Mobile Bay National Estuary Program

Fowl River Marsh and Shoreline Stabilization and Restoration Project Update

This update provides details on the significant Fowl River Marsh and Shoreline Stabilization and Restoration project. It’s the first in a series of regular progress reports.

Equipment has arrived on site, and temporary "No Wake" buoys have been placed in the construction area. These buoys will be relocated as equipment and crews move to each spit. We urge all river users to exercise caution and prioritize worksite safety.

This week, test piles are being installed at all five spits. These piles are being tested to ensure they meet our engineering specifications. Once certified, installation will continue, beginning at Lightcap.

Project Goals:
This restoration project is crucial for conserving the environmental and cultural integrity of Fowl River. It addresses the severe degradation of marsh spits caused by factors like saltwater intrusion, sea level rise, and boat wakes. The project involves:

Marsh Restoration: Thin-layer sediment placement is used to elevate marsh spits, helping them withstand severe weather and saltwater intrusion.

Shoreline Protection: Timber wave screens and limited riprap are installed to protect marsh spits and adjacent seagrass beds, reducing erosion and enhancing habitat.

Funded by the State of Alabama and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, this project is vital for preserving Fowl River’s ecological health and ensuring its sustainability for future generations​.

Stay tuned for regular progress reports as the project advances.

Call for Abstracts: Bays and Bayous Symposium 2024

Our call for abstracts is now open, featuring six topical tracks. The deadline for abstracts is August 30th.

This year, there will be six topical tracks. Today, we’re spotlighting "Building Resilience to Challenges and Disruptions."

This track focuses on how coastal challenges, from natural to human-caused disruptions, affect people and the environment. We're looking for contributions that explore new research, management approaches, and strategies for enhancing resilience.

Learn more about this track and others on the Bays and Bayous event website: https://bbs24.baysandbayous.org/abstracts

Registration is now open for the Bays and Bayous Symposium 2024, happening on November 19-20 at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, MS.

This biennial event brings together leading scientists, educators, and coastal experts to explore and share knowledge about the Gulf of Mexico's unique ecosystems.

Early registration fees:

Professionals/non-students: $250
Students: $100
Learn more and register at: baysandbayous.org

Mark your calendars for the Watershed and Wellness Summit on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the William “Bill” Clark Family Center in Prichard, AL.

The event will offer a unique opportunity to learn about the Eightmile Creek Watershed and its vital role in our environment and health.

Activities include:

Wellness screenings
Educational workshops
Engaging speakers
A variety of vendors
Refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

For more information or vendor inquiries, contact Shemika Brown at 251.380.7943 or visit www.mobilebaynep.com.

As the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo approaches this weekend, let's remember to keep our waterways clean. Trash can easily blow out of truck beds and boats, polluting our waterways and roads.

To help prevent this, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program has made "Don’t Be Trashy" yard signs available at Pelican Reef restaurant. The restaurant is open today, so stop by to pick up your sign and do your part to keep Coastal Alabama clean.

The Pelican Reef
11799 Dauphin Island Parkway
Theodore, AL 36582

Happy World Orca Day! Did you know that a small population of orcas, or killer whales, resides in the Gulf of Mexico? These orcas, although rarely seen, have been recently spotted off the coast of Destin, Florida, and near Galveston, Texas.

Orcas in the Gulf are typically transient, meaning they do not stay in one place for long and are often on the move, hunting for pelagic fish like snapper and tuna. This transient behavior contrasts with the resident pods found in regions like the Pacific Northwest, which remain in more localized areas and have distinct dietary preferences, often salmon.

In a remarkable sighting, a charter boat near Destin, the "Charter Boat Lady Em," observed a pod of orcas in the Desoto Canyon. This deep underwater valley is known for its diverse marine life, but orca sightings here remain uncommon. The orcas' presence indicates the richness of the Gulf's ecosystem and underscores the importance of monitoring these apex predators to understand marine health better.

