California Ships to Reefs (CSTR), a 501(c) non-profit organization diversely composed of divers, travelers, scientists and veterans who strive to return California’s oceans to a more natural state, recently made the choice to drop Senate Bill 1447 for this legislative year.

The proposed bill would have modified the definition of “artificial reef” in the California Fish and Game Code to that of the National Fisheries Enhancement Act and the National Artificial Reefing Plan; this would have removed overlapping jurisdictions in permitting artificial reefs in California state waters.  The bill also would have granted the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) the authority to issue fees to artificial reefing groups in order to finance permitting for reef activities.  The bill also suggested appointing a single person as Artificial Reefing Coordinator, who would have acted as a liaison between federal and state agencies and
non-government organizations who wish to place artificial reefs.

 Creating such a position, the CSTR believes, would allow the public a louder voice when dealing with artificial reef issues and would bolster local economies, which rely on revenue from fishing and diving tourism.

CSTR decided to temporarily forgo SB 1447 due to the CDFG’s lack of staff members who can work on reefing projects.  In addition, the CSTR stated statewide offices need to be fully educated in regard to its mission before the bill can proceed.
“We will use this opportunity to do more ‘top down’ education,” the group stated on their website. “…making sure the highest echelons of these organizations appreciate our mission.”

The CSTR thanked the proponents of SB 1447: California Senator Mimi Walters, her staff; the consultant to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, Alena Pribyl; and hundreds of locals.  CSTR plans to focus the remainder of 2012 on strengthening its reputation and alliances while continuing its ecological mission.

By John Tapley

Chamber Day 2012 is an opportunity for diving communities to band together for the benefit of the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber – local divers will join to raise funds, which will keep the device operational.  The largest single-day scuba charity event in the United States, Chamber Day 2012 will take place Wednesday, May 2.

Sponsored by South California Scuba Divers, The Catalina Chamber is dedicated solely to the treatment of diving accidents on a regular basis and provides an important safety net.  Although the Chamber receives funding from L.A. County, income from courses, and donations from various sources, Chamber Day provides a significant portion, close to 50%, of the Chamber’s annual budget.

All revenue earned from the event goes directly to supporting the Chamber - no administrative fees are deducted from the proceeds.  In addition, the local SoCal boats donate their time and services, the manufacturers give away gear for raffle prizes, the Aquarium of the Pacific shares their facility for the evening event and hundreds of volunteers offer their time and enthusiasm.

Last year the Chamber received over $117,000 in support, and in the face of a struggling economy, the event’s organizers remain cautiously optimistic. Despite difficult financial times, however, the cost of participating in the event still has a base cost of $90.

Daytime festivities during the event include a full day of diving, walking tours, “Diving the Dutchman” for those who cannot attend the event in person, raffles and much more.  Local artist Ron Cornelison will be participating by selling professionally crafted paintings.  Wrapping up the day is a special “Chamber Evening” event, co-sponsored by the Aquarium of the Pacific, which features full access to the aquarium, a dinner in the Great Hall, speeches, more raffles and presenting the funds to Chamber Director Karl Huggins.

Additionally, an online “Chamber Challenge” allows divers to raise extra funds via social networking sites such as Facebook.  A donator gives a specific donation, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000, which is then “challenged” by a friend, family member or co-worker.

To sign up for a volunteer position or purchase tickets, visit the event’s website (http://dornsife.usc.edu/chamberday) or call 310-652-4990.

By John Tapley

Dive News Network (DNN) recently hosted their 2012 Dive and Travel Expo at the Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA.  The convention, which showcased a multitude of dive and travel manufacturers, vendors, hydroenvironmental advocacy groups and charity organizations, ran from April 21 to April 23 and provided entertainment and education for thousands of participants.

Although attendance rates are still being tabulated, Selene Muldowney, the show Coordinator, estimates this year’s convention brought in the same quantity and excellent quality as years prior.  “Overall it was a blast,” she stated.  “Meeting new people and helping to educate them in environmental conservation was great.”

Dive for a Cure, an Oregon-based charity group, which combats breast cancer through awareness and fundraising, partnered with the Expo to sell shirts.  DNN is waiting on combined totals from the Tacoma Expo and next month’s Santa Clara to release revenue and attendance information.

The Saturday Night Film Festival offered an evening of food, fun and education.  Through speech, videos and photography, diving professionals shared their expertise and inspired participants.

Diana Hollingshead, co-owner of Eugene Skin Divers Supply in Eugene, OR and volunteer trainer at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, received Dive News Network’s Diver of the Year award for her outstanding, tireless support to her local diving communities.

Afterwards, the convention celebrated the wonderful fifty-year career of diving pioneer Bill High by awarding him the second annual Local Legends Award.  Founder of PSI, Inc., NOAA’s first National Diving Coordinator, and leading many positions at NAUI, High’s prolific career spans numerous occupations and accomplishments.

