Winter Solstice at Marineland

[MaxBottomtime]

From the way I felt after hauling two sets of gear up the hill you wouldn't know it's officially winter in SoCal. It was already getting hot as we began gearing up around 8:00. At least it was "refreshing" under water. The conditions were even better than yesterday with very nice visibility all the way to the point.
Cadlina limbaughorum nudis blanketed the reef. It seems that in certain times of the year, one specie dominates the reef. As usual, we spent too much time here and had to make a rushed swim back to the cove. We found a mantis shrimp along the way but didn't stop to take pictures. There are times I miss diving doubles here.
The parking lot was full of divers. The usual Sunday crowd was joined by divers from as far away as Santa Clarita and Oxnard. I'm happy they had good conditions after their long drive.

 

[FrankPro1]

Great shots as usual Max! When was the picture taken which shows Marinelands old pier? Its strange seeing no kelp beds out in the cove.....

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I think it was the late 70s or early 80s. There have been times, even as recent as a couple of years ago when there was no kelp at Marineland. Now it takes about 25-30 minutes to make the swim from the cove to the point. I don't want to enter at the point until my camera gets a few scratches on it.

 

[ligersandtions]

After looking at your pictures, I'm even more jealous than when I read Jamie's dive report! I can't believe how ridiculously flat it was out there....even flatter than yesterday, which I thought was crazy! Hopefully we have these conditions again in January, when I'm planning to make my first Marineland dive!

 

[FrankPro1]

There have been times, even as recent as a couple of years ago when there was no kelp at Marineland.

Mainly due to storm surge? Or possibly urchin swarms? Water temps staying too high?