Similarly, off the coast of Galveston, a large pod of nearly 100 orcas was observed by a fishing group. Such sightings are incredibly rare and provide valuable opportunities for marine biologists to study these elusive creatures and their behavior in the Gulf waters.

Photos and video from: Charter Boat Lady Em

MBNEP will begin the Fowl River Marsh Restoration and Shoreline Stabilization Project in mid to late July.

Boaters and recreational users should be aware of increased activity, temporary "No Wake" zones, and construction areas along the river.

For detailed information, see our full press release:

https://www.mobilebaynep.com/news/major-fowl-river-project-to-begin-in-july-public-safety-advisory-for-boaters-and-recreational-users

Major Fowl River project to begin in July | WKRG.com MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Fowl River Marsh Restoration and Shoreline Stabilization will begin in mid to late July, according to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. The project aims to “c…

Congratulations to William E. Puckett, Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, for his induction into the 2024 Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame by the National Association of Conservation Districts. This esteemed recognition honors his distinguished career in advancing sustainable land use practices across the state and nation.

"For decades, Dr. Puckett has been an unwavering advocate for preserving our vital natural resources through sustainable management practices," said Charles Holmes, Chairman of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee. "His innovative thinking, tireless advocacy, and decades of leadership have made a lasting impact on conservation in Alabama and nationwide."

Dr. Puckett has devoted over 30 years to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, serving in key leadership positions such as Deputy Chief for Science and Technology in Washington, D.C., Deputy Chief for Soil Survey and Resource Assessment, and State Conservationist for Alabama. As the state's lead conservationist, he took great pride in mentoring the next generation before retiring in 2015. That same year, he was appointed as Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Agricultural Conservation and Development Commission. Under his guidance, the state implemented sustainable irrigation initiatives, a pioneering feral swine control program, increased conservation funding, and bolstered local district support.

Dr. Puckett earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Soil Physics and Mineralogy from Auburn, followed by a doctorate in Soil Genesis and Classification from the University of Florida.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Puckett on this well-deserved honor!

NEP and partners hosted a workshop this morning in Baldwin County where around 30 participants made their very own rain barrels. Rain barrels help manage stormwater while taking advantage of rain as a free source of water!

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta was recently featured in a short article for Science - the world's leading academic journal for cutting-edge research. Authored by local researchers from the University of South Alabama (also members of the MBNEP Science Advisory Committee) and collaborators, the short article highlights the ecological treasures within the Delta and the need for collaborative management of this important resource.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado8305



Interested in learning more about the Delta? Check out the MTA Watershed Management Plan here:
https://www.mobilebaynep.com/assets/uploads/main/MTA-Delta-MBNEP-Report-FINAL.pdf



Want to get involved with collective management of coastal resources? The MBNEP is in the process of rewriting the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan - a blueprint for environmental management throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to provide community feedback and input in the content of the Plan!

Safely manage Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta HomeScienceVol. 384, No. 6699Safely manage Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw DeltaBack To Vol. 384, No. 6699 No accessLetter Share on Safely manage Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw DeltaGabriel de Oliveira [email protected], John Lehrter, [...] , Sean Powers, Guilherme Mataveli, and Celso Santos+2 authors fewerAu...

The Call for Abstracts is now open for the 2024 Bays and Bayous Symposium, hosted by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and co-hosted by the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.

The symposium will be held on November 19-20, 2024, at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Abstracts are invited on topics such as:

Resilience
Habitat Management and Restoration
Stewardship
Oyster Research
Living Resources Management
Water Quality

Submissions are due by August 30, 2024. The symposium will feature oral and poster presentations, networking opportunities, and student engagement sessions.

For more information: https://masgc.org/news/article/call-for-abstracts-now-open-for-2024-bays-and-bayous-symposium

Record Water Temperature Anomalies and 2024 Hurricane Forecast

The attached image highlights significant changes in water temperature anomalies between May 14-20, 2005, and May 14-20, 2024.

