Scuba With Bill

Shark attacks are extremely rare. People are more likely to be injured by a hamster or killed by lightning than by a shark.

An interesting article from the Associated Press about sharks. Seems the National Aquarium in Baltimore would like to help people understand these wonderful animals.

Shark populations around the world have been on the decline. Either caught as by-catch in long line or net fishing, or caught specifically just for their fins, sharks are in danger. They don’t get much sympathy because of films like Jaws and the natural fear they inspire but they are an important part of the ecosystem.

Santa Barbara Island is my favorite of all of the local islands for diving. The sea lion rookery on the island always holds the most playful and enthusiastic sea lion pups who simply can’t wait to play. As soon as the boat pulls into the cove they come rushing for the water and swim right out to the boat barking as they wait for the divers to enter the water.

Check out some photos of our inpatient sea lion friends and enjoy this video of their underwater antics.

Reuters is reporting that two California sea lions named Alex and Zachary have been called into duty to protect US warships near Bahrain. Alex and Zachary have been trained to locate divers or swimmers who approach too near to US ships and to attach some sort of clamping device to them so that military personnel can then capture them.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of hearing Peter Wallerstein of the Whale Rescue Team give a presentation at the Ocean Adventures club meeting about his organization. His team helps rescue marine mammals and birds that for whatever reason become stranded in local waters. His account of a rescue of a newborn whale calf and it’s mother, both trapped in fishing nets off of Rancho Palos Verdes was quite amazing. His team has also been featured in several local rescues of beached whales in Marina del Rey.

A wonderful cause and an inspiring speaker. Worth checking out their website.

The state has a new plan to restore abalone populations, some of which are nearing extinction along parts of the California coast.

Interesting tale of the Free Willy orca who just can’t seem to get enough of humans. After years of rehabilitation and what experts thought was the big moment, Keiko the killer-whale has decided he hasn’t had enough of humans yet.

Not many manatees here in California but there are some pretty good tips for any sort of animal interaction. Besides we have members from all over the world and you never know when you’re going to be in FL diving.

The California Department of Fish and Game have approved a plan to create 12 new marine reserves. The reserves would cover 175 square miles covering various areas surrounding the Channel Islands. These new marine reserves (i.e. no-take zones) will hopefully increase the abundance of marine life within these new sanctuaries.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to dive in the existing marine reserves in the Channel Islands recognizes that this will eventually lead to more spectacular dive spots.

For more information, please see the Ca. Dept of Fish and Game website.