Ocean Explorers Society
March 2003
Sponsored by Ocean Enterprises

 

Contents

Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 6th, 6:50PM at Ocean Enterprises. Werner Kurn, owner of Ocean Enterprises, and past DEMA President will be joining us. We'll meet at Appleby's across the street for dinner at 5:30.

Club Diving
Nothing formal planned this month. Those of us going to Curacao should be getting our regs overhauled and inspected. I'll be ready for a few check-out dives next month.

As always, if you want to go dive, send an email to the list.

Flotsam
Mailing List -- Everything seems to be working well. I'll apologize in advance for any posting delays. I've been traveling. Unfortunately, our February news was not to be. I'm in week 8 of on-site work in Minneapolis. Curacao just keeps looking better all the time.

Other diving Tidbits -- The diving season is just beginning. Storms are fading away, we're seeing intermittently excellent conditions. As always, I recommend joining the mailing list at divebums.com if you want to stay abreast of the latest conditions.

A boatload of thanks to the San Diego Underwater Photographic Society for organizing last night's Presentation of Coral Reef Adventure.Howard and Michelle Hall were on hand to introduce the film, answer questions, and even toss in a little stand-up. The movie itself was outstanding. The theater was nearly full.We had a large turnout from the OES, and good seats. Thank you John and Eileen. If you didn't make this special showing, go see this movie. You will enjoy it.

The Fleet theater is celebrating its 30th year with a special film festival. They are showing some twenty classic iMax films. There are a handful of diving movies, and they're showing The Dream is Alive, which is one of my personal favorites. Best part -- five bucks gets you in the door. The films show at 6 and 7PM throughout the months of March and April.

Spotting whales underwater is a rare event indeed. A few pictures are worth thousands of words. The pictures are on Divebums at http://divebums.com/FishID/Images/Ferrante/whale.html

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is holding its 2nd Annual Divers Day on March 23, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Divers presenting a c-card with photo ID receive free admission to the aquarium. Check the AOP web site for more information:

San Diego Council of Divers
The next SDCD meeting will be Tuesday, March 11th, 6PM at Rock Bottom in La Jolla. The topic will be the Marine Mammal Refuge just north of Children's Pool. I wouldn't be surprised if Children's Pool itself became a topic. This are has been a sore point in the diving community for a long time. Come on by, have some good food, meet some nice people, and make a difference to San Diego.

Scandal Under Construction at Divers Alert Network (DAN)
DAN, or Divers Alert Network has long been the premiere source for diving medicine. They have been extremely successful in educating divers on ways to avoid decompression sickness, and treating it when does happen. DAN has been an invaluable assistant the diving community, and divers have been generous supporters of DAN. Implicit in these donations, was the belief that the money was used wisely, and for the benefit of divers. Unfortunately, information has come to light that casts doubt on DAN's financial management.

The Durham Independent newspaper published an article detailing numerous instances where conflicts of interest compromised DAN's financial management. The article presents evidence that Peter Bennet, President of DAN, and Wes Covington, corporate counsel have been diverting funds away from DAN's service and research efforts to finance excessive salaries and unnecessary travel expenses. In addition, the pair was accused by some DAN board members of creating a dummy company to acquire the DAN insurance operations while hiding the true nature of that company from the DAN board of directors. Upon discovering the conflicts of interest, the board ordered several changes, and a comprehensive forensic audit.

In his response, Peter Bennet denies virtually all of the accusations in the newspaper article. Unfortunately, he leaves out several facts he should have addressed. DAN's corporate counsel was disbarred for professional misconduct (not involving DAN). That, by itself, should trigger serious reexamination by an independent counsel. The accounting firm performing DAN's audits had other ties to the corporate counsel's law firm. If we've learned anything from 2002, it's the simple fact that not all audits are equal. Given the potential for problems, a forensic audit by a independent accounting firm was an appropriate request.

Bennet went to court stop the board. By order of the judge in that case, the details of the negotiated settlement are confidential. The most visible result is that Peter Bennet is retiring in June.

