 March 2008 Governor Schwarzenegger Proposes Closures of California State Parks In an attempt to balance the California state budget, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing the closure of 48 state parks. Many of the parks on the list are State Beaches used by divers. For a complete list of the parks on the list, go to environmentcalifornia.org/action/preservation/state-parks. The closure of the parks would save the state a mere 9 million—less than 0.1 percent of the state budget. To express your opinion on this matter contact Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone: 916-445-2841, Fax: 916-558-3160. Additional contact information can be found at gov.ca.gov/interact#contact. United Airlines Increases Checked Bag Restrictions United Airlines is announcing a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check only one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee. This policy is for travel within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. La Jolla Sees Massive Squid Run, More Spawning Anticipated Late January saw a massive squid run in the La Jolla Submarine Canyon off San Diego. Divers observed thousands of market squid move up from the depths into shallow waters to pursue their mating dance. The squid, four to six inches in length, swirl about divers at night seeking mates in a spawning frenzy. Once partnered off and the mating is complete, the female lays a single egg sack and the squid go off to die. While the spawning aggregation in January was large, it is anticipated that the runs of squid are not yet over. Redondo Beach, for example, has yet to see its annual squid run. And more activity is likely at other locations throughout Southern California. Squid move into water depths from 60 to 100 feet from early winter through March. Make night dives at La Jolla Submarine Canyon and into the Redondo Submarine Canyon in March to observe this continuing drama. July 2007 Abalone and Lobster Tags Proposed The California Department of Fish and Game is proposing changes to the abalone report card and to establish a lobster report card possibly as early as next year. The department is asking the Fish and Game Commission that abalone report card include a tag system. The tags will be issued with the report card and the fisherman will be required to attach a tag to each abalone that they catch. The tags will help enforcement track recreationally caught abalone on the north Coast. The Department is also asking the Commission to consider creating a report card system for recreational lobster fishing. Statue Appears Underwater off Shaw’s Cove A statue of a young woman has mysteriously appeared in the sand off Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach. Standing about 2 feet tall the lady is said to have wavy hair. She is located in the sand nearby the reef area known as “turn-around rock.” While nobody seems to know how she got there, local divers that frequent the spot have dubbed her “Shelly of Shaw’s Cove.” Actually the statue is based on the painting “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1485–1486. Sharks of Point Loma Some very interesting, exciting and unusual sharks have been showing up off Point Loma, San Diego. Divers have been reporting sightings of both six-gill and seven-gill sharks. The two sharks look very similar except for the number of gill slits. Those that divers have encountered, as in these cases, have been large. Six-gill sharks run from 10 to 15 feet while seven-gill sharks are smaller at 5 to 10 feet long. March 2007 Local Diving Info on Boating Radio Show Boathouse Radio, the nation’s #1 and most powerful radio talk show on boating, is now carrying regular segments on diving in Southern California. Captain Mike Whitehead, host of the popular radio show, leads listeners every Saturday, noon to 1 p.m., through the fun world of boating in Southern California. The show can be heard on 8:30 a.m. and from Santa Barbara to San Diego and throughout the Inland Empire. The scuba portion of the show will deal with a variety of subjects, but will focus diving conditions for that day with reports coming in from up and down the coast and the offshore islands. Gordy Boivin, owner of Laguna Sea Sports in Laguna Beach is a frequent guest. For more information, visit www.boathouseradio.com online. La Jolla Underwater Sees Effects of Storms Recent powerful winter storms have changed the underwater terrain at the popular San Diego beach dive site La Jolla Submarine Canyon, specifically off of Vallecitos Street. Much of the sand and marine life has been stripped away from the soft sandstone ledges 60 feet and above and the effects extend deeper. A new valley has been created. There are also unconfirmed reports that the small wreck to the south at 100 feet known as the “Cabezon Cruiser” has disappeared or moved in the strong