Another Speared Giant Sea Bass

Dear Dale and Kim,

One is too many, but when I found a second giant sea bass swimming around with a spear lodged in its side it was almost unbelievable to me. Last month I was truly shocked when I opened an e-mail attachment and saw the image of a speared giant sea bass from Catalina Island. Words really can not describe my emotions when I descended to a reef at Anacapa Island on July 6th and found yet another speared giant sea bass. I immediately saw the large distinct broom like tail of a giant sea bass just around the first rocky ledge. Yet lying on the sea floor right next to the tail of the fish was a stainless steal shaft and cable. My first question was could this be the same sea bass from Catalina Island nearly 70 miles away? While possible, it didn’t seem likely. Then I saw that this fish had been hit with a different style, and much larger spear than the one depicted at Catalina.

This fish was hit with a breakaway spear tip that is still embedded in the animal’s flesh and attached to a very long shaft. Though the image was disturbing, I video taped it for evidence and data. The video tape graphically shows how this fish continues to suffer as the spear re-enters the wound when the shaft bumps along the reef. In addition, the line at the far end of the shaft snags on rocks and causes the shaft to tug on the steel cable that holds the long shaft to the spear tip that is deep within the fish. This is a large mature animal that did have the potential to contribute to the seasonal spawning aggregation. Now it suffers a potentially mortal wound.

As a species, the giant sea bass has had a long hard road since being severely over fished from about the 1930s through the ’70s. While divers are finally starting to see these fish with some regularity during the summertime when they gather to spawn, the species is nowhere near recovery. The dive industry requires people to be certified to purchase air fills. Perhaps they should also have to show proficiency in species identification and knowledge of the California Fish and Game regulations before being allowed to purchase weapons that kill fish. Spearing such a magnificent creature is an unconscionable act.

Sincerely,
Kathy deWet-Oleson

A Different Opinion on Harvest Refugia

I think there is a misconception that exists, especially those directed toward opponents of Harvest Refugia and closures around the Channel Islands. I, for one, as well as many others I dive and fish with (professionally and sport), oppose the recommendation of “Closures” because of what I consider, ironically, simplistic reasons—”bad science,” as well as loosely based and erroneous quotes in regard to reference material.

If you keep up with the current events surrounding the “closures” you will read throughout many scientific, sport, and professional publications from other research scientists that are not in agreement with comments made locally. It has been mentioned, time and again that the statistics used in several of the reports, which the panel has used as a relevant reference, is in some instances 50 years old. A much broader example developed when a reference point was used, but upon examination of the actual report was found to be mis-quoted by a member of the panel.

Dynamics of the specifies, in our Pacific waters, abounds and is simply not as “gloom-ridden” as some researchers would like us to believe. What we need is for everyone involved to have access to the exact information and statistical data that developed the debate in the first place. A resolution on erroneous data, or conclusion of a “closure” based on misquoted references, is not what is needed in our waters. We need to take a good look at the people making the reports, look at the quality of work they have completed, and certainly at the quality of resolution within their area of responsibility that was generated from their ideological base to generate the report in the first place. A loosely based quote, not as an ultimate resolution, but rather as a simplistic means to an end among other ideological resolutions, should not be quoted as a solve-all remedy! Shame on those who would conjure a remedy from misquoted material!

We need to think long and hard over these “closures” and ultimately decide if it is of benefit to our environment.

Smoke
Malibu, CA

Inconsistencies in Proposed Channel Islands Closure

Hi Dale:

The Santa Barbara News press just posted the proposed 25 percent no fishing zones around the Channel Islands. While I am generally in favor of the reserves, there is an inconsistency in the proposed policy.

The plan is to make the area for one mile on either side of Painted Cave at Santa Cruz island a Marine Park with limited recreational fishing for certain species. One of the species that would not be allowed to be fished by sport divers in this zone would be spiny lobster. For those who know, this is one of the best lobster diving areas at Santa Cruz and all of the northern islands.

It is my understanding that the current lobster population is considered to be healthy by DFG and there is no concern at this time regarding the status of this resource. If other species can be taken on a recreational basis in this Marine Park zone, it does not make sense that recreational lobster diving is prohibited. Unlike hook and line fishermen or net fishermen, sport divers are the most selective of consumptive users since they can see exactly what species and size animal they are taking.

If your readers have concerns regarding this closure, they should write to:
Ms. Patricia Wolf, Marine Region Manager
California Dept. of Fish & Game
4665 Lampson Ave. Suite C
Los Alamitos, CA 90720

This matter comes up for hearing before the Fish and Game commission in August in Santa Barbara, so any responses to this issue should be forwarded to Ms. Wolf immediately.

Regards,
Steven Barsky
Marine Marketing and Consulting
www.marinemkt.com
Hammerhead Press
www.hammerheadpress.com

Agrees with Review but Wants Elaboration

Dear Mr. Sheckler:

I always read your Cal Diving News with great admiration. Your Bonica review was most comprehensive and very well written, as you always do. However, allow me to point out that one of the best products from Bonica are the camera tray, handles and especially the arms. They are the lightest and most practical design on the market and costing far, far less than anything ever made for the purpose. Besides, they can be personalized by the video and still photographers to fit to their cameras and housings, etc. You may consider reviewing these “high-tech arms” someday, or including it in your future review of camera and housing arms. You will be doing your readers a great service (as you always do).

Fondly,
Robert Yin
underwater photo-journalist

Have We Lost Touch With Why We Dive?

I’ve been diving for abalone on the North Coast for twenty years now and keep reading and hearing from divers about getting the biggest abs or the most abs. Did we lose touch of our reasons for getting into the sport? For our love of the ocean, seeing the colors in the tide pools on our way out, and watching the sun break through the kelp?

Steve
San Francisco

Police Dive Team Reading CDN Website

Hi Dale and Kim,

What a great web site. I really enjoyed looking through it. I will come back and spend some more time looking at it. I am going to pass on the web site to Sgt. Mark Velez who is the Sgt. in charge of our dive team and to Commander Dreiling who is his supervisor.

Thanks again
Gail
via e-mail

Editor’s note: The Police Department mentioned is from Palos Verdes Estates. CDN’s website is www.saintbrendan.com.

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