Harbor seal pup on shore. This is a premature pup, evident by the white lanugo fur, generally mostly shed in utero. Credit Marine Mammal Rescue, Seacoast Science Center, Rye, N.H.
Kayaking During Harbor Seal Pupping Season
By Brian Yurasits
Marine Mammal Rescue | Community Outreach Manager
Every year from late April through June, New England beaches become a nursery to one of nature's most adorable animals - harbor seal pups. As a kayaker, you can help protect these cute animals by calling your local rescue agency and by acting as their eyes on the water. If you see a seal (or any other marine mammal) on the beach, live or dead, it's a federal regulation to keep 150 feet back and call your center's hotline. The Seacoast Science Center'sMarine Mammal Rescue's area of coverage is Cape Ann, Massachusetts north to the Maine border. Its hotline number is 603-997-9448. "It is vital that we do not interrupt the important bond being formed between a mother seal and her pup during this time," says MMR Manager Ashley Stokes. "The mother seal may leave her pup on the beach while she is off feeding and it is critical that we give the pup space so the mother will return to it." Pups are completely dependent on their mothers for three to four weeks, making them especially vulnerable to human disturbance during these spring and summer months.
Wildlife encounters are part of what makes kayaking such a special experience, but it's crucial to respect the space of all wild animals. According to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it's illegal to harass or feed any marine mammal in U.S. waters. So the next time you come across a seal on a kayaking expedition, please refrain from moving closer for a photo, and instead aid the experts in studying these animals. You can help report the exact location of the animal, whether it's alive or dead, and details about its size, coloring, and behavior, so that the Center can dispatch a trained team member. All of this information contributes to the conservation of this iconic New England species
Important note: Only animals on the beach should be reported. Animals that are free swimming do not need to be reported.
For more information on Seacoast Science Center's Marine Mammal Rescue program and to donate, click here.
North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) — so called because they were once thought the "right whales" to hunt (they floated when they were killed) — are the rarest whales in the world. Only about 400 North Atlantic right whales remain.
The Center for Biological Diversity and allies just won an important victory for this rapidly declining population. A court said the National Marine Fisheries Service acted illegally by not taking steps to protect the whales from entanglement in commercial lobster lines, which cause injuries and death.
"Right whales have been getting tangled up and killed in lobster gear for far too long," said Kristen Monsell, the Center's oceans legal director. "This decision sends a clear signal that federal officials must protect these desperately endangered animals."
Find Out What's Going on During the COVID-19 Outbreak
USHarbors.com, a popular online tool for tides, weather, and local knowledge, is now posting a weekly news summary of announcements and stories received from its coastal community. It includes timely information on what people who boat and fish should/should not do during the COVID-19 outbreak as well as status and project updates from its coastal communities and businesses.
US Harbors is a website created and run by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors and provides accurate, highly-usable tide charts covering 1,200 US harbors. The site also supports local businesses and organizations by providing an affordable hyper-local marketing channel, to promote products and services to people interested in marine-related activities. US Harbors has been in operation since 2009, providing tides, weather and local information. The custom-made tide charts are particularly popular.
Chesapeake Bay Access
Looking for a place to get out of the house and paddle in the Chesapeake Bay area? The Chesapeake Paddlers Assn. has posted a great resource which puts you in touch with ramp locations and water access throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Don't forget to practice six-feet social distancing, and now more than ever it is important to stay safe (Listen to your weather radio!) and not to have to tap into emergency rescue resources that are deployed elsewhere. For information, Click Here.
Clockwise from top left: Jug Rock House. Floating Kayak Club. Kayak House. Kayak cabin on Sutton Island.
The Kayak House
While sheltering at home, this might be a good time to dream up your perfect kayak house. Here are a few sources of inspiration.
The Jug Rock Kayak House in Westport, Mass., was once a boat house before it was destroyed by a hurricane of 1932. The small building is lifted off the rock on a board foundation and stilts and strategically cantilevered out over the water, with a large glass window. The one room includes a wall of book shelves, storage, and bed elevated above the entry level. A board walk leads into the building. Hop in your kayak and go. You'll always know what the wind and tide is doing with the large picture window looking out over the harbor.
