There's Something About Merry's Reef

[MaxBottomtime]

The surface was bumpy, the water was dark and cold again, but thanks to strobe technology I can make the conditions magically appear worth diving.

Merry's Reef was dark and a bit gloomy. The nudibranchs were well hidden and most of the rockfish were tucked into the cracks along the west wall. Even on bad days there is still much to see on the reef.

Merry concentrates her efforts on a small worm

Merry makes a safety stop in the kelp


After an hour in the 50° soup we moved to Golf Ball Reef to finish the day. Although not as dark, conditions were similar on the west side.

Abalone tried to balance on red algae. I propped it back up on a rock.

Landlord tries to evict a tenant

 

[lowviz]

Thanks for sharing...

 

[TSandM]

How deep is Merry's reef? I saw my first Rosy Rockfish in Monterey over Memorial Day, and someone was telling me they're normally a deeper water species.

Love the shots of the vermilions, too. I love those brilliant red fish appearing out of green, murky water.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

The base of the wall is only 60-65 feet. This is one of the few local reefs that have a large number of rockfish species. It's far enough offshore to keep most divers away, although there were ywo intredpi shore divers out there as we arrived. It's probably a good 35 minute surface swim.

 

[KevinG58]

Beautiful work as usual, thanks for sharing it.

 

[drbill]

I usually only see rosy rockfish (and a number of other species) deep (130-200 fsw) out here on the island... and I haven't been diving deep for several years now. Cool to see 'em in shallower water.

 

[fnfalman]

Love the hermit crabs photo!!!