Redondo
Fishing Reef"One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor," or so sang Paul Simon many years ago. Not that I doubt Paul's diving expertise, but I don't think this song was penned in reference to a decompression obligation, but rather a philosophical statement about "relativity." Relatively speaking, one person's discards could be another's gold mine.
From an ocean perspective, what we may regard as "trash" might well be a haven for marine life. In fact, just a mile or so off shore from Redondo Beach lies a major collection of "junk" - cement pilings, pipes, and assorted discards. It's home, however, to a wide variety of marine inhabitants, and a really cool place to visit.
The "neighborhood" isn't exactly what one might call Palos Verdes of
the deep. It more closely resembles a Todd shipyard (of bygone days)
- without the ships. There are no dramatic rock formations, and
visibility is usually nothing to brag about (unless 20-foot
visibility lights your fire). The occasional kelp strand snagged on a
pipe probably drifted in from Catalina. But who cares! This
subterranean "shanty town" is home to a healthy fish population - the
Halibuts: Harry and Harriet, Bob Bonito, Calico Carl, and Bernie and
Beatrice Bass, just to mention an few. Just down the block (cement
block, that is; these used to be old dock floats) lies a lobster
habitat. In the sand flats nearby, several ghost shrimp have made a
home. On the barge, a diverse variety of nudibranchs graze peacefully
over the algae-covered metal hull.
All in all it's a very divergent society co-existing harmoniously, thanks to a big pile of "junk." But then again, this "junk ceiling" is someone's happy home on the "floor." Perhaps this artificial reef is not one of the must-see neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, but then again anyone can tour Beverly Hills; just buy a map and hit the road. Tours of this special neighborhood are restricted to those who 1) dive and 2) have a means of getting there, i.e., a boat.
The area is reasonably large, meaning that it can't be covered in a dive or two. The most direct route from King Harbor lies on a heading of about 240° out of the harbor entrance and a distance of about three quarters of a mile. Alternatively, it's not a bad run from Marina Del Rey or San Pedro. Bordered on the east side by the Redondo Canyon, it is best located by following the rim of the canyon out of the harbor to a depth of 60 feet or so. Now hang an immediate right to a heading of about 330°, while metering the bottom for any bumps or blips above the flat sandy bottom. Signs of fish, metal, or rocks on the depth sounder means you're there. If you continue to where the breakwater makes a hard turn for shore, or the depth exceeds 90 feet and you still haven't found anything, try looking again at the map 'cause you missed it.
Diving conditions here are sometimes hard to predict. After a storm
you can count on poor visibility caused by run-off, as well as wave
action against the breakwater stirring up things. On an average day
expect 20-25 feet visibility, but on those beautifully flat, early
winter days, you might be blessed with 50+ visibility.
I personally like to anchor fairly close to the canyon in about 70 feet of water. From time to time there are some unusual creatures coming up from the deep to visit. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a sea lion looking for a meal, lobsters out for a stroll, maybe even a shark seeking a snack. If nothing turns up, at least you are close enough to the other structures down there to make an enjoyable dive.
The diving itself is not overly challenging except for the fact that navigation skills are a must. Weekends bring a lot of boat traffic and jet skiers in the vicinity. Dodging them during a long surface swim is indeed a challenge, but one collision might seriously impact your ability to visit the neighbors again. Surface near your boat and always have someone on the boat who can move it to pick you up, if the need should arise.
If you're looking for an enjoyable dive close to home, have access to a boat, and can live without a kelp forest, then this spot might be just up your alley. Drop in, say "hi" to the neighbors, and remember, "One mantas' ceiling is a shrimp mantis' floor."
Name: Redondo Reef #9.
Location: About 0.7 miles south of the King Harbor entrance.
Size of reef: About 1/4 square mile .
Depth: Ranges from 60-90 feet on a gradually sloping bottom.
Points of interest: Cement structures and pipe provide a habitat for fish, lobsters, and a variety of invertebrates .
Skill level: Intermediate level. Should have navigation and limited visibility diving skills.
How to get there: Private boat is the only way. It's too far and too dangerous to swim. Boats can be launched from the hoist in the marina, or launch ramps are available in Marina Del Rey or San Pedro. If you're really ambitious, it's possible to paddle there on an ocean kayak.
Cautions: Heavy boat traffic from boats entering and leaving King Harbor.
GPS coordinates: 33°50'. 287 N, 118°24.651 W Starting point.
Len Tillim is a popular dive instructor in Los Angeles County and a past contributor to California Diving News.