• Tiny waterfleas may have big consequences

• Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for November 28, 2008

• Build Yourself a Ice Lifesaver

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Antifouling Paint Study Under Way in San Diego Bay

Port and Knight & Carver continue testing alternative hull coatings

SAN DIEGO -- In an effort to pinpoint which environmentally friendly antifouling hull paints are most effective in real-life conditions, Knight and Carver YachtCenter has partnered with the Port of San Diego to test a wide variety of these coatings in local waters -- and initial results are  expected by the end of the year.

The San Diego Unified Port District�s Alternative Hull Paint Project is examining various antifouling coatings and their effectiveness over a  two-year period. Effectiveness will be evaluated, based on application efficiency, cleaning and maintenance needs, antifouling efficiency, cost  and longevity.

The first phase of the project consisted of applying more than 200 different kinds of antifouling paint on fiberglass panels, placed underwater  at marinas and yacht clubs along San Diego�s Shelter Island, over the course of two months. The second phase will include testing of coatings  on boat hulls.

Knight and Carver�s project manager and past paint department supervisor, George Vehanen, has been assisting in the paint application since  the project�s inception. He reports to the University of California, San Diego Extension Program on the types of antifouling paints he uses on  boat hulls -- and which ones work properly.

�What is happening now is those samples are in the process of being tested,� Vehanen explained. �Periodically, those samples will be pulled from the water -- and then, one half side will be wiped with a towel and will be dunked back into the  water. �After the antifouling paint testing takes place, they are going to do some lab testing,� Vehanen said.

The panels are being suspended from dockside and placed underwater. The applications are being tested during varying water temperatures, to  determine how the paint reacts to both warm and cold conditions. �I think it (the study) was planned quite well. I like the way they are executing it,� Vehanen said.

�In the past, we had to try and ask customers to volunteer and put the product on their boats -- and that�s risky, because some (coatings) are  incredibly ineffective,� he explained. �I like the idea that they decided to use fiberglass panels.�

The port launched the antifouling paint study after the area was cited for higher-than-acceptable levels of copper trace amounts in the marine  sediment. Once the port discovered copper was causing water quality problems in many marina basins within San Diego Bay, the port formed a  partnership with the Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA).

Copper dissipating from hull paint can cause levels of copper in marina basins to become elevated, which can be potentially toxic to marine  organisms, researchers said. Much of the release of copper into San Diego Bay has been directly linked to copper-based antifouling paints, the  port claims -- although it is not yet clear how much paint residue came from recreational vessels, commercial ships or Navy vessels.

The port will receive $190,000 in funding for the project through an EPA Pollution Prevention Grant, and is matching that amount. The project  aims to reduce copper levels in San Diego Bay as boaters replace their existing copper-based hull paints with environmentally safer alternative  products.

Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Unveils New Web Site

The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (The Hall) in Hayward, Wisconsin recently unveiled their new web site.  The Hall is the international  headquarters for education, recognition and promotion of fresh water sportfishing. While The Hall maintains a museum for the preservation  and display of historical artifacts of fresh water sportfishing, they also have a program for the recognition of persons, organizations and  institutions who have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport and heritage of fresh water fishing. Many know The Hall for their  program for qualifying, compiling and publishing all fresh water sportfishing records but they also maintain a library that disseminates  information and acts as the clearing house for historical and contemporary

publications for the fresh water sportfishing industry.

When you visit The Hall�s new web site you will find the history of the institution and how it evolved into the renowned facility it is today.   There are links to articles by anglers that have been inducted into The Hall of Fame as well as the ability to download current editions of The  Splash for members. The Splash is the quarterly newsletter of The Hall.  Those wishing to become members of The Hall to take advantage of  the benefits offered need only click the Become a Member link on the left of the home page to discover the rewards a membership offers.

The new web site can be found at www.freshwater-fishing.org. It�s worth a visit.

Tiny waterfleas may have big consequences

Standing aboard the research vessel Neeskay in Lake Michigan, UW�Milwaukee Associate Professor Craig Sandgren oversees an oceanographic-sized net being pulled up from 100 meters. Considering the enormous size of the net and the large volume of water that is being collected, it�s surprising that what he and fellow biology professor John Berges are anxiously looking for are tiny water fleas barely visible to the naked eye. What�s more, these tiny species have the capability of significantly changing the existing food web.

The critters are the carnivorous zooplankton Bythotrephes cederstroemi (spiny water flea) and Cercopagis pengoi (fishhook water flea). Like the zebra and quagga mussels, both are invaders from Eastern Europe that have hitched their way into the Great Lakes through ballast water on ships.

