Excellent dive at Pt Lobos today: a crisp 47 F. and 30 ft. viz, followed by a superb REEF training session by Dr. Steve Lonhart, marine biologist with the [Monterey] Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network [ http://www.sanctuarysimon.org/]. He will be diving with us tomorrow.

HONOLULU — Hawaii has become the first state in the nation to ban shark fins.

Gov. Linda Lingle on Friday signed a bill prohibiting the possession, sale, trade or distribution of shark fins, which are used in pricey Chinese dishes.

Exceptions will be made for researchers who have obtained a permit from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Lawmakers hope the new law will help prevent overfishing and extinction of sharks harvested for their fins.

Many Chinese consider shark fins to be a delicacy, served in high-end Chinese restaurants in soup and as fillets in gravy.

The bill passed the state Legislature earlier this year with broad support.

Año Nuevo Island White Shark Study/Pelagic Shark Research Foundation from Sean Van Sommeran on Vimeo.

Thanks to Sean Van Sommeran and the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation for permission to post this video: please check out his website for more information on Great Whites and the work being done with them:

http://www.pelagic.org/

Sample letter:

As an avid ocean sport enthusiast and citizen concerned with ocean conservancy, I would like to express my full support for Assembly Bill AB634. This bill will enable the State and local jurisdictions to participate in the placing of these man-made reefs, beneficial to the economy and the environment, free of the liability for injuries that might occur to persons diving on these reefs. I believe that artificial reefing can provide great benefits for ocean conservancy, economic benefits for businesses providing services to ocean enthusiasts, and viable alternatives for disposal of decommissioned military or retired commercial vessels.

I support AB634 and ask you to help assure that it passes through the State Legislature.

See below for more details on where to send your letter:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5428952/show_your_support_for_ab_634_support.html?cat=58