These anomalies indicate deviations from average sea surface temperatures, which are critical for understanding and predicting hurricane activity.

In 2005, the Atlantic basin experienced varied temperature anomalies, with both warm and cold regions. However, the 2024 map shows extensive areas of record-high temperatures, particularly in the Main Development Region for hurricanes. These elevated sea surface temperatures are a crucial factor contributing to the forecast of an extremely active hurricane season.

Historical Context: 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active and destructive seasons on record. It produced 28 named storms, 15 hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher). This season included notable hurricanes such as:

Hurricane Katrina: One of the costliest and deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, causing catastrophic damage in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Rita: Struck the Texas-Louisiana border, causing significant flooding and damage.
Hurricane Wilma: The most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, impacting the Yucatán Peninsula, Florida, and the Caribbean.
These events highlighted the devastating impact of warm sea surface temperatures on hurricane activity.

2024 Hurricane Season Forecast
According to NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, the season is expected to be above-normal. The forecast includes:

17 to 25 named storms
8 to 13 hurricanes
4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher)
There is an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 5% chance of a below-normal season​ (NOAA)​.

Factors driving this active season include:

Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures: These provide more energy for storm development and intensification.
La Niña conditions: Expected to develop, which typically reduce wind shear in the Atlantic, allowing storms to grow stronger.

Weaker trade winds and an enhanced West African monsoon: These conditions further support storm formation and development.

NOAA emphasizes the importance of preparedness as we approach the hurricane season starting June 1. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect lives and property.

The summer season is upon us! Here is some important information to consider when enjoying our coastal environment.

After a major rain event, it's advised to wait at least 24-48 hours before engaging in recreational activities in local waters. Rain can cause sanitary sewer overflows, leading to increased levels of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and other coliforms in the water. Waiting helps ensure the water is safer for swimming and other activities.

-The featured image shows water testing of coliform bacteria in local waters after a rain event. Blue is e. coli. Red is other coliform bacteria.

For more information:
https://www.theswimguide.org/2015/10/27/48-hour-rule-protects-your-health

https://www.rothbioscience.com/collections/r-card-ecc-a/products/r-card%C2%AE-ecc-a-3ml-capacity-pack-of-100

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/water-quality-risks-and-precautions-for-recreation/ #:~:text=Don't%20Swim%20Immediately%20After%20Rainfall&text=Guidance%20as%20to%20how%20long,potential%20sources%20of%20fecal%20contamination.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has released the 2024 fish consumption advisories for various waterbodies throughout the state.

Key Points from the Advisory:

Mercury Concerns: Several species, including Largemouth Bass, King Mackerel, and Black Crappie, have been found with elevated mercury levels in specific locations. Mercury can harm the nervous system, particularly in young children and fetuses.
PCB Warnings: Certain areas have fish with detectable levels of PCBs, chemicals that can lead to various health issues, including cancer and immune system problems.

Recommendations: The advisories provide specific consumption limits for these species based on the levels of contaminants detected. For example, it is recommended to limit consumption of Largemouth Bass from certain rivers to no more than one meal per month.

What You Can Do:

Check the Advisories: Before you fish, check the latest advisories for the specific body of water you plan to visit. View the full list of advisories here.
Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the recommended meal limits to minimize health risks.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local environmental news through trusted sources.

Why It Matters:
Consuming fish is a part of our local heritage and a healthy choice when done safely. By staying informed about these advisories, we can protect our health and continue to enjoy the recreational and dietary benefits of fishing in Alabama.

Alabama Dept. of Public Health issues 2024 Fish Consumption Advisories The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) annually updates fish consumption advisories based on data collected the preceding fall by the Alabama Department

Have you caught American Idol recently? Triston Harper, a 15-year-old MOWA Choctaw from McIntosh, Alabama, is captivating audiences this season. After a stellar performance last Sunday, he is now in the running for the top 3!

Make sure to tune in Sunday. Alabama's support is crucial to help him advance.

