, Sunday, October 27th from 1:30pm-3:30pm; Monday, October 28th from 2:30pm- Reservations required for all programs. 4:30pm; Tuesday, October 29th from 3:30pm-5:30pm; Wednesday, Please visit our website, www.bhic.org or call 910-338-0911 October 30th from 4:00pm-6:00pm; Thursday, October 31st from 4:30pm-6:30pm Explore the unspoiled creeks of BHI on a guided trip with BHI Birding BHI Conservancy staff to learn about the beauty and importance of Mondays, 8:30-10:30am. this habitat. A must-do experience before you leave the island! Join BHI Conservancy staff for a 2 hour birding tour of the island. Bird Double kayaks are used, and an adult must accompany children. scopes and binoculars provided, plus our new exclusive BHI Birding Trips are tide and weather dependent. Life jackets, paddles, and Life List. Cost $20 per person for non-members, $15 per person for kayaks provided. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, BHI Conservancy members, free for BHI Conservancy Life Members. and clothes that can get muddy. Reservations required. To register, To register, please call (910) 338-0911 or visit www.bhic.org. please call (910) 338-0911.

Bald Head After Dark Middle Island/Ibis Sanctuary Hike Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm The island takes on a very different feel as the sun goes down and Explore the quiet solitude of Middle Island and the Ibis Lake darkness falls. While many of the island’s critters wind down for the Sanctuary, a private area and only accessible with BHI Conservancy night, several others are just gearing up. Join us in the classroom for Staff. This spot is popular with several species of herons, egrets and a brief presentation on Bald Head’s active nightlife before heading ibis. Cost: $15 per person for non-members, $10 per person for BHI out and about on the island to find some of it ourselves! Meet in the Conservancy Members, FREE for BHI Conservancy Life Members. Barrier Island Study Center. Reservations Required. (910) 338- To register, call (910) 338-0911. 0911, $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members, $15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non- Reptile Round-Up Members, FREE for Conservancy Life Members! Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm Join BHI Conservancy staff members in our Fleming Environmental CSI: BHI- Beachcombing Edition Center to get up close and personal with our classroom reptiles. Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:30pm Learn about the unique adaptations that help our island reptiles Put on your detective hats, and swing down to the BHI Conservancy survive! Participants will be able to touch live reptiles, turtle to become a “Conservancy Shell Investigator!” Embark on the ultimate shells, snake sheds, and much more! Following the presentation, scavenger hunt. Explore the beach and surf with BHIC naturalists to participants will also be able assist with feeding the reptiles. This unearth evidence left behind by beach dwelling animals. Learn how to program is great for all ages! $5.00 per person. Call (910) 338-0911 use seine nets, dip nets, binoculars, and magnifying glasses. Meet at to reserve your spot! the wet laboratory, in the Barrier Island Study Center. Sea Turtle Movie Hands on Dissections Tuesdays, 1:00pm-2:30pm Owl Pellet Dissection, Mondays, 3:00pm-4:00pm Fridays, 6:00pm-7:30pm Squid Dissection, Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm Join us in our new Barrier Island Study Center for a screening of Dogfish Dissection, Fridays, 3:00pm-4:00pm “Turtle: an Incredible Journey”. Follow a Loggerhead hatchling from her nest, to the Gulf Stream and back to lay her own nest! Rated G, Join BHI Conservancy staff in the Barrier Island Study Center for but some images may be too dramatic for young viewers. No charge, an introduction to the laboratory setting. Great for all ages! $15 per but donations appreciated. First come, first serve seating. Following specimen, families can work together. Registration call: 910-338-0911. the film, BHIC staff will answer questions about sea turtle biology and our renowned sea turtle protection program. Island Nature Tour Daily, 9:00am-11:00am Touch Tank Time Join professional naturalists on a guided tour of the wildlife hotspots Daily promptly from 1:30-2:30pm; Meet the creatures that inhabit of BHI! See amazing wildlife while learning about and exploring our our local tidal pools! Following the lesson, you’ll have the chance pristine beaches, maritime forest, and marshes. Call (910) 338-0911 to help feed the animals! $5.00 per person. Additional donations for reservations. $20 per on-island guest. $50 per off-island guest appreciated. The wet lab is in the Barrier Island Study Center, on (includes ferry ticket). If joining us from off-island, please make our campus. Reservations suggested to guarantee seating. (910) reservations 24 hours in advance. 338-0911

