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FALL 2013

INSIDE October Programs, Sea Turtle Update, Turtle Central Update, Volunteer Call, 30 Years in the Making

Marine Hazards in the Surf ZoneBy Patrick Amico, Conservation Biologist

ast week past intern, Ryan Walsh, and I were conducting a fisheries research project on Bald Head Island when we noticed a few marine hazards in the near-shore environment: Carolina stingrays, box jellyfish, and sharks feeding on schools of fish. This time of year there can be many of these animals in the water.

Autumn also brings tropical system swells to our beaches; this increase in wave activity increases the intensity of near shore currents which can be hazards to swimmers. This article will include facts about the most common marine hazards that occur this time of year, and will dispel myths that people have about them.

SharksNorth Carolina is host to 50 species of sharks. This figure may seem staggering but includes some that are only seasonal inhabitants, preferring only warm or cool water, or those that stay far offshore preferring only deeper water (such as the whitetip, silky, or blue shark). In late

Women Paddling Through Science

By Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator and Outreach Coordinator

“If a child is to keep alive (her) inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, (she) needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with (her) the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachael Carson

In April, the BHI Conservancy was awarded the Paddle Nation Project Grant from Outdoor Nation, a national initiative connecting the Millennial Generation to the outdoors. This grant opportunity supports pioneering projects, like Women Paddling Into Science, and initiatives aiming to connect young Americans with their waterways through recreational paddling. The Bald Head Island Conservancy was one of 25 projects, the only organization in North Carolina, selected by Outdoor Nation and the Outdoor Industry

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Photo by Kendyll Collins

sand tiger (Odontaspis taurus)

Association® Paddle Advisory Council from a pool of 150 applicants.

Over the past few months, mother and daughter pairs from the surrounding New Hanover and Brunswick county areas have joined us for exclusive kayak expeditions. These trips focused on proper kayaking techniques, navigational skills and estuarine ecology. The groups participated in a salt marsh cleanup and learned about water quality testing procedures. In addition to covering ferry transportation fees, the award provided for new personal flotation devices and safety equipment.

The Paddle Nation Project grants were made possible by support and funding from the Outdoor Industry Association® Paddle Advisory Council, a coalition of top paddlesport manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders; a $30,000 contribution from Nielsen Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor industry tradeshow held twice each year; and many individuals, manufacturers and retailers in the paddlesport community.

“Recreational paddling is one of the most accessible and impactful ways to introduce young Americans to the outdoors,” said Lili Colby, sales and marketing director for MTI Adventurewear and chair of the Paddle Council. “Though so many of the applications were inspiring, we believe the winning 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

were able to hear about the different road maps that each staff member took to get where they are today. They also received great advice that will set their job and school applications apart from others. The discussion between participants and staff also demonstrated the malleability of a “love for nature,” and the many jobs available. Girls reported wanting to be everything from engineers to nature photographers. Involving a female family member- mother, aunt, or grandmother, will help to keep the girls on a focused path.

“This project has ushered underserved youth into the realm of science by providing them with a life-long pastime, enabling exploration of the ecologically and economically important salt marsh ecosystem, and exposing them to female scientists with a variety of fortes.”- Kendyll Collins, BHI Conservancy EEOC

Over the next few months, the BHI Conservancy will continue its dedication to introducing youth groups to the uniqueness and importance of a barrier island. The Education Department will be housing troops, clubs, and classes in the on-site dormitory through April. For more information about spending a long weekend with the BHI Conservancy naturalist staff, please email kendyll@bhic.org. Happy paddling!

Go to www.bhic.org to sign up for kayaking.

Education UpdatesEnvironmental Education— Continued from page 1by Kendyll Goeman Collins, Environmental Educator

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October Programs, see pricing and Sign up Online at www.bhic.org:

Reservations required for all programs. Please visit our website, www.bhic.org or call 910-338-0911

Birding BHIMondays, 8:30-10:30am. Join BHI Conservancy staff for a 2 hour birding tour of the island. Bird scopes and binoculars provided, plus our new exclusive BHI Birding Life List. Cost $20 per person for non-members, $15 per person for BHI Conservancy members, free for BHI Conservancy Life Members. To register, please call (910) 338-0911 or visit www.bhic.org.

Bald Head After DarkTuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pmThe island takes on a very different feel as the sun goes down and darkness falls. While many of the island’s critters wind down for the night, several others are just gearing up. Join us in the classroom for a brief presentation on Bald Head’s active nightlife before heading out and about on the island to find some of it ourselves! Meet in the Barrier Island Study Center. Reservations Required. (910) 338-0911, $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members, $15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members, FREE for Conservancy Life Members!

