Killing Aquatic life?

[ODC diver]

Thank you all for your replies. Now I know that I'm not the only one who would think this is wrong.

 

[Steve_Dives]

Saw video of someone breaking up an urchin to feed the fish. I don't like the idea of killing for fun. The fish, however, had a blast.

 

[ba_hiker]

I've seen it too. For me, having dived the West Coast since 1968, I'll say it was true. A common practice until we figured out it was only entertaining to the new divers.
Dave

I have been diving on the left coast for years and haven't ever seen this (not to say it dosen't happen). What I have seen is divemsaters with a small baggy of frozen peas for attracting fish.

 

[Teamcasa]

I have been diving on the left coast for years and haven't ever seen this (not to say it dosen't happen). What I have seen is divemsaters with a small baggy of frozen peas for attracting fish.

I’ve seen the frozen peas many times. I’m not sure how good they are as fish food but they do draw an enormous number of fish! Believe me however, I saw the splitting of an urchin as recent as last weekend in the Casino Dive Park.

Dave

 

[KazooDiver]

It is such a shame that people do things like this! I know I would have been quite disturb to see some one do this...I would not dive with them again! The only way some people get the message it through their pocket book.

 

[ba_hiker]

I’ve seen the frozen peas many times. I’m not sure how good they are as fish food but they do draw an enormous number of fish! Believe me however, I saw the splitting of an urchin as recent as last weekend in the Casino Dive Park.

Dave

Unfortunatly I DO believe you...

 

[Codyjp]

I used to dive with a guy who killed urchins for fun... key word is USED to!

 

[RoyN]

The sealife is more of a harm to me then I am to them. Why? Well, I keep look at them then will run out of air. Or a seal gives me a love bite, or a shark bite test me. But for this? I sure don't know....

 

[Cecil]

I saw this on the left coast and was pretty shocked. It was later explained to me that urchins are the bane of reefs in Califonia due to killing off of their preditors. They decimate the kelp beds, so the thinking there is killing urchins is helping the kelp. There's also no shortage as everything is covered in urchins.

Not sure I agree but it is their reefs to protect.

 

[Ann Marie]

Sea Urchins are broadcast spawner's, meaning that they release their sperm and eggs into the water and hope that the two should meet. So, if you use a knife to 'cut the guts out' of a few sea urchins you may be releasing a whole new generation.

Kind of like trying to eradicate sea stars by cutting them up and throwing the pieces back into the water.