North America

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ◄ Dendronotid Nudibranch Pacific Northwest ◄ Giant Pacific Puget Sound • San Juan Islands • Strait of Juan de Fuca • Vancouver Island • Alaska ◄ Swimming Anemone The waters of the northern Pacific coast breath-taking scenery and coastal ◄ Orange Starfish of North America are some of the rich- beauty. It is a region that boasts some of ◄ Lemon Nudibranch of the wildest areas of America as well ◄ Pink Anemone est in the world in terms of marine life ◄ Nudibranch eggs and natural resources due to a continual as several of the most cosmopolitan cit- influx of nutrients brought by currents ies on the continent. While the visibility is that circulate in the region. Divers will more fickle and the water is a bit cooler find both awe-inspiring and challeng- than most tropical divers can appreci- ing experiences to enjoy here. Wildlife ate, those that enjoy a bit of adventure, on the large and small scale is abun- cold water divers and divers, will dant top side and below the surface. find a wealth of underwater treasures to Great mountains and rivers reach right explore in this region for beginners and down to the ocean, so visitors can enjoy advanced divers alike. Introduction by Gunild Pak Symes Photography by Jack Connick, Jon Gross, and Washington State Tourism Map courtesy of The Living Earth / Earth Imaging

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK

17 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Pacific Northwest Picking the right dive site at the right Neighborhood operators, who know Orca whales, close to the cities and southern Alaskan coast. A land of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA time of year and the right time of the region like the back of their out among the gentle islands. dramatic extremes, Alaska provides day with the right dive operator, hands because they dive these We, then, head north to the Strait the visitor with a taste of how the those of us who are avid underwater sights for personal enjoyment weekly, of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay and planet was in its most pristine state. photographers can capture some are very happy to help newcomers Cape Flattery at the most western There, the midnight sun and the fantastic images on film. The people enjoy the riches of the underwater point of the contiguous United States Northern Lights are a constant back- who live in realm found practically in their back- where the Makah Nation, the Native drop to the wilderness and remote the Pacific yards. American tribe indigenous to the cities that dot the southern coast of VancouverVancouver IslandIsland Northwest The complete scope of diving in region, make their home. Local diver this region, which reaches up into are friendly the Pacific Northwest cannot be and member of Marker Buoy Dive the Arctic circle. and casual, covered in one article alone, howev- Club, the largest dive club in Seattle, helpful folk. er, highlights of both well known dive Jack Connick, gives us a bird’s eye Puget Sound sites and lesser known sites can be view of the lesser known dive spots in For folks in Seattle and Tacoma, North provided here for curious dive travel- the area. the Puget Sound is a neighborhood Puget Strait of Juan de Fuca lers who are yearning to explore the Continuing northwords, our cor- playground for divers, snorklers, hik- Strait of Juan de Fuca Sound Wild West. respondent, Jon Collins, explores ers, whale watchers, anglers, kayak- We start in the Puget Sound, the the amazing diving in and around ers and other outdoor enthusiasts. sea of emerald islands located in Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Because of the nutrient rich currents, the northwest corner of the state Canada, a fascinating place with the sound is abundant with sea of Washington, where the cities of a complex history that blends life. Residents in the cities regularly Central Seattle and Tacoma border the European, American and native cul- spend time during the work week Central lower and upper sound. Getting the tures, nestled in a magestic natural and weekends enjoying this beauti- PugetPuget Sound inside scoop from local dive charter setting. ful area. What follows are a few high Sound operator, Mike Ferguson of Porthole Finally, we head up to Alaska, points regarding the incredible diving Olympic Peninsula Dive Charters, readers will learn where correspondent, Barb Roy, to be found so close to an urban about the numerous places to dive shares her dive adventure in Prince area. HoodHood and observe marine life, such as William Sound and points along the CanalCanal

SouthSouth PugetPuget ◄ FAR LEFT: Blood Starfish SoundSound ◄ CENTER: Alabaster Nudi- branch and Shrimp ▼ BELOW: Rockfish and soft coral

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK Two great PNW dive resources include these guides by writ- ers who know the area very well: The Pacific Northwest by Edward Weber and Northwest Boat Dives by Dave Bliss. See www.amazon.com

18 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCSCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATIONEDUCATION PROFILESPROFILES PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED 1. South Pacific Northwest 2. mended approach is to artificial developed in dive the West Wall on the harbor of Edmonds by a Vashon the flooding and few heroic members of the Puget Island 3. then the North Wall in the community who took interest 4. ebbing tide. The terrain in marine conservation and of this site is uneven and diversity. Edmonds is a quaint 7. full of life. Giant Pacific little northwestern town of Sound Octopus, Mosshead small cafés and boutiques on 6. 5. Wabonnets and Grunt a gentle slope leaning down Sculpins can be found to the coast a few miles 8. here. Divers can also north of Seattle. It is probably 9. find Wolf-eel, Striped the best-known dive location 10. Sea Perch, Red Irish in the state. 11. Lords, Buffalo Sculpins, The dive park is located 12. Brown Rockfish, Ratfish just north of the landing 14. and Painted Greenlings. at Edmonds. It offers terrific 13. Tacoma Orange Sunflower Stars diving for several reasons. At add brilliant color to the this site, the depths are shal- PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK seascape. Point Defiance low and there is an absense Rockfish, Plumose Anemones, Pile is located in the Port Orchard area, is a popular fishing spot, of strong currents, the beaches are Perch, Striped Sea Perch, Shiner just south of Bainbridge Island. so divers should be care- well kept and scenic, the facilities Perch, gunnels, Sailfin Sculpines, The terrain consists of shear faced ful of old fishing sinkers, are very good and include show- Rock Soles, some Red Irish Lords, walls, long ledges, rock piles and lures and line lying on the ers, there is easy parking, lots of Ratfish, lots of seafloor as well as the different places to grab a bite shrimp, crabs boat traffic. to eat between dives, a well- and massive 7. Olympia equipped dive shop nearby called Sunflower Stars. Shore Dives , and close prox- Central There are popular shore imity to Seattle. The marine life here Waterman’s SOUTH PUGET SOUND: Although the northern end dives in the southern and central is in unique condition and serves as Wall 1. Alki Reef of the Puget Sound is known sections of the Puget Sound includ- a testament to how it can bounce Considered Puget 2. Seahurst Park ing Three Tree Point, which holds back if people give it a chance. one of the 3. Three Tree Point for several outstanding diverse marine life in a “junk yard” The dive park is a favorite for begin- best wall dives 4. KVI Tower dive sites, south and cen- reef and eel grass beds—on rare ning divers as it has a whole lot in the state, 5. Maury Island Barges Sound tral Puget Sound also has a occasions there may be a six gill to see in easy dives. The reef is Waterman’s wall 8. 6. Dalco Wall shark looming here; Titlow Beach, an extensive organ- 9. 7. Sunrise Beach good number of interesting a good place to check out sea ized hodge-podge of 8. Point Defiance sites with diverse and abun- 9. Point Defiance, West Wall life among pilings; Deadman attractions marked CENTRAL PUGET SOUND 10.Deadman Wall dant sea life. Wall where you may have a rare by buoys including an 1. Waterman’s Wall 11.Les Davis Reef encounter with eel-like creatures old dry dock, wooden 2. Orchard Rocks Bainbridge 12.Titlow Beach Local divers including Jon Gross called Red Brotulas; Seahurst Park, boats including a tug- 3. Blakely Harbor Island 10. 13.Day Island Wall and Keith Clements, authors of a a subtle site that is noted for being boat “The Triumph”, 4. The Boss 14.Z’s Reef comprehensive online guide to a fine place to find various large tire collections, con- 5. China Wall 3. 6. over 45 sites in the Puget Sound, nudibranchs and sea pens; Les crete blocks, rock piles, 6. Shangri-la 4. ► TOP RIGHT: Crimson Anem- The Marine Life Index at seaotter. Davis Reef where you can find wire hoops and other 7. Edmonds Underwater Park Seattle one 2. 5. com, dive these areas regularly. huge schools of perch; and Sunrise materials. It is also a site 8. Golden Gardens 1. 11. They point to Point Defiance as Beach, known for friendly Wolf- with a large number of 9. Shilshole Breakwater 12. one of the favorites. There is a eels and large-sized Giant Pacific enormous Lingcod that 10.Virginia Mason Hospital massive shear wall at this site to Octopus. grow up to 4 or 5 feet (Deco chamber) explore. However, due to depth long (1-2 m). Other spe- 11.Alki Reef and currents, it is considered an Edmonds Underwater Park cies include Cabezon, 12.West Seattle Trench advanced dive site. The recom- Edmonds Underwater Park is an Quillback and Copper

19 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 1. North Pacific Northwest FIELD GUIDES

Puget PACIFIC COAST FISHES boulders, large cracks and crevices. Whidbey Island. Considered BY ESCHMEYER, HERALD & HAMMANN PAPERBACK: 267 PAGES Marine life on the wall is abundant and an advanced dive due to PUBLISHER: STANFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Sound representative of why the Puget Sound strong currents, the site sports ISBN: 0804713855 is considered by many divers to be a an unique terrain of sheer Mecca of marine life. Divers can find vertical walls with countless 2. Giant Barnacles, scallops, and an assort- caves sheltering Lingcod, ment of sea stars including Leather Stars, rockfish, Wolf-eel, rather large Vermillion Stars, Morning Stars, Sunflower Giant Pacific Octopus, and a Stars and Pink Short Spined Stars. Brown, splendid symphony of color- Copper and Quillback Rockfish are also ful nudibranchs including Red present here as well as Lingcod and Nudibranchs, Orange Spotted 3. Buffalo Sculpins. Divers should bring a Nudibranchs, Sea Lemons, Whidbey good light torch to enjoy the color of this White Lined Dironas, Yellow- Island site where you will also find orange, pur- Edged Cadlinas and Hudson ple and yellow sponges and yellow Sea Dorids. 4. Lemon Nudibranchs. COASTAL FISH IDENTIFICATION BY H. HALL & N. MCDANIEL Wreck Dives SPIRAL BOUND PUBLISHER: NEW WORLD PUBLICATIONS North Puget Sound Although not a major attrac- ISBN: 1878348124 There are several spectacular dive sites tion of the region, there are NORTH PUGET SOUND in the northern end of the Puget Sound. several wreck dives in the 1. Skyline Marina Keystone is an extremely popular site Puget Sound. Large sunken 2. Keystone among local divers who crowd there on wooden barges can be 3. Gedney Island Barges 4. Possession Point Fingers the weekends. Octopus can be spotted explored on the northwest here. Two hours drive north of Seattle side of Gedney Island, a ► TOP CENTER: Lemon Nudibranch on Purple is an inspiring wall small island situated between Encrusting Bryozoan dive at Skyline Whidbey Island and the main- ► BOTTOM CENTER: Mosshead Warbonnet Marina. Experts say land. A 70-foot long wooden that it is a shore is wrecked at a site FISHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST that provides plenty called “The Boss” located BY GAR GOODSON PAPERBACK: 336 PAGES of subject matter for in Blakely Harbor. A verti- PUBLISHER: HOUGHTON MIFFLIN ISBN: 0395331889 macro photography cal barge and tugboat can SEEN AT $ 4.95 AT AMAZON.COM as it has a plentiful be explored at the Shilshole and colorful array Bay and West Point area. of life There are also barge wrecks including Candy- at Seahurst Park and Maury Striped shrimp, Island. Umbrella crabs, Giant barnacles, Crimson anemones, hard corals and sponges. Divers who know the region say that one of the best dives in the Puget Sound is located at Possession Point Fingers, which

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK can be reached by boat from ▲ Various , Puget Sound Sponges, Puget Sound ►

20 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 9 San Juan Islands Pacific Northwest 8 7 man’s fingers, banded feather Pacific electric ray, por- dusters, tiny creeping pedal poise and octopus. Bull kelp Orcas cucumbers with bright red tenta- grows quite large here and Island cles, basket stars and tiny black sea pens loom up from the and white brittle stars, brightly depths. colored rose star and vermillion Underwater photogra- stars, sea cucumbers, red cancer phers recommend Goose crabs, nudibranchs and a host of Island and Skipjack Island, Shaw other species. which is a private wildlife Island Fish that live in this area include refuge, since visibility is often San Juan lingcod, cabezon, painted green- very good between 20- Island 45 feet (6-15 m). Killer 6 whales have been spot- ted at Bellevue Point 5 Lopez 1 and Pile Point, which Island are regular feeding 4 grounds, and Eagle PHOTO BY J. POTH. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM 3 Point where you can for its unique beauty. The sheer also spot eagles soaring over- numbers of fish make Parker Reef 2 head. Sucia Island is a marine an exciting dive site. state park and is very popular There a several protected wilderness areas and bird sanc- mal life in this area, as a tuaries throughout the San Juan 1. Belle Rocks combination of soft mud Islands where you can enjoy 2. Long Island and sand as well as rocky wildlife topside including Tufted 3. Goose Island formations upon which Puffins, Bald Eagles, Pelagic 4. Eagle Point marine ecosystems have Cormorants, Arctic Loons and 5. Pile Point evolved. The area teems PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM Arctic Terns. 6. Bellevue Point with life from some of the 7. Skipjack Island

largest marine mammals, hump- ling, black cod and WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM 8. Parker Reef Strait of Juan de Fuca 9. Puffin Island back, minke and orca whales, to flounder. You will also find If you ask avid Puget Sound loveable harbour seals and sea wolf-eels, brilliant blue divers, Neah Bay gets the most ▲ TOP: Aerial view, San Juan Islands otters, to the tiniest of sea life still striped sea perch school- votes for the best diving in the ▲ BOTTOM: People dining outside, ► Harbour seal, San Juan Islands viewable by the naked eye. ing among cliffs, grunt state. The clarity of water, diversity Dockside Restaurant, San Juans

► Breaching killer whale, San Divers will find an abundance and sailfin sculpin, spiney PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM and abundance of marine life, Juan Islands of colors and textures among the dogfish. There are dunge- many species that call the San ness and red rock crab, Puget San Juan Islands Juans their home including spong- Sound king crab, kelp crab and Local divers describe diving the es, barnacles, pectin scallops, tiny sunflower stars in brilliant shades San Juan Islands as an exercise in orange cup coral named stag- of pink, orange Strait of Juan de Fuca 2. variety. According to Dareld and horn bryozoa, pink-tipped, white and purple, red 1. Janine Clark who wrote the guide, plumed and orange anemones, sea gherkins, 1. Mushroom Rock 3. Diving the San Juans (Evergreen tiny ostrich plumed hydroids sea pumpkins, 2. Waadah Island Fingers Pacific Publishing), there are over —a close relative to the jelly- vari-colored 3. Tiger Ridge 60 dive spots in the San Juans, fish—hairy sea squirts and giant worms, reddish 4. Third Beach Pinnacle 4. 5. 7. many of the more exciting ones red sea urchins, rockfish, quillback gum boot or 5. Snow Creek Ridge 6. One Mile Beach 6. accessible only by boat. rockfish and kelp greenlings, warty giant chiton, 8. 9. 7. Sekiu Jetty Experts describe the strata, sponges, purple-hinged rock scal- Mosshead 8. Wreck of the Diamond Knot which supports plant and ani- lops, haunting protrusions of dead Warbonnet, 9. Salt Creek State Park (Tongue Point)

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rents, lots of boat traffic and discarded be hardpressed to find in the lower fishing gear such as stainless downrigger Puget Sound. cable and monofilament. Other specacular “ridge” dives This spectacular terrain supports a wide include Tiger Ridge and Third variety of marine life. The canyon walls, Beach Pinnacle where the awe- which have small caves, deep ledges, inspiring mix of unusual underwater

PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM some swim-throughs, lots of holes, crev- topography and ample marine life ices and cracks, make good homes make for more examples of the for an assortment of marine species typical Neah Bay diving experi- including Giant Pacific octopus, Wolf- ence. eels, Vermillion Rockfish, rare Yellow-eye There are also several shore dives Rockfish, hard and soft corals, nudi- in the strait including Tongue Point branchs and various invertebrates. at Salt Creek State Park where you can swim through thick kelp beds Ridge Diving and find an explosion of color Several other dive sites in the Strait among Green, Red, and Purple and around Neah Bay have unusual Sea Urchins and large, brightly topside scenery, challenging currents, rock formations and dramatic topog- colored anemones along a rocky thick kelp forests and unique underwa- raphy that make for intriguing dive bottom; and One Mile Beach, a ter topography add up to an incredible experiences. Snow Creek Ridge has remote location where there are cold water diving experience. a 20-30 ft high (6-10 m) rock ridge. Its carpets of purple urchins. Diving in this area is for experienced walls are teaming with huge schools advanced divers. This area is exposed of Blue and Black Rockfish as well as The Diamond Knot to the storms of the Pacific Ocean, Canary, Quillback, Tiger, Yellowtail, In 1946, the container ship the which can prevent divers from getting Copper and China rockfish. Sponges, Diamond Knot, came down from PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM out beyond the Neah Bay breakwater. hydrocorals, nudibranchs, snails and Alaska with a huge load of canned The wreck is now completely covered Locals say the best time to come is sum- numerous anemones create a color- salmon and rammed another boat in with marine life including giant pluose mer or early fall when there is more pre- ful show. the middle of the channel. While it did anemones, sponges, corals, and a varie- dictable weather. However, it is a good Sekiu Jetty is another site with not sink immediately, it did finally find a ty of invertebrate life. Divers can also find

idea to try to avoid the height of the PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK strange rock pinnacles, ledges, resting place on its side at about 130 ft decorator crab, Sharpnose crab, Ling salmon fishing season. caves, crevices and thick beds of depth (43 m) as it was towed to shore. Cod and the occassional Red Irish Lord. Dive sites in the strait are some of the Waadah Island Fingers kelp. Here, divers can In addition, there are schools of best kept secrets. Notable sites for their Located just north of Neah Bay, the rug- discover that it is not Black Rockfish, Quillback and color, diversity of marine life and odd ged Northwest topography of Waadah always necessary to Yellowtail Rockfish making their topography due to volcanic formations Island Fingers makes it an intriguing site to go deep to find a home at this wreck. ■ are Mushroom Rock and Waadah Island dive, where it is said one can see more symphony of color Fingers. marine species in one place than any and a great diversity SOURCES: Marine Life Index, At Mushroom Rock, divers spot huge other dive site in the Pacific Northwest of sea life. The spe- by Keith Clements & Jon Gross; schools of Black Rockfish lounging region. Over millenia of being pounded cies that populate Diving the San Juans, by Dareld around in the kelp, large gatherings by strong currents, sheer canyons over 20 this area include Kelp & Janine Clark; Mike Ferguson of krill and shrimp covering the sea- ft (6 m) deep and up to 40 ft (13 m) wide Greenlings, Copper, of Porthole Charters. floor and plentiful species of seasquirts, in some places have been carved out China, and Quillback nudibranch, and chitons. Giant Pacific of the rock. The canyons run parallel to Rockfish; volleyball- Octobups and Puget Sound King Crab each other and extend far out under the sized Brilliant Red and CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: can be spotted here as well as Red- surf. Purple Sea Urchins; ◄ Sunrise on the cliffs, Tongue Eyed Jellies, various Rockfish and Painted This site is considered an advanced massive and glamor- Point, Salt Creek State Park Greenlings. The area is covered with cor- dive due to strong currents and storms. ous anemones; as ◄ Eye of the Red Irish Lord als, sponges and large kelp forests. One must be able to handle over 80 ft well as hundreds of ▲ Seastacks, beach, & tidepools (36 m) of free descents, over 50 feet (16 species of inverte- at the Point of Arches on Shi Shi m) of free ascents, surge and strong cur- brates that one would Beach South of Neah Bay ◄ Bull Kelp PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK

22 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 23 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIALTDI SDI FEATURES ERDI PADI TRAVEL CMAS NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Pacific Northwest Rhapsody in Red

Text by Gunild Pak Symes Photos by Jack Connick What wonderfully brilliant red colors one can find in the underwater realm, espe- ▲ Crimson Anemone, Cape Flattery, Washington state cially in the Pacific Northwest ◄ Mouth of Anemone, Long Island, San Juans ▼ Striped Anemone, Long Island, San Juans regions of North America. Why are these marine spe- cies so red? How do they get that color? What purpose does it serve? As in many cases in nature, it comes down to simple survival. Quotes: Duis dic- tum massa ac leo. Nam dictum dolor in felis. Mauris quis libero at wisi bibendum consectetuer.

◄ Crimson Anemone, Cape Flattery, Washington state ▼ NEXT PAGE: Snakelock Anemone, Long Island, San Juans

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◄ Pink Anemone, Long Island, San Juans ◄ INSET: Red Irish Lord, San Juans ▲ Bloodstar, Puget Sound ▼ Invertebrates, Puget Sound

According to marine experts, there are the algae, its red color is a substance Carotenoids must be absorbed in an tain their pigmentation, other- at least three possibilities for the red color called carotenoids. animal’s diet and then into the animal’s wise they lose their red color. in many of these creatures. These involve Carotenoids are a widely distributed tissues. Some fish species such as koi and This is because carotenoids feeding, protection and camouflage. group of natural occurring -soluble various crustaceans process carotenoids. have metabolic turnover and pigments that are primarily produced The Southern Kelp Crab (Taliepus) feeds must be supplied in the diet to be main- causes the anemones to lose the sym- Food within algae, plants, and phytoplank- on seaweeds and kelp. It converts the tained in the animals. Interiors of under- biotic algae that normally gives color to What creatures eat can dictate how ton. They are responsible for the brilliant beta-carotene and xanthophylls it ingests water caves are covered with inverte- them, and so they return to a white color. they appear. In the case of the sea colors found in nature such as yellow, into astaxanthin, a form of carotenoid, brate life including aggregation anemo- Almost all red algae live in marine anemone Actinia, it relies on algae for its orange, and red colors of fruits, leaves, which is then stored in its exoskeleton, nes, hydrocoral and colorful sponges. In habitats, even though some species are nutrition. Algae comes in various colors and aquatic animals. Although many hence the crab appears bright red. some caves, there are also a lot of snow- found in damp soil or fresh water. Many including red. What give algae, and organisms can synthesize carotenoids, Marine animals must constantly con- white, giant green anemones. It is the types of seaweed typically found grow- hence the anemone that consumes they cannot produce them on their own. sume a source of carotenoids to main- absence of sunlight in these caves that ing along the North American coasts

26 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT TO RIGHT: ◄ Shrimp and pink Pacific Northwest anemones, Long Island, San Juans are red algae. Another species of algae bright red. It has called coralline algae, is an important toxins in its spi- ◄ Tube Worms, Puget Sound member of the coral reefs. Its cell walls cules. become hardened with calcium carbon- ate, thereby producing new material Camouflage and cementing together other organisms Creatures that which build the reefs. live on the reef Algae require light to synthesize food. have adapted to Red algae, which is found in warm coast- the reefs environ- al waters and in water as deep as 260 ment. One survival m (850 ft), has adapted to varied water scheme used by depths by having different proportions of many animals is of water, various pigments. Chlorophyll is their primary pig- camouflage. If you can’t see me, you colors of its spec- ment, which is green. They have a sec- can’t eat me! So, species have evolved trum are gradually ondary pigment, phycoerythrin, which to display the colors of their homes, and filtered out selec- produces their red color, that can absorb in the case of many reef fishes and crus- tively, one-by-one. blue light, which penetrates to greater taceans such as shrimp, that color is red. For example, most depths underwater than other colors Look more closely at red corals and kelp of the red, some of light. In deep waters, red algae can next time you go diving, you may discov- orange and some appear almost black due to the large er that there is more life on that innocent yellow are gone from the light after 3 m conditions that make diving interest- liant colors that would have gone unno- amount of phycoerythrin, but in the shal- looking sponge than you first thought. (10 ft). At 8 m (25 ft), most of the orange ing. Taking a photograph at 10 m (30 ft) ticed without a torch! ■ lows, red algae appears green as there is gone. At 11 m (35 ft), most of the yel- would result in most objects appearing is not enough phycoerythrin to mask the Properties of water low is gone. This continues throughout the green, blue, violet, or black. Taking the For more information on coloration, visit: green of the chlorophyll. There is one more factor that plays an spectrum until the only color left is violet same photograph with a flash (white www.carotenoidsociety.org important role in the issue of color under- light, which fades out after several more light) would reveal surprising colors that www.ucmp.berkeley.edu Protection water. George Campbell, an underwa- meters. So, at a depth of 333 m (1000 ft), could not have been seen by www.deep-six.com Let’s suppose you are a bright red octo- ter dive instructor and photographer at there would be little or no light at all. without a visual aid. So, be sure to carry George Campbell at Deep Six: pus. What emotion do you suppose Deep Six in New Paltz, New York state, So, if red disappears at depth, does this a flashlight with you when you are scuba [email protected] you are exhibiting? Bright colors such as said in his guide, Diving with Deep Six, mean that creatures that are red also diving. Even a small light will reveal bril- red and yellow in many marine animals that water acts as a selective filter. White disappear? Is this, yet, another are described by experts as warning light is made up of a spectrum of colors survival tactic perhaps? Be invis- coloration. This type of coloration is not from deep red, to orange, yellow, green, ible, then nobody will eat you. intended to camouflage the animal, but blue and deep violet. As white light But how do we know which to make it stand out. The bright color lets passes through a thousand feet (333 m) predators can see red under their predators or neigh- water? Perhaps, these red bors know that they are species are banking on a not to be antagonized. theory that many underwa- Some creatures are born ter creatures cannot see with bright colors while color, only light and dark others, like the octo- shades. In that case, red, pus, can change colors which transforms to grey depending on reactions on the shade scale, would to a situation. cause an animal to “disap- Intimidation through pear” in the murky depths color is also used when where only stong shades an organsim wants to (blacks and whites) show advertise that it is poi- up. sionous. The fire sponge, Selective filtration in the for instance, displays a underwater realm creates

◄ Strawberry anemone, 600 W. Nickerson Street, Seattle WA, 98119 • 206.286.6596 • [email protected] Long Island, San Juans

27 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIALEDITORIAL FEATURESFEATURES TRAVELTRAVEL NEWSNEWS EQUIPMENTEQUIPMENT BOOKSBOOKS SCSCIENCEIENCE && ECOLOGYECOLOGY EDUCATIONEDUCATION PROFILESPROFILES PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO CLASSIFIEDCLASSIFIED Octopus facts The Cephalopods With more than a 250 species, octo- arms from constantly tangling them- puses are members of an ancient group

PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK selves up, each arm has an independ- of animals called cephalopods. The ent peripheral nervous system and giant Pacific octopus (Octopus dofleini) neural circuitry. This allows the brain can grow to over 20 feet (6 meters) to essentially give a command—”Arm and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 Four, fetch that tasty crab crawling kilograms). The tiny Californian octopus by”—and have the arm carry out the (Octopus micropyrsus), by contrast, is no order without the brain thinking about it more than half an inch to an inch (1.3 again. to 2.5 centimeters) long. This ability is combined with excel- There have been numerous accounts lent eyesight. Once an octopus spots of (and searches for) an as yet unknown its prey, it has a remarkable ability to species of deep-sea octopus that is reach out with one of its arms and grab believed to grow to over 100 feet (30 it with one of the suckers that form a meters) across and weigh several tons. double line up each of the octopus’s arms. Some scientists studying octopus mazes, open jars, and break out of their arms conclude that they may represent aquariums in search of food. the optimal design for robotic arms. These characteristics are usually Arms all over attributed to “higher animals” such as Right or left-handed? Quasi joints The brainy mollusc mammals. The Octupus however is a Most favor one arm and use Theoretically, there are any number of Octopuses have intrigued scientists for mollusc, related to snails, clams and combinations of arms in particular orders ways an octopus could use its long flex- years, because they have both long- mussels. Take a closer look: It has a shell 9001 South 19th Street when handling objects, zoologists at the ible arms to move an object. But the and short-term memory, they remem- (outer or inner) and siphon ■ Tacoma, WA 98466 Office/Reservations: (253)564-5335 University of Vienna have discovered. method they actually use is surprisingly ber to problems, and they can Mike Ferguson: cell (253) 405-3462 Although all of an octopus’ eight arms close to how animals with rigid skel- go on to solve the same or similar prob- essentially operate equally, research- etons—including humans—do, scientists lems. They have been known to climb www.portholedivecharters.com ers studied eight octopuses and found say. aboard fishing boats and open holds they tended to use a favorite arm when When hunting and grabbing dinner, in search of crabs. They can figure out exploring new nooks or objects. This is the octopus uses all the flexibility the the first time the eight-limbed animal has arm is capable of. But to bring cap- been found to show any preference in tured prey to its mouth, the octopus choosing which limb to use for a job. turns the arm into a semi-rigid struc- Researchers placed unfamiliar objects ture that bends to form quasi joints. into an octopus’s tank or presented it Just as a human arm has joints at