CSI: BHI- Beachcombing EditionThursdays, 2:00pm-3:30pmPut on your detective hats, and swing down to the BHI Conservancy to become a “Conservancy Shell Investigator!” Embark on the ultimate scavenger hunt. Explore the beach and surf with BHIC naturalists to unearth evidence left behind by beach dwelling animals. Learn how to use seine nets, dip nets, binoculars, and magnifying glasses. Meet at the wet laboratory, in the Barrier Island Study Center.

Hands on Dissections Owl Pellet Dissection, Mondays, 3:00pm-4:00pmSquid Dissection, Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pmDogfish Dissection, Fridays, 3:00pm-4:00pm

Join BHI Conservancy staff in the Barrier Island Study Center for an introduction to the laboratory setting. Great for all ages! $15 per specimen, families can work together. Registration call: 910-338-0911.

Island Nature TourDaily, 9:00am-11:00am Join professional naturalists on a guided tour of the wildlife hotspots of BHI! See amazing wildlife while learning about and exploring our pristine beaches, maritime forest, and marshes. Call (910) 338-0911 for reservations. $20 per on-island guest. $50 per off-island guest (includes ferry ticket). If joining us from off-island, please make reservations 24 hours in advance.

Kayaking the CreeksTuesday, October 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm; Sunday, October 6th from 8:00am-10:00am; Monday, October 7th from 9:00am-11:00am; 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, October 12th from 2:00pm-4:00pm; Sunday, October 13th from 3:00pm-5:00pm; Monday, October 14th from 4:00pm-6:00pm; Tuesday, October 15th from 5:00pm-7:00pm; Sunday, October 20th from 8:30am-10:30am; Monday, October 21st from 9:00am-11:00am; Tuesday, October 22nd from 9:30am-11:30am; Wednesday, October

23rd from 10:30am-12:30pm; Thursday, October 24th from 11:00am-1:00pm; Friday, October 25th from 12:00pm-2:00pm; Saturday, October 26th from 12:30pm-2:30pm, Sunday, October 27th from 1:30pm-3:30pm; Monday, October 28th from 2:30pm-4:30pm; Tuesday, October 29th from 3:30pm-5:30pm; Wednesday, 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 Conservancy staff to learn about the beauty and importance of this habitat. A must-do experience before you leave the island! Double kayaks are used, and an adult must accompany children. Trips are tide and weather dependent. Life jackets, paddles, and kayaks provided. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and clothes that can get muddy. Reservations required. To register, please call (910) 338-0911.

Middle Island/Ibis Sanctuary HikeWednesdays and Saturdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm Explore the quiet solitude of Middle Island and the Ibis Lake Sanctuary, a private area and only accessible with BHI Conservancy Staff. This spot is popular with several species of herons, egrets and ibis. Cost: $15 per person for non-members, $10 per person for BHI Conservancy Members, FREE for BHI Conservancy Life Members. To register, call (910) 338-0911.

Reptile Round-UpWednesdays and Saturdays, 12:00pm-1:00pmJoin BHI Conservancy staff members in our Fleming Environmental Center to get up close and personal with our classroom reptiles. Learn about the unique adaptations that help our island reptiles survive! Participants will be able to touch live reptiles, turtle shells, snake sheds, and much more! Following the presentation, participants will also be able assist with feeding the reptiles. This program is great for all ages! $5.00 per person. Call (910) 338-0911 to reserve your spot!

Sea Turtle MovieTuesdays, 1:00pm-2:30pmFridays, 6:00pm-7:30pmJoin us in our new Barrier Island Study Center for a screening of “Turtle: an Incredible Journey”. Follow a Loggerhead hatchling from her nest, to the Gulf Stream and back to lay her own nest! Rated G, but some images may be too dramatic for young viewers. No charge, but donations appreciated. First come, first serve seating. Following the film, BHIC staff will answer questions about sea turtle biology and our renowned sea turtle protection program.

Touch Tank TimeDaily promptly from 1:30-2:30pm; Meet the creatures that inhabit our local tidal pools! Following the lesson, you’ll have the chance to help feed the animals! $5.00 per person. Additional donations appreciated. The wet lab is in the Barrier Island Study Center, on our campus. Reservations suggested to guarantee seating. (910) 338-0911

Unable to make one of our scheduled programs? Give us a call to schedule a private program for no additional charge. 24 hour

advanced notice is appreciated. Please call (910) 338-0911.

Come visit our Barrier Island Study Center open M-S 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday 10 am- 3 pmAlso please check out our website: www.bhic.org

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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 record this year with a total of 1292 loggerhead nests to date. The Southeastern United States saw an impressive number of nests this season and we hope that nationwide efforts to protect endangered sea turtles is to thank. Bald Head Island had 117 loggerhead nests and 2 green sea turtle nests this 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!

We begin preparing for nests to hatch on their 50th day of incubation by placing a black runway that leads the hatchlings to the water. 112 of our nests have already hatched and the hatchlings are out to sea! With our last nest being laid on August 26th, we expect hatching season to continue through October.

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!

Sea Turtle UpdateJaymie Reneker- Sea Turtle Program Coordinator

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Wait till you feel the soft new sweatshirts and jackets (see one pictured below) that have made their way to Turtle Central Gift Shop. There are many styles and colors. Long sleeve tees are also available in a variety of designs.

More price reductions!!! So you can stock up for next year… Lots of summer items are on sale: 25-50% off select cover-ups, swim trunks, shorts, skirts, water shoes, tunics and more.

Shop Online at www.bhic.org/store. If you don’t see what you want online, please call the store, 910-457-0917, and we will ship to

you (or whoever) directly. 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.

Turtle Central & Turtle Central Online

Shopping here saves Sea Turtles

BHI Conservancy -Turtle Central Gift ShopPlease like us, share us and get your friends to like us and become friends. We are trying to expand our “reach” through social media.

Volunteers Needed, call Volunteer Coordinator: Elyse Brown, 910-457-0089, ext 18:

Volunteer Educators to run Programs (Fall & Spring)

Volunteer Docents to staff info desk, greet public, give BISC tours

Volunteers for Retail Shop -year round, Citizen Scientist - conservation projects Volunteers for Admin office help- year round, We are always looking for volunteers to help in the store. Working at Turtle Central is a lot of fun and very rewarding, helping a great cause.

Please call Elyse Brown at 910-457-0917 or email elyse@bhic.org if you would like to help out a few hours a week or a few hours a month.

The BHI Conservancy was founded by volunteers, made great by volunteers and volunteers continue to be the secret to our success. We thank you and we need you! Volunteer today.

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 5

30 Years in the Making:Jane Lawton Baldridge, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

As I worked on writing this article I was humbled by the work and words of the founders and, stewards, of the BHI Conservancy. Their foresight, continued endeavors and commitment has strengthened and grown the BHI Conservancy year by year. In their words:

Turtle Toast:“If the promise of the wise man can be held as true—that to everything there is a season, and a time and to every purpose under heaven,Then let us, in dedication saluteThe season of the loggerhead turtleSalute!” —The Turtle Lady (Cindy Meekins) 1984

“We are still running, sustained by shared dreams, powered by creative energy, provoked by our “outrageous ambitions”, guided by thoughtful planning and fully aware of our traditions. Indeed this heritage is our beacon… to live in harmony with nature.” —

Dr. Thad Wester 1984-1985

“Key committees were developed to oversee critical areas of our growth, membership and life endowment.” —Dr. Bill Berne 1986

“…but no responsibility seems more important to

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 organization. The entire island benefits, and the reward is yours…” —Baxter Stirling 1990

“Supporting, enhancing and promoting BHI’s natural beauty is the foremost goal of BHIC. The approved Long Range Strategic Plan begins a building program to house our resources to achieve our goal.” — Paul Hosier 1992

“My most satisfying memory has been the achievement, following the participation and support of many, of a permanent home for the Conservancy.” —Dr. Bob Timmons 1994

And continuing forward: As you read these inspiring words and reflect on how the Bald Head Island Conservancy has grown with the expanding needs of our community, we hope you will consider supporting our Annual Fund.

“The Bald Head Island Conservancy study center provides a beautiful, modern research/education facility located on a nationally significant barrier island complex that features excellent examples of ocean to sound communities including a 191-acre old growth maritime forest preserve. Surrounding development has protection of natural resources as a priority which provides outstanding opportunities for investigation of a wide array of coastal-related topics within a community of highly interested and supportive residents.” —John Taggert, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNC Wilmington 2012

Using Bald Head Island as an example of more sustainable management, imagine what new and innovative adaptations could be carried out within other developed beach communities of North

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Please consider how much more we do when you make your annual fund contribution.

Annual Fund For the Environment

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1983

20139 F/T sta�, 7 P/T sta�, 17 Summer interns, 3 Fall Interns16 Education Programs, 13 Monitoring Programs, 70+ Volunteers34 SILT Properties, 20,000+ program Participants, 72 Wildlife Calls, Turtle Nests 119

First board Of Directors, First Logo, 2 F/T sta�, 2 Summer interns, First 4th of July Cookout, First Program - Turtle Walks o�ered, 1 Monitoring Programs, 27 Volunteers, Turtle Nests: 126

1984

The Bald Head Island Conservancy incorporated October 28, Turtle Nests: 148

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

2003BHIC celebrates 20th Anniversary, 2,941 Program Participants, Deer Management begins, Turtle Nests: 77

1997 “The Point” saved by SILT, Turtle Nests: 75

1991Loggerhead Flipper tagging program established, BHI designated Index Beach by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Turtle Nests: 181

19852 F/T sta�, 1 P/T sta�, 3 Summer interns, Generator building dubbed Turtle Central, 9 Education Programs, 1 Monitoring Programs, 30 VolunteersTurtle Nests: 132

1987First O�ering of Summer Day Camp co-sponsored by Island PassageFishing School had 37 participants, Turtle Nests: 97

1989 First Retail Store included at Turtle Central o�ce, Turtle Nests: 111

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

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

2004BHI designated “Important Bird Area” by Audubon Society, 5,845 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 41

2005 6,650 Program Participants, Turtle Nests: 48

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

201112 Summer interns, 18,267 program Participants, Turtle Nests 99

2012 Barrier Island Study Center Opened, Turtle Nests 76

BHIC.org | BHI Conservancy 7

Carolina. The Battle for North Carolina’s Coast by Stan Riggs, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University 2013

The Bald Head Island Conservancy plays the central role of aligning the conservation of the unique island habitats with its use by property owners. BHIC brings science to the island population to make everyone part of the team in nature conservation. — Miles Silman, Ph.D. Professor of Biology, Wake Forest University 2012

Our Annual Fund for the Environment campaign is one of only two times we approach our constituents in support of our mission. As you consider your end of year giving strategy take a 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.

Our Mission: Fostering community-based barrier island Conservation, Preservation & Education to live in harmony with nature

Founder’s Club .............. Over $5,000

Cape Fear Club ........... $2,500-$4,999

Anchor Club ................ $2,000-$2,499

Live Oak Club ............. $1,000-$1,999

Dogwood............................$500-$999

Palmetto ............................$250-$499

Spartina ............................$125-$249

Friend .............................. Up to $124

Thank You!Go to www.bhic.org and click on “click here to help!”

30 years from Page 6

2014 Bald Head IslandCommunications Directory

Golden Grasses, 2010, © Marjorie Brown Piersonall rights reserved

Order your 2014 BHI

Communications Directory Today at www.bhic.org

click “support us”

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.

While my experiences have spanned a variety of educational venues and have taken me from central Ohio to upstate New York and finally to North Carolina, the education and conservation threads have run throughout. Education is a powerful tool to inspire people and ensure that we 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.

I am so very excited to join Patrick, Kendyll, Jaymie and the rest of the team and look forward to meeting and collaborating with the fabulous Conservancy volunteers and friends. My first day on the island is October 22nd.

Sincerely,Nicki

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Hazards from Page 1

spring and throughout the summer, bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) and blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus) sharks move in closer to shore and may be seen along the beaches of Bald Head Island. In summer and fall, sand tiger (Odontaspis taurus) also known as grey nurse, sand bar (Carcharhinus plumbeus), spinner (Carcharhinus brevipinna) hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) and bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) sharks may move in closer to shore.

While the vast majority of these species avoid humans, they can be dangerous when threatened or approached in poor-visibility conditions. In fall, schools of baitfish such as mullet are close to shore, giving sharks plenty of food. It is best to avoid swimming directly in schools of baitfish. Shark bites are rare, but when they do occur it is often an accidental bite inflicted during a feeding frenzy.

It’s a good idea to avoid swimming when the water is especially turbid or murky, this way sharks can see you. Swimmers should leave shiny jewelry at home, as it can resemble the flashing of fish scales, and avoid sharply contrasting colors in swimwear, shark eyes see contrast vividly. Avoid pre-dawn or twilight swims.

Remember that the risk of shark attack is extremely low. For perspective, there are over 400 species of sharks in the world, and about six species are considered to be dangerous to humans. Another significant figure is that from the year 1580 to 2013, there have only been 36 fatal shark attacks in the mainland United States. In 2012, there were only 2 shark attacks in North Carolina, and neither were fatal.

Box JellyfishNorth Carolina is home to many species of jellyfish, most of which are harmless to swimmers. The most common ones are moon jellyfish and cannonball (a.k.a. cabbagehead) jellyfish. Moon jellyfish are very clear and identified by red or

pink four leaf clover markings on its back. The cannonball jellyfish are often brown or purple in color, look similar to a cannonball shape and wash up on the beach in massive seasonal die-off events. Both species are harmless with no to mild stings.

Box jellyfish, also known as sea wasps, are a venomous jellyfish. There are several species of box jellyfish in the world. The box jellyfish has four corners and thin, darker tentacles extending downward from the corners. The tentacles contain

thousands of stinging cells called cnidocytes. They often are 6 to 7 inches in size. The most dangerous box jellyfish are located in the South Pacific region. The box jellyfish in our area, Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, are far less dangerous.

For most swimmers, an encounter with a box jellyfish can cause a painful sting. For those with allergic reactions to the sting, it can be more serious. There is a known population of these animals found along the mouth of the Cape Fear River, including the West Beach area of Bald Head Island. The two other jellyfish-type animals in our area that can cause a painful sting include the Portuguese Man of War and Sea Nettles. Near shore numbers of jellyfish may be increasing from increased food sources; pollution from agricultural runoff increases the number of planktonic animals that jellyfish feed on.

According to New Hanover Regional Medical Services, if you receive a jellyfish sting: • Rinse the area well with ocean water.

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Box Jellyfish

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Hazards from Page 9

• Use the edge of a credit card and gently scrape any remaining tentacles off the skin.

• Combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1 gallon of fresh water in a bucket and rinse the affected area for 20-30 minutes. Vinegar also helps to reduce pain.

• Do not use fresh water on its own, ice or hot water, this can cause the nematocysts to continue to releasing toxins

• If symptoms persist or if swelling begins, seek immediate medical attention

Stingrays and skatesSkates and rays are both related to sharks. Most skates are not really capable of harming people, but sting rays can inflict painful and sometimes serious injuries to swimmers. The stingray we noticed on the beach at Bald Head was an Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis Sabina).

North Carolina is home to many species of skates and rays. Most stingrays are ‘kite-shaped’ in appearance with skinny, stream-lined tails. Skates are often round or triangular and have wider tails with no stinging barb. In our area there are several types of rays: butterfly, spotted eagle, cownose, Atlantic and southern stingray. The common types of skates are: clearnose, barn door, winter skate and little skate.

When rays are threatened, they thrust their tail upward towards the source of the threat. If they make contact, a serrated and venomous barb can pierce the skin. Because the barb is serrated, don’t try to remove the barb as it can do more damage when removed. Seek professional medical

attention if you are struck by a stingray. Sting ray injuries will result in a painful wound that could be coupled with muscle cramps, swelling, nausea and diarrhea.

Most stingray injuries occur when bathers accidentally step on the animal. In the mid to late summer and early fall months practice the ‘stingray shuffle’ when wading out to the ocean. This means shuffling your feet along the ocean floor rather than taking large steps.

Rip Currents and Longshore DriftThere are many myths surrounding rip currents along our beaches, which are often misclassified as ‘undertoe’ or ‘rip-tides’. They do not pull people underwater. In reality, rip currents are channels of water moving away from the beach. 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. At this point, their energy dissipates. The reason many swimmers get in trouble in rip currents is because they panic and attempt to swim against the flow of current. Rip currents can be faster than the fastest Olympic swimmers can swim, so swimming against them is pointless. If swimmers remain calm, they can escape rip currents.

To spot a rip current, there are several telling signs in the water:• A channel of churning, foamy water that is

often different in color from surrounding water• A line of foam, bubbles, seaweed or sandy

sediment present in the area• A noticeable break in wave activity in a

particular area

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Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis Sabina)

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photos by Donna Finley,Tom Hancock

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.

Island Nature ToursIf you get caught in a rip current, Don’t Panic!• 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.

Longshore DriftThe 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

Hazards from Page 10

continued on page 12

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700 Federal Road · P.O. Box 3109Bald Head Island, NC 28461

910-457-0089 www.BHIC.org · email@BHIC.org

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

wind is parallel to the beach, and especially 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.

Hazards from Page 11

Photo courtesy of Don Adams