Dermochelys
Contributor
I haven't seen it for myself in person, but according to some Facebook posts, apparently San Carlos Beach has been taken over by the sea lions and access is totally blocked. I've never heard of this happening before, so hopefully it's only temporary.
However, this got me thinking. What would happen to Northern California diving businesses if, for any reason, San Carlos Beach was no longer able to be used for diving classes? What about for diving tourism since most tourists dive there? It's a scary thought since that is THE spot for OW classes and those new to Monterey. Would they have to all go to boat diving? Is there another beach in the area that can accommodate the crowds, is as accessible, and is also beginner friendly (I don't think so)? Would everyone start diving Lake Tahoe?
Anyway, just wondering what people think. If access at San Carlos Beach is permanently blocked by the sea lions, I think it's going to mean some big changes for all of our local dive shops!
Edit: I wonder if so many divers avoided Monterey this week because of Carmageddon it opened the door for the takeover!
However, this got me thinking. What would happen to Northern California diving businesses if, for any reason, San Carlos Beach was no longer able to be used for diving classes? What about for diving tourism since most tourists dive there? It's a scary thought since that is THE spot for OW classes and those new to Monterey. Would they have to all go to boat diving? Is there another beach in the area that can accommodate the crowds, is as accessible, and is also beginner friendly (I don't think so)? Would everyone start diving Lake Tahoe?
Anyway, just wondering what people think. If access at San Carlos Beach is permanently blocked by the sea lions, I think it's going to mean some big changes for all of our local dive shops!
Edit: I wonder if so many divers avoided Monterey this week because of Carmageddon it opened the door for the takeover!