Monterey Bay Sanctuary Releases Revised Kelp Management Report
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) released a revised MBNMS Kelp Management Report at a Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting in Monterey, CA.
"While the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has the ability to directly regulate kelp harvesting in the Sanctuary, we feel it is more appropriate to coordinate and work within the California Department of Fish and Game's kelp management authority," stated William J. Douros, Superintendent of the MBNMS. This report backs off of the MBNMS's original intentions to regulate kelp harvesting. The complete report may be found at http://www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov/research/techreports/kelpreport/kelpreport.htm on the web.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Unveils New Southern Boundary Marker in Cambria
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Country of San Luis Obispo, and local community members unveiled a new monument in Shamel Park, Cambria. The monument delineates the southern most point of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Fishermen Seek Permission to Shoot Sea Lions
Commercial fishermen in Monterey Bay claim that about 30 percent of the salmon on their lines are eaten by sea lions and harbor seals which flock to the boats for easy meals. Commercial fishermen in California, Oregon, and Washington say that data, coupled with a booming sea lion population and declining salmon counts, make it necessary to return to pre-1994 policies, which allowed them to shoot marine mammals taking their fish. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recently refused requests from local fishermen to endorse a resolution asking Congress to remove sea lions and harbor seals from the protected list.
Rays,
Sharks and Giant BassBeach divers on recent visits to the edge of the La Jolla Submarine Canyon have been treated to visits from abundant bat rays, guitarfish, leopard sharks, even a visit from a 4-foot long giant black sea bass.
Billy Wright, the man who's responsible for getting all the wonderful prizes for Chamber Day and Chamber Evening, was given a special set of Atomic SplitFins by Atomic. What made these so special was that they were RED, Billy's favorite color, and a color not frequently seen in the dive industry any more. They are also, as far as is know the ONLY pair of red Atomic SplitFins in existence.
Last month, Billy graciously allowed his fins to be taken aboard the Cee Ray to Farnsworth Bank (backside of Catalina Island) for some demo dives. Unfortunately, the first diver in the water with the fins made his entry and promptly lost one of the fins.
The Cee Ray was anchored (as you'd approach Farnsworth from the West End) about 200 feet to the right of the 54-foot high spot, in about 90 feet of water.
Anyone diving Farnsworth in the next few weeks, please keep an eye out for the missing fin and recover it if safely possible. For as much as he has contributed to the dive community, Bill Wright deserves the fin back, if found. After all, what good is a single red SplitFin? If you recover the fin, contact Bill Wright at Reef Seekers, (310) 652-4990.
The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has approved $600,000 of beach
improvements at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park that include better
access to this excellent dive site.
Diving along the Palos Verdes Peninsula coast is quite good, but shore access is difficult with steep cliffs guarding much of the shoreline. At only one location, White Point, can divers actually drive right to the water's edge.
The improved access at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park will include the renovation of a dilapidated road and the installation of a small parking lot, giving divers the capability of driving most of the way down the steep escarpment to unload. Except for seniors and the handicapped, parking would still be on the bluff overlooking the cove. Other improvements at the location would include a new restroom and improved showers. Pending approval by the California Coastal Commission, the improvements are expected to be completed by summer 2001.
Shore access at Abalone Cove currently requires an approximate quarter of a mile hike down a steep path. Facilities on the bluff include restrooms and picnic tables. There is an entry fee and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer. Abalone Cove is a state-designated ecological reserve.
