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I SPY ON THE SHORELINE SUMMER 2019 / VOLUME 65

I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

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Page 1: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

I SPY ON THE SHORELINE

SUMMER 2019 / VOLUME 65

Page 2: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

FROM THE PRESIDENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Few activities are as quintessentially American as a summer beach outing.

What begins as an almost ritualistic production – packing up the beach chairs and towels, slathering on the sunscreen, securing the kids in the backseat – pays off immediately with the first whiff of sea spray and the sounds of pounding surf.

It is well documented that proximity to the ocean can reduce stress. Author Wallace J. Nichols calls this sensation “blue mind,” and we humans intuitively seek it when we travel to the beach, visit the Aquarium or even take a bath.

As environmental stewards, we should also be mindful of how we can reduce the stress for other species. The various plastic bag and polystyrene bans along our coastline are wonderful examples of how communities can unite to minimize the impacts of human consumption on wildlife. Ideally, the beaches on our coast will be less polluted as a result, but we also encourage you to pick up the litter you find along the way and even document it with our Litter-free Digital Journal on our citizen science app (downloadable from Google Play and Apple Store).

To aid your next beach visit, be sure to check out the comprehensive article in this issue that highlights the many species you might find along the way. Want to learn more? Join one of the beach walks or seining programs we host throughout the summer.

Also in this issue, meet our Sea Turtle Care Center™ team and discover what led them to follow their passion and make sea turtle conservation a career. Summer is indeed sea turtle season in South Carolina, and be vigilant for signs of sea turtle activity and be respectful of the many protected nests you will likely find on our local beaches.

Our work in saving sea turtles and championing ocean conservation would not be possible without your membership. Thank you for joining us in our mission!

Kevin Mills, President and CEO

ChairmanJonathan M. Zucker

Co-Vice ChairmenJohn A. Hill Pete Sniderman

TreasurerJ. Donald HigginsDirector Emeritus

Vice Treasurer George Watt

SecretaryDeirdre Fortson

MembersJessica BrewerElizabeth Colbert- BuschLarry ColshanPeter ConwayJohn DanahySteve DudashSteve Durkee Clark GillespyFredrick “Fritz” Gitter, M.D.W. Andrew Gowder, Jr.Steve GrayDwayne GreenJim HansenMason HollandValerie HowellDavid JohnstonSatch KrantzGary McLaurinJohn NeelyMissy SaulsScott Snider

Peter StonefieldJames H. “Jeddie” Suddeth IIIEmily SwansonJim Twining Pam WilsonTom WrightStephanie Yarbrough

Chairmen EmeritiJames L. Ferguson*Kenneth “Ken” SeegerHilton C. Smith, Jr.M. William Youngblood, Esq.Jerry Zucker*

Directors EmeritiPat Conroy*John DanahyWilliam A. FinnBruce HeckerJ. Donald HigginsSheila HodgesPeatsy Hollings*Kate JeromeRobert R. MacdonaldLayton McCurdy, M.D.The Honorable Robert E. McNair*Mary Alice MonroeThe Honorable Richard W. RileyVictor Samra, Jr.*Catherine Smith Theodore Stern*

*deceased

TRIBUTARIES STAFF

EDITORIAL STAFFAmie Yam-Babinchak, Assistant Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications [email protected]

Jessica Cooper, Membership [email protected]

Charlotte Moore, Editor & Staff [email protected]

Danielle Raub, Staff [email protected]

Sarah Burnheimer, Staff [email protected]

DESIGN STAFFHannah Zickmund, Graphic [email protected]

Membership [email protected](843) 579-8518

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Page 3: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

The Beer that Saves Sea Turtles – What The Shell!

Do you like sipping on a cold beer? Do you like saving sea turtles? Now you can do both! Thanks to Pawley’s Island Brewing Company, 25% of the proceeds from their new What The Shell! Tropical Lager is donated to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™. This untraditional pilsner is dry hopped with Mosaic and Callista hops, giving it a prominent tropical fruit aroma with hints of light malt, a smooth body and the classic crisp finish you expect from a pilsner. Whether you drink What The Shell! at your favorite bar, restaurant, a backyard barbeque or at the Pawley’s Island Brewing Company taproom, you are supporting conservation efforts on South Carolina’s coast!