Every other week this summer, the two researchers collected samples off the coast of Milwaukee and several miles out in the open water. �In their native environment, there are all kinds of checks and balances so the zooplankton are not a problem,� said Sandgren during a research cruise in August. �But when they come to a new place, they may become superabundant because they have left behind their natural enemies.�

What concerns these scientists is the fact that the two invasive species occupy the same critical spot in the middle of the food web. While two similar species might compete against each other, these tiny fleas may in fact divide and conquer, each devouring separate types of zooplankton. That would leave less food for fish to eat during their critical initial growth periods. Additionally, if they eat zooplankton that normally consume algae, prolific algae blooms may increase in frequency.

�Adding invasives changes the dynamics of the food web in very unpredictable ways,� John Berges said. �The more invasive species there are, the greater the problems become.�

The scientists are able to make comparisons with the data Sandgren collected in the 1990s when only the spiny water flea was on the scene, but before the fishhook water flea and zebra and quagga mussels were introduced to Lake Michigan, further complicating the system. Sandgren and Berges are also conducting hundreds of experiments in their labs under controlled conditions. The two can manipulate light, temperature, and nutrients to see how the primary producers, zooplankton grazers, and invasive species respond.

The researchers are developing a basic understanding of what the two water fleas eat to better predict their impacts on the food web. Unlike fish, which can be cut open to examine the contents of their stomachs, these carnivorous water fleas feed like spiders, sucking out the contents of their prey and leaving the hard parts behind.

�If you imagine the tiny animal they eat is a can of soup, they squeeze out the soup and leave the can behind,� explained Sandgren. �We�re trying to read the label without having the can.� Berges reports that thus far they have developed specific antibodies for six prey �species that will allow them to identify those species in the �soupy� gut contents of the invasive water fleas.

Next summer, the two biologists will examine the spatial distribution of the �zooplankton to see if the nearshore and offshore environments that they have already sampled are representative of all of Lake Michigan.

As Sandgren examined the water sample raised from the depths of Lake Michigan, he observed the tiny creatures swimming around. �This isn�t the mixture of species I had expected to see at all,� he said, shaking his head and chuckling. �It�s really exciting. We keep realizing that whenever we think we know what�s going on, we find something different. It�s just such a complicated system.�

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Nov. 28, 2008

Weather Conditions

A slow moving storm system brought numerous snow showers to the Great Lakes basin this week.  The heaviest snow fell across the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.  To date in November precipitation across the Great Lakes basin is near average.  Look for snow showers and seasonable temperatures across the region through the weekend.

Lake Level Conditions

Currently, Lake Superior is 3 inches higher than it was at this time last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron and St. Clair are 8 to 9 inches above their levels of a year ago.  Lakes Erie and Ontario are 4 and 9 inches, respectively, higher than last year's levels.  All of the Great Lakes are in the midst of their seasonal declines and are projected to drop 1 to 3 inches during the next month.  Through April, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to remain above last year's levels.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario, however, are forecasted to remain above their levels of a year ago into December and then fall below them in January. 

Current Outflows/Channel Conditions

In October, the outflows through the St. Mary's and St. Clair Rivers were below average.  The outflows through the Detroit,

Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers were near their respective

October averages.

Alerts

Lake Michigan-Huron's water level is currently below chart datum and is expected to remain below datum through April. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

Build Yourself a Ice Lifesaver

By Curt Johnson Minnesota Tourism

The winter's first ice is already skimming Minnesota lakes and ponds and, unfortunately, with it comes the ice tragedy season. Every year we hear of people drowning because they broke through ice they thought was safe.

We think to ourselves, "If I fell through, I'd just climb back onto the solid ice and be just fine." Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done. First, when you fall through the ice, you're taken by surprise (if you knew you were going to break through, you wouldn't have walked there in the first place, right?) The sudden shock to your body plunging into freezing water adds to the confusion and panic. Cold water saps body heat 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Just try holding your hand in a sink full of ice water for more than a few seconds and you'll see what I mean.

And, should you accidentally fall through thin ice, then comes the difficult task of pulling oneself out of the cold water onto the surface of the wet and slippery ice. Unless you have a plan of action for just such emergencies, your chances of getting out safely can be pretty slim.

Should the need arise, here is a plan that can help increase your chances for surviving a sudden icy dip, you can purchase a set of commercially made ice rescue picks or "claws" or, if you have a few simple tools and a little skill in the workshop, you can make a set for a couple of dollars for materials.

1) Get two 4" pieces of wooden doweling the size of a broom handle or a little larger. Whatever material you select, it should float in case you drop the claws while struggling.

2) Drive a stout nail into one end of each dowel.

3) Use a file or grinder to sharpen the nail heads to a point.

4) Drill a hole into the dowels (in the end opposite the nail) and tie a length of strong cord through the hole so a pick is on each end..."jump-rope" fashion. Keep the picks in your pocket for quick emergency access if you or a companion do break through.

If you do break through, try to remain calm. Turn in the water towards the direction you came from - that is probably the strongest ice. Dig the points of the picks into the ice and while vigorously kicking your feet, pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice. Roll away from the area of weak ice. Rolling on the ice will distribute your weight to help avoid breaking through again. Get to shelter, heat, warm dry clothing and warm, non-alcoholic, and non-caffeinated drinks.  Call

911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering, or have any other ill effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia (the life-threatening drop in the body's core temperature).

