Simnia Abundant
The tiny mollusk Simnia have been easier to find as of late. Usually infrequently seen, they have become more common at Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. The small snail lives exclusively on gorgonians, feeding on the polyps. About the size of a sunflower seed or smaller, and taking on the bright color of their hosts, they are beautiful yet hard to spot. Once located, they make for beautiful photography with a 1:1 macro rig.
Shaw's Cove Mapping Project
Laguna Sea Dwellers dive club, in cooperation with Laguna Sea Sports dive store, are embarking on a remapping project of the popular Shaw's Cove dive site in Laguna Beach. The dive site is noted for its many deep crevices, passages, tunnels, and arches. A new, updated map would be helpful to new visitors to the dive site. For more information, call (949) 494-6965.
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation has received a $54,000 contract through the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to initiate educational efforts on protecting critical salmonid and steelhead habitat in San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The Foundation is acting as a fiscal sponsor to bring together several other local non-profits (Coastal Watershed Council, Resource Conservation District, and Save Our Shores) who will each perform a portion of the duties of the contract.
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) corporation to further the awareness, understanding and protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Since its inception, the foundation has sponsored a variety of education and research projects, developed a series of products that educate the public about the marine sanctuary, and generated money to conduct additional outreach programs. More information may be found at www.mbnmsf.org.
Bad News for No. CA Abalone?
Late in 1999 Department of Fish and Game's shellfish pathology lab in Bodega Bay confirmed that a Rickettsiales-like bacterium was the cause of the Withering Syndrome. This disease is fatal to abalone, affects wild abalone populations along the southern and central California Coast, and strongly influenced regulators to close the abalone fishery south of San Francisco. Abalone in Northern California are now at risk because abalone farms may be introducing the parasite into the wild populations. The extent of the problem seems to be dependent on how well the parasite does in the colder, northern waters.
Uni, urchin roe, is a delicacy in many parts of the world. It is
California's biggest commercial fishery export. Sushi is one of its
more popular uses. It makes great sauces and mixed with cream cheese
it is excellent on crackers. You can enjoy eating them too and now is
the best time. Urchin roe is of best quality during the winter and
spring. With kelp back strong, urchins will be numerous and of
excellent quality due to an abundant food supply. Large red urchins
(often a very dark color also) are best. Fishing license is required
and the limit is 35 per day. Turn the urchin upside down and cut a
hole around its mouth. Turn it over, emptying out the mouth and
entrails. Rinse gently. Use your finger to break loose the roe sacks
inside the shell and shake out.
