scallops

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Scallops are large and plentiful in certain areas of north coast. I've seen 'em as big as legal abalones! And yes you can take them on scuba.
 
I just read in "A Divers Guide to Monterey", by Bruce Watkins that the taking of all invertibrates is illegal in Carmel Bay (including Scallops -- see page 43) which includes everything (I think) from Cypress Point south to Whalers Cove (actually a State Underwater Researve where everything is protected).

In general, in the Monterey area there are several protected areas, so if you plan on hunting there, it is best to know the specific regs of you location (always a good rule).

hope this helps.
RJ
 
d33ps1x once bubbled...
Anone know how the diving by San Jose is? Anything worth seeing?

Monterey/Carmel is a little over an hour's drive away.
It's considered good diving, with the giant kelp forests, mammal life (sealions, seals, sea otters) plenty of fish and invertebrates.
 
Quarantine for Sport Harvested Mussels EXTENDED INDEFINITELY along the ENTIRE CALIFORNIA COAST due to elevated levels of toxins that can cause illness and death.

This quarantine is normally limited to May 1 through October 31, but was extended this year. Do not eat sport harvested bivalves including mussels, clams, oysters and SCALLOPS until further notice. For more information, you can call the shellfish information line at 1-800-553-4133. http://www.ocbeachinfo.com/

You may also get more detailed information from the DFG website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/pressrelease_103003.html I thought it interesting that sometimes spiny lobster have been found to have elevated levels of domoic acid. (See next to last paragraph of DFG notice). There are NO current warnings about spiny lobster that I found. Monterey currently has additional restrictions on some fish species.

kelphelper
 
I can't answer the question about scallops directly, but I can address the diving in general.

San Jose is inland a little ways, but as stated before, it is just over an hour away from some of the finest cold water diving anywhere. Definitely world class.

In Monterey Bay the vis is not great. Often you can only see 15 or 20 feet, but you will see a TON of stuff in that 15 feet! The vis is usually a little better in winter than in the summer. It can get to 50 feet or more on occasion, but plan on about 20 feet.

The water temps range from 40's to 50's typically. Temps are a little lower closer to Carmel and Pt Lobos, and a little warmer in Monterey. Also the water temps tend to be a little warmer in winter than in summer. November is a great time to dive Monterey Bay area.

The best diving areas are within the wildlife refuge, so many of the animals are protected. Howver it is a great place for taking photos.

Santa Cruz is a little up the coast from Monterey, and a little closer to San Jose, but there is very little diving done there. It is less protected from the currents and weather and swells, and for some reason no one seems to dive there. I hear that there just isn't much of anything to see underwater near Santa Cruz.
In addition, there are a lot of cool things to see and do and eat in the Monterey Bay area above water.

Adding my bubbles, but only because you asked.

Wristshot
 
scallops and other invertabrates are protected in monterey and carmel. I used to collect scallops diving santa cruz, ca. (north of monterey). Scallops are not as plentiful anymore since the otters live there too. Diving in santa cruz is from a boat. the vis is usually worse than monterey. But I am usually hugging the reef or sand looking for lingcod or halibut. (when in season). Monterey/Carmel is great diving, but the vis is not like southern cal. bring a flashlight to look in all the crevices. You'll be amazed.
 

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