Kayaking the Creeks Unable to make one of our scheduled programs? Give us a call Tuesday, October 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm; Sunday, October 6th to schedule a private program for no additional charge. 24 hour from 8:00am-10:00am; Monday, October 7th from 9:00am-11:00am; advanced notice is appreciated. Please call (910) 338-0911. Tuesday, October 8th from 10:00am-12:00pm; Wednesday, October 9th from 11:00am-1:00pm; Thursday, October 10th from 12:00pm- 2:00pm; Friday, October 11th from 12:30pm-2:30pm; Saturday, Come visit our Barrier Island Study Center October 12th from 2:00pm-4:00pm; Sunday, October 13th from 3:00pm-5:00pm; Monday, October 14th from 4:00pm-6:00pm; open M-S 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday 10 am- 3 pm Tuesday, October 15th from 5:00pm-7:00pm; Sunday, October 20th Also please check out our website: www.bhic.org from 8:30am-10:30am; Monday, October 21st from 9:00am-11:00am; Tuesday, October 22nd from 9:30am-11:30am; Wednesday, October

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 3 Sea Turtle Update Jaymie Reneker- Sea Turtle Program Coordinator

Bald Head Island finished its sea turtle nesting season with a total of 119 nests! Averaging 70-80 nests over the last ten years, 119 nests is a 19-year record for the island!

The state of North Carolina also beat its all time We begin preparing for nests to hatch on their 50th record this year with a total of 1292 loggerhead day of incubation by placing a black runway that nests to date. The Southeastern United States saw leads the hatchlings to the water. 112 of our nests an impressive number of nests this season and we have already hatched and the hatchlings are out to hope that nationwide efforts to protect endangered sea! With our last nest being laid on August 26th, sea turtles is to thank. Bald Head Island had 117 we expect hatching season to continue through loggerhead nests and 2 green sea turtle nests this October. year.

During peak nesting season, our beaches are patrolled nightly to tag any nesting sea turtle that our team encounters. Of our 119 nests, we observed 92 nesting events. Of those 92 turtles, 14 were brand new to Bald Head Island and received two types of tags (PIT and flipper) to help us identify her in the future. The rest of our nesting turtles were previously tagged on Bald Head Island and have been coming here for years. Loggerhead sea turtles can lay 3-5 nests in one season. Twelve turtles laid at least 4 nests on Bald Head Island this year alone!

If you are interested in the chance to see a live hatchling please join us at one of our public nest excavations. Excavations are performed three nights after a nest hatches. The purpose of excavations is to take an inventory of the nest. We want to know how many eggs were laid, how many hatched and sometimes we do find a few live turtles in the nest. Once an excavation is scheduled, the date, time and location is posted on our website and around our campus. If you have any questions please call our information center at 910-338-0911.

You can help the Sea Turtle Protection Program by adopting a nest at www.bhic.org/adopt-a-programs!

4 Conservator | BHIC.org Volunteers Needed, Turtle Central & call Volunteer Coordinator: Elyse Brown, 910-457-0089, ext 18: Turtle Central Online Volunteer Educators to run Programs Shopping here saves Sea Turtles (Fall & Spring) Wait till you feel the soft new sweatshirts and jackets (see one pictured below) that have made their way to Volunteer Docents to staff info desk, greet Turtle Central Gift Shop. There are many styles and public, give BISC tours colors. Long sleeve tees are also available in a variety of designs. Volunteers for Retail Shop -year round, More price reductions!!! So you can stock up for Citizen Scientist - conservation projects next year… Lots of summer items are on sale: 25-50% off select Volunteers for Admin office help- year round, cover-ups, swim trunks, shorts, skirts, water shoes, tunics and more. We are always looking for volunteers to help in the store. Working at Turtle Central is a lot of fun and Shop Online at www.bhic.org/ very rewarding, helping a great cause. store. If you don’t see what you want online, please call the store, Please call Elyse Brown at 910-457-0917 or email 910-457-0917, and we will ship to [email protected] if you would like to help out a few you (or whoever) directly. hours a week or a few hours a month. We have a new Bald Head Island book for children: The Adventures of Starfoot and Brown (pictured right) by Rhoda Canter. It is about the adventures of two Chihuahua’s who come to Bald Head Island. Not only is this a must read for kids. It is also a great souvenir reflecting memories of Bald Head Island.