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Saltmarsh Aviary to Reopen Soon

If you have visited the Aquarium over the past several months, you have noticed that our Saltmarsh Aviary has been closed for renovations, including having the mesh netting replaced. The Aquarium has been busy at work preparing for our animal friends to return to their exhibit at the Aquarium. New mulch and soil have been installed, along with a brand-new boardwalk for the birds. You may even notice that the mural has been touched up and there are some new wood steps in place. Keep your eye out for an official reopen date and plan a visit to check out the refreshed Saltmarsh Aviary!

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Aquarium News

Aquarium Eliminates Single-Use Plastic

Through the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), 22 aquariums across the nation committed to reducing single-use plastic by making environmental changes in their own institutions. In 2017, the Aquarium joined the ACP with a goal of eliminating single-use plastic straws, bags and beverage bottles from inside our walls by 2020. We accepted the challenge! First, plastic straws were replaced with metal or paper. Next, plastic bags were exchanged with a paper equivalent. Now, ten months ahead of our goal deadline, beverage bottles are only found in aluminum form at the Aquarium! We also installed refillable water stations and the Gift Shop stocked up on reusable bottles, bags and straws. Stop by during your next visit to see the stylish options available for purchase to reduce your single-use plastic.

Page 4: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

What’s HappeningAFTER HOURS: JAZZ ON THE HARBORJUNE 7 · 7 – 10 p.m. · Aquarium

Jazz up your Friday night plans with an open-air concert overlooking the Charleston Harbor! Sway along to the melodies of jazz music as you stroll through the Aquarium’s galleries. Sustainably sourced small plates from our Good Catch partners, animal encounters and a beer and wine bar are also provided with purchase of your all-inclusive ticket. Event is 21+. Member tickets are $40. Learn more at scaquarium.org/afterhours.

WORLD OCEANS DAY JUNE 8 · Aquarium

Join us at the Aquarium in celebrating the magnificent bodies of water that cover 71% of the Earth’s surface – our oceans! Enjoy hands-on activities on the floor as we create environmentally sustainable crafts for you to take home! Included with Aquarium admission.

SEA STARS AND STRIPESJULY 4 · 7 – 10 p.m. · Aquarium

Looking for a stress-free way to celebrate the holiday? Experience the Aquarium and more during this family-friendly 4th of July celebration. Your all-inclusive ticket features tasty American fare, beer and wine bar and a spectacular display of fireworks on the water. Member tickets are $55 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12 and free for toddlers 2 and under. To purchase, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

SHARK WEEKJULY 27 - AUGUST 24 · Aquarium

Find fun shark activities around every corner as we celebrate the ocean’s apex predator. Enjoy dive shows, educational experiences and photo opportunities focused on sharks. Shark Week activities are included with Aquarium admission.

TADPOLE EXPLORERSJULY 20 & SEPTEMBER 21 · 8 – 9 a.m. · Aquarium

Guests from ages 1-3 get the Aquarium all to themselves and can enjoy stations including crafts, animal encounters and foam block building. Snacks, coffee and muffins will be provided. $10 per member child (includes up to 2 adult members) and reservations required. To reserve your spot, call (843) 579-8518.

THE LITTLE GYMAUGUST 6 & SEPTEMBER 3 · 10 – 10:30 a.m. · Aquarium

The Little Gym helps lay the foundation for children to become coordinated, confident and involved little people through activities such as warm-ups to directive music, tumbling and more! Ages 2-5. Included with membership, reservations required. To reserve, call (843) 579-8518.

DANCE MOVESAUGUST 8 & SEPTEMBER 5 · 10 – 10:30 a.m. · Aquarium

A fun and energetic class from Dance Moves of Charleston! Explore basic ballet moves, warm-ups and stretches, movements across the floor, jumping and turning. Comfortable clothing or dance attire recommended. Ages 2-5. Included with membership, reservations required. To reserve, call (843) 579-8518.

Page 5: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

What’s HappeningAFTER HOURS: BEER FROM HERE

AUGUST 16 · 7 – 10 p.m. · Aquarium

Hops, habitats and a heaping number of animals await you at this Carolina-led craft beer experience!

