Laguna Black Sea Bass
Sightings of giant black sea bass at Laguna Beach, Orange County, continue to increase. Once rare the protected behemoths are now popping up all over the islands and along the coastline. They are three to five feet long, gray to dark gray in color and generally unafraid of divers.

Squid Survey Results
John H. Moore of DiveBums.com recently assisted in an e-mail survey by scientists of squid runs in California. Object of the survey was to gain a perspective on run locations, squid behavior, and, most important, whether the amount of squid in the run is increasing or decreasing. Unfortunately, most divers responding stated that the squid runs have shrunk. This is especially disturbing considering squid are generally considered to be one of the sustainable fisheries in California.

Point Lobos Raises Fees
Point Lobos State Reserve just raised its entry fees for passenger cars from $5 to $8. With the state’s current budget problems, expect increases at other state parks. Go online to http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/geninfo/geninfo.htm has more information.

Abalone Poachers Receive Stiff Sentences
A Mendocino County judge sentenced Kurt Allen Ward, 43, and Joshua Holt, 34 to two years each in prison, seized their boat, and forever banned the two Southern California men from fishing. They were also fined $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. The two were caught with 468 red abalone, the largest single illegal abalone haul in California in 15 years. Judge David Nelson told the men he was sending them to prison “to let others know this is not something they should do.”