My obsession with the California spiny lobster has caused me to find all sorts of fascinating facts about lobsters. For starters, there are four main types of lobsters. According to the book Lobsters of the World by Austin B. Williams, there are the most famous clawed lobsters, the spiny or rock lobsters, the slipper lobsters… [read more]
The ACS conference is fast approaching, don’t miss it!
On November 12th, just a few short days away, the American Cetacean Society’s (ACS) 12th conference begins! If you love whales, dolphins and porpoises, don’t miss this conference! Two years ago, I became addicted to whales, dolphins and porpoises, after attending a presentation hosted by the American Cetacean Society’s Los Angeles Chapter (ACS/LA). Then I… [read more]
Beware California spiny lobster diners
If you are about to dip a California spiny lobster in butter sauce and serve it to friends, please take time to read a recent alert issued by the California Department of Fish and Game. The release notifies consumers that “elevated levels of domoic acid toxin have been found in the viscera (internal organs) of… [read more]
The reality of some black cats
Since today is Halloween, it’s the perfect time to talk about black cats. If you want to avoid having a black cat cross your path, definitely be careful walking near inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro where several feral cats live along the rocks near the walking path on the pier side. A couple of… [read more]
The California spiny lobster’s role in the ecosystem
Everyone has their role to play and the California spiny lobster is no exception. And since sea otter’s were hunted to local extinction along California’s southern coast in the late 1800’s, the spiny lobster’s role has become even more important. Anytime a top predator is removed from an ecosystem there are consequences. The sea otter… [read more]
Dog owners please do your part to protect the ocean
The picture for this post could be considered avant garde art, but really it’s just dog poop. The photo definitely doesn’t qualify as aesthetically pleasing, but I wanted to take a moment to raise awareness about what eventually happens to dog poop that’s left on sidewalks and grassy patches in urban areas. In Los Angeles… [read more]
Writing about the California spiny lobster
Last week, I wrote a cover story for Easy Reader on Dive N’ Surf’s Lobster Mobster contest and lobster fishing in California. This turned into a much bigger story than I originally had planned, but that’s how the writing process often goes. One of the most challenging decisions every writer must face is what information… [read more]
The garibaldi: OCD in the sea (part 2)
Here’s the second section of the Wild Things column on the garibaldi, one crazy fish! “The only thing that seems to affect their fearless behavior is the color of the animal that’s approaching them,” said Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (CMA) Research Curator Dr. Kiersten Darrow. “They will attack everybody else, but if they see that it’s… [read more]
The garibaldi: OCD in the sea (part 1)
Underwater photos of California’s coast featured in books and magazines almost always showcase a certain fish: the garibaldi. The brilliant orange coloring of the garibaldi is a must have in any underwater shot because this fish dazzles the eyes and brings California’s ocean landscape to life in the same way brightly colored coral reef fish… [read more]
More on the grunt sculpin
As you can tell by this second post, I’m still obsessed with the grunt sculpin. It’s such a fascinating looking fish. Check out the pinkish-orange feathery looking fins it has along it’s back, sides and tail. It kind of looks like a rock with feathers, only much more sophisticated of course. According to Milton Love’s… [read more]
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