Monterey REEF Survey (May 2008)
Lobos Rocks at Big Sur
This was the annual REEF Monterey Field Survey trip. This was a great group of divers from California and the Pacific Northwest out to survey the local fish and invertebrate species. Along with the amateur group were four professionals,Christy and Bryce Semmens from REEF and Steve Lonhart and Chad King from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA monitors and manages the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Boat charter was provided by Phil Sammet and the crew from Cypress Charters. It is always the best diving and a fun ride.
The conditions for the trip could not have been better. Glassy seas for the first two days with viz in the 30-60 foot range. I got some shots of unusual species but I can't take the credit as my dive buddies, John Wolfe (rosies) and Carl Gwinn (manacled sculpin and mosshead warbonnet), were responsible for making the finds. Thanks guys!
Watch Pete Naylor from Washington do an unusual surface interval in Carmel Bay here . (Warning: large movie file)
Click picture for larger image...
Moon Jelly Under Surface |
Carl Counting the Blues |
Canyon at Dali's Wall |
Rosy Rockfish |
Snail at Metridium Fields |
Black Rockfish |
Dorid Nudibranchs |
Fish Counters on Board the Cypress |
Kelp Rockfish |
Pete's Surface Interval Behind the Boat |
Mosshead Warbonnet |
Rainbow Seaperch at Night |