Let us step into the OP/Ed zone: DAN serves a vital role for the diving community. DAN has both moral and legal responsibility to govern itself well, and make efficient use of donations, dues, and insurance premiums. In my opinion, Peter Bennet's responses the the accusations don't even survive a cursory review. The board of directors must thoroughly examine their books and tell the diving community what happened to our money. They must also set in place policies that prohibit conflicts of interest and self-dealing. An effective probe will be costly, but not taking these steps will sacrifice DAN's long term credibility, and that lack of credibility will cost both donations and lives. That's clearly too high a price to pay to shield one person from embarrassment.

For more information:
The Durham Independent article at http://www.indyweek.com/durham/2003-01-15/cover5.html details the accusations.
DAN's announcement of Peter Bennet's retirement mentions some of the conflicts - http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=256
Peter Bennet's side of the story may be found at this side bar: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=257

Marine Conservation News
Espiritu Santo Preserved
An article in the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Espiritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez has been place in a land conservancy. This will protect the island from future development. This island is a popular dive site for boats coming out of La Paz. I dove there a few years ago, and it is indeed a site worth preserving.

Lawsuits Filed to Stop Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas
Two sport fishing organizations have filed suit against the California Fish and Game Commission to stop them from implementing the Marine Protected Areas in the Channel Islands. Ladies and Gentlemen, the first shot in a long war has been fired. If we want these areas to exist at all, then we're going to have to fight for them. It's already clear that the fisherman are going to fight MPAs to the end.

A second suit has been filed in northern California to create a "recreational preference" in fishing quotas. That is, when a closure is imminent, recreational anglers will be given priority to the remaining quota. This would shut down the commercial fishermen first.

The lawsuits have shut down public discussion on the proposed MPA just as Fish and Game was reconsidering boundaries and restrictions. There's no telling what effect they might have on future MPA discussions.

Abalone Recovery and Management Plan
In December 2002, the Department of Fish and Game submitted their draft Abalone Recovery and Management Plan (ARMP) to the Fish and Game Commission to embark on its adoption process. The Department will formally present the draft ARMP to the Commission during their February meeting in Sacramento. During the draft ARMP adoption period, the Commission will be the lead agency for all activities and will determine a timeline for the formal public comment period.

Prior to drafting the ARMP, the department held a commercial constituent workshop and two advisory committee meetings to aid in the development of the document. Following the completion of the first ARMP draft, the document was reviewed by a panel of marine scientists, in addition to an informal public comment period where two town hall meetings were held. To gain further public input, written comments were accepted throughout the drafts growth. The draft ARMP was modified and improved based on the comments received during the peer and public review process.

A peer review report on the draft ARMP will be submitted to the commission.

Copies of the draft ARMP can be found on the Departments' abalone resource Web site (www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/abalone.html) and at DFG offices.

The local San Diego office is located at:
4949 Viewridge Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
(858)467-4201

Written comments on the ARMP can be sent to;
California Fish and Game Commission
Abalone Recovery and Management Plan
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento CA 95814.

More on how the public may provide comments, commission meeting schedule and bonus abalone information will also be posted on the Web address listed above. For more information on how to view a copy, contact Jonathan Ramsay at (707) 441-5757.

Dive Travel

Curaçao -
You should already sent your payment to Mark or Jon. We have 24 people signed up for this trip. Our dates in Curacao are May 4-11. This will be the same itinerary as the 2002 Curaçao trip. We'll stay at Captain Don's Habitat. They provide lodging, unlimited diving and buffet breakfast. You can use the buffet breakfast to make a take-along lunch if you want.

Approximate prices:

$461 - return divers who were there in 2002
$449 - non-divers
$750 - new divers not there in 2002

Package Includes:

1) Garden view room, upstairs units requested
2) Six 2-tank boat dives
3) Daily buffet breakfast
4) Airport transfers
5) Unlimited shore dives.

Last year people spent ~$100/person for the week's lunches and dinners. You should figure an additional $75 for communal van(s). Contact Mark Clausen if you want to sign up or get more information.

Judging by the photos and rave reviews, this was an awesome trip. For those of us who missed it in 2002, we're making an encore appearance in 2003. We'll probably get a boat to ourselves, and red-carpet treatment from the crews. We also have enough people to split up into special interest groups for on-island activities. I'm trying to get the gear together for some astronomical activities.