What If your buddy breaks through?

First tell them to "Stay calm" and that "We'll get you out of there."

Then throw them the picks and explain how to use them. Remember that by kicking their feet, the thrust of the kicks can help push them back onto the solid ice.

I hope you never have to use �ice claws� on your ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing or hiking adventures on frozen waters this winter. But, just having a pair of these items with you may offer you a welcome �comfort factor�

IL- Hunters harvest 71,894 Deer During First Weekend of Gun Deer Season

Hunters prepare for second firearm season December 4-7

SPRINGFIELD, IL � Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 71,894 deer during the opening weekend of the 2008 Illinois Firearm Deer  season, Nov. 21-23, Illinois DNR announced.  The second portion of the firearm  season will be Dec. 4-7.

The preliminary total for the first three days of the 2008 firearm season compares with the first weekend harvest of 85,490 deer during the 2007  deer season.  The top county harvest total was in Pike with 2,194 deer, followed by Adams (1,900), Fulton (1,878), Randolph (1,770), and  Jefferson (1,650).  The preliminary first-season figures reported for each county include those deer taken on special hunt areas within that  county as well as on private land.

Illinois has issued approximately 350,000 firearm deer hunting permits for the 2008 season.  Most hunters register their deer harvest online  through the IDNR web site or by phoning 1-866-ILCHECK (1-866-452-4325) by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest. 

�The weather was unseasonably cold to start the season on

Friday, but it appears many hunters were in the field enjoying some success on  that day and throughout the first weekend of the firearm deer season,� said IDNR Forest Wildlife Program Manager Paul Shelton.  �Most corn  had been harvested, although 10 to 12 percent remained in the fields in the northern part of the state.

�The good news for managers and for deer hunters with permits remaining for the second season is that most of the decline in harvest was a  drop in buck harvest,� Shelton added.  �This means that our doe harvest was fairly comparable to last year and that there are plenty of both  bucks and does still out there for second season hunters.�

Approximately 59 % of the deer taken this past weekend were bucks, compared with 62 % bucks taken during the first weekend of  the firearm season in 2007. 

The Illinois firearm deer season concludes Dec. 4-7.  The muzzleloader-only deer season is Dec. 12-14.  The Late-Winter Antlerless-only firearm  deer season and the Special CWD deer season are Jan. 16-18, 2009.  The state�s 2008-09 archery deer season continues through Jan. 15 (except  closed in firearm counties during the second firearm season Dec. 4-7). 

Bear Hunters Continue To Have Great Success Afield

Bear exceeding 700 lbs taken in Monroe County on second day

HARRISBURG - Two days of bear hunting have produced a preliminary harvest of 2,518 bears, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission  reports.  In 2007, 1,638 bears passed through check stations the first two days. In 2006, 2,185 bears were taken. In 2005, when the state record bear  harvest was set, agency personnel processed 2,875 bears through the first two days of season; 2,262 in 2004; 2,299 in 2003; and 2,022 in 2002.

�The statewide two-day bear harvest has the 2008 season on a pace to be one of our best,� said Mark Ternent, Game Commission bear  biologist. �Bear hunters across the state are really having a great season.�  So far, the top 10 bears processed at check stations through Tuesday all had estimated live weights exceeding 600 pounds. Morgan C. Neipert,  of Tobyhanna, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that weighed in at 716 pounds (estimated live weight). The bear was taken in  Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.

WI - Hunters register 133,828 deer on opening weekend of 2008 season

MADISON � In conditions that varied from sub-zero to chilly and overcast on opening morning, hunters participating in the traditional  November 9-day gun deer hunt registered a preliminary tally of 133,828 deer over the first two days of the hunt a 22 percent decrease from 2007.  Buck harvest statewide was down 25 percent and antlerless harvest declined 20 percent. A preliminary count for the two-day opening weekend  in 2007 counted 171,584 deer registered. Department of Natural Resources officials stress that this is a preliminary call-around tally that will  change when all registration stubs are submitted by registration stations and entered into the department's registration data base.

Wildlife officials say several factors likely contributed to the lower count including lower deer numbers after several years 

of herd reduction  strategies, very cold hunting conditions on opening morning in northern units, a late opening weekend that missed the peak of the rutting  season, poor fawn recruitment this year, and tough winter conditions last year after a string of mild winters.

�Although this is a preliminary count, we may be seeing the result of a tough winter and several seasons designed bring deer numbers down.  DNR staff across the state reported that hunters were seeing fewer deer and hearing fewer shots this year,� said DNR deer biologist Keith  Warnke. �Hunters� efforts appear to be having a positive effect on lowering overpopulations of deer in many areas.�

Herd control season structures provide extra days of hunting and target antlerless, or mostly female, deer as a means of reducing high  populations.