Enjoy local brews and local wildlife in one setting. Sip on select beers at tasting stations throughout

the Aquarium. Sustainably sourced small plates from our Good Catch partners, animal encounters and a beer

and wine bar are also provided with purchase of your all-inclusive ticket. Event is 21+. Member tickets are $40.

Learn more at scaquarium.org/afterhours.

MEET THE KEEPER: HORTICULTURE SEPTEMBER 7 · 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. · Aquarium

Green thumb or no, we guarantee you will have a blast building paper pots and planting seeds to grow your own plants! Try your hand at propagation, as we divide and cut

plants to grow them from seeds. Ages 5+ and adult friendly. $5 per Aquarium member. To reserve, call (843) 579-8518.

BEACH WALKSEPTEMBER 24 · 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. · Folly Beach

Let’s take a walk! Join our educators as we go on a nature hike on the beach and explore this amazing habitat. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and participate in wildlife

observations – watching for various birds and sand dwellers. We will also learn about the plants and animals that call the

beach home. Tickets are $15 for Aquarium members, reservations required. To reserve, call (843) 579-8518.

SEINING

JUNE 11 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Folly BeachJUNE 27 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Sullivan’s Island

JULY 9 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Daniel IslandJULY 25 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Sullivan’s IslandAUGUST 6 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Daniel Island

AUGUST 22 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · (Adults Only) · Sullivan’s IslandSEPTEMBER 21 · 10 – 11:30 a.m. · Folly Beach

Assist Aquarium staff as we search the sand and water for aquatic creatures. We’ll pull a seine through the surf to find fish, crabs and maybe even a small stingray. Educators will give you a glimpse into

the fascinating lives of fish, mollusks and other beach dwellers as we explore the surf. Tickets are $10 for Aquarium members, reservations

required. To reserve, call (843) 579-8518.

SCAQUARIUM.ORG/CALENDAR

There’s always more to explore

LEGEND: MEMBERS ONLY / PUBLIC EVENT

Page 6: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

I Spyon the Shoreline

Page 7: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Did you know horseshoe crabs are not actually crabs? Can you tell the difference between a skate and a stingray? Have you ever spotted an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin from the shore?

As warm weather returns to the Lowcountry, our members return to the shoreline. During the summer months, the Aquarium frequently receives inquiries from members, like you, about the animals they spot in the water or along the shore. Next time you venture to the beach, bring along this quick animal identification guide to help guide your exploration!

A Guide for BeachExploration

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Page 8: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Animal Identification

Walk along the beach in the summertime, and you are likely to spot one of these prehistoric crawlers (or their molts) along the shoreline.

Horseshoe crabs are not crabs at all! In fact, they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. You can find them mating and laying their eggs along the beaches in late spring and summer.

HORSESHOE CRAB Limulus polyphemus

Although live whelks live buried in the sand, whelk shells are most commonly found washed up on the beach during low tide and are usually inhabited by hermit crabs.

Many people misidentify these native sea snails as conchs, which are mostly found in tropical waters. Two of the most common types of whelks you may find along the South Carolina coast are lightning whelks and knobbed whelks.

WHELKBusycon spp.

You may spot skates swimming at the bottom of the water, hovering just above the sand.

Unlike the stingray, skates do not have a venomous barb on their tails, nor do they deliver live births! Instead, skates lay egg casings, commonly called “mermaids’ purses,” that are often found along the shoreline.

SKATE EGG CASINGChondrichthyes

Dig your feet a couple inches in the ocean sand, and you’ll be lucky to bump into one of these

well-known creatures!

Living sand dollars are hairy and dark in color, so be sure to

place them back in the water so they can survive! You may also spot sun-bleached and smooth sand dollars along the beach – although no longer living, they

are still very beautiful.

SAND DOLLARMellita quinquiesperforata

Cannonball jellyfish may be found alive, pulsating through the water, or no longer living and lying along the shoreline.

A group of jellies is called a smack, swarm or bloom.

Cannonball jellyfish are most commonly spotted midsummer. They feed on tiny zooplankton

and have a sting that most humans can’t feel!

CANNONBALL JELLYFISH

Stomolophus meleagris

Bring your flashlight because ghost crabs are typically found scurrying around the beach in

the late afternoon and at night-time. You will most often find

them in the dry, loose sand above the tideline.

