Ocean Explorers Society
August 2007 

Our next meeting will be held Thursday August 2nd @ 6:30 at Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant, located in the Mission Valley West Mall, 1202 Camino Del Rio North, SD 92108 (619) 297-5667. Please RSVP to Dave Ambrose so we can have enough seats. If you can't RSVP, come anyway, and we'll have room.  

From the President

Summer diving season is here. In a clear abuse of executive optimism, I've decided to schedule several dives this month. I hope you all will avail yourselves of at least a couple. We're going to run these on an RSVP system. If I don't get any responses, we'll cancel them. But, I only need one response to go.  We'll also schedule one or two boat dives between now and September. I have one request for the kelp beds, and it's been a while since we dived there. 

We've done a few impromptu dives, and they've been fun, and very beginner friendly. So, if you've gone out with other groups and felt guilty about your gear, comfort level, or air consumption, give us a try. We'll start at some easy sites, then move on to something more interesting, like Children's Pool, or La Jolla Cove.

Local divers are reporting excellent conditions with 20 foot plus visibility and upper 60's for temperatures, at least if you stay above 30 feet or so. We should get a few days of 50 foot vis along the coast. When I find out about these, I'll send out a general message. This would be a good time to "get sick". As we all know, the hyperbaric oxygen treatment one gets from diving remidiates many ills. 

The shallows off the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club are teeming with leopard sharks and guitar fish. Vis has been pretty good of late, and that area is well protected from the southwest swell. Snorkel gear is best, as you will find them in 4-8 feet of water. We've also seen the occasional smoothhound shark, along with bat and butterfly rays. If you want to skip the parking lot cruise, park over by the Marine Room restaurant, and use the coastal access to reach the water.

On the Chilren's Pool front: The appelate court heard oral arguments on July 11th. The word I got was that the justices were very pointed in questioning San Diego's attorney, and fairly easy on the plaintiff's lawyer. I hope that's a good sign. One also hopes that it won't need to go any further. There don't appear to be any constitutional issues involved, and none were raised in this first appeal. I'm going to guess that this will be the end of the road for the litigation.  

If judge Patel's order stands, then the San Diego will be obligated to take whatever steps are necessary to restore the water quality at Children's Pool. That probably means chasing the seals away, and restoring the water flow through the pool. Expect a big fight when it comes to pass. 

Oblivious to the consequences of the court case, there is now a proposal to place a rope across the Children's Pool at night, year-round. Ostensably, this rope will "protect the seals." The fact there's never been a documented incident of physical harm to a seal on that beach seems to be irrelevant to the proponents of this "new idea".  

I think this barrier creates a disasterous precedent. While the city has opined that it needs no Coastal Commission approval, it creates a barrier to coastal access which is exactly the kind of thing prohibited by the California Coastal Act. We fought like cornered panthers to get this act passed and I'll be damned if I'm going to let anyone open a gap in our armor. There are still people who want to gut it for their own gain. They'll happily take any opening to close off their section of coastline. As much as you may like the seals, they're not worth losing the coastal access we all enjoy.

The Children's Pool issue has been extremely devisive. People with lots in common are finding themselves on opposite sides. How ever the issue sorts out, I hope that we all find ways to work together when we have common goals. 

Unfortunately, the Galapagos trip has unraveled. It seems the dive boat lacked the appropriate permits to dive two of the prime habitats in the archipellago. Explorer Ventures offered everyone full refunds, which was a fair settlement, all things considered. We're looking to reload for something close to the same time frame. Some of the deals sound really good. If you want to take a last minute vacation, contact Jon Parkhurst immediately.

For those of us playing homebodies this year, we have some more activities in the pipeline. Plan on a picnic after Labor Day, and some more local diving. Maybe we should take a consolation cold-water trip to the Channel Islands?

I've been on jury duty for this last week. I'm getting familiar with the mind numbing regimen of explaning everything in excruciating detail; presumably so we'll have no unanswered questions when we deliberate. I don't know how you attorneys manage on a daily basis. If I seem to have fled to some off-world haven, this is my only excuse. But a long day in the courtroom makes me appreciate the beach that much more. 

The San Diego Oceans Foundation Diveathon starts August 1st. Although anyone going to Belize will kick my tail, I've signed up with the goal of getting lots of dives in next month. I do hope you'll support the SDOF with a donation through whichever diver strikes your fancy. They do a lot of good work in San Diego for both divers and our topside-only friends. Click here if you'd like to help my fundraising efforts.

 — Dave Ambrose

Local Dives

We're scheduling some local diving this month. If you want to go, you must RSVP to me, either via email or phone. If I get no RSVPs the night before, I may cancel the dive. My cell phone number is 858-248-6203.  I'm also looking into a boat trip out to the kelp beds. Please let me know if you're interested. — Dave Ambrose

August 4th, La Jolla Shores, meet near the bathrooms at 0800.
August 19th,  La Jolla Shores, meet near the bathrooms at 0800.
August 25th, La Jolla Cove, meet on the lawn at 0730 (but get there sooner. parking is a challenge).  If there's enough interest, we can carpool from UTC.

Flotsam

Diver Down in La Jolla Shores:  The San Diego Union Tribune reported that July 25, Wednesday evening at around 5:15 pm, a scuba diver was found floating dead about 150 yards off La Jolla Shores beach yesterday afternoon, reported Lt. Greg Buchanan of the San Diego Lifeguard Service.   Lifeguards working in the area recognized him as the same man who a couple of hours earlier had told them he was new to the area and wanted to go diving.  At around 5:15 pm, a kayaker noticed the diver floating and not moving in the water and waved his paddle to alert lifeguards. A lifeguard on a jetski reached the diver, who had no pulse; efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.  The diver, who was estimated to be in his 40s, had no air in his tank, and it was later determined that he had been diving alone.

Marty Snyderman Seminar at Ocean Enterprises: Renowned underwater photographer and film-maker Marty Snyderman will be giving a one day seminar at Ocean Enterprises on Saturday, September 8th. We've heard very good things about his previous seminars and expect this one to be superlative as well. The cost is $150. For more information, check the flyer, or contact Ocean Enterprises.

San Diego Ocean's Foundation Annual Dive-A-Thon:
You can help raise $30,000 for the San Diego Oceans Foundation by registering to participate in the 3rd Annual Dive-a-Thon!

The monies raised will help support our Foundation's ongoing projects and programs that include: Ships 2 Reefs, Underwater Research, Fisheries Enchancement, Marine Science Education, and pollution prevention programs!

By participating in the Dive-a-Thon you will receive a free event t-shirt. In addition, you have the opportunity to win AWESOME prizes like scuba equipment, dive trips, SeaWorld passes and so much more

Sign up online at www.sdoceans.kintera.org, registration is $25.00 and you'll receive a free event T-shirt.

You MUST log your dives from August 1st - August 31st through the SDOF website. The online logbook form is very simple and will only take 60 seconds for each entry. Dives do not have to be logged each day (if you are on vacation have no internet access) but MUST BE logged by August 31st to count! Note: Don't even think about fabricating your dives ... you will be caught! Please be honest.
 The success of this fundraiser is dependant on divers seeking pledges for their diving or fundraising goals! Once you've registered, you can create your OWN PERSONAL webpage to send to friends and family asking for their support. Designing your personal page takes less than five minutes because we've provided the templates for you! Sending personal web pages takes the hassle out of asking for pledges in person ... send it to your entire address book if you'd like!

For more information or to register, go to: www.sdoceans.kintera.org.

More San Diego Ocean Foundation Events

White Seabass Pen Cleaning
Sunday August 5th AND Saturday August 18th
8:00 - 11:00 am
San Diego Bay WSB Pens

 

The White Seabass Restoration Project was established to reintroduce white seabass to California coastal waters. Once an important game fish and commercial food fish, white seabass have virtually disappeared from California. Surveys show the loss of habitat, specifically the loss of wetlands that are important nursery habitats fo rthe fish, along with heavy commercial fishing, and the development of gill nets have depleted the white seabass populations to 10% of what they were only 50 years ago.

To change this course, the California Departmen tof Fish and Game instituted the "Oceans Resources and Hatchery Enhancement Program and funded the Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute's experimental marine fish hatchery in Carlsbad, California. At this facility, white seabass are bred from larval stage to 3 inches at which point a small "tag" inscribed with fertilization date and brood stock information is inserted into the jaw bone of the juvenile fish. The fish are then transported to one of 15 grow out facilities along the California coast.

The SDOF needs SNORKELERS AND SCUBA DIVERS to help clean the pens!! The White Seabass pens are once again covered with mussels and other sea life, preventing fresh water flow and oxygen that the fish need to stay healthy. Dive with a purpose and help pick, pull and pry sea life off the nets!

Please bring all of your own dive gear and tank, along with work gloves. A hood, dive light and 1-2 extra pounds of weight is also suggested. Water and snacks will be provided after the dive. **You DO NOT need to bring a dive buddy!**


The pens are located on the pier directly West of Hawthorn on Harbor Drive. For complete directions, call the SDOF office (619) 523-1903.

PLEASE RSVP to courtney@sdoceans.org

Reef Fish ID training

Tuesday, August 21st

5:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Ocean Enterprises (7710 Balboa Ave, Suite 101, San Diego 92111)

 

Looking for a summer diving activity that benefits YOU and the ENVIRONMENT?

 

Then join the San Diego Oceans Foundation's Fish Identification class on Tuesday, August 21st (it's free)! Whether you're a fish ID expert or a "newbie diver", this class will leave you full of knowledge about our underwater world, which you can then put to good use. Instead of saying "What was THAT fish," you'll be able to give it a name, and even know a little bit of biology!

 

You'll also learn how you can volunteer by conducting an underwater REEF survey and collecting valuable data on local populations on future dives. By becoming an SDOF "Reefer," you'll receive special notices about free boat dives, continuing education speakers and tours and much more! Plus you'll be contributing to knowledge that will help ensure our marine environment continues to be a vibrant community of life.

 

The Fish Identification class will be held at Ocean Enterprises on Tuesday, August 21st from 5:30 - 9:30 pm.

Space is limited, so RSVP to volunteer@sdoceans.org today!

Humboldt Squid Invade The Coastal Waters Off Central California

YahooNews.com reports that Monterrey, California has an often feared visitor making appearances in its coastal waters and preying on local anchovy, hake and other commercial fish populations, according to a study published Tuesday. 

Also known as the "red demon", Humboldt squid can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh more than 110 pounds. These mysterious creatures have such a feared reputation, it has been said that Mexican fisherman would prefer to be in the midst of a shark feeding frenzy than in the middle of a 'diablo rojo' feeding. An aggressive predator, the Humboldt squid - or Dosidicus gigas - can change its eating habits to consume the food supply favored by tuna and sharks, its closest competitors and only natural enemy, according to an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.

"Having a new, voracious predator set up shop here in California may be yet another thing for fishermen to compete with," said the study's co-author, Stanford University researcher Louis Zeidberg. "That said, if a squid saw a human they would jet the other way."

The jumbo squid used to be found only in the Pacific Ocean's warmest stretches near the equator. In the last 16 years, it has expanded its territory throughout California waters, and squid have even been found in the icy waters off Alaska, Zeidberg said.

Zeidberg's co-author, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute senior scientist Bruce Robison, first spotted the jumbo squid here in 1997, when one swam past the lens of a camera mounted on a submersible thousands of feet below the ocean's surface.

More were observed through 1999, but the squid weren't seen again locally until the fall of 2002. Since their return, scientists have noted a corresponding drop in the population of Pacific hake, a whitefish the squid feeds on that is often used in fish sticks, Zeidberg said.

"As they've come and gone, the hake have dropped off," Zeidberg said. "We're just beginning to figure out how the pieces fit together, but this is most likely going to shake things up."

Before the 1970s, the giant squid were typically found in the Eastern Pacific, and in coastal waters spanning from Peru to Costa Rica. But as the populations of its natural predators — like large tuna, sharks and swordfish — declined because of fishing, the squids moved northward and started eating different species that thrive in colder waters.

Local marine mammals needn't worry about the squid's arrival since they're higher up on the food chain, but lanternfish, krill, anchovies and rockfish are all fair game, Zeidberg said.

A fishermen's organization said Tuesday they were monitoring the squid's impact on commercial fisheries.

"In years of high upwellings, when the ocean is just bountiful, it probably wouldn't do anything," Zeke Grader, the executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. "But in bad years it could be a problem to have a new predator competing at the top of the food chain." (YahooNews.com Wed July 25, 2007)     

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute published an article July 26, 2007 which in a nutshell, states that "...over the last five or ten years, the Humboldt squid have been steadily expanding both north and south of their "home turf". This expansion, if sustained, could have far-reaching effects on West Coast fisheries and marine ecosystems". 
To read the article in its entirety, go to:  www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_61946.shtml . 

For more information on these fascinating, if not scary, creatures, you can go to www.seawolves.com and read about these 'red demons' and the adventures of Scott Cassell and his team of divers, who routinely dive and film humboldt squid. 

Go Green, Save Green This Summer at Birch Aquarium at Scripps!

WHAT: Light Bulb and Torchiere Lamp Exchange
DATE: Saturdays: August 18 and September 15, 2007
TIME: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
PLACE: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way,  La Jolla  CA 

Here's a bright idea: Join the global effort to slow climate change and cut down your energy bill this summer at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

On select Saturdays, exchange up to five 75-watt or higher incandescent light bulbs and up to two halogen torchiere lamps (bring entire fixture) for more energy-efficient models (while supplies last, come early!) --a combined value of more than $100!* Bring a valid California ID and a copy of your current SDG&E bill with you to the event.   

All exchange participatns will receive 2-for-1 SAME DAY admission to Birch Aqarium at Scripps. Discover the aquarium's newest exhibit, Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge, and learn more about climate change through interactive activities for all ages.     

An SDG&E Energe Coach will be on-site these dates to talk about useful energy efficiency tips you can practice at home. If you're thinking about making other energy efficiency improvements to your home, find out about available rebates from SDG&E to help you go green and save green this summer.

Save the date! September 15th is also Sustainability Day at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. From 11-3 pm, experience an environment fair showcasing energy efficiency technologies, products, and services.

For more information on the lighting exchange program, visit   http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/Releases/?releaseID=822  or call SDG&E at 1-800-644-6133.
(Scrippsnews.ucsd.edu)

Lightening Kills Diver Off Florida Coast

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - Lightning struck a diver's air tank as he surfaced off Florida's Atlantic coast, killing him, authorities said. The 36-year-old man was diving with three others Sunday, July 22, off a boat near Deerfield Beach, about 40 miles north of Miami.

He had surfaced about 30 feet from the boat when lightning struck his tank, said Deerfield Beach Fire Chief Gary Fernaays.

The other divers struggled to get the man back into the boat and radioed for help, Fernaays said. The victim, identified was Stephen Wilson of Deerfield Beach, was rushed to the beach, where a rescue crew gave him CPR. He was later pronounced dead at North Broward Medical Center.

A severe thunderstorm warning had been in effect Sunday for Broward County.

The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office planned an autopsy to determine if Wilson drowned or was electrocuted. (News.Yahoo.com,  Monday July 23, 2007)


Scripps Institution of Oceanography Events -

Sharks: Stewards of the Reef, Sunday July 29  6:30-8:00 p.m.
Birch Aquarium is hosting a presentation of Sharks: Stewards of the Reef, a new half hour educational documentary about the plight of tropical sharks. The film takes viewers on a voyage of underwater discovery to explore tropical reefs and dive with sharks. The film examines escalating threats to sharks, including habitat destruction of reef ecosystems and overfishing, that are causing Pacific reef shark populations to plummet. The most brutal assault threatening shark abundance is the finning of sharks for shark fin soup. Compelling interviews with leading marine biologists and conservationists reveal these driving forces behind the drastic reduction of many shark populations.
The 30 minute film will be followed by moderate public discussion.

The Silent Deep,  Monday August 27  6:30-8:00 p.m.
Written by renowned deep sea ecologist Tony Koslow, The Silent Deep is a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the state of the deep sea today, it tells the story of deep sea exploration and discovery, bringing to life our contemporary understanding of the ecology of these environments. Just as research exploration is rendering the deep sea accessible, a host of new threats is endangering life in its waters: pollution, fishing, mining, energy extraction, and climate change. The Silent Deep tracks the human footprint across this fantastical real, highlighting the need for improved global stewardship to keep its delicate ecosystems alive and well. The presentation will be followed by a book signing.

Doors open at 6:30, presentations begins at 7 p.m..
Enjoy aquarium exhibits and light refreshments.
RSVP:         (858) 534-4109
Members:     Free
Public:          $8.00

Full Moon Pier Walks
Although this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public, you can walk the length of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier with a Scripps naturalist under a full moon. Participants will learn about the history of the pier and current research projects while collecting plankton, performing experiments, and exploring the nocturnal habits of marine life. Program includes a special souvenir for each participant.

Dates:
    Tuesday August 28
Prices:
    Member Adult: $17
    Non-Member Adult:  $20
    Member Child:  $14
    Non-Member Child:  $17
    Ages 9 to adult  (ages 9-13 must be accompnaied by a paid adult)
Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m
RSVP     (858) 534-4109

Rocks, Rips & Reefs Program (3Rs)- Every year, the Council of Divers, along with San Diego lifeguards sponsors Rocks, Rips, and Reefs. The 3R's is an in-the-water snorkel tour of popular dive sites from Bird Rock to Marine Room.  These are great fun, and an easy way to get local knowlege from the experts.

Who can attend?

The 3Rs is free and open to the public. Snorkelers welcome! SCUBA Certification is not required, but swimming experience is recommended.

Participants must sign a liability waiver as part of registration. Participants aged 17 or less must have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Bring a mask, fins, and snorkel. A full wetsuit and gloves are strongly recommended for warmth and protection from scrapes. Spring suits are OK. Weights are discouraged unless you are a strong swimmer or your wetsuit is extremely buoyant. Scuba gear (regulator, BC, tank, etc) is not used during the 3Rs. If you have not been diving or snorkely recently, please check your gear before you arrive.

When are the 3Rs?
For all dates below, registration will be at 8:00am. Mandatory briefing starts at 8:15am, enter the water 8:30 am.

Shell Beach
Saturday July 28, 2007
Meet at - 1000 Coast Blvd. (nearest cross street - Ocean St.)
At the top of the stairs about half way between La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool
Session Host: San Diego Freedivers

Hospital Point
Saturday August 11th, 2007
Meet at - 400 Coast Blvd (south of Cuvier)
Session Host: Sea Dogs

Casa Cove
Saturday August 25th, 2007
Meet at Life Guard Tower 850 Coast Boulevard
Session Host: San Diego Dive Club

(San Diego Council of Divers,  sddivers.com)


Birch Aquarium Green Flash Concert Series Returns For A Second Successful Season 

Concerts are held in the aquarium's breathtaking oceanfront tide pool plaza. All aquarium exhibits will be open for viewing. Drinks and refreshments provided by Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery are available for additional charge.

Proceeds will help support Birch Aquarium programs and it’s newest exhibit, Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge.

PRICES:
Aquarium Members:    $15 per concert ($65 season rate)
Public:                         $20 per concert ($90 season rate)
Walk-in :                     $25 per concert

Wednesday, August 15
LEN RAINEY & THE MIDNIGHT PLAYERS
High energy blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll

Wednesday, September 19
THE BIGFELLAS
Fun, funky, friendly original rock

Concerts are open to ages 21+.

RSVP to 858/534-4109. Walk-in admission $25.  RSVP now for a lower rate.


San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition - Submit your films to the San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition and Make a Difference! This is a call for entries for the 8th Annual San Diego Under Sea Film Exhibition, scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, October 12th & 13th, 2007 at the Qualcomm Hall located at 5775 Morehouse Dr, San Diego, CA 92121.

Here is your chance to see your work projected in Standard or High Definition formats in a state of the art venue on a giant screen. There is no entry fee!
Each evening will feature a different program consisting of 14 to 16 short underwater films from locations all over the world. 

Entry Guidelines:

 Send your submissions to:

San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition
c/o Bob Gladden
10339 Thanksgiving Ln.
San Diego, CA 92126.

Filmmakers whose films are selected are encouraged to come to the show and introduce their film(s) in person on the night of the exhibition.
The San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition reserves the right to use the films for the promotion of this event.  All rights will remain with the owners of the films.
If you have questions please contact Bob Gladden (858) 695-0264, ovisions@san.rr.com; or Steve Douglas(619) 464-4505,  steve-sharksdelight@cox.net. 

Travel  

Changes to AAdvantage Miles Program - Many of us are faithful American Airlines Advantage members, and often times keeping up with the changes in their frequent flier program is difficult.  The most recent change is that AAdvantage members must now have mileage earning or redemption activity once every 18 months. Effective December 15, 2007, if you haven't had any activity in your account, in the previous 18 months (June 15, 2006) all miles subject to expiration will expire.   For more details, visit  www.aa.com and under the AAdvantage link, go to AAdvantage News & Information, and click on the link  AAdvantage Mileage Retention Policy Change. The good news is that its easy to keep your account active:
San Diego Council of Diver - Minutes of July 10th General Meeting
Meeting held at La Jolla Brew House - called to order at 7:00 pm by Scott Anderson, President

1. Guest Speaker

Renowned lifeguard Mark Brown gave a presentation of the history of Diving and of decompression sickness (DCS).  Many of us didn't realize how far back in history people were trying to dive beneath the waters.  There are ancient drawings of attempts to take air along with swimmers.  Mark kept us entertained as only he can with his ability present interesting information with his flair of humor.   

2.  3rs Schedule

The 2007 schedule is posted on our web site.

http://www.sddivers.com/3rs

The next Session will be Shell Beach, Saturday July 28, 2007. Meet at 1000 Coast Blvd. (nearest cross street is Ocean St.).  This is about

half way between La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool.  This session will Be hosted by the San Diego Freedivers.  One could bring dive gear and

dive Children's Pool after this session, and secure a free t-shirt on the spot. For information on free t-shirts, visit http://tinyurl.com/345le3   

3. Future dives activities

a. John Leek announced there are still spots available on the 8/18 expedition to La Bufadora.   Get your place secured with a $30 refundable deposit. For more information, visit http://www.diveanimals.com/current.html#Bufadora  

b. Bottom Bunch:  October 26-28 Horizon trip $400 for Bottom Bunch Members, $435 for non-members. We can board the Horizon at 9PM, October 25th. 

c. San Diego Underwater Photographic Society: 38th Annual Film Festival will be held Saturday, September 8th, 2007 6PM at Sumner Auditorium. 

d. The Dive Hawaiian Style enterprise has taken over the old San Diego Diver Supply building on Midway, and has opened as a full service dive store.  

4.  Next Meetings, Board and General

The next Council Board meeting will be at the Coco's Restaurant, 7398 Clairemont Mesa Blvd on July 24th, 2007 at 7 pm.  A club or individual wishing to present an issue to the board may certainly attend. Our next General Meeting will be August 14th, 2007 at the La Jolla Brew House. Our speaker will be Nate Baker, who will give a presentation on

Photography and will be sharing his open water fish photos.    
  
5.  Children's Pool

Oral arguments were heard by the Superior Court panel of Judges on July 11th, 2007. A decision on the appeal is expected no later than Labor Day, hopefully much sooner.  Should the City lose the appeal, it will have to follow its own "joint use policy" and the terms of the trust by restoring Children's Pool to its 1941 condition.  This would mean that sand would be removed and water quality be restored.  We will keep you updated as news becomes available. 

6.  Request for Nighttime Rope at Children's Pool

Ignoring the appeal case, the Natural Resources and Culture Committee (NRC) committee approved a measure to go before the City Council, which proposes a nighttime rope to be erected at Children's Pool year round.  To see the archive video, go to http://granicus.sandiego.gov/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=14
click on June 20th.  Advance the time marker forward to 02:57:00.   This cannot go before the full City Council for a permit without public hearing.  There is a hearing officer who does that and has requested input from the La Jolla Planning Commission later in the summer.  The activists have found the rope to be a useful prop in their campaign of disinformation.  Representatives of the dive and swim communities will know in advance this time and can be at the meeting to speak against roping off public beaches for animal display purposes.    

7. From the June Board meeting

a. We have received only 2 letters from San Diego Dive Clubs in support to stop commercial harvesting of red abalone at San Miguel Island. These are Ocean Explorers and Freedivers. 

b. Renewing dues to the Council can now be done by Paypal via email address JLeek001@san.rr.com  with a payment of $15.50.   ($.50 goes to Paypal for the convenience)  

c. It was proposed that dive clubs be urged to suggest interesting speakers from their midst, to present material in Council of Divers meetings.   

d. The different Dive Councils throughout the State have quarterly meetings; the next meeting will be hosted here in San Diego in October.  We will let you know very soon at to where and when the meeting will take place. 

e. Council sponsored bulletin board at the Shores

It will be 5' x 4' and the design is to be approved.    

f. The Council needs a director to coordinate our effort to inform the Clubs of what they can do through the Council to affect the upcoming Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) reserves being planned for San Diego.   Unless someone from one of the clubs takes this on, divers will have no input and Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will make its plans from input from environmental groups, sport and commercial fishermen.  If someone is interested in filling the position, please let the Council know.  

Submitted 7/15/07          John Leek, Secretary


OES Membership - Renewal rates are $20 single; $30 for a family. 

OES Info