Safety-At-Sea Seminar on the Severn April 6

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the U.S. Naval Academy Sailing Squadron will sponsor its annual Safety-at-Sea Seminar in the Severn River adjacent to the U. S. Naval Academy, between the Naval Academy (SR-450) Bridge and Triton Light (LLN-19780), on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. The event includes on-water activities involving small boats and other vessels, a lowflying helicopter and pyrotechnics demonstrations.
     Coast Guard special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of the Severn River (from shoreline to shoreline), bounded to the northwest by a line drawn from the south shoreline at
39°00'38.9" N, 076°31'05.2" W, thence to the north shoreline at 39°00'54.7" N, 076°30'44.8" W, this line is approximately 1300 yards northwest of the Severn River (US-50) Bridge. The regulated area is bounded to the southeast by a line drawn from the Naval Academy Light at 38°58'39.5" N, 076°28'49" W, thence southeast to a point 700 yards east of Chinks Point, at 38°58'1.9" N, 076°28'1.7" W, thence northeast to Greenbury Point at 38°58'29" N, 076°27'16" W. The regulated area will be enforced from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 6, 2013. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain waters of the Severn River.
     The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this waterway beyond the enforcement times.
     For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12282, 12283.

Dredge Boat Working in the Nanticoke River

     Sharptown, Md. -- The Dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Nanticoke River in the vicinity ofNanticoke River Channel Light 61 (LLNR 24315) and Nanticoke River Channel Daybeacon 70 (LLNR 24350 from 05 January until 25 February, 2013. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations.  Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment.
     Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.
     Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 12261.

Dates Announced for Fall Annapolis Yacht Club Regattas

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the 2012 Annapolis Yacht Club’s Regattas (15 sail racing events) are scheduled to occur on the Chesapeake Bay, most held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the following dates: October 20-21 and October 27-28; and November 3 and November 17-18. The races will occur near the mouth of the Severn River, between the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake Bay) Bridges and Bloody Point (Kent Island), Maryland. For additional information, interested persons may link to individual events by contacting the AYC Regatta Management website at www.race.annapolisyc.org. Chart 12270.

Boat Shows at the Annapolis City Dock

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that United States Yacht Shows, Inc. will conduct in-water operations in support of its annual United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows in Annapolis Harbor October 2-17.  Temporary pilings, floating docks and submerged electrical cables will be placed in Annapolis Harbor.
     To support the in-water operations at Annapolis Harbor, long tows will cross the Severn River between Spa Creek and Carr Creek during October 2-5 and during October 14-17. During these periods, mariners are urged to use extreme caution when transiting the area and to reduce speed near the towing operations.  In-water operations will continue at the mouth of Carr Creek during October 17-31. Information regarding special anchoring restrictions in the Harbor in the event of severe weather during the boat shows should be directed to the Annapolis City Harbormaster’s Office on marine band radio channel 71 VHF-FM or telephone (410) 263-7973.
     For further information on the boat shows, contact the United States Yacht Shows, Inc. at (410) 268-8828, info@usboat.com, or visit usboat.com. Chart 12228.

Maryland DNR Certifies New Clean Marina in Deale

     Deale, Md. -- Bay Harbor Boatyard, a family run facility on Rockhold Creek off of Herring Bay, has been certified as the newest Maryland Clean Marina.

     “We really wanted to make our place the best it could be, so we decided to go for the Clean Marina Award,” said Co-owner Denise Klein. “The improvements are noticeable as soon as you walk in.” 

     “Our customers are on board too, which is great,” said Co-owner George Klein. 

     To meet award criteria, the Kleins worked with on-site contractors to remove old items stored in the yard, and established stormwater pollution prevention plans and regulations. The marina also maintains a spill response kit and recycles used shrink-wrap. 

     “This is an excellent example of a facility being brought up to modern standards by dedicated owners,” said Program Coordinator Donna Morrow. “We really enjoy working with enthusiastic marina owners who want to help protect our waterways. We encourage others to participate too.” 

     Bay Harbor Boatyard is known for its wooden boat restoration skills and also houses a marine transport trucking company. 

     This is the 123rd certified Maryland Clean Marina. There are a total of 148 certified facilities in the State, including 25 smaller Clean Marina partners. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution.

     Each of the 148 certified facilities has adopted a significant portion of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and passed a rigorous site inspection. Certifications are good for three years, at which time DNR staff re-inspects the properties. Marinas and boatyards of any size can participate. 

     More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina.