The Floating Kayak Club is not exactly a house, but if I were designing a kayak house, I would use some of these elements. It is located in Vejle, a town in Demark in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula at the head of the of Vejle Fjord, where the Vejle River and Grejs River and their valleys converge. It is about 237 km from Copenhagen, a three-hour drive.
A graduate of MIT in architecture, Maria Ogrydziak, designed Kayak House for a doctor and his family who love kayaking on the American River in California. The house overlooks one of the best kayak runs in Northern California. It is practically possible to kayak out the front door with enormous picture windows looking out on the water and kayaks hanging in the entry hall.
For those who prefer the traditional and funky, we discovered this perfect kayak house on Sutton Island when paddling out of Seal Harbor in Maine. It's easy to maintain and just a short walk to the water. Though it seems Spartan, the chimney indicates the presence of a wood stove and promises a cozy shelter from chilly Maine nights.
Have you seen or designed the perfect kayak house? Or are you lucky enough to live in one? Send us your plans or a photo.
New Zealand Kayaking
We won't be getting there any time soon, but off the coast of New Zealand's South Island, paddlers can enjoy face time with fur seals, blue penguins, dusky dolphins, and possibly whales. Kaikoura Kayaks (kaikourakayaks.nz) offers a three hour tour several times daily throughout the year, in single and double kayaks. Kaikoura Kayaks is the world's only kayak-touring company certified as sustainable by the conservation group Friend of the Sea. The outfitter is currently closed due to the pandemic but we can dream on.
Dusky dolphins cavorting on a Kaikoura trip.
This is what it will be like from now on.
BOC Sets Summer Paddling Schedule and Guidelines for Healthy and Safe Pandemic Paddling.
By Larry McIntosh
The Brattleboro Outing Club had planned to host 13 paddle trips, from April to October. Since the pandemic interfered with the first two trips, the remaining 11 are included here, and posted under the Summer Paddling menu header.
Paddling is good for both body and soul. It allows us to exercise, as well as getting into nature, away from the four walls, into a clean, safe and open environment.
During this time of COVID-19, it is especially important to protect ourselves, as well as those around us. Pandemic Paddling requires us to be more conscious of our surroundings and actions. The following guidelines are offered to help make us all more responsible paddlers:
• Follow all CDC guidelines, as well as state and local requirements regarding masks, physical distancing and group sizes.
• No car-pooling, unless it's with someone you live with.
• Avoid congested parking areas.
• Do not congregate around launch and landing sites, or rest stops. Spread out.
• Be totally self-sufficient, able to load, unload, and move your own vessel. In the event you have to ask for help, or offer help, be conscious of distancing. If you help carry a long or heavy boat, remember to use the same handle, or carry strap, each time you move that boat. Use hand sanitizer often, or gloves, if you have them.
• Always wear your life jacket (PFD).
• When paddling, remember to keep apart, and no rafting. A good rule on the water is to stay at least two boat lengths from each other. Since most kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are more than six feet long, it shouldn't be difficult to determine distance. Also try not to follow closely behind another boat, since the virus may be shedding, or particles from the boater ahead may drift back on you. If you have to follow, try to keep at least boat lengths apart. It's best to paddle in a line abreast, rather in a file, one behind the other. Be conscious of the wind direction, and use it to stay healthy.
• If you are not able (or don't know how) to rescue yourself, in the event of a tip-over, and the water is deeper than your waist, paddle to the near shore, where you can swim or walk your boat to safety. Requiring rescue endangers both you, and the person coming to your aid, since physical distancing parameters will be compromised.
• No sharing of gear, food, water bottles, sun screen, bug repellent, cameras, cell phones, binoculars, etc. Be self-sufficient and responsible. Keep track of your own trash and recycle.
BOC hosted paddle trips are free, and open to the public. Just show up with your own boat/board, and required safety gear. No reservations are required, except for the overnight camping in September. Trips are as follows:
• Wednesday, May 20th: Spoonwood Pond, Hancock and Nelson, N.H.
• Sunday, May 31st: Somerset Reservoir, Somerset, Vt.
