Sometimes we just walk by and don’t even notice them. They are yellow or red, with a purple thrown in every now and then. Do you know what the flags flying at the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach mean? Yellow flags indicate a moderate hazard of currents and surf. Red flags are a sign of strong currents and high surf. Think of red as a sign of danger and exercise extreme caution in the water. If you are [...]
As you plan your fall fishing trip to Coastal Alabama, take some time to consider how you can Leave Only Footprints - or in this case, leave only a boat wake. Marine debris is a world-wide problem and we can all do our part to help alleviate it. Trash in the water spoils the natural beauty, but more importantly, it is hazardous to all types of marine life. A few of the consequences of marine debris include habitat damage; wildlife injury, illness and death; navigation hazards; and vessel damage [...]
One of the best ways to experience everything our beaches and the Gulf of Mexico have to offer is via marine craft. Because of this, marinas are found all along the Gulf Coast. These marinas are a helpful tool for boaters, but are very vulnerable during catastrophic storms. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) is a joint partnership of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The goal of this organization is to encourage collaboration on ways to enhance the health [...]
By now you may have heard of the “plastic soup” in the Gulf of Mexico. Volunteer citizen-scientists who have gathered water samples find permanent fragments of micro-plastics in nearly every sample taken. These microplastics are created when the sun and wave action combine to break up larger pieces of plastic debris into tiny, microscopic bits. The problem, experts say, is more than just plastic drink bottles, though those can be culprits as well. It’s also that so many items are [...]
Alabama consistently ranks in the top five states for overall biodiversity of plants and animals. Did you know any of these interesting facts? Among the state’s 4,500 species are some rare types found along our coast, including the white-topped pitcher plant, gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and red-cockaded woodpecker. Twenty species of whales and dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico. And another mammal, the West Indian manatee, can be spotted in our area as well. More [...]
Everyone loves that thrill you get when you see a dolphin splashing in the wild. But there are measures we should take to keep them safe. Dolphin SMART is a program that encourages responsible viewing of these magnificent marine mammals. It was launched in 2007 by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries because of the number of dolphin viewing tours in their area. The program is now sanctioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While the program was developed [...]
Are you a beachcomber who delights in finding a perfectly shaped seashell while walking the shoreline? Do you know the names of any of those awesome finds? We can help with that! One type of shell you’ll often see on Alabama beaches is a bittersweet, with an easily identified fan shape, ridges and scalloped center. These shells have teeth-like indentions along the inside of the pointed end and are usually white with brown or reddish colored lines. Coquina shells are [...]
Everyone loves getting their toes in the sand along Alabama’s beautiful beaches, but do you know how that sand is created? Our sand is softer and finer than you see on most other beaches around the world. That’s the result of pure, white quartz crystal that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains and was deposited in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University (aka Dr. Beach), [...]
A day may be sunny and the water beautiful, but high surf and/or strong currents can create a dangerous time to go into the Gulf of Mexico. When you visit the beach, you don’t want to take unnecessary risks. Yes, playing in those big waves can be fun, but be aware of the warnings. Take a few moments to learn about each color of the flag warning system. A yellow flag indicates a medium hazard. Proceed, but with caution. A [...]
What are your memories of visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast? Walking past sand dunes that rose over your head before finally hitting the Gulf of Mexico? A blue-green gulf so clear you could see your toes in waist-deep water? Yes, indeed. We have a beautiful paradise that stretches along 32 miles of white-sand beach. And we want to keep it that way. Those memories you have of beautiful beach vacations should be experienced by your kids and grandkids. Leave Only [...]
