Outdoors news and notes

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 20, 2011

Making news

Winter still wreaking havoc on turtles

This winter already has been harsh on sea turtles. Then last week there were 242 cold-stunned sea turtles removed from St. Joseph Bay near Port St. Joe. But they were returned to the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday. Residents, volunteers and researchers removed immobile turtles and took them to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, where they were evaluated and warmed. About half were moved to Florida's Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach to provide them with more swimming space. Sea turtles can function in water above about 50 degrees. Last week's cold snap pushed some water temperatures into the 40s.

Vehicles still top threat for panthers

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission documented 23 panther deaths in 2010. Of those mortalities, 16 were caused by vehicles. Six of the panther deaths are attributed to "intraspecific aggression," or panthers killing other panthers. One panther died of unknown causes. This is similar to 2009, when the FWC documented 25 deaths, with 17 by vehicles. The five-year average is approximately 23 panthers per year, with an average of almost 14 killed each year by vehicles. Panther speed zones are well-marked, with speed limits reduced at night to 45 mph. Motorists should be aware that violators often receive fines exceeding $200 for their first offense, and any violation of more than 29 mph over the posted limit will result in a mandatory court appearance.

Looking ahead

Climate change remains hot topic

A free discussion about climate change, moderated by David Hollander, a Ph.D and associate professor of Chemical Oceanography at the USF College of Marine Science, will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Hangar Restaurant on Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg. There will be several speakers. RSVP for the event at pieraquarium.org/event/climatechange scicafe.

Sailors prep for NOOD event

The waters off the Pier in downtown St. Petersburg will be full of sailboats on Feb. 18-20 for the National Offshore One-Design Regatta. Top sailors from around the world will compete against local skippers for the overall prize of a trip to the British Virgin Islands to race in the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Championship Regatta. For information, go to sailingworld.com/nood regattas.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/outdoors-news-and-notes/1146616

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