May 28, 2008 by FirstMate.

Invasive Algae Found In Maryland
Potentially Destructive Didymo found in Gunpowder Falls

Annapolis, Md. - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that a new invasive, non-native algae has been found in Maryland for the first time. The algae, commonly known as Didymo, was found by anglers in Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County. Didymo mats, also called “rock snot,” look slimy, but feel like wet cotton or wool, and can be white, yellow or brown.

“This alga has the potential to disrupt ecosystems in waters it invades by choking out bottom-dwellers and removing food organisms for game fish and other aquatic species,” said Don Cosden, Assistant Director of DNR’s Fisheries Service. “When Didymo takes over, many species are impacted.”

Although there is no human health risk associated with Didymo, DNR is developing an aggressive plan of attack to deal with this invader, and asks anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy Maryland’s waters to use extra precautions when moving from one stream or lake to another. Once Didymo is established, it can cover and suffocate a stream bottom, and movement of a single cell can contaminate a new waterway.

Felt bottom boots and waders are the worst culprits in the spread of aquatic invaders. Anglers are strongly encouraged to replace these boots with non-porous materials. New boots made of a sticky rubber material are safer for the aquatic environment and are much easier to clean.

Anglers and other recreational users of Gunpowder Falls and surrounding waters are especially urged to make sure they don’t contribute to the spread of Didymo or any other aquatic invasive species. The public is asked to clean anything that comes into contact with stream water by scrubbing away all dirt and debris before leaving a stream. At home, disinfect equipment by soaking in a 5% salt solution (1 lb/ 5 gal) for several minutes, or scrub well with dish detergent and rinse well. If disinfection is not possible, let equipment dry completely for at least 48 hours. Anglers may want to consider having two sets of equipment in order to move safely from one spot to another.

Didymo is an algal diatom that forms long stalks which combine to form heavy, thick mats that can smother a stream bottom. The stalks can persist for two or more months after the diatoms die, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time. Originally found in Scotland and extreme northern Europe and Asia, Didymo has been transported worldwide. Recently, the species has been found in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. In many cases, anglers have unknowingly transported the diatom on their fishing gear.

DNR urges anyone who observes Didymo to contact Don Cosden at 410-260-8287 as soon as possible.

For more information on Didymo and other invasive species, visit http://wwwdnr.state.md.us/invasives/.

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May 15, 2008 by FirstMate.

Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc. Announces Book Signing Havre de Grace, MD June 6, 2008- Local Volunteer & Author David Berry will be signing just released Maryland Skipjack during an open house held by the Skipjack Martha Lewis at the Tidewater Grill during First Friday events 5-7pm. Meet the Author! Local Author to Sign Books at Tidewater Grill Local author and sailor David Berry uses vintage photographs to pictorially remember Maryland’s skipjacks and how important it is to save the Chesapeake Bay. Berry hopes the book will "inspire more people to recognize the value of these boats and their significance to our history." David Berry will be signing books at Tidewater Grill on Friday, June 6th from 5-7pm. Following the signing, will be a wine tasting from 7-9pm. Tidewater Grill is located at 300 Franklin St., Havre de Grace, MD. For more information contact Cindi Beane at the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy at 410-939-4078. Highlights of Maryland’s Skipjacks: · Reveals numerous historic images donated from public and private collections · Reminds readers to save the remaining skipjacks and reestablish the oyster in the Chesapeake Bay · Features Maryland as once the nation’s leading oyster producer, including the oyster’s magnificent size and quality · Shows the simple, elegant functionality of these wooden historic sailing vessels Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com. Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com     David Berry has lived within the Chesapeake Bay for thirty years. He is a sailing instructor, writer and volunteer crew member for 10 years on the skipjack Martha Lewis. He holds a 100-ton license from the U.S. Coast Guard. This book combines three of Berry’s passions: sailing, wooden boats and the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s Skipjacks by David Berry Images of America Series Price: $19.99 128 pages/ softcover Available: May 26, 2008

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April 22, 2008 by FirstMate.

More photos here:

Privateer Day 2008

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April 21, 2008 by FirstMate.

We’re starting a new season of Sailing here at the CHC, and in honor of that we hope to have a good collection of news and new blog writings here to keep our supporters up to date.

Check by often!

Amy

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