The holidays are just around the corner and we want to help you with all your shopping needs. New pottery just arrived (sampling pictured above). The pieces are gorgeous. So come by the store or shop online at WWW.BHIC.ORG/ STORE.

We are open daily 10am – 5pm.

BHI Conservancy -Turtle Central Gift Shop Please like us, share us and get your friends to The BHI Conservancy was founded by volunteers, like us and become friends. made great by volunteers and volunteers continue We are trying to expand to be the secret to our success. We thank you and we our “reach” through social need you! Volunteer today. media.

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 5 Annual Fund For the Environment me than to convince people who visit the island that they should not despoil the natural beauty with their trash.” —Edgar Dunham 1988

“The Smith Island Complex is designated a sea turtle sanctuary, that gives a tremendous boost to the Conservancy’s Sea Turtle Protection Program.” —Janet Crisp-Lacy 1989

“Because of you (members), this is one fine 30 Years in the Making: organization. The entire island benefits, and the Jane Lawton Baldridge, Marketing and reward is yours…” —Baxter Stirling 1990 Communications Coordinator “Supporting, enhancing and promoting BHI’s As I worked on writing this article I was natural beauty is the foremost goal of BHIC. humbled by the work and words of the founders The approved Long Range Strategic Plan begins and, stewards, of the BHI Conservancy. Their a building program to house our resources to foresight, continued endeavors and commitment achieve our goal.” — Paul Hosier 1992 has strengthened and grown the BHI Conservancy year by year. In their words: “My most satisfying memory has been the achievement, following the participation and Turtle Toast: support of many, of a permanent home for the “If the promise of Conservancy.” —Dr. Bob Timmons 1994 the wise man can be held as true—that to And continuing forward: everything there is a As you read these inspiring words and reflect on season, how the Bald Head Island Conservancy has grown and a time and to every purpose under heaven, with the expanding needs of our community, we Then let us, in dedication salute hope you will consider supporting our Annual The season of the loggerhead turtle Fund. Salute!” —The Turtle Lady (Cindy Meekins) 1984 “The Bald Head Island Conservancy study center “We are still running, sustained by shared dreams, provides a beautiful, modern research/education powered by creative facility located on a nationally significant barrier energy, provoked by our island complex that features excellent examples of “outrageous ambitions”, ocean to sound communities including a 191-acre guided by thoughtful old growth maritime forest preserve. Surrounding planning and fully development has protection of natural resources aware of our traditions. as a priority which provides outstanding Indeed this heritage is opportunities for investigation of a wide array our beacon… to live in of coastal-related topics within a community harmony with nature.” — of highly interested and supportive residents.” Dr. Thad Wester 1984-1985 —John Taggert, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNC Wilmington 2012 “Key committees were developed to oversee critical areas of our growth, membership and life Using Bald Head Island as an example of more endowment.” —Dr. Bill Berne 1986 sustainable management, imagine what new and innovative adaptations could be carried out within “…but no responsibility seems more important to other developed beach communities of North continued on page 8

6 Conservator | BHIC.org Please consider how much more we do when you make your annual fund contribution. 9 F/T sta, 7 P/T sta, 17 Summer interns, 3 Fall Interns 2013 16 Education Programs, 13 Monitoring Programs, 70+ Volunteers 34 SILT Properties, 20,000+ program Participants, 72 Wildlife Calls, Turtle Nests 119

2012 Barrier Island Study Center Opened, Turtle Nests 76

12 Summer interns, 18,267 program Participants, 2011 Turtle Nests 99

Director of Conservation hired, 4 Conservation Monitoring Programs, 2008 12,500 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 104

