The Coastland Times

WATERFOWL FOOD SUPPLY GROWS IN BACK BAY
Biologists engaged in a three-year study of the Back Bay-Currituck Sound area have noted an increase in waterfowl food plants in that area in recent weeks. Some deep-water areas in Back Bay, the North Landing River and lower Currituck Sound are still without vegetation, however, the study team reports.

Most obviously on the increase during July was Sago pondweed, although many submerged aquatics made similar increases. Sago, which forms surface "slicks" and often fouls boat wheels, reached its peak growth during July and began "sinking" late in the month. This natural die-back, comparable to the die-back of many upland plants in late summer and fall, usually occurs after the peak of seed production.

Other aquatics including bushy pondweed, wild celery, widgeongrass and the muskgrasses had not yet reached their peak growth by the end of July, although flowering and seeding were well under way.

Several unknown growths, locally called "slur," have appeared on the aquatics in both Back Bay and Currituck Sound. Most seriously affected by these growths has been the Sago pondweed, with the heaviest infestation being found in Buzzard Bay north of the Knotts Island causeway. The identification, extent and effects of these growths are being determined by team personnel.

Joe Coggin of the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries, Art Dickson of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Rudy Rudolph and John Sincock of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who are conducting the cooperative investigation, have found diving equipment useful for making observations of undisturbed plant growths, bottom conditions and light penetration.

As increased vegetation has reduced the effect of wave action on bottom soils, water clarity has continued to improve. On July 30th, the bottom could be seen through five feet of water in North Bay, which has the clearest water in the Back Bay area. The clearest water in Currituck has consistently been found at the lower end of the Sound.

Salinity readings during July have been the lowest recorded in recent years.

Throughout July southerly winds held water levels fairly high in Back Bay, while normal water levels prevailed in Currituck Sound.

What a big wind can do in a short time was illustrated on July 24 at the Back Bay Warden's Headquarters when a squall suddenly shifted winds from southwest to west. The wind from the west lasted 30 minutes and dropped the water level six inches. Within 45 minutes after the wind had shifted back to southwest, the water level near the Headquarters building regained its original position and rose three additional inches.

Several local residents within the study area are cooperating by keeping daily water level records until permanent water level recorders can be installed.