San Clemente and San Nicolas Island Access Restricted
Access to the popular diving islands San Clemente and San Nicolas has become more difficult since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Both Clemente and “Nic” are controlled by the U.S. Navy with active operations on both islands. They have always had jurisdiction on the waters surrounding the islands but was rarely enforced except in the event on a “live-fire” exercise. All private vessels are now required to keep a minimum 300 yard distance from the islands. While this does not eliminate diving around the islands entirely, it does reduce the number of possible dive sites considerably.

Film and X-Ray Machines
Film passing through domestic airport x-ray machines for carry on bags has been okay for some time (most overseas machines are okay too). But many more airports are now using more powerful machines to x-ray checked bags as well. Put your film in your carry on luggage or in a protective bag available at most photo stores.

Four Charged With Poaching
Jimmy T. Fong, Phillip W. Murphy, Keng Man Ha and Lisa Ha pleaded not guilty in Sonoma County court Thursday to felony conspiracy to violate abalone laws. The charges grew out of undercover surveillance by Fish and Game officials who say Murphy, 60, of Novato dove for and stockpiled abalone, and sold at least three dozen to Fong, the owner of a San Francisco seafood company. Fong, in turn, is accused of selling them to the Ha couple, who operate a San Mateo restaurant. Attorney Jack Montgomery denied that Murphy was selling abalone. “He thought he was providing abalone for a Chinese wedding that Mr. Fong was throwing. He and Fong were simply friends,” he said.

White Sea Bass in Monterey
Scuba divers are reporting seeing white sea bass in many of Monterey’s popular dive sites. Free divers near Santa Cruz have taken a few and one lucky pole fisherman landed a 53 pounder.

How Clean Is Water You Dive In?
Last fall there were an above average number of beach closures in the Monterey area due to sewage spills. The City of Monterey and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are addressing ways to prevent future occurrences.

Whale Migration in Full Swing
Each year gray whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to calving grounds in the lagoons of Baja. This year the migration began in early November, and is expected to peak in early January. Look for spouts on the way to and from your favorite dive site.