• Wednesday, June 3rd: Hubbard Pond, Rindge, N.H.
• Wednesday, June 17th: Grafton Pond, Grafton, N.H.
• Saturday, June 20th: Harriman Reservoir, Wilmington, Vt. (sunrise paddle & potluck island breakfast) — FIRST DAY OF SUMMER.
• Saturday, September 12th: Ct. River, Sumner Falls to Wilgus State Park, Ascutney, Vt. This is an overnight camping trip, if desired.
• Sunday, September 13th: North Hartland Lake, Hartland & Hartford, Vt. Second day of the two-day camping trip, if desired.
• Saturday, September 26th: Conn. River, Brattleboro to Vernon, Vt. Part of the Conn. River Conservancy's 25th Annual Source to Sea Clean-up.
• Wednesday, September 30th: Leader's Choice; wherever the colors are peak.
• Saturday, October 3rd: Somerset Reservoir, Somerset, Vt.
• Wednesday, October 7th: Leader's Choice; wherever the colors are peak.
Details about where and when to meet for each trip are posted on the BOC website. There’s also a list of recommended items to bring along on every paddle trip. Everyone is welcome to join BOC Masked Paddlers or just go out on your own.
The Annual BOC Consignment Sale & Swap of people & wind powered watercraft has been moved to Saturday, June 13th; location TBA. More info on BOC website.
For more information, contact Larry at (802) 254-3666, or Lmacyak@gmail.com
California Beaches Experience Amazing Bioluminescence Display
According to an article by Katherine J. Wu in Smithsonian Magazine online, the southern California coast has been experiencing a spectacular display of bioluminescence this past month. The display is due to a bloom of light-producing dinoflagellates in the water. These displays, while unpredictable, can sometimes accompany red tides. The dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra is responsible for both the red time and the sparkling seas. The glow is thought to be a startle defense mechanism against predators, as it is occasioned when the organisms are disturbed, even by a crashing wave.
The recent period of heavy rains in the area were the cause of the red tide bloom and local photographers, aware of a series of red tides off Newport Beach, came out at night to record some of the beautiful phenomenon.
Coast Guard to Boating Public: It is Best to Wear Your Vest
Spring brings the beginning of the boating season and a reminder from the Coast Guard that boaters are significantly safer in and around the water while wearing lifejackets.
Federal Law dictates that all recreational vessels must carry one wearable lifejacket for each person aboard, and any boat 16 feet and longer, with the exception of canoes and kayaks, must also carry one throwable Type IV device.
The Coast Guard encourages boaters to go a step further and wear lifejackets at all times when a vessel is underway. Many boating accidents occur on relatively nice days with calm weather and often without enough time to don a lifejacket before entering the water. Imagine trying to put a seatbelt on when you realize you are going to be involved in a car accident. A lifejacket should be treated the same way; it can save your life, but only if you wear it.
Lifejackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes and comfort levels. Many are thin and flexible, while others are built into fishing and hunting vests. Some are inflatable and are as compact as scarfs or fanny packs. Once they hit water, they automatically fill with air. If boaters enter the water unexpectedly, they are much more likely to survive if they are wearing their life vests.
Things to Know:
• The best lifejacket is the one you will wear.
• Certain lifejackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position that permits proper breathing.
• Some styles of lifejackets are not intended for weak or non-swimmers (read the label and be honest).
• To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a recreational vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket for each person aboard.
• When worn correctly, a lifejacket will fit snugly and will not rise above the wearer's chin or ears while in the water.
• Most adults only need 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy (31 to 53 Newton) to keep their heads above water.
Coast Guard Reminds Boaters of Cold Water Drowning Dangers
The Coast Guard reminds recreational boaters and paddlers to be aware of the risks involving cold water drownings.
Even as the U.S. heads into warmer weather, it can still take many months for the rivers, lakes, and waterways to catch up. The water may be significantly colder than the outside ambient temperature.
Always wear a life jacket while out on the water. There is no time to don a life jacket when an accident or emergency occurs. The best vest is the one you wear.
