Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Commends Distribution of Funding

2017-08-21T12:15:55+00:00

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Commends Distribution of Funding

Washington D.C.- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies applauds Deputy Secretary Bernhardt’s announcement about allocating much needed funding to state wildlife agencies and Native American and Alaskan tribes through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program and the Tribal Wildlife Grant (TWG) program. This funding helps address critical fish and wildlife needs by supporting species and habitats listed in approved state wildlife actions plans and encouraging key partnerships for wildlife conservation.

“We appreciate the Department of Interior and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for releasing this critical funding for fish and wildlife conservation,” said Nick Wiley, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Executive Director for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “State and Tribal Wildlife Grants leverage the expertise and professional management capacity of state fish and wildlife agencies with conservation partners to deliver successful conservation projects that directly benefit species in greatest need of support.”

The State & Tribal Wildlife Grants program is the only federal program available to states, territories, District of Columbia and tribes to help conserve more than 12,000 fish and wildlife identified in State Wildlife Action Plans as species in greatest need of conservation. State Wildlife Action Plans were recently revised and updated with the best science and rely on funding from the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program for implementation.

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Commends Distribution of Funding2017-08-21T12:15:55+00:00

Florida: Everything You Need to Know about Red Tide

2017-08-21T12:15:43+00:00

Florida- Everything You Need to Know about Red Tide

What is a Florida red tide?
A red tide, or harmful algal bloom, is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plantlike organism). In Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, the species that causes most red tides is Karenia brevis, often abbreviated as K. brevis. To distinguish K. brevis blooms from red tides caused by other species of algae, researchers in Florida call the former the “Florida red tide.”
Are red tides red?
At high enough concentrations, Florida red tide can discolor water a red or brown hue. Red tides caused by other algal species can appear red, brown, green or even purple. The water can also remain its normal color during a bloom.

When?
Is red tide a new phenomenon?
No, red tides were documented in the southern Gulf of Mexico as far back as the 1700s and along Florida’s Gulf coast in the 1840s. Fish kills near Tampa Bay were even mentioned in the records of Spanish explorers.

How long do Florida red tides last?
Red tides can last as little as a few weeks or longer than a year. They can even subside and then reoccur. The duration of a bloom in nearshore Florida waters depends on physical and biological conditions that influence its growth and persistence, including sunlight, nutrients and salinity, as well as the speed and direction of wind and water currents.

Where?
Do red tides occur anywhere else?
Yes, many algae species cause red tides all over the world. Yet, the organism that causes Florida’s red tide, K. brevis, is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico from Mexico to Florida. Florida red tides can be transported around the Gulf of Mexico as coastal waters move with winds and currents. Some red tides have even been carried by the Gulf Stream current into the Atlantic Ocean as far north as Delaware.

Is the Florida red tide found in estuaries, bays or freshwater systems?
The Florida red tide can be found in bays and estuaries but not in freshwater systems such as lakes and rivers. Because K. brevis cannot tolerate low-salinity waters for very long, blooms usually remain in salty coastal waters and do not penetrate upper reaches of estuaries. However, other harmful algae, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), typically bloom in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Can we predict where a red tide will occur?
Although the occurrence of a red tide cannot be predicted, scientists can forecast its movement using wind and water current data once a bloom is located. Scientists also monitor the concentration of the red tide organism by collecting water samples routinely and in response to blooms. Red tide movement and concentration are important because the effects of a red tide, such as dead fish and human respiratory irritation, depend on these factors. The information provided by forecasting and monitoring allows people to make informed decisions regarding their beach-going activities.

Why?
Why are red tides harmful?
Many red tides produce toxic chemicals that can affect both marine organisms and humans. The Florida red tide organism, K. brevis, produces brevetoxins that can affect the central nervous system of fish and other vertebrates, causing these animals to die. Wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release these toxins into the air, leading to respiratory irritation. For people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, red tide can cause serious illness. The red tide toxins can also accumulate in molluscan filter-feeders such as oysters and clams, which can lead to Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish.

Has coastal (nutrient) pollution caused the Florida red tide?
In contrast to the many red tide species that are fueled by nutrient pollution associated with urban or agricultural runoff, there is no direct link between nutrient pollution and the frequency or severity of red tides caused by K. brevis. Florida red tides develop 10-40 miles offshore, away from man-made nutrient sources. Red tides occurred in Florida long before human settlement, and severe red tides were observed in the mid-1900s before the state’s coastlines were heavily developed. However, once red tides are transported inshore, they are capable of using man-made nutrients for their growth.

