CCA MD to host blue catfish tournament

As a brighter spotlight is being shined on the dangers of invasive blue catfish, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s (CCA MD) Central Region Chapter has scheduled a tournament and day of information to create greater awareness of the harm this species can do to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The event will be Saturday, March 21, at Smallwood Park in Marbury, MD. Festivities will run from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tourney is set for 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a party and information sharing following from 1-3 p.m. In addition to CCA MD, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Potomac Riverkeeper are co-sponsoring the day.

“The exploding population of blue catfish in the Chesapeake watershed has begun to upset the imbalance of the ecosystem, and the blue cats rapidly expanding numbers show no signs of slowing down,” said Rick Elyar, Central Region Chapter president. “Although trophy sized blue catfish are a valued recreational fishery, they’re now negatively affecting commercially and recreationally important bay species that migrate through on spawning runs or use the watershed areas to release eggs each spring.  All of this is creating an overall imbalance of our Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.”

The tournament will include three categories— shore, boat and youth fishing— with single person kayaks qualifying for the shore division. Maryland, Virginia or District of Columbia tidal Potomac waters are open for tourney fishing.

Anglers must pre-register at http://www.ccamd.org/?ai1ec_event=central-chapter-blue-cat-tournament&instance_id=2356 where they can find complete rules.

Starting at 1 p.m. there will be presentations by NOAA and DNR along with music and a blue catfish taco buffet, prepared by Baltimore's Alewife Restaurant head Chef Chad Wells.

 The Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) is one of 17 state chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association, which has 100,000 members nationally. CCA MD is an organization of recreational anglers fighting for Maryland’s marine resources and believing the sustainability of the resource must be the priority in any fishery management decision.

Maryland Rally for Clean Water

Welcome to the "Don't Backtrack on the Bay!" Rally for Clean Water!

We're excited to see you on Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis on February 24. Please register to let us know you're coming!

We will be at Lawyer's Mall with t-shirts, a photo booth, snacks, and poster-making supplies starting at 11:30 a.m.

Please arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. to get a t-shirt, take a photo in our photo booth, and make a poster. A brief program featuring Maryland legislative leaders for clean water will start at 12 noon.

Some helpful tips for a fun rally:

• Dress for success! Wear lots of blue, and arrive early to get a t-shirt. Also, dress appropriately for the weather.
• Bring a homemade sign that reflects why you care about clean water, or arrive early to make one at the rally
• Bring a photo ID so that you can deliver a message to your legislator or attend a hearing later that day. You will need it to get through security in the legislative office buildings to deliver messages to your senator or delegate.

What else is happening that day? At 1:00 pm, a hearing will be held in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on legislation introduced by Senator Paul Pinsky to reduce pollution from agricultural sources. If you are interested in seeing the Maryland General Assembly at work and showing your support for clean water, consider attending the hearing.

Parking and public transportation: Locations for public parking around the State House can be found on this map. You can also park at the Navy Stadium outside of downtown for $5 and take the Navy Blue or State shuttle to the State House for $2. The shuttle runs on a 20-minute interval, so be sure to allow enough time for travel. Further information is available here. Annapolis runs a free Circulator Trolleybetween select downtown locations on a 20-minute interval as well.

If you are coming to the rally from the Eastern Shore, we are arranging bus transportation for those interested. Please register as soon as possible if you would like a ride to the rally.

Eastern Shore bus itinerary:
10:15 a.m.	Depart Easton Walmart 8155 Elliott Road Easton, MD 21601
10:45 a.m.	Pickup additional passengers at Nike Factory Store 441 Outlet Center Drive Queenstown, MD 21658
10:55 a.m.	Depart Nike Factory Store
11:30 a.m.	Drop off passengers at Lawyer's Mall, State House, Annapolis, Maryland
2:00 p.m.	Pick up passengers at Lawyer's Mall, State House, Annapolis, Maryland
2:30 p.m.	Drop off passengers at Nike Factory Store 441 Outlet Center Drive Queenstown, MD 21658
3:15 p.m.	Drop off remaining passengers at Easton Walmart 8155 Elliott Road Easton, MD 21601

Jordan to speak about computerized jet propulsion

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Jeff Jordan of IntelliJet Marine will present a paper on propulsion and computer simulation for sustainable high speed boats and ships at the American Society of Naval Engineers’ ASNE Day 2015 on March 5 in Arlington, Virginia.

By incorporating similar technology that has vastly improved modern aircraft and cars, marine jet craft can optimize fuel efficiency at low and mid-range speeds without sacrificing high-speed capability.

IntelliJet now has working relationships with a motor supplier and a recreational boat builder and is looking for strategic, manufacturing and financial partners for military, commercial, unmanned watercraft and high speed boats.

Find out more at www.power.iiJet.com.

5th Annual Marine and Maritime Career Fair

ANNAPOLIS — The 5th Annual Marine & Maritime Career Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Annapolis High School.
The career fair is open to students from grades 6-12 from Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region.
A registration link is available at eycfoundation.org.
Exhibitors and sponsors are welcome. Marine trades opportunities exist in electronics, carpentry, plumbing, engines, marina management, rigging, sailmaking, publications, boating equipment and supplies and more.
For more information, contact Pam Ray or Marty Lostrom at 2015careerfair@gmail.com or call 888-383-8777.