Monday, March 24, 2008
Cruises to the Mexican Riviera of Baja California Sur have Whale encounters
"CABO SAN LUCAS, Baja California Sur, Mexico - As the Carnival cruise ship Elation approached this Mexican resort town at the southern tip of the Baja Penisula, passengers gathered on the decks with binoculars and cameras.
Dozens of finless gray whales could be seen on the surface between the boat and the scenic Mexican shoreline, blowing air, surfacing and occasionally diving to give observers a chance to see just how big these 45-foot-long mammals of the sea really are."Close encounters - Salt Lake Tribune:
Pope refuses to help plight of Sea Turtles
Dozens of finless gray whales could be seen on the surface between the boat and the scenic Mexican shoreline, blowing air, surfacing and occasionally diving to give observers a chance to see just how big these 45-foot-long mammals of the sea really are."Close encounters - Salt Lake Tribune:
J Nichols of the Ocean Conservancy and Ocean Revolution is a hero for the environment. He works with fishermen off Baja California to spread the word about sea turtle conservation. One of the problems he faces is the Mexican tradition of consuming sea turtles and their eggs during Lent. We covered the story last year concluding that if the Pope won't save sea turtles, supermodel Dorismar will. She's willing to try, anyway.
Deep Sea News : Can the Vatican help save sea turtles?: "J Nichols of the Ocean Conservancy and Ocean Revolution is a hero for the environment. He works with fishermen off Baja California to spread the word about sea turtle conservation. One of the problems he faces is the Mexican tradition of consuming sea turtles and their eggs during Lent. We covered the story last year concluding that if the Pope won't save sea turtles, supermodel Dorismar will. She's willing to try, anyway."
Tanker Traffic to Ensenada, Baja California to Increase
Deep Sea News : Can the Vatican help save sea turtles?: "J Nichols of the Ocean Conservancy and Ocean Revolution is a hero for the environment. He works with fishermen off Baja California to spread the word about sea turtle conservation. One of the problems he faces is the Mexican tradition of consuming sea turtles and their eggs during Lent. We covered the story last year concluding that if the Pope won't save sea turtles, supermodel Dorismar will. She's willing to try, anyway."
The first liquified natural gas terminal on the west coast goes operational. Sempra Energy is beginning final testing of the facility outside Ensenada. Exporting the US's energy problem, much of the product delivered to Mexico will end up being used in the United States. First LNG Terminal on N. America’s West Coast Going Operational
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mobula Rays Jumping, Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico : Gulfs
Molbula rays are the smaller of the manta family living in Baja California Sur's Sea of Cortez. Although not as large as the giant mantas these rays can provide great amusement as they rocket from the water, possibly for foun and possibly to rid themselves of micro parasites.
Mobula Rays Jumping, Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico : Gulfs
Mobula Rays Jumping, Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico : Gulfs
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Why Fish Jump in the Sea of Cortez
Who are these fish and why are they
Jumping?
Fish are know to ‘jump’ for numerous reasons, some of which are: 1) to escape predators, 2) to move greater distances more quickly (flying fish) 3) to catch prey, or 4) maybe just to have ‘fun’. However, this fish has quite a different reason!
The Spanish mackerel, Sierra mackerel, Pacific mackerel and possibly other species of mackerel make their home in the Golfo de California (Sea of Cortez), the Bahia de La Paz, and the marinas and shallows around the Ciudad de La Paz. Checking out the jumping fish at the Marina CostaBaja has identified them as the Pacific mackerel.
As for why they are jumping day and night, and week in and week out think of man’s best friend - Fido. No they don’t have fleas but they do have “fish-lice”. Fish-lice are small parasites that attach them selves on and between the scales of this fish.
Alexandrium cyst from Invertebrate Biology
Studies have shown that the fish are ‘itching’ themselves. As they have no paws, and no beaks as with birds, or companions as with monkeys they jump and splash down trying to dislodge these copepod parasites.
Are they successful?; well as with Fido and his fleas the sea-lice are very well attached and research has show that some are dislodged but not all. But it must provide some relief or why continue? So the Pacific mackerel keeps jumping.
Research by:
Bill & Jean Martin
SV Talaria
Jumping?
Fish are know to ‘jump’ for numerous reasons, some of which are: 1) to escape predators, 2) to move greater distances more quickly (flying fish) 3) to catch prey, or 4) maybe just to have ‘fun’. However, this fish has quite a different reason!
The Spanish mackerel, Sierra mackerel, Pacific mackerel and possibly other species of mackerel make their home in the Golfo de California (Sea of Cortez), the Bahia de La Paz, and the marinas and shallows around the Ciudad de La Paz. Checking out the jumping fish at the Marina CostaBaja has identified them as the Pacific mackerel.As for why they are jumping day and night, and week in and week out think of man’s best friend - Fido. No they don’t have fleas but they do have “fish-lice”. Fish-lice are small parasites that attach them selves on and between the scales of this fish.
Alexandrium cyst from Invertebrate Biology
Studies have shown that the fish are ‘itching’ themselves. As they have no paws, and no beaks as with birds, or companions as with monkeys they jump and splash down trying to dislodge these copepod parasites.
Are they successful?; well as with Fido and his fleas the sea-lice are very well attached and research has show that some are dislodged but not all. But it must provide some relief or why continue? So the Pacific mackerel keeps jumping.
Research by:
Bill & Jean Martin
SV Talaria
