Black
Rock PointOften the more interesting animals in a dive are not the large, but rather the small and simple. I was reminded of this on a dive at Black Rock on Catalina Island.
I love photographing gorgonians. These sea fans are California's version of soft coral. They come in red, gold and purple and can be inhabited by a variety of other marine organisms. Cruising the reefs at Black Rock a bright yellow sea fan caught my eye. We do not have any bright yellow sea fans in California. This was rather a gorgonian that had been completely taken over by the insidious yellow anemone, Parazoanthus lucificum. The marble-sized anemones grow almost exclusively on the branches of gorgonian, taking over and usually killing the host. They then feed from food best carried in the current much the same way the gorgonians do. What I found at Black Rock were several of these dead gorgonian branches that were still very much alive with a complete blanket of yellow anemones.
Another small but colorful animal that is plentiful at Black Rock is the fragile star. This is one of the more colorful of California's starfish but only in a tiny way. The fragile star is rarely larger than four inches across. Its rich red, burgundy and gray mottled pattern is best brought out with a dive light. Although they're supposed to have five arms, and many do, most are in various states of regeneration. Not only do the arms break off easily (hence the name), they also regenerate quickly so it's not unusual to see fragile stars with three, four and six arms, often with one or more of the arms being growing stumps.
These are by no means the only interesting small animals you'll find on and around the reef at Black Rock. And a fascinating reef it is, huge boulders strewn about, some the size of cars! The larger monoliths create mini-walls for hanging gorgonians, nudibranchs and an occasional rock scallop. Bring a light as small caves are common. Typical diving depths are 40 to 60 feet, but it's easy to get into 80 feet or more. In between the deeper large boulders sand channels are passages between the returning kelp. It is on these deeper boulders you'll find the larger stands of gorgonians. Sheep crab patrol the perimeters of the reef. Horn sharks can be found tucked into crevices among the rocks. In short, there is no shortage of marine life! Fish are bountiful but most are small. You will find sheephead, barred surfperch, sargo, calico bass, rockfish, treefish and, across the sand, bat rays and halibut.
Lobsters
can sometimes be bagged here, but there are better hunting grounds
nearby at Johnsons Rock (to the west). Spearfishers would be best to
head to the point were currents sometimes bring feeding yellowtail
through.
Prevailing current pass by Black Rock at the point, moving from west to east. It can be, at times, quite strong, but the cove to the east of the point is somewhat sheltered from the worst. The same point also provides a limited degree of protection from a west/southwest wind. Visibility within the cove is usually good, averaging 40 to 50 feet. Viz is better closer to the point.
The west end of Catalina Island almost always offers more fish, and more animals to see, but these need not be big animals. If you get a chance, dive the semi-protected waters at Black Rock and look a bit closer and appreciate some of the smaller creatures that make up the Catalina underwater habitat.
Dive Spot At - A - Glance
Location:
Reef area east of Black Rock Point on frontside of west end of
Catalina Island.
Access: Boat only. Many charter boats visit Catalina, although Black Rock is not visited as often as other sites. Ask!
Skill Level: All. Inexperienced should stay away from current plagued point.
Depths: 10 to 80 feet.
Visibility: Very good averaging 40 to 50 feet, 60 feet or more not unusual.
Snorkeling: Some excellent reefs near shore. Free-diving spearfishing fair off of point.
Photography: A fun spot with a wide variety of subjects (especially macro) and settings. Deeper reefs best.
Hunting: Occasional lobster. Spearfishing poor except seasonal for yellowtail and white sea bass off point.
Hazards: Currents can be strong at point.
Suggested Charter Boats Serving This Area:
Pacific
Dream- (562) 592-1154
Encore
- (310) 541-1025
Great Escape - (714)
828-9157
King/Prince
Neptune
- (800) 262-3483
Sundiver - (800)
555-9446
Horizon/Ocean
Odyssey - (619) 277-7823
Mr. C - (310) 521-9737
Garibaldi - (310)
510-2800
or see the California Scuba Calendar section of this issue for trips to Catalina Island
.