surge. Stink-Free Fish For most species, truly fresh fish is almost odorless. Fish begin to smell "fishy" when deterioration sets in, often caused by incorrect storage practices that bring about the release of oxidized fats and acids through bacterial and enzymatic action. Put fish on ice and consume as soon as possible for maximum freshness and flavor. Jan/Feb 2007 Laguna Night Diving Jeopardized A measure came before the Laguna Beach city council in mid-November to impose a 10 p.m. curfew on all city beaches. Night diving activities would have been severely affected. Fortunately, the issue was shelved under protest from local hotel owners. Remember, diving Laguna Beach is a privilege and all possible courtesy should be extended to the residents. Please park legally, and by all means, keep noise levels to an absolute minimum. Overweight Divers Overweight divers may stay warmer but that is the only advantage to diving with too much fat. Heavy divers require more lead as they tend to be more buoyant. They require more neoprene to cover their body and fat is lighter in water than muscle. In addition, gear does not fit as well and custom thermal protection is a must, an added expense. Furthermore, there is a whole host of health problems that come with being overweight, the most pronounced for diving is the weaker respiratory and cardiac efficiency. October 2006
Baby Boom
It is a good year for hatchlings in Southern California. Juvenile garibaldi, blacksmith, señoritas and others seem so abundant it is as if a blizzard of fish in some spots. Curiously lacking, however, are juvenile sheephead.
Rare Fish at Catalina
The world’s largest boney fish, the oarfish, made an unusual appearance at the doorstep of the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber late in September. Very rare, the normally deepwater fish was seen floundering in the shallow waters of Big Fisherman’s Cove. The 15-foot long fish died, then was packed up and sent to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, where it will eventually be put on display. These rarely seen creatures occasionally make their way into shallow waters when in distress and eventually die.
Surf Entry Stance
When beach diving, to get through the surf in the easiest and safest way possible, it is important to have the correct stance.
First, unless the surf is very small, around one foot or less, wear your fins during the surf entry. Without fins should you get knocked down, you will flounder in the surf for some time while trying to put your fins on.
Obviously, you can’t get through the surf by walking straight ahead with fins on. Falling over will surely follow.
Many use a backward shuffle. This is not right either. Never turn your back on the ocean. You will never see the waves coming. Best is to turn sideways and shuffle out sideways. With the sideways shuffle, it is easier to look over your shoulder at the incoming surf. It is also easier to take a wave by leaning into it from a sideways stance, thrusting your shoulder into the wave.
When the water is knee deep or more, turn toward the sea and swim out, going under oncoming waves.
Unique Life at Channel Islands
Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the Channel Islands National Park. One hundred and forty-five of these species are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world. Only four mammals, however, are endemic to the islands.
Anacapa Facts
Anacapa Island, the closest of the Channel Islands to shore at only 11 miles, is actually three separate islands separated by narrow passages of impassible waters.
Spearfishing History Web site
A new web site is now online dedicated to the history of spearfishing. To view, go online to www.spearfishing-museum.com.
Proper Wetsuit Storage
Today’s modern neoprene, while more soft and supple than ever, also breaks down faster, particularly if abused or not stored correctly. To get the most use out of your new wetsuit, it is imperative that it be stored properly. After a complete rinse in fresh water, store your wetsuit out of the sun but in a cool location that is well ventilated to avoid mildew. Never fold or crease your suit. Rather, hang the suit with hangers that have wide, round shoulders. Avoid pressure points where the suit can compress permanently by hanging from its own weight. While shoulders on jackets seem to suffer the most, give the same careful consideration when hanging up your booties, gloves and hood.
Half of Channel Islands National Park Underwater
The Channel Islands National Park consists of 249,354 acres, half of which are underwater.
What a Garibaldi is Not
The garibaldi is NOT the official California State Fish as is frequently mistaken. That honor goes to the Golden Trout that lives in the high mountain streams of the Sierra Nevada. The garibaldi is, however, the official California State MARINE Fish. |