How?
How can we control Florida’s red tides?
Control of Florida red tides is not a simple issue. The harmful effects of a red tide are caused by toxins released when the organism dies. Potential controls must not only kill the red tide organism but also eliminate the toxins from the water. To date, this has not been possible; however, researchers are identifying ways to reduce shellfish toxicity. In addition, any control strategy must not harm the environment. In the 1950s, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Florida scientists used copper sulfate to attempt to eliminate a red tide in coastal Florida waters. Although the copper sulfate killed some of the red tide cells, it led to the release of toxins that, along with the copper sulfate, had negative effects on other marine organisms. Controls must also be practical. Red tides vary greatly in size – expanding as far as 10,000 square miles – and can be present from the surface of the water to the seafloor. Presently, there is no practical and acceptable way to control or kill red tide blooms.

Health and Safety
Will I experience respiratory irritation during a Florida red tide?
Some people experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, tearing and an itchy throat) when the Florida red tide organism, K. brevis, is present and winds blow onshore. Offshore winds usually keep respiratory effects experienced by those on the shore to a minimum. The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas.

Is it safe to swim during a Florida red tide?
Swimming is safe for most people. However, the Florida red tide can cause some people to suffer skin irritation and burning eyes. People with respiratory illness may also experience respiratory irritation in the water. Use common sense. If you are particularly susceptible to irritation from plant products, avoid an area with a red tide bloom. If you experience irritation, get out of the water and thoroughly wash off. Do not swim among dead fish because they can be associated with harmful bacteria.

Is it OK to eat shellfish at a restaurant or purchase shellfish from a seafood market during a red tide?
Store-bought and restaurant-served shellfish are safe to eat during a bloom because the shellfish are monitored by the government for safety. Commercially available shellfish are often not locally harvested and, if harvested locally, are tested for red tide toxins before they are sold.

Is it OK to eat recreationally harvested shellfish during a red tide?
Recreational harvesting of bivalve molluscs such as hard clams, oysters and mussels from conditionally approved or approved shellfish harvesting areas is banned during red tide closures; these organisms may not legally be harvested and, therefore, should not be eaten during any closure of a shellfish harvesting area. To determine whether or not harvesting of shellfish is permitted in an area, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture website. Edible parts of other animals commonly referred to as shellfish (crabs, shrimp and lobsters) are not affected by the red tide organism and can be eaten. Do not eat the tomalley (green stuff, hepatopancreas). During scallop season, locally harvested scallops from open scallop harvesting areas are also safe to eat as long as you eat only the muscle of the scallop and not the whole animal.

In addition, illegally harvested and unregulated shellfish are particularly dangerous and should never be consumed. For example, coquina clams and molluscan predators, such as whelks that feed on toxic bivalves, readily accumulate toxins in their tissues. An illegal harvest is a dangerous harvest.

Is it OK to eat local finfish during a red tide?
Yes, it is safe to eat local finfish as long as the fish are filleted before eaten. Although toxins may accumulate in the guts of fish, these areas are disposed of when the fish are filleted. However, it is never a good idea to eat dead or distressed animals, especially in a red tide area, because the reason for the animal’s strange behavior or death cannot be absolutely known.

Does cooking or freezing destroy the Florida red tide toxin?
No, cooking or freezing does not destroy the red tide toxin. Furthermore, the toxin cannot be seen or tasted.

How can the Florida red tide affect my pets?
Just like people, pets may be affected by the Florida red tide. If you live close to the beach, consider bringing outdoor pets inside during a bloom to prevent respiratory irritation. If you are at the beach with your pets, do not allow them to play with dead fish or foam that may accumulate on the beach during or after a red tide. If your pet eats dead fish, it may get sick. If your pet swims in the red tide, wash it as soon as possible. Most dogs lick themselves after swimming and will consume any toxins on their fur.

Where can I get more health and safety information on harmful algae?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Florida Department of Health
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Florida: Everything You Need to Know about Red Tide2017-08-21T12:15:43+00:00

Virginia: Coast Guard Rescues Three Near Virginia Beach

2017-08-21T12:15:32+00:00

Virginia Coast Guard Rescues Three Near Virginia Beach

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard Station Little Creek crews assisted three people after their boat began taking on water off Virginia Beach, Virginia, Thursday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth received a radio call at about 6:20 p.m. that a 27-foot Bayliner boat with three people aboard was taking on water in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast. Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and 29-foot Response Boat-Small crews from Station Little Creek in Virginia Beach launched to assist.