If Triston secures a place in the top 3, a homecoming parade and concert are scheduled for May 14, 2024. The events will start with a parade at midday in McIntosh, AL, followed by "Triston Harper: The Dreamcatcher in Concert" in the evening at The Grounds Mobile, AL.

Check out these photos of manatees recently seen in Dog River! Manatees, known for their gentle nature, rely heavily on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) like seagrasses, which are critical for their survival and overall health of marine ecosystems.

In Alabama, these manatees are part of the West Indian species, which includes both the Florida and Antillean subspecies. The West Indian manatee is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, emphasizing ongoing conservation needs despite some recovery in their populations.

Interestingly, there has been a noted increase in manatee sightings along the northern Gulf of Mexico, including Alabama. This trend may reflect environmental changes or improvements in survey methods that help us better understand their distribution and habitat use. Manatees depend on warm water refuges and are increasingly being documented in new areas due to shifting environmental conditions.

Seagrasses, the primary food source for manatees, play a vital role in their ecosystem by stabilizing the seabed and improving water clarity. However, these critical habitats face threats from boat propellers, pollution, and coastal development, which can lead to habitat degradation.

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and our Management Conference has been actively involved in the conservation and monitoring of these critical habitats. Efforts include mapping the distribution of SAVs to assess their status and trends, which are vital for the conservation of manatees and the overall health of our estuary systems.

Conservation efforts continue to be crucial for manatees, focusing on habitat protection, reducing boat collisions, and addressing other threats to ensure the survival of these remarkable marine mammals.

Help keep Coastal Alabama clean! The City of Prichard is inviting community members to participate in a citywide clean-up effort on April 27th. A gathering will take place at Prichard Stadium at 8:00 AM for instructions and area assignments.

In addition to litter removal, there will be a collection for household items such as used electronics, kitchen grease, batteries, and motor oil at the stadium.

As a token of appreciation, lunch will be provided to all volunteers. We hope to see you there!

Join Us for Earth Day Celebrations at the Mobile Japanese Gardens!

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program is excited to be part of the Earth Day Celebration tomorrow, April 20th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. We will be hosting a booth with engaging activities and information on our work.

Come interact with our team, learn about our initiatives, and enjoy a day filled with vendors, food trucks, live music, and eco-friendly fun for all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and share in our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Location: Mobile Japanese Gardens, 700 Forest Hill Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

Admission: Free for everyone

We look forward to seeing you there!

Have you heard of ghost fishing? Ghost fishing is a phenomenon where abandoned fishing gear continues to capture animals even when the equipment is not actively in use by fishermen.

To combat this problem, the Alabama Marine Resources Division invites you to join the effort to clean up derelict crab traps in Mobile Bay. The important event takes place on May 3-4.

Volunteers will mark traps on Friday and remove them on Saturday, followed by a social gathering at Meaher State Park.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to the conservation of our marine environment. Volunteers with kayaks are especially needed to navigate the shallow flats. If you have a small boat, your help would be invaluable in collecting the traps.

Let's keep our bay clean and protect our marine life! For more details or to volunteer, please contact Jason Herrmann at (251) 968-9734 or [email protected].

Location: Choccalotta Bay Boat Ramp, 3101 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, Alabama
Time: 8:30 a.m. start on both days.

Did you know that Alabama has more species of crayfish than any place in the world? More than 100 species, 1/6 of the world's crayfish varieties, call our state home.

NEP Science staff found a example of one while out sampling last week; meet the White Tubercled Crayfish (Procambarus spiculifer)!

This species is one of the largest native crayfishes found in southern Alabama and can be identified by the white bumps (tubercles) on its claws, reddish spots along the abdomen, and
sharp spine at front of the head (rostrum).

White tubercled crayfish inhabit sandy bottomed creeks and
rivers, where they burrow into undercut streambanks and hide among leaf litter. They have been found in all Alabama river basins except the Black Warrior and Tennessee.

Native crayfish are an important part of coastal stream ecosystems; they help clean up organic debris and serve as food for lots of fish, birds, and mammals.

