Show some respect... bug hunters at Casino Point

[drbill]

Not arguing that divers have taken the lobster. My point was, and still is, finding carpaces in or around the dive park is not proof that the lobster was taken from the dive park.

Finding two or three in the same area (within 10 feet) certainly argues for it.

 

[drbill]

I wonder if the state of California, along with a petition from the local diving community, could make Catalina a regulated park to combat this behavior.

It will be officially designated as a MPA later this year.

 

[drbill]

However, I've yet to see anyone justify the claim that hunting in the park is morally wrong, any more than sticking 6000 lumens into the face of a nocturnal animal is, perhaps.

Can't disagree with you on that. I do a fair bit of night diving and filming in the dive park. I would never consider using lights of such intensity for the very reason you state. I use my much lower intensity lights at reasonable distance so as not to blind the animals I film.

"Unfortunately" using lights at all at night has other consequences... many times a kelp bass has snagged a blacksmith or a kelp surfperch highlighted in my video lights. No question that my lights have created an unnatural advantage for the predators.

 

[drbill]

Keep in mind that much of my initial outrage was based on POACHERS taking lobster inside the park out of season. I've seen it happen every year... within a few weeks of the opening of season when the lobster are still abundant and less wary inside the park. This act is decidedly illegal.

The taking of lobster within the park after season opens is indeed legal, but still questionable in my opinion given the purpose of the park to provide a good experience for ALL divers. I have no problem with take in open areas outside the park in season.

 

[riguerin]

"Unfortunately" using lights at all at night has other consequences... many times a kelp bass has snagged a blacksmith or a kelp surfperch highlighted in my video lights. No question that my lights have created an unnatural advantage for the predators.

Funny you mention this, Bill. Like many others, I've had numerous encounters with harbor seals/sea lions over the years who have learned to follow divers and use their lights to hunt by. The Dive Park, however, is one of the few places where I've witnessed the predatory fish (kelp bass) exhibit similar behavior. This has always fascinated me. While I'm sure it's merely a form of conditioned response, it still appears to be an intelligent behavior that I wouldn't have imagined in a fish.

PS. Is it illegal to light up Garibaldi in the presence of hungry seal...is it right ? I don't know...but for some sick reason it does seem like a form of justice

 

[drbill]

An interesting observation I've made about garibaldi at night is that they don't appear to defend their nests. I've been up close and personal with several of them and they seem to shelter like their blacksmith brethren and I've not seen them come out to defend the nest. I guess everyone needs a break from their daily routine at some point.

Of course I know you'd defend Brandon against attack if you had to!

 

[D_B]

Who's going to attack him? ... I think he's now bigger than Rig

 

[Dwikkles]

It will be officially designated as a MPA later this year.

And to clarify people, he means only The dive park. The whole island wil NEVER be a total reserve. Good hunting

 

[D_B]

I agree with both sides. On one hand, he is correct, that if it is not against the law then who are we to say it's wrong, BUT on the other hand, with that mind set, we will need laws for everything about anything, and concern for others would be out the window. To me is seems that if we are more considerate of others, the less laws we need, and life would be better for all. If we could care more for our fellow diver (and man), and less about ourselves, everybody’s life, and everything we do, including diving, would be better for it.

I think this comment bears reposting

 

[DevonDiver]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

I've deleted a number of off-topic, insulting and flame posts from this thread.
No more please.

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