sargassum weed invasion makes for fascinating snorkeling

[Steve_C]

OK, now you have me primed to dive sargassum in NC which is my home territory. How do you do it? We pass it sometimes in dive boats but they keep going to the wrecks or ledges. Do you dive it from private boats? Only boats I have seen seeking it out are fishing boats who will troll along the edges.

 

[agilis]

OK, now you have me primed to dive sargassum in NC which is my home territory. How do you do it? We pass it sometimes in dive boats but they keep going to the wrecks or ledges. Do you dive it from private boats? Only boats I have seen seeking it out are fishing boats who will troll along the edges.

I've only dived it from private boats. It's not something that appeals to everyone. Probably closer to 'mud diving' except this is at the surface, and all you need is a snorkel and a protective skin of some sort. I also carry a hand net, and have on occasion used a small (45cf) tank in choppy water.

Up here in Jersey the opportunities are few and far between. I dived one patch just before it was scattered to bits, just ouside Barnegat inlet from a little 15ft trihull bay boat last September. I have fisherman friends with larger boats who will indulge me with some snorkeling time while they are unwisely stuffing themselves with meat potato chips and beer after landing some Dolphin around the weed raft edges.

They sometimes express surprise that I do this kind of thing in hundreds of feet of blue water 'at my age". I explain that many of my contemporaries would also still be doing this kind of thing had they not stuffed themselves with meat, beer and potato chips.

Some amazing things can be seen on large sections driftwood: pilings, crates, pallets, etc., floating in or near the weeds. Really amazing. Gazing below the sargassum far down in the clear blue water can reveal fast moving communities of predators, huge turtles, and other wonders. Shadows on the edge of perception.

 

[Allison Finch]

I wear full protection, because the weed is full if little "stingy" things. I like using scuba, so that you aren't bumping into everything as you surface. I like to just swim under the mat and hover, waiting for things to get used to you and start moving around.

I've only had the opportunity to do it longer than just a peek, once. But, now I would go on a dive trip JUST to look for some weed! Dang, if anyone wants to do this, the next time we have a bunch in NC, let me know!

If I had ever had a rebreather and known how to use it....THAT would have been the real key!

 

[Steve_C]

. But, now I would go on a dive trip JUST to look for some weed! Dang, if anyone wants to do this, the next time we have a bunch in NC, let me know!

James of Tortuga says mid summer is best. A heavy blow will bring it in as far as the lib ship but usually you have to go out as far as the Gill or Hyde but that is not bad. Problem is that it moves around.

 

[bilsant]

I would go on a dive trip JUST to look for some weed! Dang, if anyone wants to do this, the next time we have a bunch in NC, let me know!

Sounds delightful, but I really don't want people saying "After he retired, Bill grew his hair long and went to NC to look for some weed with Allison..."





but seriously, lets put that on the list of "possibles" for the Pub BHB trip...