Underwater Archaeology Trip
CAM is currently preparing dispatch (April - May 2003.) of the vessel Naomi Corlett on a two-year marine archaeological expedition in the islands of São Tomé and Principé located on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. They will be carrying out searches for wrecks, filming and documenting the finds.

CAM is looking for divemasters and other staff, as well as offering paying guests the chance to participate in exploration of an area that to date has been little explored.

For more info please see http://www.corlettmaritima.com

Lorreto
I'd normally be highly suspicious, but the following item comes from a reliable source. This dive operator also has a good reputation. I'll include the letter verbatim.

Hola! My name is Jose Roberto and I am 2 years old. Yesterday, February 21st 2003, we have discovered that I have a brain tumor called TERATOMA, and that I need to have surgery to save my life. Unfortunately, this is a congenital tumor which is not covered by my dad's insurance, and my family does not have the required sum in cash.

By the time we would obtain a bank loan or a mortgage to our little resort, it may be a little too late! My doctor, Rafael Barrera, a pediatric neurosurgeon from México City, is a great man and he is willing to operate on me as soon as possible. However, in order to be admitted to any of the 3 hospitals in México City which are equipped and suitable to offer this type of surgery, we need to make an upfront payment.

We own a little resort located in Loreto, Baja California México, with 10 beautiful bungalows, and offer outdoor activities for scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, kayaking, and mountain biking. We are not asking for donations from anyone; however, we ask you to help us in another way. We can offer you a great vacation and the experience of a lifetime, and we would be most grateful if you would consider buying a vacation package from us, and receive another equal vacation package for
free.

This way you can help us raise the money necessary to save my life! I am waiting to be admitted to a hospital in México City, while my dad is sending this letter to all the people that have visited us in the past as well as all the other people who have corresponded with us. If you decide that you can help me, would you please contact us as soon as possible so that I may have a second chance!

Packages are available for, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, and Mountain Biking. If you would like to do more than one activity, you may build your own custom package to include as many different activities as you like.

Choose how to use your Free Time
· Pay for a week and stay for 2 weeks!
· Come for a week and use your other FREE week whenever you want!
· Come for a week, and bring along another couple of friends or
relatives with you.
· Give away your space to your relatives!
· Sell your space to your friends, and recoup your
investment-Vacation for free!
· Pick the dates you want and reserve it now, or book it any time
in the next 4 years

Arrangements have been made so that you may pay by credit card to expedite raising the funds on a timely manner. If you should have any further questions or concern you may want to call us at our toll free number from the US at 1-888- 649-5951 or direct dial internationally 011-52-613-1351134.

Check our website bajaoutpost.com

For the more adventurous
This offer came in. If you haven't heard about Humbolt squid, they are probably the worst nightmare for anything below them in the food chain. Fast and aggressive, they'll eat just about anything they can catch.

Accompany a team of explorers to the mysterious Sea Of Cortez to film one of the most dangerous animals in the sea, the giant Humboldt squid. Expedition leader, Scott Cassell is studying the behavior of one of the least understood man-eaters of our time.

The fishermen of the Sea Of Cortez would rather fall into the water during a feeding frenzy of sharks than with Humboldt squid. With a legendary ferocity, the Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) is armed with huge sucker disks lined with over 20,000 teeth, a knife-edged beak capable of gouging out orange sized chunks of flesh every 3 seconds and high intelligence. These magnificent animals feed on nearly every animal they encounter including sharks, pelagic fish, other squid (they are fierce cannibals) and even man. To do this, we are using the Sea Probe submersible, diver protection cages and other state-of-the art systems to peer into the lair of one of earths greatest mysteries.

Expedition Goals

Opportunities offered

Expeditions are being scheduled for April, June, August and late September 2003.

Cost $5,000.00 for 7 days
$8,000.00 for 14 days

Includes all meals offshore, accommodations on support vessel, commemorative expedition patch, special-edition version of the documentary, expedition member certificate, and sea service letter.

Membership
Renewal rates are $20 single; $30 for a family. If you can't make it to a meeting, send your renewal to Mark Clausen; 1862 Willow Way; Vista, CA 92083.

OES Info
OES members can receive $30 off the regular OE price for specialty classes.

Subscriptions to Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine are available through the club for only $10. See Mark Clausen for details.

For more information: