Sea
Lions Killed by Toxic Diatom Bloom
During May and June of 1998 some 400 sea lions were found dead along the Central California Coast. In a recent article in the journal Nature, scientists place the blame on the marine toxin domoic acid, a substance produced by a marine diatom. Heavier than normal diatom blooms in 1998 lead to poisoning of marine fish, birds, and mammals.
After more than 30 years of operation, many of California's offshore oil rigs are approaching the time when they will be decommissioned and put out of production. Through the years, the approximately 30 offshore platforms have become the foundation for artificial reefs that are an essential part of the habitat in the surrounding area. Currently, hundreds of millions of sea creatures consider these reefs home; it is literally a lifeline for the existing marine animals and has become a vital part of our offshore coastal ecosystem. Normally, the decommissioned platforms would need to be completely removed from the site, only to be dismantled and destroyed, eliminating the artificial reef and its inhabitants. California Senate Bill (SB) 241 would allow operating oil companies to instead cut off the rigs below the water line leaving much of the artificial reef intact. The oil company saves considerable amount of money, half of which would be directed to an endowment fund for further marine studies and conservation.
The California State Senate has passed SB241 on a 21 to eight vote. The bill now moves to the California State Assembly where hearings are expected to begin in early March.
"We have never had the funds to truly conserve, protect, restore and enhance our coastal natural resources," Sen. Dede Alpert (D-Coronado), the author of the bill, said during the floor debate, "this bill could allow us to that."
"The vote is a big step forward in an effort to preserve the thriving reefs that have developed on California's offshore oil platforms," Barry Broad, chairperson of Coalition for Enhanced Marine Resources (CEMR), said. "This bill presents California with the opportunity to preserve and enhance marine habitats and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for an endowment that will benefit our coastal resources."
SB 241 would establish "The California Endowment for Marine Preservation" with a percentage of the savings that would be realized by converting decommissioned oil rigs to artificial reefs rather than completely removing them. Similar programs have been successful in Texas and Louisiana
The bill, however, does not mandate that offshore oil rigs be converted to artificial reefs. It simply establishes a mechanism by which funds generated by such a conversion would be used to preserve, protect and enhance California's coastal marine resources. The decision to approve such conversions would remain with the California Department of Fish and Game and other appropriate state and federal governmental agencies.
Individuals are encouraged to contact the State Assembly representative to express their opinion. For more information, or to learn how you can become involved, visit the web site CEMR web site at www.preservereefs.com.
Kelp
Management Plan Released
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary released its Kelp Management Plan in January. The plan contained appendices that stated that even though 500 wet tons of kelp per year were harvested along Cannery Row, "No effects of current kelp harvesting practices on giant kelp canopies were detectable." At the same time they state that: "Our results suggest that the concentration of large numbers of divers in local, usually wave-protected kelp forests could lead to permanent alterations in community structure." Public comments are being solicited by the Sanctuary. The complete plan with contact information may be found on the web at www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov/special/kelplan.html.
Harbor Clean Up Dive a Real Success
Over 60 Divers participated in a clean Up of Monterey Harbor in January. Tons of material were removed from the harbor, including some interesting items: a 1950s era dive mask, a blue Pepto-Bismol bottle with a 1906 patent date, a marine toilet and a standard toilet, and two bicycles. Recovered items were immediately inspected for marine life. Quite a few octopi and fish were returned to the ocean.
Offshore Rocks and Islands in California
Receive Additional Federal Protection
A new Coastal National Monument will encompass all of the islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and pinnacles off the California coast above the high-water mark that are owned by the U.S. Government, running along the entire 840-mile California coast and extending out for 12 miles. The major impact of this designation is to prohibit the Federal Government from leasing oil and mining rights to these areas.
Governor
Davis' Budget Supports Ocean Research
California State budget this year includes an allocation tripling California's financial support for ocean and coastal research conducted by California Sea Grant. California Sea Grant, administered by the University of California and the University of Southern California will receive one million dollars this year. Sea Grant research projects have been used to protect ocean coastal habitats frequented by divers.
The S.S. Tahoe lies in 320 to 370 feet of water in the clear mountain Lake Tahoe and a team of divers have plans to visit the wreck this summer. This dive is considered extremely risky not only because of the depth but because of the lake's high altitude (6,229 feet) and very cold waters.
Beginning in 1896, the 169 foot long steel steam ship served various ports around the large lake but by 1940 it had been out of service for several years, beached in Glenbrook Bay. Too expensive to operate, she was scuttled in 100 feet of water but the ledge where she rest gave way and the ship slipped away into the depths, whereabouts undiscovered until 1970 when discovered by fishermen.
The team, lead by Martin McCellan, will make seven dives over eight days. The dives will be subject of a documentary to be aired on the Discovery Channel.
Gray whales migrate between Alaska and Baja and back again from late December through March. Their summer feeding grounds are in Alaska while during the winter in the lagoons off Baja California they give birth. The March portion of the migration is from Baja to Alaska with many mothers and calves sighted. Mothers and calves tend to lag behind hugging the shore, often less than 100 yards from the beach.
An underwater encounter with a gray whale is a special experience, and one that cannot be planned. But a diver stands the greatest odds of encountering gray whales along the coastline during March. Remember, the Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibit any act that alters the normal behavior of the whale.
