OES Newsletter, February 2007

There's been some huge stuff happening underwater. Much of the sand on the La Jolla Submarine Canyon slope has been removed. The Cabezon Cruiser was relocated some 30 feet deeper down the canyon. It's now a technical dive. Secret Garden is still there, but somewhat scoured.

I haven't heard any official explanations, but I'm willing to bet that the extended period of heavy surf brought in enough water to move the sand down the canyon. We all know that our world changes, but it's fascinating to see it actually happening. More surf is certain, so we may not be through with this episode yet.

The grey whales are back on their southward migration. Young whales sometimes stop for a bit in La Jolla Cove. A few lucky divers even encountered them under water. Man, how cool is that? Check the photo inweek 92 on Divebums.

Flotsam

One Day Photo Seminar with Marty Snyderman - Marty's work has been profiled in numerous publications such as National Geographic, Skin Diver, National Wildlife Federation, Time, Newsweek, and Time Life, to name a few. Join Marty on Saturday February 17 at Ocean Enterprises from 9:00-3:00 as he covers topics such as photo fundamentals, composition secrets, JPEG & RAW files, lens choices, strobes, archiving your images, photographing reef creatures, photographing Mr. Big, creating silhouettes, photographing your buddy, photoshop techniques, and many more topics (as time permits). The cost is $150.00. Seating is limited, so if you are interested, contact Ocean Enterprises at (858) 565-6054 to reserve your spot.

Grey Whale Sighting in La Jolla Cove - A local diver had a close encounter with a young grey whale and ended up with the photo of a lifetime as he dove in La Jolla Cove on January 21st in about 30 feet of water! Other sightings of grey whales in the La Jolla area have prompted local divers to hit the water in search of Mr.California Big.

The Current Sport Bottomfishing Regulations are now available:

Summary tables for the 2007 recreational groundfish fishing regulations are posted to the Marine Region's website at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/bfregs2007.html
The Marine Region's California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations map has been updated: http:www//drf.ca.gov/mrd/fishing_map.html
The recreational groundfish fishing regulations hotline (831) 649-2801 has also been updated with current bottomfishing regulations (divebums)

Great White Freed off California Coast - A Great White Shark (GWS) on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was released into Montery Bay after being held in captivity for 137 days. In 2004-2005 the Monterey Bay Aquarium also held a young female GWS for 198 days prior to release. The shark was released earlier this month from a boat in Monterey Bay, fitted with an electronic data tag that will track its movements for the next three months. Information documenting where the shark travels, how deep it dives and the water termperatures it frequents will be relayed to scientists via satellite when the tag pop free on April 16, 2007.

The shark had grwon considerably from it's initial length of 5 foot 8 inches and 103 pounds when he arrived in August, to its present 6 foot 5 inches and 171 pounds. It was decided to release him before he grew large enough that releasing him would cause a greater risk in injury to the shark and staff during the release. While the shark did not hunt or attack his tank maters, he began to develop abrasions on his snout, another consideration that factored into the timing of his release.

Since 2002, the aquarium has committed more than $1 million to white shark field research, much of it coming directly from the additional admission fees received as a result of displaying the GWS. The aquarium saw an increase in attendance of approximately 8% while the shark was on display.

Since 2002, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has received ten GWS. Five died, two were released from a holding pen and one escaped from the pen. The aquarium believes that displaying the sharks raises awareness of this beautiful animal, helping conservation efforts. Increased attendance has also helped fund the aquarium's expansion of research efforts to tag and track the sharks. (Monterey Bay Aquarium http://www.montereybayaquarium.org)

From the President

Flotsam

Travel - The Club is entertaining suggestions for 2007 travel destinations...

OES Info