25th Annual California Beach Dive Photo Comp Announced
03/30/06
CALIFORNIA BEACH DIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Monterey, California June 10-11, 2006
The 25th annual California Beach Dive Photo Comp will take place in Monterey on new dates, June 10 & 11, 2006. All contestants must dive from the beach, no boats allowed!
There will be separate judging for film and digital entries. All compete for Best of Show.
Great prizes, including dive trips, dive and photo gear, and other goodies will be awarded to the winners.
The competition starts with registration on Saturday morning. Everyone spends the day shooting images. Images must be turned in at Backscatter Saturday afternoon. Everyone gathers for dinner and a show on Saturday evening. The judges select the winners Sunday and the winners are announced and prizes awarded Sunday afternoon.
The entry fee is $60 if postmarked on or before June 2, 2006, $75 thereafter. Registration on Saturday is allowed until 9 am. The entry fee includes a t-shirt and a ticket to the dinner/show. Nonparticipants may also enjoy the dinner and show for $5.
This event is presented by the Northern California Underwater Photographic Society. Details soon on the website at http://www.ncups.org.
Monterey, California June 10-11, 2006
The 25th annual California Beach Dive Photo Comp will take place in Monterey on new dates, June 10 & 11, 2006. All contestants must dive from the beach, no boats allowed!
There will be separate judging for film and digital entries. All compete for Best of Show.
Great prizes, including dive trips, dive and photo gear, and other goodies will be awarded to the winners.
The competition starts with registration on Saturday morning. Everyone spends the day shooting images. Images must be turned in at Backscatter Saturday afternoon. Everyone gathers for dinner and a show on Saturday evening. The judges select the winners Sunday and the winners are announced and prizes awarded Sunday afternoon.
The entry fee is $60 if postmarked on or before June 2, 2006, $75 thereafter. Registration on Saturday is allowed until 9 am. The entry fee includes a t-shirt and a ticket to the dinner/show. Nonparticipants may also enjoy the dinner and show for $5.
This event is presented by the Northern California Underwater Photographic Society. Details soon on the website at http://www.ncups.org.
Feb and March Mini Comp Winners
03/18/06
February - Sand Creatures
Video:
3rd: Matt Berry
2nd: Walter Marti
1st: Matt Berry
Novice:
3rd: Suellen Hiatt
2nd: Margaret Webb
1st: Harold Perlaza
Open:
3rd: Jim Lyle
2nd: Melissa Boag, Jim Lyle
1st: Jim Lyle
March - Shrimp
Video:
3rd: Walter Marti
2nd: Dwight Crumb
1st: Janet Crumb
Novice:
3rd: Carol Yin, Harold Perlaza, Harold Perlaza
2nd: Judy Carlson
1st: Chris Menjou
Open:
3rd: Jim Lyle
2nd: Jim Lyle
1st: Todd Winner
Photos are posted on our gallery (if you video entrants ever want to generate a smaller downloadable file to post, please do).
Video:
3rd: Matt Berry
2nd: Walter Marti
1st: Matt Berry
Novice:
3rd: Suellen Hiatt
2nd: Margaret Webb
1st: Harold Perlaza
Open:
3rd: Jim Lyle
2nd: Melissa Boag, Jim Lyle
1st: Jim Lyle
March - Shrimp
Video:
3rd: Walter Marti
2nd: Dwight Crumb
1st: Janet Crumb
Novice:
3rd: Carol Yin, Harold Perlaza, Harold Perlaza
2nd: Judy Carlson
1st: Chris Menjou
Open:
3rd: Jim Lyle
2nd: Jim Lyle
1st: Todd Winner
Photos are posted on our gallery (if you video entrants ever want to generate a smaller downloadable file to post, please do).
Watershed Expo at Hermosa Beach Community Center with Graham Nash and Jim Messina March 24 & 25
03/17/06
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATERSHEDS TO BE FEATURED AT WATERSHED EXPO 2006 TO BE HELD AT THE HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2006
Hermosa Beach, California… The Algalita Marine Research Foundation presents Watershed Expo 2006, an interactive learning experience free to the public, offering information and educational entertainment for Southern California residents of all ages and interests. The Expo will be held on Saturday March 25, 2006 at the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, California.
