With help from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Region developed a guide to help captains and recreational anglers identify some of the mackerel and small tuna species caught within the region. The guide is available online and on the FishRules app.
Living Shorelines can help adapt to Sea Level Rise
The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast seaboard has been seeing the signs of climate change for decades. Sea levels and sea-surface temperatures have risen throughout the world. In the Mid-Atlantic:
- The average sea-surface temperature on the Northeast Shelf has increased by about 2.3°F since 1854, with about half of this change occurring in the last few decades.
- In particular, the waters of the Gulf of Maine are warming dramatically in recent years– faster than 99 percent of the global ocean between 2004 and 2013.
- Sea levels are also rising more quickly than the global average along many areas of the coastline in our region. Between 1950 and 2009, sea levels rose 3 to 4 times faster than the global average along a “hotspot” of about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. This rise in sea level is due to a combination of water volume expanding as the oceans warm (thermal expansion), melting of glaciers and ice sheets, changes to Atlantic Ocean circulation, and land subsidence.
NOAA Scientists Predictions for the Future:
- New high-resolution climate models indicate Northeast Shelf waters may warm another 5.4°F by the end of the century compared to today’s conditions–nearly three times the global average.
- A NOAA sea level rise study in 2017 found east coast cities like Boston, Massachusetts and Annapolis, Maryland could see ocean levels rise by as much as 11.5 feet higher than today by the end of the century.
As waters warm, fish and invertebrates (like crabs and lobsters), are moving north and into deeper waters to find the cooler waters they prefer. The habitats that these species depend on for food, shelter, and spawning are changing, too.
According to data from the NOAA Fisheries bottom trawl survey on the Northeast Shelf, the average shift in the distribution for all species from 1967-2016 has been almost 8 miles north per decade and almost 8 feet per decade in depth. That changes what fishermen are catching, and changes the ways they fish.
Coastal wetlands provide nursery areas for juvenile fish and provide foraging habitat and shelter from larger predators. At least 50 percent of all commercially important fish and shellfish in the United States depend on estuaries and nearshore coastal waters.
As sea levels rise, coastal salt marshes retreat landward, but when their retreat path is blocked by coastal areas hardened by shoreline structures, such as seawalls or rock revetments, we lose wetlands in what is known as “the coastal squeeze.”
The loss of coastal wetlands from rising sea levels and storms will reduce wetland-dependent fish and invertebrates, and reduce the natural protections to coastal communities. The estimated loss of coastal wetlands due to the combined effects of sea level rise and coastal development, like the construction of seawalls, could be more than 50 percent by the end of the century. One study found nearly 90 percent of brackish, high-marsh wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay would be lost under a 3 foot sea level rise scenario by 2100.
Coastal wetlands buffer coastal communities from the effects of flooding, erosion, and storm surges. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional, hardened shoreline development that not only give coastal wetlands a chance to adapt to sea level rise, but also provide functioning habitat for marine and estuarine species. “Living shorelines” can protect and restore shoreline ecosystems through the use of natural materials like plants, oyster shells, sand, and rocks, and sometimes include materials like fiber rolls or anchored wood. These elements don’t interrupt the natural water/land continuum.
Alewife and Blueback Herring not listed on Endangered Species List
NOAA Fisheries has completed a comprehensive status review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis).
The status review identified four alewife distinct population segments (DPSs): Canada, Northern New England, Southern New England, and Mid-Atlantic.
Based on the best scientific and commercial data available including the Status Review Report, NOAA determined that listing the alewife rangewide or as any of the identified DPSs as threatened or endangered under the ESA is not warranted at this time.
The status review also identified three blueback herring DPSs: Canada/Northern New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern Atlantic. Based on the best scientific and commercial data available, they determined that listing blueback herring rangewide or as any of the identified DPSs as threatened or endangered under the ESA is not warranted at this time.
Congresswoman Elaine Luria Cosponsors Bill Combating Hezbollah’s Influence in Lebanon
Protecting Israel a Key Goal of Bipartisan Legislation
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) today announced that she is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Countering Hezbollah in Lebanon’s Military Act of 2019, partnering with lead sponsor Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-01).
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 calls upon the government of Lebanon to implement “the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that… there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than that of the Lebanese State.” Last December, Israel uncovered six cross-border tunnels in Southern Lebanon that were built by Hezbollah – an Iranian proxy – with the intention of harming Israeli civilians.
This bipartisan bill would strengthen Resolution 1701 by withholding 20 percent of U.S. foreign assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) until the LAF limits Hezbollah’s military influence through the appointment of key military officers. Additionally, this legislation requires an accompanying report describing the extent of Hezbollah’s influence over the LAF.
“I am proud to work with Congressman Zeldin on a bipartisan effort to combat Hezbollah’s influence,” Congresswoman Luria said. “We should continue to exert pressure on governments that partner with terrorist groups and threaten our ally Israel. Having visited the border of Israel and Lebanon, I recognize the gravity of this situation and I urge Congress to swiftly pass our bill to curb Hezbollah’s presence and impact.”
“Hezbollah has overwhelming political and military influence in Lebanon that presents an imminent geostrategic threat to Israel, and with Iran providing Hezbollah with hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of missiles, Hezbollah’s threat to Israel is greater than ever,” said Congressman Zeldin. “Meanwhile, the United States is pouring over $1.7 billion in foreign assistance into the LAF as it reportedly takes resources from this flagrant terrorist organization and Iranian puppet. The United States must fight against Iranian influence and stand with our nation’s greatest ally – Israel.”
Dead Zone in the Bay could be the biggest in two decades
According to ecologists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science the “dead zone”, an area of low oxygen that can kill fish and other aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay this summer could be one of the largest in the last two decades.
Above average river flows from increased rainfall since last fall, which has washed extra nutrients into the bay, is the reason for the expected increase.
The dead zone is expected to be about 2.1 cubic miles in size, according to the scientists, which would make it among the four largest in the past 20 years.
Riverside Offers Education for Seizure Sufferers
ONANCOCK, Va. – On June 27th at 5:30 p.m., Riverside Medical Group is offering free education on the surgical techniques for evaluation and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. Seizures are moments of abnormal brain activity that can cause jerky muscle movements, loss of consciousness or confusion.
The free education event is hosted by local Nurse Practitioner Annette Hempel with Riverside Neurological Specialists – Shore, and neurosurgeon Dr. Jackson Salvant from Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.
The event will be held in the first floor conference room at Riverside Shore Memorial hospital and is open to all who are interested even if they are not Riverside patients. RSVPs are requested by calling 302-2700 and choosing option 0.
Old Fashioned Community Picnic on Saturday, June 22
The 100th Anniversary Committee for the Cape Charles Memorial Library invites you to An Old Fashioned Community Picnic on Saturday, June 22, from 12:30 – 2:30 PM in Central Park.
This is the final celebratory event for the 100th anniversary and is planned as accessible to all and VERY family friendly. Come with your lawn chairs and picnic lunch at 12:30 PM (no alcoholic beverages please!) and settle in for a few hours of neighborly socialization and fun activities.
The committee asks that you bring a gently used or new children’s book for placement in one of the Little Libraries in town or at Kiptopeke State Park by the Friends of the Cape Charles Memorial Library.
The Almshouse Jazz Workshop will play in the gazebo for our listening pleasure, while from 12:30 – 2:00 PM there will be pony rides ($5) and face painting. At 1:00 PM watch the magic show by the gazebo.
Old fashioned children’s activities – three-legged races, egg carry race and water balloon toss with prizes – will be held at 12:45, 1:45 and 2:00 PM. Community groups will have tables for disseminating information and displaying merchandise.
To close out the celebration, Mayor Smitty Dize will read the Governor’s Proclamation, present the 100th-anniversary commemorative plaque and pull the winning raffle ticket for the anniversary quilt.
The celebration will finish with cake and ice cream for all.
Note: The committee does not have an alcohol permit so please bring other beverages for your picnic lunch. In case of inclement weather please look for a Flash email from the Happenings or check our Facebook page, Cape Charles Memorial Library 100th Anniversary
Bayshore to Auction off equipment Wednesday and Thursday
The closing of Bayshore Concrete is reaching the final stage. Most of the equipment is up for bids during an industrial auction scheduled for June 19 and 20.
Removal begins after the last item is sold and lasts for one hour (or until 5PM). Removal will continue the next morning and on all weekdays from 8AM to 5PM.
All details and inventory are available on the Auction Website Here.
RIGGING AND REMOVAL IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER.
Small, carryout items, should be removed immediately after the auction or the day after the auction. Anyone, either a buyer or rigger, who uses a powered vehicle to remove anything from the auction site, will need a certificate of insurance.
Accident Exposes Risks on Stone Road
A major car accident on 184 closed lanes Tuesday afternoon. One car was left smashed and stranded in the middle of the road, while another was hit and pushed to the side of the highway. The event occurred in front of the Cape Charles Brewery.
The Mirror contacted the Town attempting to get information about the crash, however, Mayor Dize and Chief Pruitt did not respond. Town Manager DiRe told the Mirror that he only knew a ticket had been issued.
While the crash could have been worse, one has to question the wisdom of placing a drinking establishment with such a short entryway in a 55 mph zone. The owners of the brewery have previously asked that the speed limit be dropped, but once again this is a VDOT issue.
Concerns have been raised in the past as drunk visitors, unaware of the rules, attempt to drive golf carts on 184 back into town.
Town Council Meeting Moved to Firehouse June 20
This month’s Regular Town Council Meeting on June 20th will be moved from the Civic Center to the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Company. The Historic District Review Board’s meeting on the 18th will also be moved to the Firehouse.
Work refinishing the hardwood floors in the Civic Center has been scheduled for the week of June 17, 2019, and would take a full week to complete.
On the Agenda for the meeting:
Recognition of Visitors / Presentations / Recognitions A. University of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Foundation – Terry Malarkey
Unfinished Business
A. Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Proposed Budget & Appropriation 7. New Business A. Leash Law
B. Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals Representative to Planning Commission
C. Appointment of Historic District Review Board Representative to Harbor Area Review Board
D. Appointment of Town Attorney for WWI Memorial Plaque Issue
E. Water/Wastewater System Potential Expansion
F. Buskey Cider Blanket Peddler’s License
8. Town Manager Comments
9. Mayor & Council Comments (5 minutes per speaker)
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