in my short career free diving, i have personally witnessed the success story of the comeback of california's white seabass stock. thanks to the hubbs-seaworld institute in cooperation with the
san diego oceans foundation, the population has made a dramatic return. the
world record was even shattered by a freediving legend bill ernst on a beach dive off malibu in 2007. the
san diego oceans foundation has volunteer days to involve and educate the public. today they needed help counting the juveniles before they are released into mission bay in a few weeks. many scoops and splases later, we counted over 7,000 fish. it was a privelage to see all that goes into raising and caring for these precious fish. if you're ever in the area, stop by and check it out. see the above link for the SDOF if you'd like to get involved.
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| a rope is raised with a cable come-along to bisect a pen, so that fish can be carefully moved/coutned from one side to the other |
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| volunteers each get a scoop net, and call out every five they transfer to be tallied |
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| a textbook five fish scoop |
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| ralph stealthfully stalks individuals with damaged eyes from abrasions that would ultimately die later |
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| those are placed in a tranquilizing solution that humanely puts them to "sleep" |
