As one who has recently been chastised for posting "wee coarse" pics, I can say that I really did not think I was giving anything away - either in the photos (all were close macro) or my description of where I was diving (other than being in this thread). On review, I did say that I saw a fair number of them on a single dive. That may have been enough incentive for the collector to go on the hunt. On my last day at the bridge, I returned to the specific area where I had photographed 3 of them and none could be found. Still found a couple others on the dive, but not in the prime spot. All that said, the collectors obviously know their habitat and habits and know where to look for them. While this is a great thread - the best on ScubaBoard in my opinion - sharing will lead to more divers visiting the dive site and, unfortunately, collectors.
Not sure legislation is the answer to the problem, but getting the area listed as a marine park could be an important first step. The economics have to be in favor - just look at the $$$ in the parking lot every weekend. The money is not coming from collecting - it is coming from divers traveling from all over to see this unique marine environment. Don't tell my wife this, but my dive buddy and I pumped over $2k into the local economy (hotel, meals, dive gear [Force E had a great sale!], etc.) for our 5 dives at BHB last week. Others have indicated work is underway (marine park status) - what can be done to help?
