CCA Annual Fish Stocking 

Fishing in our lagoon system has undoubtedly become increasingly popular over the last several years and even more so during this time of quarantine! The Skidaway Island Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) volunteers have been a long-time partner of the Association who generously provide their time, expertise, and donations towards lagoon programs, events, and projects. Over the years, CCA has raised $400,000 in donations, which has contributed to the growing number of residential fishing in The Landings’ lagoons. Fish stocking is one of the annual programs that CCA volunteers participate in and fund, which typically occurs in the spring or early summer when water temperatures are cooler and fewer predators such as otters and cormorants frequent the lagoons. Last month, a total of 5,500, three-to-four-inch blue gills were stocked in lagoons 14, 22, 26, 66, 106, and 149. Prior to the selection of lagoons for the fish stocking program, the following programs are completed to collect the appropriate data for stocking:

• Juvenile Seining - Nets are used to sample species of fish in each lagoon to determine how many young fish are present. This process also helps determine if the lagoon is experiencing the appropriate level of natural reproduction.
• Electrofishing - Electrofishing sends a weak electrical current through the lagoon water that temporarily stuns the fish. The fish are then collected, identified by species, weighed, and measured. This information is then used to determine the relative weights of the fish, identify predator/prey relationships in the lagoons, and determine the overall fishery health of the lagoons.

CCA and TLA staff also closely monitor fish kills in our lagoon system, and lagoons that have experienced fish kills are stocked at a higher rate. Over the last three years, CCA volunteer and resident, Jeff Wong, has generously funded the fish stocking program. Wong is a local business owner of The Omelette House chain, who enjoys catch-and-release fishing in our lagoon system. Since his involvement with CCA, he has conducted a blessing over the fish to “keep them healthy and promote a long lifespan”. We are so appreciative to Jeff for his continued support of our fishery management programs! To find out more about the CCA Skidaway Chapter, volunteer to help with local fishery management projects/programs, or make a tax-deductible donation, contact Dave Devore (912-598-9423 or drdevore43@gmail.com). To find out more about the CCA Skidaway Chapter, volunteer to help with local fishery management projects/programs, or make a tax deductible donation, contact Dave Devore (912-598-9423 or drdevore43@gmail.com).