Crayfish are also sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat disturbance, making them important indicators of ecosystem health!

We had a great time with everyone at Discovery Day!

Come check out our booth at Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab 🐟🐟 We’ve got fishing and Bingo!

Spring bird migration is upon us!

Did you know you can keep tabs on the latest rare bird sightings in our area with eBird's Alabama Rare Bird Alert. This resource keeps you updated on the unique avian visitors gracing our estuaries this spring migration season.

Plus, we're excited to a feature stunning photo of a staff favorite, the prothonotary warbler, from our colleague Bekah Farmer. Check it out and don't miss the chance to spot something extraordinary! For more details, visit https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35541

Spring migration is upon us! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events sponsored by Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of participating in the cleanup organized by Vets Recover. It was not only an opportunity to contribute to our community but also to support an organization that plays a crucial role in providing care for our veterans. Vets Recover offers a range of services, including integrated health care and support for substance abuse recovery, all aimed at building a better community through recovery and connection. We celebrate their commitment to our veterans and first responders.

For those interested in learning more about Vets Recover and how you can contribute or participate in future events, visit their website at vetsrecover.org.

Thank you to everyone involved for making a difference!

Check out our new campaign on WKRG, Wisdom from the Water, featuring stories from those who know Coastal Alabama best. In our first installment, Hugo McClure talks about his transition from military life to oyster farming in Mobile Bay.

Wisdom from the Water - Hugo McClure

Congratulations to all the winners of the Women Who Shape the State. Honorees come from different professional fields, but they all have one similar goal: making their communities better places to live.

Today we honor the service of Andi Kent. Dr. Andrea (Andi) Kent has served the University of South Alabama since 2006 and is known for using her attention to detail, strong sense of collaboration and more in supporting faculty, staff and students achieve their success. Among her many accomplishments at the university is playing a pivotal role in helping to stop a six-year enrollment slide by visiting dozens of high schools in Alabama and Mississippi as well as working to expand scholarships to reach new students and their families. "Though it may sound simple, I truly want to leave a legacy of doing my best to make a difference in the lives of those around me," Kent said. "I hope I leave a legacy of servant leadership, passionately committed to giving my all in embracing every opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives I was honored to come in contact with, both directly and through my professional career at the University of South Alabama."

Andi M. Kent
“I would advise young women in Alabama to stay true to yourself and who you are, and dream big… bigger than you know how to dream because with hard work, dedication and commitment, dreams really do come true! In addition to hard work, dedication and commitment, it is important to always treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their position, and regardless of how they treat you. People also recognize sincerity, so doing so from the bottom of your heart matters.”

https://www.thisisalabama.org/women-who-shape-the-state/?fbclid=IwAR3--KyMw-f9J5dsrrpVbJEIXFJKeO50mljw0Z-YcjXVI8f6yLOBixVyd30 &sf186702779=1

Check out our Science and Monitoring Program Lead's new publication in Oceanography- just in time for Women's History Month!

Along with her role at the MBNEP, Blair co-directs Women of the Water (WoW) - a conference and professional network for women, gender expansive folks, and underrepresented groups in aquaculture. Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, and women make up the majority of the labor force in seafood and aquaculture production worldwide. However, while women are increasingly entering the field, opportunities for their leadership and technical expertise have generally not kept pace with industry growth for a variety of socio-cultural and economic reasons. WoW aims to alleviate structural barriers and inequities encountered by marginalized groups in aquaculture by building community through connection and empowerment, catalyzing learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing professional development opportunities in aquaculture.

Click the link below to read more about WoW and supporting diverse voices in marine sciences!

https://tos.org/oceanography/article/women-of-the-water-enhancing-equity-and-inclusion-in-aquaculture

In addition to Blair's work with WoW, the Mobile Bay NEP supports Alabama's aquaculture industry through watershed management planning, assistance with marketing via OystersAlabama.com, and financing microloans for oyster farmers to make repairs or improvements on their farms.