Why the Expo? As residents of beach communities, we are all aware of the problems affecting our beaches and ocean caused by pollution from plastic and other man-made debris. Clean ocean water starts with all of us, and we all need to understand the watershed system, and to learn how each one of us can help solve the debris problem. That is the purpose of Watershed Expo: to teach the community about the importance of watersheds, and how to keep our rivers and oceans cleaner.
The Expo is a free, all-day community education event starting at 10:00 am and closing at 5:00 pm on March 25. Legendary rock musicians Graham Nash and Jim Messina will kick off the Expo with a special benefit concert on Friday evening, March 24, in support of the work of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. For concert ticket information call 562-598-4889 or see the AMRF website at www.algalita.org.
Some of what will be happening at the Watershed Expo includes an all-day auditorium program hosted by Philippe Cousteau with a keynote address by Dr. Sylvia Earle. Children will be a focus of the Expo, with science exhibits by students, an exhibition on how to build an ocean-going raft out of recycled materials by Dr. Marcus Eriksen assisted by students from the Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, and Songs of the Sea by Nick the Music Man, a popular favorite with local kids. The Expo will feature numerous educational-but-fun activities for children. The Ocean Revolution Film Festival, presented by Dr. J. Nichols, features the new Bob Talbot film narrated by Morgan Freeman. Outdoor exhibits will feature displays and representatives from other environmental groups, local aquariums, and Expo sponsors. Technical presentations will cover watershed issues, concepts, and solutions, moderated by Dr. Bill Roley, with speakers including Captain Charles Moore, Bill Wilson, Roots & Shoots, and others.
Free educational handouts on ways in which people can participate in cleaning up our watersheds will be available. For more information on the Watershed Expo, see the AMRF website at www.algalita.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2006
Why the Expo? As residents of beach communities, we are all aware of the problems affecting our beaches and ocean caused by pollution from plastic and other man-made debris. Clean ocean water starts with all of us, and we all need to understand the watershed system, and to learn how each one of us can help solve the debris problem. That is the purpose of Watershed Expo: to teach the community about the importance of watersheds, and how to keep our rivers and oceans cleaner.
The Expo is a free, all-day community education event starting at 10:00 am and closing at 5:00 pm on March 25. Legendary rock musicians Graham Nash and Jim Messina will kick off the Expo with a special benefit concert on Friday evening, March 24, in support of the work of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. For concert ticket information call 562-598-4889 or see the AMRF website at www.algalita.org.
Some of what will be happening at the Watershed Expo includes an all-day auditorium program hosted by Philippe Cousteau with a keynote address by Dr. Sylvia Earle. Children will be a focus of the Expo, with science exhibits by students, an exhibition on how to build an ocean-going raft out of recycled materials by Dr. Marcus Eriksen assisted by students from the Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, and Songs of the Sea by Nick the Music Man, a popular favorite with local kids. The Expo will feature numerous educational-but-fun activities for children. The Ocean Revolution Film Festival, presented by Dr. J. Nichols, features the new Bob Talbot film narrated by Morgan Freeman. Outdoor exhibits will feature displays and representatives from other environmental groups, local aquariums, and Expo sponsors. Technical presentations will cover watershed issues, concepts, and solutions, moderated by Dr. Bill Roley, with speakers including Captain Charles Moore, Bill Wilson, Roots & Shoots, and others.
Free educational handouts on ways in which people can participate in cleaning up our watersheds will be available. For more information on the Watershed Expo, see the AMRF website at www.algalita.org.
Jeff Bozanic, dive medicine program to Socorro Islands
03/17/06
Jeff sent this for posting to the club:
I am helping run a dive medicine program to Socorro Islands April 22-30, 2006. We have 4 spaces yet to fill. The trip will include travel from Cabo San Lucas to the islands on the Nautilus Explorer, food, diving, non-alcoholic beverages. The boat is VERY rebreather friendly.