Ghost crabs are burrow-dwellers, digging holes as

deep as four feet underground. Although they live on land,

ghost crabs will frequent the water to moisten their gills,

helping them better absorb oxygen.

GHOST CRABOcypode quadrata

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Page 9: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Look out across the horizon. Do you see any curved fins appearing above the waves? Chances are you’ve spotted Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Dolphins are highly social animals – if you see one, there’s probably a few more just below the surface. Here in the Lowcountry, we have resident dolphins who live throughout our waterways year-round, as well as transient dolphins who are the tourists of the bunch!

Dolphins have an interesting “sixth sense” called echolocation. They communicate and search for prey by producing a series of whistles or sounds. When these sound waves come into contact with another animal or object underwater, they “echo” off of them. Dolphins can then use these echoes to determine shape, size and location of their prey.

Since echolocation helps them find food, sound is pretty important to dolphins. That’s why the Aquarium is involved in a research study that’s looking at how changes to sound in their environment might impact them in the long term. Through a previous population distribution study, the Aquarium determined six dolphin habitat “hotspots” in the Lowcountry. At these locations, we’ve deployed underwater acoustic devices called hydrophones that record the soundscape so we can evaluate how noise affects dolphins over time.

SEINING AND BEACH WALK PROGRAMSWant to learn more about the swimming, crawling and floating creatures that share the shoreline with us? From June to September, the Aquarium offers a series of seining and beach walk programs to allow hands-on nature exploration for our guests. Children and adults alike can join Aquarium experts at one of our family or adults-only seining programs, as we cast a large net into the ocean and work together to identify our findings – from pompanos to shrimp! Call (843) 579-8518 to learn more or reserve your spot today.

I spy... the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Want to Learn More?

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Page 10: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Mackenzi PolkSea Turtle BiologistAll I needed was one time. One time holding a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle to

know I wanted to be a sea turtle biologist. For this reason, I studied marine

biology at the University of South Carolina. While in school, I volunteered

at the Riverbanks Zoo as an aquarist and diver. I also volunteered with the

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources during the summers, helping

with terrapin research and some sea turtle research as well. In January

2017, I started as an intern with the Sea Turtle Care Center. After several

months and lots of hard work, I became a full-time sea turtle biologist.

Not only do I feel fortunate to be on this team, but it’s a remarkable

feeling knowing you’re the voice for a species that doesn’t have its own.

Cait CrosbySea Turtle BiologistI’m originally from a state where the only sea turtles you’ll find are fossils –

Wyoming! I’ve always loved animals and grew up wanting to be a veterinarian

or a park ranger. I decided to major in biology at Georgia Southwestern

State University. Throughout undergrad, I worked at a veterinary clinic

and did my thesis on gopher tortoises, which really got me into the turtle

world. After graduating, I served in the AmeriCorps program at the Georgia

Sea Turtle Center for two years, working in sea turtle husbandry, outreach

and education. I’ve been working here in the Sea Turtle Care Center for

almost three years now! As a biologist, I have the unique opportunity to

communicate my passion for conservation to guests through rehabilitation,

and show how we can all contribute to the greater good in some small way.

Melissa Ranly Sea Turtle Care Center ManagerAs young as I can remember, I have always been passionate about the

marine environment and aquatic animals. As a child growing up in Florida,

my parents taught me to swim even before I could walk. Living on the

intercoastal, I would regularly see manatees, dolphins and sea turtles right

off the dock. I was in awe of the marine ecosystem and knew that I wanted

to dedicate my life to protecting it. After college, I was fortunate enough to

begin my career at SeaWorld Orlando as an educator. From there, I went on

to become the hospital coordinator and manager of two other sea turtle

hospitals.

Throughout my 21-year career of marine animal care and rehabilitation, I have

continued to grow. I am so excited to take on my new role as the Manager

of the Sea Turtle Care Center, and I am so thankful to be part of the

South Carolina Aquarium team.

Sea Turtle Care Center™Meet the Team

Page 11: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Summer is almost upon us. The weather

is steadily getting warmer, the waters

are becoming milder and the sun is

blazing hot. It’s the season of long

afternoons at the beach, swimming

in the ocean waves, rosé all day and

of course, local sea turtle releases!