Once on scene, Station Little Creek crew members boarded the vessel with a dewatering pump to manage the flooding.

The RB-M crew took the boat in tow, then passed the tow to the RB-S crew, who towed the boat to Cove Marina in Virginia Beach.

“Mishaps can worsen very suddenly underway, which is why people should call for help as soon as something goes wrong,” said Seaman Walter Jesuncosky, coxswain for the case. “Having communications equipment like radios on board is a good way to ensure you can call for assistance when you need it.”

Virginia: Coast Guard Rescues Three Near Virginia Beach2017-08-21T12:15:32+00:00

UTG PRO 15″ Slim Keymod & M-LOKR Carbine Length Drop-in Handguards

2017-08-21T12:15:18+00:00

UTG PRO 15 Slim Keymod & M-LOKR Carbine Length Drop-in Handguards

With the abundance of high value AR15 carbines in the market, it is easier than ever to get your hands on one and still have funds leftover to customize. One aspect of the AR15 is the beauty its highly modular design. After the AR15 is brought back to the home front, standard items, like the pistol grip, butt stock, and plastic handguards tend to find their way into a drawer or closet never to see the light of day again. The only problem arises with the A2 front sight post. For the Average Joe, removing a standard A2 FSP is a difficult and time consuming ordeal. Without the right tools and equipment it does not take a lot to permanently damage or mar your carbine. So what do you do if you want one of those full length Super Slim handguards, but are stuck with an A2 front sight? One option is to look into UTG PRO’s latest 15″ Super Slim Carbine-Length Drop-In Handguard.

UTG PRO put forth a lot of effort in creating these hanguards and making available, both the M-LOK® and Keymod Modular Systems as options. As with most drop-in handguards, they are designed to fit carbine-length AR15s equipped with an A2 front sight post, delta ring assembly, and round handguard cap. It achieves its 15″ full-length size via a three piece design with an integrated cutout allowing the front sight to protrude through. The increased real estate allows for various techniques for both manipulation and retention, as well as, providing additional customizable points for attaching accessories.

Unlike other drop-in handguards, the UTG PRO Super Slim handguards provide increased mounting versatility with 7 slot tracks around the circumference of the handguard and not just at the typically found 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The handguards feature a scalloped Picatinny top rail that extends to and sits flush against the upper receiver flat top, bridging the gap over the delta ring assembly. For those who run a Ruger® AR-556® with its proprietary threaded delta ring/barrel nut assembly, you will be happy to know that the Super Slim handguards are compatible and drop-in without an issue. Each handguard comes with its own additional mounting accessories. The M-LOK™ Handguard (MTU015SSM) includes one 8-slot Picatinny rail section and a QD sling swivel adaptor, while the Keymod handguard (MTU015SSK) comes with a 4 and an 8-slot Picatinny rail section. Both are precision machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with a matte black anodize finish and are proudly designed and made in the USA.

MTU015SSM, 15″ M-LOK®: $129.97
MTU015SSK, 15″ Keymod: $129.97

UTG PRO 15″ Slim Keymod & M-LOKR Carbine Length Drop-in Handguards2017-08-21T12:15:18+00:00

ICEMULE Pro Large in Realtree Xtra

2017-08-21T12:15:09+00:00

ICEMULE Pro Large in Realtree Xtra

COLUMBUS, GA – The ICEMULE Pro™ Large in Realtree Xtra offers 23 liters of drink-haulin’, ice-keeping performance. The Large Pro can easily load up with 18 cans + ice, making it ideal for a day on the boat or a tailgate before the game. No other soft cooler out there is easier to carry, easier to load up and easier to unload. The ICEMULE Pro can easily load up with a day’s worth of food, drinks and ice. No other soft cooler out there is easier to carry, easier to load up and easier to unload because the ICEMULE Pro does away with clunky, obnoxious zippers and instead relies on their TriFold DriTop enclosure system. And when you’re done with it, an ICEMULE easily rolls up for storage. To top it off, it’s 100% waterproof and it floats. This isn’t your dad’s cooler.

Details:
• Capacity: 23L / 18 cans + ice
• In Use Dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 14″
• Weight: 3.2 lbs

ICEMULE Pro Large in Realtree Xtra2017-08-21T12:15:09+00:00
Go to Top