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Hello Aqua Tutus,

First, thanks to True Barnes for his presentation on Reef Check, what it does, how it works, and ways to get involved with the organization. In the last couple years, we've had several presentations on how the marine ecosystem along California, Oregon, and Washington has changed since "the Blob" first appeared in 2013, and together with the sea star wasting disease turned the kelp forests into urchin barrens. In March, Josh Russo and Peter Guinosso will talk about their Caspar Cove Urchin Culling project to reduce the urchin population in the cove and ways club members can get involved.

For the March dive, I'll again lead the annual snorkel from McAbee Beach to San Carlos Beach. Since we'll be in Monterey Bay, it's impossible to know for certain what conditions we'll have until we get in the water, but I'm hoping we'll again be able to see the sea floor 15-25 feet beneath us as we swim between the two beaches like last year. The snorkel is an excellent opportunity for folks to experience being in our cold water and get a hint of what diving in Monterey is like. David Sheh has invited a couple of his open water swimming friends to join us for an introduction to freediving and scuba diving. If you have family or friends you think might be interested in diving, this snorkel is an excellent, low-cost way for them to see what they'd be getting into. Please register for the snorkel, if you're interested, and let me know how many guests, if any, you're bringing.

Be aware that on April 1st, club members who haven't renewed their membership for 2025, will be purged from the membership roster and lose access to the member features of our website.

I'll be away for the March general meeting, so Vice President Oliver Edwards will lead the meeting in my place. Hope to see many of you at the March dive.

Warmly,

Jim Driggers
Club president