Deepest U.S. Coral Reef Discovered
Discovery of the deepest coral reef in U.S. waters was announced in December by the U.S. Geological Survey. Known as Pulley Ridge, the reef is a 100+ km-long series of N-S trending, drowned, barrier islands on the southwest Florida Shelf approximately 250 km west of Cape Sable, Florida. The ridge has been mapped using multibeam bathymetry, submarines and remotely operated vehicles, and a variety of geophysical tools. The ridge is a subtle feature about 5 km across with less than 33 feet of relief. The shallowest parts of the ridge are about 200 feet deep. Surprisingly at this depth, the southern portion of the ridge hosts an unusual variety of zooxanthellate scleractinian corals, green, red and brown macro algae, and typically shallow-water tropical fishes. For more information visit http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/pulley-ridge online.

Catalina Wreck Planned
The Catalina Scuba Luv staff are joining efforts with the CS2R committee in an effort to sink a wreck on the lee side of Catalina Island. “We are looking for influential individuals to assist us and participate in the project,” stated Scuba Luv owner Bob Kennedy. The chair of the committee is Dick Long, now retired from DUI and key to the sinking of the Yukon wreck off San Diego. Kennedy goes on to say, “We have established federal and state legislative support and have begun the process.” The wreck will accommodate a multitude of diving experience levels and will be in an area with easy boat access. If you are interested in assisting this effort, contact Bob Kennedy at e-mail kennedy1@catalinaisp.com.