with a T-shaped cavity to explore and the shoulder, elbow and wrist that PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK found each octopus tended to favor allow our arms to bend and rotate, front arms to explore and used rear limbs the octopus bends its arm to form- more for locomotion. ing three segments of roughly equal They also observed the octopuses length. used only 49 different combinations of The arms are composed almost one, two or three limbs from a possible entirely of muscle, with no bone or 448 combinations, and they found 92 external skeleton—a structure known percent of octopuses use a favored as a muscular hydrostat. Elephant eye, which may dictate which arm is trunks and tongues are other exam- April Fools News favored, researchers said. ples of a muscular hydrostat. THE ENDANGERED PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE OCTOPUS (OCTOPUS PAXARBOLIS) Unlike in humans, the scientists said, Earlier research funded by the CAN BE FOUND IN THE TEMPERATE RAIN- FORESTS OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA IN THE right or left handedness was split about U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research REPUBLIC OF CASCADIA, PEACEFULLY FROL- 50-50 in the octopuses. (ONR) suggests that, to keep the ICING IN THE CONIFER TREES. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INTELLIGENT AND INQUISITIVE CEPHALOPOD AT:

ZAPATOPI.NET/TREEOCTOPUS/

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Neah Bay

Irish lord ▲ Finger Sponge ►

FAR RIGHT: Tatoosh Island ►

Text and photos by Jack Connick We got on the boat after a somewhat over to Tatoosh Island, which has lots of less than restful night in a cheap hotel. nooks and crannies that are out of the Well, it was a long road trip, We got out to the rock right at predict- . but we went out to Neah Bay ed slack time, in fairly heavy fog and There was a fair amount of surge, and glassy seas, but found a 2-3 knot cur- not very good viz, sort of milky water, on Saturday night and went rent that made it less than dive-able. but cool rocks, kelp, passageways, out on The Puffin Adventures This is one of those very advanced swim-thoughs and tunnels. Lots of rock- charter to try to dive Duncan dives, basically a spec of a rock out fish, invertebrates and color. Not very Rock. at the entrance of the straits, that deep — 60-70 feet max (20-23 meters). you look at a lot and are able to dive I did shoot some photos of some of the infrequently. We thumbed it and went huge beautiful dahlia anemones, etc.

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Hole-in-the-Wall We went over to a little nook called Hole-in-the- Wall for our surface interval. After changing tanks and resting a bit out of the , we went back over to another corner of Tatoosh Island and dove there. The viz was better, but not great. There was a couple of long, somewhat deep cuts that we fol- Hole-in-the-Wall, Tatoosh Island ▲ Dendrobum Anemone ► lowed and enjoyed swimming about and taking Tunicates ► pictures. There was a whole school of black rock- fish that we don’t see often and one rather large ling cod that was acting territorial — wished I’d had a to make lunch out of him! At the end of the dive, I had some problems with my inflator leaking and had to make a somewhat

30 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Neah Bay

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ◄ Neah Bay ◄ Black Cod fish ◄ Jelly fish ▼ Stellar sea lions

quick, but not an emergency assent. We later hiked up to Cape Flattery and The boat was on the other side of the enjoyed the view of the rocks and then rock that was covered in rather large very heavy fog. Then another long, but fun seals and huge Stellar sea lions. They scenic, drive home. were looking at us as intruders and as they are easily 400 pounds (90 kg) or Dive notes more, I blasted them with my DiveAlert The dives we went on were advanced horn to scare them away. About then in a fair amount of tidal surge. Duncan the boat came around the corner with Rock is very advanced. If you are an out- Steve (the captain, and a bit of a hot- of-town diver, I wouldn’t attempt it. Cold head) yelling at us to get on quickly. All water experience in drysuits and poor was well, and we motored back to Neah conditions is recommended.■ Bay in patchy fog and bright sun. Near Wahah Island, on the outside of Neah Bay, we saw a fairly large grey whale feeding on the krill that had been part of Author and photographer Jack our visibility problem. Connick is a Seattle-based graphic designer who develops highly-craft- ed and creative graphic communi- cations. www.deepics.com

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