There are many moving parts that go into

planning a sea turtle release, especially

a public beach release. First and

foremost, Sea Turtle Care Center staff

works with South Carolina Department

of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials

to determine where and when each

patient should be released based on its

own individual needs and best chance

for success. Remember, these turtles

are experiencing things they have rarely,

if ever, experienced before, such as a

car ride, the heat of the sun without

the ocean to cool them, large crowds

of people, pets, vehicles and all of the

Katelyn McGlothlinSea Turtle BiologistGrowing up, I was always in love with animals and the outdoors. In the

fifth grade we visited SeaWorld, where I swam with dolphins and, like

most kids, I told my family I was going to be a dolphin trainer. That dream

never went away. When the time came to decide on a career path, I chose

Coastal Carolina University’s marine science program. While I originally

wanted to be a dolphin trainer, I learned about all of the other amazing

careers in marine science. I took a sea turtle biology class in Costa Rica,

where I researched nesting leatherbacks and decided I wanted to work

in sea turtle rehabilitation. After college, I completed three internships,

including an internship with the Sea Turtle Care Center. I have been

here nearly three years now and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I leave each day knowing I made a difference in some small way.

hustle and bustle these things entail. It’s

a bit of a sensory overload! Additionally,

we consider physical condition, weather,

tides, water temperature, nearby human

activities that may be dangerous (such

as dredging) and where the animal

would naturally inhabit at that stage

in its life. Once we determine what is

best for the turtle, we begin contacting

the city, beach and county parks

and police and fire officials to help

us pinpoint a location and arrange

traffic control. Finally, with SCDNR

approval, we are ready to release.

With so many moving parts to

coordinate in such a small window

of time, sometimes it’s difficult to

provide ample notice when planning a

public release. Not to mention, early

notification of public releases could

attract unmanageably large crowds,

which could become a serious, and

perhaps dangerous, problem for

both animals and humans alike.

Much like it takes an army to rescue and

rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles,

it takes many helpful hands to help

them return home once they’re healthy

and healed. Take heart in knowing that

we do everything we can to have a

happy and safe local release season

that you and the turtles will enjoy.

Meet the Team

Behind the scenesSea Turtle Releases:

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Page 12: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Have you ever come across a small spot on the beach marked with stakes in the shape of a square? Do you remember seeing a group of people walking up and down the beach with clipboards and instruments that they use to poke into the sand?

If so, you’ve crossed paths with one of South Carolina’s many “turtle teams” that volunteer with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to monitor and protect sea turtle nests each summer.

More than 70% of the South Carolina coastline is critical nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles, including the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). There are currently more than 20 active turtle teams in coastal communities from Hilton Head to North Myrtle Beach, all made up of dedicated community volunteers with a shared passion for sea turtle conservation.

The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol currently boasts more than 350 active volunteers who comb ten miles of beach on Kiawah Island. Each mile of beach is led by a “zone captain” who schedules and mobilizes volunteers each day of nesting season to identify and monitor nests and support hatchlings within their zone. Volunteers are up bright and early each morning and spend a few hours each day checking on nests and helping hatchlings.

Turtle Patrol volunteers are often involved in a variety of conservation initiatives beyond their zone patrol. In fact, many of the volunteers are involved in regular litter

What’s Your Story?

sweeps. Kiawah Island Patrol “head turtle,” Lynne Sager, is helping lead a new island initiative to assess the dangers of and alternatives to single-use plastic pollution.

In addition to their work on and off the beach, the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol is dedicated to raising awareness for sea turtle conservation among island residents and vacationers. The Turtle Patrol developed an online training manual for volunteers that is accessible to curious residents and tourists through the Town of Kiawah’s website. This is part of the team’s efforts to engage more people in protecting our precious natural resources. The Turtle Patrol even offers a shadowing program that allows interested visitors and residents the opportunity to participate in supervised patrol along the beach to learn more about conservation practices and sea turtle nest protection.

The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol’s deep commitment to sea turtle conservation is also demonstrated through their on-going support of the Sea Turtle Care Center™. In 2019, the team committed to raising $5,000 for the Care Center and has already raised more than $7,000 in support of our program!

If you are interested in learning more about the work of the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol or about protecting sea turtle nests along the beach, visit kiawahisland.org/wildlife/loggerhead-sea-turtles.

Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol

Page 13: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

There are many ways to support sea turtles, from choosing alternatives to single-use plastic to donating critical medical items to the Sea Turtle Care Center™. This spring, we are excited to offer another way to support our rehabilitation efforts and raise awareness for sea turtle conservation: the new-and-improved sea turtle tote!

In March, you voted on your favorite design for the second edition of our popular sea turtle tote, and the winning tote went straight to production. The new sea turtle totes are now hot off the press and available for purchase with special thanks to our sponsor, South Carolina Federal Credit Union. All 2019 tote proceeds will directly support our work at the Sea Turtle Care Center in rehabilitating sick and injured turtles.

All 2019 tote proceeds will directly support our work in the Sea Turtle Care Center to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles.

The Aquarium is proud to recognize the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol’s support of the Sea Turtle Care Center through a sea turtle plaque located within the Rescue Gallery of Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™.

We invite you to be recognized in our Rescue Gallery as well. To learn more about this exceptional opportunity to support the Sea Turtle Care Center by purchasing a limited sea turtle plaque of your own, please contact Brittany St. Sauveur at [email protected].

New Sea Turtle Tote: A Turtle-y Stylish Way to Support

THE AQUARIUM IS PROUD TO RECOGNIZE

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Page 14: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

Have you ever heard the advice “Eat oysters in months that include an ‘r’?” Would you believe us if we told you that you can eat Lowcountry-grown, sustainable oysters year-round, thanks to a growing list of local oyster farmers? That ages-old saying always referenced wild oysters that typically grow in clusters, but there are some new bivalves in town, and they are farmed, single and ready to mingle!

W H AT ’ S T H E D I F F E R E N C E B E T W E E N W I L D A N D F A R M E D O Y S T E R S ?

Most wild oysters grow in clusters throughout the saltmarsh and along the shore. These oyster populations are pivotal beyond being a food source: they help filter water, serve as habitat and protection for marine creatures and even help reduce erosion in certain areas.

Farmed oysters also filter water and create habitats. Because their location is specially selected, they can be placed in areas where they will not only thrive, but where they can contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the area. Farmed oysters are triploids; they have an extra chromosome, making them sterile. Because of this, they focus all their energy into filtering water, growing in specialized underwater cages and reaching maturity (and a substantial size) after about two years. Soon after, these succulent singles can make it onto our plates! By offering a farmed oyster option, pressures can be reduced on wild oyster reefs and it will alleviate the state’s shell deficit.

Conservation Matters

Every Season Can Be Oyster Season

A S K F O R T H E S E L O C A L S I N G L E S F R O M O U R G O O D C AT C H PA R T N E R S

W H E N D I N I N G O U T :

• Barrier Island Oyster Co.’s “Sea Clouds”

• Charleston Oyster Farm’s “Perky Sea Cups”

and “Mosquito Fleet Petites”

• Lowcountry Oyster Co.’s “Lowcountry Cups”

• Toogoodoo Oyster Co.’s “Toogoodoozies”

So, is one option better than the other? Not necessarily – what matters most is choosing from the myriad of local Lowcountry options to indulge in, regardless of season. By choosing local oysters, you’re not just investing money back into the community; your food is sourced close to home, keeping its carbon footprint relatively low. These reasons and more make them a “good catch”! Whether wild or farmed, sweet or savory, briny or buttery and beyond, oysters are here to be enjoyed throughout the year.

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Purchase tickets online at scaquarium.org/afterhours

or by calling (843) 577-FISH (3474).

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AFTER HOURS

Friday, June 7Jazz on the Harbor

Friday, August 16Beer from Here

Friday, October 25Southern Spirits

JULY 4, 2019 · 7 p.m.

Tickets on sale now! To purchase, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

Page 16: I SPY ON THE SHORELINE - scaquarium.org · Kate Jerome Robert R. Macdonald Layton McCurdy, M.D. The Honorable Robert E. McNair* Mary Alice Monroe The Honorable Richard W. Riley Victor

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1 00 AQUARIUM WHARF CHARLESTON , SC 29401 SCAQUARIUM .ORG

Isle of Palms County ParkKids Fun Run - 5:30 p.m.5K - 6 p.m.After Party to Followscaquarium.org/turtletrek

A SUNSET BEACH RUN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

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