Famed photographer Ernie Brooks finished the film festival with an ascetic presentation on mankind’s progression from ocean to sky.  “We feel humbled, fortunate, and ultimately inspired to work with the underwater photography icon,” Muldowney said.

Participants encountered a treasure trove of prizes such as local and tropical trips, charters, gear, snorkels, Dive Alerts, and much more. The 9th Annual Treasure Hunt, where divers plunged the depths in search of specially marked golf balls, proved to be a continued success. The new QR Code Treasure Hunt and the pool Treasure Hunt were also popular.

Looking forward, Muldowney is already hard at work planning for DNN’s next expo, which will be held at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA from May 11 to 13.  For those who can’t make Santa Clara, the next Tacoma Expo will be April 19-21, 2013.

By Rick Stratton
Publisher, Dive News Network

Looking at the beach, I see dive gear, lots of dive gear. It is definitely the start of Lingcod season. Hardcore anglers have taken a day off because it is opening day of Spearfishing season, and I can’t really blame them since I’m here too.

“You can tell when Lingcod season has started, because of the influx of tank and gear requests, and annual service,” said Pat Beach of Whidbey Island Dive Center.

Spearfishing developed originally as a means to feed the family, and when I hunt, I feel like I’m returning to my caveman roots. I am man. I hunt. I do good. Today, it’s a hobby, usually for divers, and there are quite a few divers who only dive during huntin’ season.

Some have the perception of spearfishing as this easy sport: grab spear, shoot fish, eat dinner. While the outline is correct, there’s more to the story. Lingcod are territorial, and the fish are wily, so spearfishing becomes an underwater deer hunt. Everybody has their secret, favorite hunting spot. My personal favorite spot is at Deception Pass, because the fish meat is very firm due to the constant workout of swimming against a strong current.

Because spearfishing used to be a free diving activity, many states have made spearfishing while scuba diving illegal. Here in Washington state, it’s legal and popular.  I encourage everyone to research for themselves with the local Fish and Wildlife Department before grabbing the gear. Keep in mind, the regulations are designed to manage the populations of fish and maintain fairness with a large focus on safety!

I love to spearfish, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

There are plenty of places in the Puget Sound, and even some fresh water lakes, where you can hunt for your dinner. I also recommend keeping tabs on the fish species list as the allowable hunting fodder changes frequently. You should keep safety in mind first, and keep your regulation book as well as your fish ID card on you. Knowing what type of gun you are using, and how it operates is key to success as well.

Spearfishing is not one of those activities you can just go and do. Many local dive shops offer training. Most of the dive shops who support spearfishing believe it to be the single most effective, hydroenvironmentally friendly and selective form of fishing. It’s food at its purest form. As a local diver, you can see what’s in the water, clean up and care for your “hunting spot”. When season opens, you can then go pick your dinner knowing no one else has handled or added preservatives to your fish.

There’s a saying among the spearfishers: “Let the big fella go – she’s a breeder.” The largest Lingcod will produce more in the future. It’s about being a responsible angler, not bringing home the best trophy. Though, some enjoy the hunt merely for chest thumping sake rather than dinner.

The spearfishing season is very short in the local PNW waters. Puget Sound specifically has approximately 4 weeks of spearfishing season for Lingcod. The Oregon Coast is one of the preferred destinations to spearfish because of its longer season. Neah Bay is my personal favorite, locally known as the Wild West, because the spearfishing season is practically year-round. Check with the Fish and Wildlife Department to confirm dates. But it’s not just about days you can hunt. Divers need to know size limits as well as other limitations. Do your homework!

Spear hunting is best with a GOOD dive buddy. You need to know your dive buddy as the risk is increased with the added weapon. I can’t emphasize this enough, but safety safety did I mention safety?

While the sport itself is a blast, there are some dangers to spearfishing. Divers need to watch for unaware boaters. This, of course, can be reduced by flying your dive flag/spearfisher buoy when you dive. This is one of the many reasons classes are important.

Scuba divers have an advantage over free divers since they have tanks and can stay down longer, but they do need to be mindful of the environment around them as they spear fish. All of the regular rules of scuba diving apply, and I don’t think the brand new diver who is unsure of diving should be considering spearfishing quite yet. 

However, there is a bit of “controversy” surrounding spearfishing when bringing up the topic with the hook and line fishermen. I’m not saying I don’t grab a fishing pole and get some bait wet, I’m just saying sometimes it’s really nice to go for a dive and catch my dinner too!

But the proof is in the method. There is no by-catch or unintended catch of undesirable species with spearfishing. When you are spearfishing you are looking at the fish you are going to spear. It takes the guess work out of the sport of fishing altogether. Spearfishing also doesn’t leave behind line, sinkers, hooks, or nets which can tangle or even potentially harm the underwater environment.

As a diver, the only extra equipment (beyond your diving equipment) you need is a spear gun. The many varieties of spear guns can be found at most of your local dive shops. Of course, I’ve been told “real spear fishers make their own guns”.
I did catch dinner, by the way. I’m going back to my cave to eat it now.