"While hypothermia is a real concern, the true cause of most drownings this time of year is the rapid loss of one's ability to swim or tread water due to cold water immersion," said Capt. Nathan Coulter, chief of incident management for the 13th Coast Guard District. "Water temperatures in lakes and rivers are still near 50 degrees. If you enter water at those temperatures without a wet-suit or personal flotation device you may have less than 10 minutes to survive. Stay safe by dressing for the water temperature, not the air temperature."
According to Frank Golden and Michael Tipton, internationally recognized experts in cold-water survival, water below 60-degrees Fahrenheit is immediately life-threatening, and many northeastern waterways stay below 60 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Sudden cold-water immersion makes it difficult, if not impossible, for boaters to keep their heads above water and stay afloat. Boating fatality statistics have shown that wearing a life jacket gives boaters the best chance of survival in the event of an accident, especially in cold water.
Small vessels such as kayaks, canoes, rafts, row boats, paddle boards, sailing vessels, and open motorboats less than 21-feet long are the most vulnerable to capsizing.
Wear personal protective clothing, including dry or wet suits, clothing appropriate for a swim in the water temperature where you are venturing.
Boaters don't just need to wear the proper gear but also need to equip their boats with required and recommended safety gear, such as a hand-held VHF-FM marine-band radio, a personal locator beacon, and flares.
File a float plan. Take the time to write your contact information, with a waterproof permanent marker, on your kayak, paddle board or other personal water craft. A name, address, and phone number can assist first responders in locating you, should your vessel be found.
New and inexperienced boaters should seek education before heading out on the water. Safety courses are offered through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and other state and local agencies, which are often offered at little or no cost.
Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker off the Coast of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard rescued an overturned kayaker off the coast of Pacifica, Friday, April 17.
San Mateo County personnel contacted Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders at 3:50 p.m. reporting a person in the water in distress approximately 100 yards offshore.
Sector San Francisco watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.
The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 4:25 p.m., lowered the rescue swimmer to the kayaker and hoisted him into the helicopter.
Coast Guard Searching for Person in the Water
in Dickinson Bay, Texas
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water after a kayak overturned in Dickinson Bay, Texas, early Wednesday morning, April 15.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report of an overturned kayak resulting in two people in the water. One of the individuals was able to swim to an uninhabited land mass located in the marsh in the western corner of the bay and used his cellphone to contact 911.
Watchstanders launched an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew and a Station Galveston 29-foot Response Boat–Small boat crew.
The MH-65 aircrew located the individual who was able to swim to shore and transferred him to the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston.
The individual who is still missing is reported to be a 30-year-old male wearing blue jeans and a brown-hooded sweatshirt.
Involved in the search are:
• An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
• A Station Galveston 29-foot Response Boat–Small.
• Texas City Fire Department
Coast Guard Ends Search for Person in the Water
in Dickinson Bay, Texas
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard has ended the search for a 30-year-old man missing in Dickinson Bay, Texas, after he was located at home Wednesday evening.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston watchstanders received notification from a family friend that the missing individual had been located at home and was unaware of the ongoing search efforts.
"We are incredibly grateful this young man was located safe, and I want to thank each and every crew that assisted in our search efforts," said Cmdr. Jarod Toczko, search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector Houston-Galveston. "I also want to stress the importance of ensuring that you are prepared before entering the water. Wearing a life-jacket, filing a float plan and checking the weather before departure are just a few simple steps that can truly make all the difference."
Coast Guard crews searched over 57 square miles for more than 12 hours.
The search began early Wednesday morning when Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report of an overturned kayak resulting in two people in the water. One of the individuals was able to swim to an uninhabited land mass located in the marsh of the western corner of the bay.
An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew located the individual who was able to swim to shore and transferred him to the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston.
Involved in the search were:
• An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
• A Station Galveston 29-foot Response Boat—Small.
• Sector Houston-Galveston Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) team.
• Texas City Fire Department.
• Texas City Police Department.
• Houston Police Department.
• Galveston Police Department.
• League City Police Department Dive Team.
• Webster Police Department Marine Unit.
• Texas EquuSearch.
• Good Samaritan vessels.