Eastport Yacht Club Regattas Scheduled for the mid-Bay

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Eastport Yacht Club’s Regattas are scheduled to occur in the middle Chesapeake Bay, between Hackett Point and Thomas Point and in the Severn River, with seven individual sail racing events scheduled on the following dates in 2012: August 25, September 24, October 1, November 24.
     The Eastport Yacht Club’s Race Committee can be contacted on marine band radio, at (410) 263-0415 or race.committee@eastportyc.org. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.  Chart 12270.

$25,000 Diamond Jim on the Loose

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Diamond Jim component of the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge has entered its third and final phase as Chesapeake Bay charter captains and Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) biologists recently caught, tagged and released more than 150 striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of the tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim worth $25,000 to the angler who catches it between August 1 and midnight September 3, with the other tagged rockfish known as imposters worth at least $500 each. New this month, gift certificates have also been provided by a handful of generous, local tackle shops. So far this year, four potential Diamond Jim fish have been caught and are awaiting certification.

     “The Maryland Fishing Challenge is a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy our State’s great outdoors,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “I encourage all Marylanders and visitors to join in making lasting memories by fishing in our beautiful waters.”

     As an exciting added incentive, six Maryland fishing tackle stores -- All Tackle of Annapolis, Clyde’s Sport Shop of Landsdowne, Fishbone’s Bait and Tackle in Pasadena, Herb’s Tackle Shop of North East, Marty’s Tackle Shop in Edgewater, and Tochterman’s Tackle in Fell’s Point in Baltimore -- are each offering a $1,000 gift certificate to the angler that catches the authentic Diamond Jim.

     Additionally, the angler who catches the August Diamond Jim will receive a set of one-carat total weight, round, brilliant diamond stud earrings worth approximately $4,000 from Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. Zachary’s is also providing five- to six- carat blue topaz charms for anglers who catch imposter fish. All told, the value of Diamond Jim for the month of August, including the Zachary’s Diamonds and the tackle store gift certificates, is $35,000.

     “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the best places on earth for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and of course, fishing,” said Zachary’s Jewelers owner Steve Samaras. “It just seems appropriate that the quest for a rockfish named Diamond Jim should have diamonds as a prize. All of us at Zachary’s are happy to provide these jewels with sincere hope that on September 8, we will have a winner.”

     Over the summer, more than 300 imposters worth at least $500 each and one genuine Diamond Jim will be pursued by anglers. Each month Diamond Jim goes uncaught the bounty increases - from $10,000 in June, to $20,000 in July, and $25,000 in August.

     The Hunt for Diamond Jim is a special summer feature of the Maryland Fishing Challenge, with roots that ran in the late1950s. The original contest featured a single, tagged striped bass worth $25,000. DNR revived this fun, family event in 2007 to highlight Maryland’s State fish, promote recreational fishing, recognize angler achievement and inspire natural resources stewardship. The contest still features a guaranteed $25,000 payout: If one of the three authentic Diamond Jims is not caught by midnight Labor Day, the cash prize will be split equally among the anglers who catch imposters this summer.

Now in its eighth year, the Challenge showcases Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay as a premier sport fishing destination with accessible, affordable, diverse and high quality fishing for anglers of all ages - from the crystal mountain streams, to the central Maryland lakes and the mighty Potomac River, down to the Chesapeake Bay, the Coastal Bays and the Atlantic Ocean.

     This year’s challenge honors the life and times of world renowned fly-fishing legend Lefty Kreh. Over his remarkable 75-year career the Maryland native has shared his enthusiasm and skill for fishing through his columns, books and presentations. He is also known for his commitment to Maryland’s natural resources, promoting conservation and clean water, and giving back to the outdoors. Kreh will be honored by Governor Martin O’Malley at the dedication of the Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park on June 11.

     Anglers who catch and register any of the more than 80 Maryland Angler Award eligible sport fish species receive certificates of achievement and free passes to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale, which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 8, 2012. This year’s Celebration will include chances to win a boat, trailer and motor package from Tracker Marine, a tropical vacation package from the World Fishing Network, tackle packages from Bill’s Outdoor Center and Bass Pro Shops and collectable Maryland Fishing Challenge shirts from Under Armour.

     The Maryland Fishing Challenge runs annually from the day after Labor Day through the following Labor Day each year. All fish must be caught recreationally by rod and reel. The Angler Award species list and the official Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest rules are located at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.

     Catch a fish is included in the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April 2009. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

     Anglers are invited to follow Diamond Jim on Facebook at facebook.com/diamondjim.md, and DNR Fisheries atfacebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService and on Twitter at @mddnrfish.

     More information on the Maryland Seafood Festival is available at www.MDseafoodfestival.com.

     Anglers that catch a tagged striper must not remove the tag. They should put the fish in their freezer and call the number printed on the tag. A DNR representative will follow-up to examine and certify the tag. The Diamond Jim component of this year’s challenge ends at midnight on September 3.