Spanish Rocks Reef Cleanup

[Reef]

MissD is the only person I know who would consider diving a couple hours after HAVING surgery!

Well she is a blonde.

 

[catra8104]

Yeah, I meant I am operating that morning..
Probably about 60 or so cats.. Didn't mean to confuse you...
Sounds like I'll be too late for the festivities..
Hopefully I'll be able to make it to something soon...

 

[Missdirected]

MissD is the only person I know who would consider diving a couple hours after HAVING surgery!

Hey I will take that as a compliment. Thank you.

Well she is a blonde.

:guillotine:

 

[Missdirected]

Nineteen days and counting... I wish I could do the Pride and this. Can't ya move this back a day Mike? :tongue::winky:

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

I wish I could Tracey, I was wanting to dive the pride too. Unfortunately, I'm just helping out, not running the show.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

Two weeks and counting down to the cleanup. I'm hoping to see y'all there. I'll be in my kayak assisting in hauling recovered trash to shore.

 

[stinggirl]

In the past, Mote Marine Lab has sponsored an annual reef cleanup. Due to personal changes at Mote along with economic difficulties the Mote Reef Cleanup has been canceled this year. In an effort to help fill this void Florida Underwatersports Florida Underwater Sports Home - Scuba Diving in Sarasota! will be sponsoring it's 1st annual Earthday Project AWARE Reef Cleanup at Spanish Rocks on June 7, 2009.

Dive for Earth Day Reef Clean-up Mark the Date!
June 7, 9:00 AM
Spanish Rocks Boat & Beach
Instead of our popular Donut Dive, this month we are sponsoring a Dive for Earth Day. The purpose of this event is to raise environmental awareness on a global scale. Since the 30th anniversary of Earth Day in 2000, Project AWARE has helped divers focus attention on aquatic environments for this annual event. Thousands of diver volunteers in more than 115 countries have helped protect underwater environments and educate local communities for Project AWARE's Dive for Earth Day.
You can do your share by helping us clean up one of our favorite dive spots. (Thanks to Mike for the great idea!)
Join us for diving, fun & prizes. info@floridaunderwatersports.com

Will we need any special type of bags or equipment to bring the debri up? This is my first time at this and want to come prepare. Thanks

 

[arby5831]

I may be able to come down and dive and assist wuiththe cleanup . where are the spanish rocks? hoe is the diving ? are there sharks teeth ?? or is it just a recreational dive site???

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

A collecting bag is handy for smaller items. A lift bag is necessary for the larger stuff. There will be others you can team with that will have lift bags if you don't. One of the bigger safety sausages makes a good lift bag, or can be used to marker item too bigs to lift easily. I and a couple of others will be out in kayaks to collect and haul to shore larger items collected. Looking forward to seeing ya there.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

I may be able to come down and dive and assist wuiththe cleanup . where are the spanish rocks? hoe is the diving ? are there sharks teeth ?? or is it just a recreational dive site???

Dive Spot: Spanish Rocks

Location: Bradenton Beach/Anna Maria Island, FL

Type of diving: Shore dive good for beginners

From Tampa ST/Pete: I-75 south from Tampa to the Bradenton/ State road 64 exit.
Note, there is an A and B take exit A it will head you toward the beach.
Exit toward the right. Stay on that road for about 8 miles or so, until you get to Gulf Dr. (you will hit Gulf Dr. after you cross the intercoastal waterway).
Turn left on Gulf Dr. and take it down about 1/2 mile
Just before the curve to the left there is beach access and parking. That is where you want to be. It is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. Just pull in and park. Gear up walk down the beach to the left about 50 yards (6 houses).

From Sarasota/Bradenton:
Take 41 north to Cortez Rd. turn left (west) on Cortez until you cross the intercoastal waterway.
Turn right at Gulf Drive and go north about 2 miles
Follow Gulf Drive to the left at the traffic light
The beach access is on the left after you round the curve
Beach access is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. That is where you want to be. It is a small sand lot between some houses and apartments. Just pull in and park. Gear up walk down the beach to the left about 50 yards (6 houses).

The address for the house next to the sandlot where one should park is; 33 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL.
Some other links:
Google Maps
Google Maps

What to expect at the dive site:
Rock ledges soft, hard small coral croppings, Sea grasses with sea horses. 22ft or less. DON'T FORGET YOUR DIVE FLAG!!! Boaters here are known for their careless behavior, so be cautious and again donÃÕ forget your flag.
Amenities: None. Closest dive shop - Seatrek Divers Dive Shop - 105 7th Street North; Bradenton Beach, FL 34217; (941) 779-1506

Pros and Cons: Great dive for newbs, as depths are no greater than 22'. Fairly easy swim from beach to site. Visibility is rarely better than 15' but the price is right!