SILT has been instrumental in preserving 347 acres, 2007 11,400 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 50

2005 6,650 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 48

BHI designated “Important Bird Area” by Audubon Society, 2004 5,845 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 41 BHIC celebrates 20th Anniversary, 2,941 Program Participants, 2003 Deer Management begins, Turtle Nests: 77

BHIC hires a full time Environmental Educator, 2001 1,278 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 77

BHIC is appointed guardian of Bald Head Woods by 1999 N.C. Department of Coastal Management, Turtle Nests: 108

1997 “The Point” saved by SILT, Turtle Nests: 75 Loggerhead Flipper tagging program established, 1991 BHI designated Index Beach by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Turtle Nests: 181

1989 First Retail Store included at Turtle Central oce, Turtle Nests: 111 First O ering of Summer Day Camp co-sponsored by Island Passage 1987 Fishing School had 37 participants, Turtle Nests: 97 2 F/T sta , 1 P/T sta , 3 Summer interns, Generator building dubbed Turtle Central, 1985 9 Education Programs, 1 Monitoring Programs, 30 Volunteers Turtle Nests: 132 First board Of Directors, First Logo, 2 F/T sta , 2 Summer interns, 1984 First 4th of July Cookout, First Program - Turtle Walks o ered, 1 Monitoring Programs, 27 Volunteers, Turtle Nests: 126 1983 The Bald Head Island Conservancy incorporated October 28, Turtle Nests: 148

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 7 Dear BHIC members and friends,

I am thrilled to be joining the BHIC family as the Director of Conservation, and I am so grateful for the wonderful staff and volunteers who have already shared their passion and excitement for the Conservancy with me! The mission of the Conservancy is a powerful one – and one that I am extremely proud to work for. My background is quite diverse and includes stints as a State Park Naturalist in New York and Ohio, conservation research and field work with an endangered species of rattlesnake, several years as the Director of Education for Carolina Raptor Center where I led a phenomenal team of educators and bird ambassadors to deliver a strong environmental conservation message all across North Carolina, and most recently spent three years as a higher education strategist and grant writer at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte.

Golden Grasses, 2010, © Marjorie Brown Pierson While my experiences have spanned a variety of educational venues and have taken me from all rights reserved central Ohio to upstate New York and finally to North Carolina, the education and conservation 2014 Bald Head Island threads have run throughout. Education is a powerful tool to inspire people and ensure that we Communications Directory leave healthy ecosystems for future generations. As educators, we can have a meaningful impact on our communities and help our neighbors understand how the choices they make every day can have a positive impact on the environment. Order your I am so very excited to join Patrick, Kendyll, Jaymie and the rest of the team and look forward to 2014 BHI meeting and collaborating with the fabulous Conservancy volunteers and friends. My first day on Communications Directory the island is October 22nd. Today at www.bhic.org click “support us” Sincerely, Nicki

30 years from Page 6 Carolina. Our Mission: Fostering community-based barrier The Battle for North Carolina’s Coast by Stan island Conservation, Preservation & Education to Riggs, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor, live in harmony with nature East Carolina University 2013 Founder’s Club...... Over $5,000 The Bald Head Island Conservancy plays the Cape Fear Club...... $2,500-$4,999 central role of aligning the conservation of the unique island habitats with its use by property Anchor Club...... $2,000-$2,499 owners. BHIC brings science to the island Live Oak Club...... $1,000-$1,999 population to make everyone part of the team Dogwood...... $500-$999 in nature conservation. — Miles Silman, Ph.D. Palmetto...... $250-$499 Professor of Biology, Wake Forest University 2012 Spartina...... $125-$249 Friend...... Up to $124 Our Annual Fund for the Environment campaign is one of only two times we approach our Thank You! constituents in support of our mission. As you Go to www.bhic.org and click on “click here to consider your end of year giving strategy take a help!” moment to reflect on your BHI Conservancy. If you conclude that this charity makes a valuable contribution to your island community please consider a signature gift in 2013.

