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Killer Weed Update, Legislation Pending
Eradication efforts of the “Killer Weed,” Caulerpa taxifolia, continue. The weed was introduced into Huntington Harbor and Aqua Hedionda Lagoon in northern San Diego County most likely from aquariums dumped into storm drains. The foreign weed grows rapidly, smothering, and killing, everything in its path.
The weed cannot be pulled out because even a small particle can bring up a new plant. Currently a “scorched earth” method is the only effective means of eradication. Patches of the weed are covered in plastic and killed with chlorine. While this kills all marine life, including the weed, it is the only hope for elimination and stopping its spread.
While it is no longer legal to bring the weed into the state of California, it is still legal to sell, possess, and transport the popular saltwater aquarium plant around the state; this in spite of the of the weed’s potential for ecological devastation. Legislation is currently before the state assembly (AB 1334) to prohibit trade in the noxious weed.
Complicating the issue is there are a number of species of the Caulerpa, many which can only be differentiated by a trained eye. Some do well in cold water, others do not, and some grow more rapidly than others.
Divers seeing any species of Caulerpa should not disturb it and report it to authorities immediately. For more information, including photos, visit www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb9/News/Caulerpa_taxifolia/caulerpa_taxifolia.html on the web.
Adding a Pound or Two
The best way to add a pound our two to your weight quickly and easily to get your buoyancy just right is with ankle weights — only not on your ankles. Clip off an ankle weight on the swimstep of the boat you are diving from and head for the water. In the water test your buoyancy and, if too light, go to the swimstep and have the divemaster simply clip the two pound weight belt around your tank valve.
This is also an excellent strategy to “balance” out your overall attitude in the water. The weight clipped around your valve will partially counteract any buoyancy from the tank or upward lift on your neck from the BC giving you a more horizontal position.
Novice Ab Diver Dies on North Coast
A diver seeking abalone near Fort Ross drowned in rough waters in early April. It was his first time free-diving for abalone on the North Coast. Albert Wang of San Jose entered the water with only a shortie wetsuit and no hood or gloves. His diving companions had to exit the water after tiring and leaving Wang alone. He disappeared a few minutes later but the body was later recovered by Sonoma County Sheriffs.
Always be properly equipped for the local diving situations and whenever diving a new area, seek an experienced diver as a companion. Local dive stores are your best source.
Monterey Diving Info on the Web
One of Monterey’s great little diving secrets Jeff Limes’ condition report which can be found at www.otterbaysuits.com.
“Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ba_diving/files/WebSite/newmontereydiver.html” documents what the diver who is new to Monterey needs to know.