I was asked today how the recent rains have effected the River and its wildlife. It looks "dirty", like the wash from my prop is almost black from mud. I kind of smiled and responded, the River is the cleanest I have ever seen it. Its color is the reason our river is called a blackwater river. The recent rains and flooding have made it even darker.
A friend and I took a cruise up river last evening and, sure enough, the wake from the prop revealed the rich color of a black water river, like a cup of coffee without milk. While it's blacker now because of the recent rains, its color does not come from mud or silt washed into the river, but rather the tannins from dissolved pine needles and pine cones from Georgia pine forrests, through which the St. Marys River and its many tributaries flow. The rain and flooding have deposited more pine neddles into the river making for more dissolved tannins.
The actual effect of tannins on life in the river is debatable, however, the early sailors from Europe filed their bilges with the tannin waters as their fresh water supply. Turns out the tannins or tannic acid maintained the water's freshness for drinking on the sailor's long voyage home. So, sailing vessels traveled far up the St. Marys River, unloaded their ballast, and replaced the weight with valuable drinking water with tannins, in preparation for their long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
As we made our way upriver, we ancored the boat at our favorite spot by the bluff to cool off with a swim. Despite, or perhaps because of, the black-ness of the water, the freshness and feel of the river water was simply awesome. I was reminded of the many swims I have enjoyed in the fresh water springs in Florida. As I struggled to maintain position in the strong current and enjoy the coolness and freshness of the water just a wee bit longer, I wondered what it would be like to take a swallow, as did the sailors of yesteryear. No longer able to fight the current as it rushed to the sea, I re-entered the boat and could not help but notice the lack of any signs on my body of the black-ness in the water, just the refreshing feel of the water evaporating from my body in the breezes of the early evening sunlight. I felt totally rejuvinated, unlike any feel one might have from a swim in chlorinated water or a dip in the surf.
So...no adverse effects on wildlife. Example: several days before I was privelged to witness two manatees copulating by the bank of the Gilman boathouse property just below the dock. What a sight! I cheered them on. I don't think they noticed, and, ye, we do need more manatees. So...life continues in our "river of life".
Rick, thank you for this good read!
ReplyDeleteWhile there may not be any detrimental effect on the wildlife, there have been some effects...not all positive. For instance, word at the riverside is that casting for shrimp has yielded small return. The shrimp like a saltier environment. As do the Blue Crab. They have migrated south to saltier areas of the river. The two local crabbers have had to re-locate their traps. While not negative, we humans too can rely on a river, as a source of food. Already the Blue Crab are starting to move back into the harbor.
On a better note, there have been fresh water bird visits that we normally don't get. I saw my first Anahinga a few days after TS Debby went through! More and more Rosetta Spoonbills seem to arrive everyday. There is something in that fresher water they like to eat!
And don't forget, sailors (and esp. Pirates) used tannin rich rivers to dye their sails that lovely red bark color. Many ways to use, enjoy and respect such a lovely river as the St. Marys River. Thanks for all your efforts!
best
anne/steelaway