8 Conservator | BHIC.org Hazards from Page 1 spring and throughout the summer, bull sharks pink four leaf clover markings on its back. The (Carcharhinus leucas), blacktip (Carcharhinus cannonball jellyfish are often brown or purple in limbatus) and blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus) color, look similar to a cannonball shape and wash sharks move in closer to shore and may be seen up on the beach in massive seasonal die-off events. along the beaches of Bald Head Island. In summer Both species are harmless with no to mild stings. and fall, sand tiger (Odontaspis taurus) also known as grey nurse, sand bar (Carcharhinus plumbeus), Box jellyfish, also known as sea wasps, are a spinner (Carcharhinus brevipinna) hammerhead venomous jellyfish. There are several species of (Sphyrna mokarran), scalloped hammerhead box jellyfish in the world. The box jellyfish has (Sphyrna lewini) and bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) four corners and thin, darker tentacles extending sharks may move in closer to shore. downward from the corners. The tentacles contain thousands of While the vast majority of these species avoid stinging cells humans, they can be dangerous when threatened called cnidocytes. or approached in poor-visibility conditions. In They often are fall, schools of baitfish such as mullet are close 6 to 7 inches in to shore, giving sharks plenty of food. It is best size. The most to avoid swimming directly in schools of baitfish. dangerous box Shark bites are rare, but when they do occur it is jellyfish are often an accidental bite inflicted during a feeding located in the frenzy. South Pacific region. The It’s a good idea to avoid swimming when the water box jellyfish is especially turbid or murky, this way sharks can in our area, see you. Swimmers should leave shiny jewelry at Chiropsalmus home, as it can resemble the flashing of fish scales, quadrumanus, are and avoid sharply contrasting colors in swimwear, Box Jellyfish far less dangerous. shark eyes see contrast vividly. Avoid pre-dawn or twilight swims. For most swimmers, an encounter with a box jellyfish can cause a painful sting. For those Remember that the risk of shark attack is with allergic reactions to the sting, it can be more extremely low. For perspective, there are over serious. There is a known population of these 400 species of sharks in the world, and about six animals found along the mouth of the Cape Fear species are considered to be dangerous to humans. River, including the West Beach area of Bald Head Another significant figure is that from the year Island. 1580 to 2013, there have only been 36 fatal shark attacks in the mainland United States. In 2012, The two other jellyfish-type animals in our there were only 2 shark attacks in North Carolina, area that can cause a painful sting include the and neither were fatal. Portuguese Man of War and Sea Nettles. Near shore numbers of jellyfish may be increasing from increased food sources; pollution from agricultural Box Jellyfish runoff increases the number of planktonic animals North Carolina is home to many species of that jellyfish feed on. jellyfish, most of which are harmless to swimmers. The most common ones are moon jellyfish and According to New Hanover Regional Medical cannonball (a.k.a. cabbagehead) jellyfish. Moon Services, if you receive a jellyfish sting: jellyfish are very clear and identified by red or • Rinse the area well with ocean water. continued on page 10

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 9 Hazards from Page 9 • Use the edge of a credit card and gently scrape attention if you are struck by a stingray. Sting ray any remaining tentacles off the skin. injuries will result in a painful wound that could • Combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1 gallon of be coupled with muscle cramps, swelling, nausea fresh water in a bucket and rinse the affected and diarrhea. area for 20-30 minutes. Vinegar also helps to reduce pain. Most stingray injuries occur when bathers • Do not use fresh water on its own, ice or accidentally step on the animal. In the mid to hot water, this can cause the nematocysts to late summer and early fall months practice the continue to releasing toxins ‘stingray shuffle’ when wading out to the ocean. • If symptoms persist or if swelling begins, seek This means shuffling your feet along the ocean immediate medical attention floor rather than taking large steps.

Stingrays and skates Rip Currents and Longshore Drift Skates and rays are both related to sharks. Most There are many myths surrounding rip currents skates are not really capable of harming people, along our beaches, which are often misclassified but sting rays can inflict painful and sometimes as ‘undertoe’ or ‘rip-tides’. They do not pull serious injuries to swimmers. The stingray we people underwater. In reality, rip currents are noticed on the beach at Bald Head was an Atlantic channels of water moving away from the beach. stingray (Dasyatis Sabina). They are always present on beaches with breaking waves, but when waves are bigger, rip currents are stronger.

