Waterkeeper Patrols

• May 16 and 23, 2010

• Wando River

• Hobcaw Creek

• conducted by Carter Cameron

Sunday, May 16, 2010I conducted a 2 hour waterway assessment in Hobcaw Creek, from Hobcaw Point to the I’on boat landing. Low tide occurred during the

assessment, and it was a -0.78 foot tide according to NOAA observations. This gave us an opportunity to observe flats that are normally underwater. Overall conditions were good. I saw many birds including Egrets and Blue Heron, and several fish jumping.

Marsh grass and flats appeared healthy. I did not see any trash at all. I saw other boaters cruising, tubing, fishing, and swimming.

Unfortunately though, I did find 3 sunken or abandoned boats. One boat that has been there for years that we called the “Duct Tape

Boat” had sunk at its mooring since last summer. Two other sailboats got caught up in each other’s mooring lines and washed ashore

where they both are sinking into the mud. The sunken “Duct Tape Boat” is a hazard to boaters and skiers. We also saw a seawall that is

collapsing into the creek that is held up by cables tied to trees.2 Carter Cameron, May 25, 2010, Waterkeeper Patrols Report

The sunken “Duct Tape Boat” at dead low tide.Hobcaw Creek Anchorage, May 16, 2010

Washed up sailboats at dead low tide.Hobcaw Creek Anchorage, May 16, 2010

3 Carter Cameron, May 25, 2010, Waterkeeper Patrols Report

Sunday, May 23, 2010

I conducted a 2 hour waterway assessment in the Wando River, from

Hobcaw Point to Rivertowne. High tide occurred during the assessment, and it was a +6.04 foot tide according to NOAA observations. Overall

conditions were again good. I saw lots of wildlife and I did not see any trash this time either. Boat

traffic was heavy. A local police boat was conducting safety boardings. I did not find any

sunken or abandoned boats along the river this time through.

4 Carter Cameron, May 25, 2010, Waterkeeper Patrols Report