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Molas Making Regular Appearances at Popular Dive Sites
Mola Molas (also known as ocean sunfish) are odd looking, huge disc-like creatures that are usually only seen in the open ocean. Divers visiting the oil rigs, for example, often see them. Silver in color, they seem to lack a tail and can only muster limited locomotion with exaggerated upper and lower fins. They can reach up to six feet in diameter, feeding only on jellies drifting in the ocean currents. They are strangely beautiful and a special encounter in an odd sort of way.
Molas have been showing up with large degree of regularity at popular dive sites. Some of the reported sightings include Laguna Beach, Ship Rock (Catalina Island), and Little Farnsworth (east end of Catalina Island).
Wolf Eels in La Jolla Canyon
A pair of wolf eels have taken up residence at a popular San Diego beach dive site, the La Jolla Submarine Canyon. The walls of the canyon can be reached from La Jolla Shores. Wolf eels, odd, fierce-looking, square-jawed creatures, are common along the Central California coastline northward to Alaska. San Diego is considered the extreme southern range of this unusual marine life. It is rare to see them south of Point Conception. This is a true treat and well worth a visit to the deep drop-offs at the La Jolla Submarine Canyon. A wolf eel has also been reported off nearby Point Loma.
New Regulations for Diving With Sharks In The Works
For the past decade scientists, conservationists, researchers, surfers, shark divers, and government officials have been arguing over how to regulate the growing shark diving industry. In the mid 1990s, shark diving was banned in near shore waters within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and a similar move was begun at the Farallon Islands. All parties have tentatively agreed to a set of guidelines that will probably result in new regulations. They include prohibition of chumming, limitations on the use of decoys, and establishes a 150-foot minimum distance to view a natural feeding event. Researchers and recreational divers will follow the same rules. For more information check out: http://www.prbo.org/marine/sharkreg.htm.
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Giant Sea Bass at Laguna
Want to see a giant sea bass on your next beach dive? Try visiting Cress Street in Laguna Beach. A giant sea bass has been showing up there on a regular basis.
Conditions Good In Spite of Late Spring Storms
In spite of strong late season storms, conditions improved rapidly and are now considered quite good. The ocean is calm and waters clear. What does this mean for the summer? Even better conditions.
Point Lobos Display Stolen
The entire display of scrimshaw abalone shells have been stolen from the Whaler’s Cabin at Point Lobos. This unique collection of hand-carved abalone shells is one of a kind and considered priceless. There are faces, roses, and sailing vessels carved into the polished backs of the shells by an old Portuguese whaler who lived at Point Lobos in the 1880s. If you see anything of it or even resembling it, please report it immediately to the park rangers at Point Lobos. Call 831-624-4909 or e-mail rangers@mbay.net.
New Jellyfish Discovered at Farallon Islands
A team of scientists led by marine biologist George Matsumoto of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have discovered a new species of jellyfish. The new jelly is huge with a striking red bell that grows more than a yard wide and has a cluster of wrinkled, fleshy arms instead of streaming tentacles. It also carries wart like clusters of stinging cells. They named the new jelly, Tiburonia granrojo, Latin for big red.