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Aerial Photos Available Online
Looking for an aerial photo of your favorite dive site? Looking to “discover” new sites? Then check out http://www.californiacoastline.org/lookup.html on the web. Click on a section of coastline (not yet complete) or type in lat /long, you will get thumbnails to fairly high resolution photos.
Monterey Shootout Images Online
The winning images from the 2002 Monterey Shootout photo contest are available online at http://www.theshootout.org/monterey2002Winners.htm. Congratulations to all the winners!
El Niño Is Coming!
The sea surface temperature off the coast of Peru is currently 5° C above normal for the season, and the warm water extends down to at least 25 meters. Temperatures recorded to date are higher than temperatures recorded in the 1982 and 1997 El Niños. This warming is consistent with other recent analysis indicating that the El Niño currently underway may be stronger than previously thought. Warmer waters off the California coast may be seen at any time.
Sheephead, Rockfish, Lingcod and Scorpionfish Fishery Closed
Effective since November the sport fishery for sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) has been closed for the remainder of 2002 or until further notice, pursuant to Section 52.10, Title 14, California Code of Regulations. The prohibition on the landing of sheephead will be in effect throughout the State of California. The November 1 closure date also coincides with a seasonal closure on the take of rockfish, lingcod and California scorpionfish for the months of November and December in waters south of 40 degrees, 10 minutes north latitude (near Cape Mendocino) pursuant to Section 27.82 (c), Title 14, California Code of Regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Patricia Wolf, Regional Manager of the Department’s Marine Region at 562-342-7108.
Lobsters Will Bite
Unlike Maine lobster with their trademark large claws, California spiny lobster have no large claws (females have tiny claws on their rear legs for grooming their eggs). California spiny lobsters can, however, bite. This is generally not a problem except in capturing larger specimens.
A diver in La Jolla recently discovered this in a wrestling match with a estimated 8-10 pound lobster. The lobster chomped down on his index finger. The results: a crushed fingertip bone and six stitches.
New Phone Number for Hyperbaric M.D.
Effective November 12, 2002 the phone number for the L.A. County Medic Alert (Hyperbaric doctor on call) has been changed to: 323-869-0578, then push “8”. Please note this in your important list of emergency numbers.
Invasive Seaweed Found in Monterey
Yet another invasive algae, this one from Japan, has been found in large amounts in Monterey Bay. The fast growing brown weed Undaria pinnatifida is potentially harmful, but it is not yet known to what extent.
Wash Your Face When Exiting the Water
Diving has a way of forcing viscous body fluids out through your nose during a dive. Mucus is the technical term but divers have more charming expressions for the decorations that often unknowingly adorn our post-dive face. They include “slugs,” “oysters,” or just plain “boogers.” To save yourself the embarrassment of parading around the boat deck or beach with one of these choice green monsters hanging from your cheek. Take the time to wash your face every time you exit the water.