NOAA conducting national survey on economic contributions of saltwater angling

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is surveying saltwater anglers across the nation to update and improve estimates of the overall economic contributions of saltwater recreational fishing to the U.S. economy. This is NOAA’s second national survey focusing on how much saltwater anglers spend on their sport.

The data collected give a more accurate look at the economic effects of fishing regulations and changes in the ecosystem caused by natural or man-made events. The information gathered in the survey will contribute to more informed decisions on a variety of recreational fishing issues.

Anglers will be asked questions about their fishing habits, including how long their fishing trips last and how much they spend on bait, boat fuel, ice, charter fees and other expenses. Anglers will also be asked to participate in a follow-up survey that will ask them to estimate what they spend on durable goods such as boats and fishing tackle used for saltwater angling for the previous 12 months.

Adopt-A-Beach volunteer cleanup Thursday at Venice

Tadpole Marketing is proud to announce their first sponsored beach cleanup, taking place Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Venice Beach.

In partnership with Heal the Bay's Adopt-A-Beach program, the cleanup is open to everyone who wants to take part in helping. RSVP's are requested but not mandatory.

Attendees should plan on meeting at Venice Beach's Washington Tower. If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the event will continue as scheduled.

All cleaning supplies will be provided. Liability waiver forms will be available on-site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

To RSVP or for more information, e-mail or call Chris Ching at (310) 574-3730.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A bicyclist takes a ride at the beach in Venice. Credit: Los Angeles Times

 

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach

The February Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 11999 Vista Del Mar, at the end of Imperial Highway. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: How much do California halibut move around?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I have a question about the halibut out at San Clemente Island. Is it a self-contained population due to the long distance between the island and mainland? If so, is it harder for this island population to mix and propagate with the mainland coastal halibut? I understand that all fertilized fish eggs, larvae and fry drift with the sea currents, but wouldn’t it be easy to overfish this one "homegrown" species of fish at San Clemente Island? (Steve)

Answer: Halibut do move inshore-offshore and along the coast to spawn. They also follow feed and follow favorable ocean conditions. Unfortunately, there is no good answer to your question regarding the fish at San Clemente Island, mostly because no data are available.

According to Department of Fish and Game associate marine biologist Travis Tanaka, more than 26,800 coastal mainland halibut were tagged as part of a halibut study performed in Southern California from 1992 to 1997. The study seemed to indicate that migration was related to the size of the fish, but this was not statistically proven. Most of the fish in the study (64%) were recaptured in the same region as the original capture. However, halibut larger than 550 millimeters (21.9 inches) in length averaged 29.5 kilometers (18.3 miles) in travel. At the same time, smaller halibut less than 550 millimeters averaged from 4.6 to 5.6 kilometers (2.9 to 3.5 miles) of travel. The greatest distance of travel was accomplished by a 559 millimeter (22-inch) halibut, which traveled 319 kilometers (198.2 miles). The lesson here is that fish do move, and in the case of this particular study, the movement was mostly to the north. (The results of this study can be found in DFG’s scientific journal, California Fish and Game, vol. 85, no. 2.)

Fish and Game Q&A: May a photo be taken with a 'no-take' fish before it is released?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I fish in Southern California and have a question about black sea bass. I know they are illegal to keep when caught. However, when they are caught while targeting other species, what is the regulation for releasing them? After the hook is removed and swim bladder punctured, may a picture be taken with the fish out of the water before it is released? I am under the impression they may not be removed from the water. I ask because a friend of mine accidentally caught a small black sea bass (about 30 lbs.) and after removing the hook and puncturing the swim bladder, he held it up and posed for a quick picture with the fish. I told him I didn’t think that was legal and he argued it was. He did release the fish immediately after the photo was taken, and the fish swam off, apparently unharmed. I’ve searched the website for clarification, but have found nothing. Can you please clarify this issue for me? We are very conscientious fisherman. (Dave L.)

Answer: Giant (black) sea bass and other no-take species cannot be retained and must be released immediately. Therefore, holding the fish out of the water for a picture is unlawful. The best-case scenario for the fish would be to cut the line while it is still in the water.

U.S. led the world in shark attacks last year

The U.S. led the world again in the number of shark attacks last year, according to a University of Florida report released this week.

Worldwide, 79 attacks occurred in 2010 -- the highest number since 2000 (80) -- with 36 reported in the United States. Australia was second with 14, then South Africa with eight and Vietnam and Egypt with six each.

While Florida led the nation with 13 reported attacks, this total was significantly lower than the state's yearly average of 23 over the past decade.

"Florida had its lowest total since 2004, which was 12," said George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File at the university. Florida typically has the highest number of attacks worldwide, but 2010 marked the state’s fourth straight year of decline, Burgess said. "Maybe it’s a reflection of the downturn in the economy and the number of tourists coming to Florida, or the amount of money native Floridians can spend taking holidays and going to the beach."

Of those attacks in the U.S. outside of Florida, five were in North Carolina, with four each in California, Hawaii and South Carolina. There were single attacks in Georgia, Maine, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Surfers were the victims of slightly more than half of the incidents reported worldwide in 2010, nearly 51% of the cases. An economic downturn will usually influence tourists but not necessarily surfers, whose sport is relatively low-cost, Burgess said.

Swimmers and waders were the second-largest group affected, accounting for nearly 38% of the shark attacks internationally.

Portuguese man-of-war invade Florida beaches

 

More than 450 beach-goers were treated for injuries after scores of Portuguese man-of-war washed ashore on South Florida beaches over the weekend.