Rip currents form at breaks in between sandbars, and along piers and jetties. Rip currents are common, even found along the beaches of the Great Lakes. Rip currents can be dangerous because they can pull swimmers away from shore. They do not carry people indefinitely out to sea, most end their ‘conveyer belt’ action when they reach the last line of breaking waves near shore. Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis Sabina) At this point, their energy dissipates. The reason North Carolina is home to many species of skates many swimmers get in trouble in rip currents is and rays. Most stingrays are ‘kite-shaped’ in because they panic and attempt to swim against appearance with skinny, stream-lined tails. Skates the flow of current. Rip currents can be faster are often round or triangular and have wider tails than the fastest Olympic swimmers can swim, so with no stinging barb. In our area there are several swimming against them is pointless. If swimmers types of rays: butterfly, spotted eagle, cownose, remain calm, they can escape rip currents. Atlantic and southern stingray. The common types of skates are: clearnose, barn door, winter skate To spot a rip current, there are several telling signs and little skate. in the water: • A channel of churning, foamy water that is When rays are threatened, they thrust their tail often different in color from surrounding water upward towards the source of the threat. If they • A line of foam, bubbles, seaweed or sandy make contact, a serrated and venomous barb can sediment present in the area pierce the skin. Because the barb is serrated, don’t • A noticeable break in wave activity in a try to remove the barb as it can do more damage particular area when removed. Seek professional medical

continued on page 11

10 Conservator | BHIC.org Hazards from Page 10

If you get caught in a rip current, Don’t Panic! Island Nature Tours • Don’t fight the current • Most rip currents are fairly narrow, so swim sideways, moving in the direction of the shoreline to escape the flow of the current, then towards shore at an angle • If you are not able to escape to the side, float or tread water and ride the rip current out until the energy stops (usually in line with the breaking waves or a few yards past) • You will now be able to swim parallel to shore, out of the rip current area and back in towards shore • Visit rip.currents.noaa.gov for more information.

Join professional naturalists on a guided tour of the wildlife hotspots of Bald Head Island! Each tour includes transportation to, from, and around Bald Head Island, as well as a 2 hour guided tour which will focus on the best wildlife areas for the particular season you are visiting. Take the opportunity to see birds, mammals, reptiles, and other amazing wildlife by exploring our pristine beaches, maritime forest, and marshes. $20 per participant for on island guests. $50 per participant, includes ferry ticket and transportation on island.

• Groups of 2-16 people can be accommodated, with additional options available for larger groups.

• Tours available year round Call 910-457-0089, ext.16 for availability.

Longshore Drift The other type of current that affects swimmers at the beach is called longshore drift. This current is one that flows parallel to the shoreline. Longshore drift can be non-existent when the wind is directly flowing off-shore, outwards to sea, or directly on-shore, towards land. When

photos by Donna Finley,Tom Hancock continued on page 12

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 11 700 Federal Road · P.O. Box 3109 Bald Head Island, NC 28461

910-457-0089 www.BHIC.org · [email protected]

Hazards from Page 11

wind is parallel to the beach, and especially Photo courtesy of Don Adams when wind speeds are greater than 10mph, swift sweeping downshore currents can form, which can often move at speeds faster than rip currents.

It is best to avoid swimming in the ocean when conditions include severe longshore drift. To an untrained swimmer, longshore drift can move someone a quarter mile down the beach within a matter of minutes. When deciding whether to swim or not, a drift can be spotted by watching the water close to shore, and seeing whether bubbles or other discernable points are moving to either the left or the right in a fast motion. Similar to rip currents, most of the energy from longshore drift is contained in between the sandy beach and the outer line of breaking waves. The effect is lessened on the outside line of breaking waves.

Longshore drift is very important to beaches, especially Bald Head island, because it is the main form of sand transport. It is the beach environment’s natural way of moving sand down the beach, and supplying downdrift areas of beach with sand.

“The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit. —Moliere