"It's extreme. It is wall-to-wall man-of-war," Delray Beach ocean rescue supervisor Heather Irurzun, a 14-year veteran, told the Palm Beach Post. "I've never seen it this bad."

Delray Beach actually closed to swimmers because of the influx of the stinging creatures, and lifeguards elsewhere were flying yellow caution flags, indicating the presence of the organisms.

While Portuguese man-of-war are a rather common occurrence in ocean waters off the state between Thanksgiving and Easter, consistent southeast winds over the last several days have sent a high number toward South Florida beaches.

The above video, shot by an area resident, shows hundreds of man-of-war left on the sand by tides and is reminiscent of the tranquil nature scenes that end CBS Sunday Morning, if not for the fact of the dangerous nature of the creature's tentacles, which remain capable of delivering painful stings even when on the sand.

Authorities have urged beach-goers not to touch the dead man-of-war, even with a stick. Meanwhile, lifeguards remain at the ready, equipped with treatment gels and ointments.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Video: LalaFizphotography via YouTube

Fish and Game Q&A: Are broken antlers a sign of nutrient deficiencies?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I recently had a wonderful opportunity to accompany a friend to the 2010 Goodale Buck Hunt (G3) in the Owens Valley. It was great to see so many mature bucks in California! However, we noticed many large four-point bucks had broken antlers. Some actually had one complete side broken or partially broken. It appeared that the small tines on the four-point bucks had the most damage. I have never seen this many damaged horns in any other zone or any other state. Is this caused by a deficiency in nutrients? (Bob Pihera)

Answer: It may be that a mineral deficiency is playing a role, but we can’t say for sure. According to Department of Fish and Game deer program manager Craig Stowers, we have documented this deficiency regarding Tule elk in the area but don’t have any data specifically related to deer. Additionally, that particular hunt is held late (in December), pretty much in the middle of the rut. By that time those antlers have endured a lot of stress from animals fighting with each other for dominance. Given this, it wouldn’t be too unusual for these animals’ antlers to reflect a lot of wear and damage from the rutting season.

Q: We are Buddhists. For expressing mercy we used to buy captive fishes and set them free in rivers. However, we could not buy live-bred fishes and free them here because the salesperson in the supermarket said it violates California laws. I could not find any information in the regulations you issued. Please tell us which codes apply. (James W.)

Dodgers will join Heal the Bay for Santa Monica Beach cleanup on Feb. 15

The Dodgers Community Caravan is teaming up with Heal the Bay for a special beach cleanup event on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Santa Monica Beach.

The cleanup will provide fans with an up-close-and-personal opportunity to help clean up Santa Monica Beach with current and former Dodgers players and personalities. Scheduled to attend (subject to change): Matt Kemp, Rafael Furcal, Fernando Valenzuela, Pepe Yñiguez, broadcaster Charley Steiner, Jay Gibbons, Gabe Kapler, Ron Cey, Lou Johnson and Shawn Green.

Space is limited and available on a first-come basis and participants must register in advance. Attendees should plan on meeting on the sand at lifeguard tower 1550, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

All cleanup supplies will be provided, but attendees need to bring their own water and sun protection. Participants can enter to win Dodger tickets and other raffle items while at the event.

-- Kelly Burgess

twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, right, celebrates hitting a two-run homer with shortstop Rafael Furcal during a regular season game last year. Credit: Nick Doan / European Pressphoto Agency

John Olguin public memorial service, celebration to be held Saturday at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

A public memorial service and celebration for John Olguin, director emeritus of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, will be held  Saturday at 1 p.m. at the aquarium, located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. Olguin passed away on New Year's Day at the age of 89. A private family burial and funeral service was held earlier this month.

The public service, being coordinated by FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in collaboration with the Olguin family, will be held in a large tent in the aquarium's parking lot.

"People should arrive early for parking and seating inside the tent, or come prepared with their own beach chairs," recommends Paula Moore, FRIENDS executive director. "John was loved by so many in our community; we are anticipating quite a crowd."

The service will be officiated by Olguin's minister, Pastor Neal Neuenschwander of First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro. Speakers include L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Director Mike Schaadt and Stefan Harzen, the author of Olguin's soon-to-be published biography. San Pedro High School's marching band and Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will also participate.

At the conclusion of the memorial service, guests will move to the nearby inner beach for an L.A. City fireboat water display, a tall ship change-of-watch ceremony complete with cannon shot, and the appearance of the City of L.A. lifeguard boat named the John M. Olguin.

Study suggesting sharks are color-blind could help prevent attacks

New research on how sharks see suggests that the predators are color-blind, a discovery that may help prevent attacks on surfers, swimmers and other ocean-sport enthusiasts.

Using a technique called micro-spectrophotometry -- which measured the light-sensitive cells in the eyes -- the joint study, conducted by researchers from the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland, looked at the potential for color vision in numerous shark species caught off Queensland and Western Australia and concluded that they have only one type of cone photoreceptor in the retina.

"Humans have three cone types that are sensitive to blue, green and red light, respectively, and by comparing signals from the different cone types we get the sensation of color vision," Nathan Hart, associate research professor at the University of Western Australia, said in a news release. "However, we found that sharks have only a single cone type and by conventional reckoning this means that they don't have color vision."

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Venice Beach

The January Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Venice Beach.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 300 Ocean Front Walk, also at the end of Rose Avenue. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on bringing their own drinking water as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers will be available on site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A couple walks along the beach near the Venice Pier. Credit: Los Angeles Times