The diving medicine program is 22 hours of Category I CME. The cost of the trip is US$2,300, and the dive medicine course is $700. There is a slight surcharge for oxygen fills, Sofnolime, and credit card usage.
If you are interested, I will gladly e-mail you further information to look over. I am enclosing an article about the boat and islands. Lots of manta rays, sharks, etc.
Safe Diving!
Jeff Bozanic
714-775-4462
I am helping run a dive medicine program to Socorro Islands April 22-30, 2006. We have 4 spaces yet to fill. The trip will include travel from Cabo San Lucas to the islands on the Nautilus Explorer, food, diving, non-alcoholic beverages. The boat is VERY rebreather friendly.
The diving medicine program is 22 hours of Category I CME. The cost of the trip is US$2,300, and the dive medicine course is $700. There is a slight surcharge for oxygen fills, Sofnolime, and credit card usage.
If you are interested, I will gladly e-mail you further information to look over. I am enclosing an article about the boat and islands. Lots of manta rays, sharks, etc.
Safe Diving!
Jeff Bozanic
714-775-4462
Contest Results: Wetpixel, Beneath the Sea, Rodales, Scubafest/UW Images
03/12/06
The last few weeks have brought the results of four contests, most results are on the web for your viewing pleasure. They are:
The Wetpixel/Dive Photo Guide Contest
The Beneath the Sea Contest (congrats to club member and newsletter editor Walter Marti, 3rd place video)
The Rodales Scuba Diving Magazine Contest (HMs online, winners in the magazine, congrats to club member Todd Winner, 1st wide angle)
The Scubafest / Underwater Images Contest (congrats to several club members: Todd Winner, 3rd in conservation; Walter Marti, 2nd place & HM video; Matt Segal, 3rd wide angle novice & HM macro; Roger Carlson, best in show)
Let me know if I missed anyone.
The Wetpixel/Dive Photo Guide Contest
The Beneath the Sea Contest (congrats to club member and newsletter editor Walter Marti, 3rd place video)
The Rodales Scuba Diving Magazine Contest (HMs online, winners in the magazine, congrats to club member Todd Winner, 1st wide angle)
The Scubafest / Underwater Images Contest (congrats to several club members: Todd Winner, 3rd in conservation; Walter Marti, 2nd place & HM video; Matt Segal, 3rd wide angle novice & HM macro; Roger Carlson, best in show)
Let me know if I missed anyone.
March Newsletter Available
03/11/06
The March 2006 edition of the LAUPS Underwater Flash is now available at our downloads page, or via this link. Thanks to newsletter editor Walter Marti! Send him your articles for next month!
February Meeting Report, Watershed Expo Coming to Hermosa 3/25
03/11/06
For those able to conquer the “mother of all traffic jams” and still attend the February meeting, your reward was an inspiring motivational presentation by speaker Bill Macdonald. Bill is the spouse of long-time LAUPS member Susan MacDonald. His background has extensive experience as a filmmaker for such known entities as the Cousteau Society, Burrud Productions and the Discovery Channel. Currently Bill is the owner and operator of Macdonald Productions (www.macdonaldproductions.com) which was established in 1998 as a stock footage archive and video production company. He has produced many successful videos and provided stock footage for numerous programs seen on the Discovery Channel Network and PBS television.
Through his association with Captain Charles Moore, Founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Bill became aware of the escalating problems of marine pollution – especially plastic pollution. With a primary goal to help reduce the amount of plastic debris going into the world’s oceans, Bill is using his filmmaking experience to bring awareness to the problem through video productions such as “Our Synthetic Seas” that recently won a first place award in the Oceans, Water Quality & Watersheds category in the 2004 Earth Vision International Environmental Film Festival.
Those attending the February meeting were among the first to view a new production called “Watershed Wonders”, the creation of two imaginative minds - filmmaker Bill Macdonald and science educator Dr. Marcus Eriksen. The film will have its debut for the general public at the Watershed Expo 2006 to be held at the Hermosa Beach Community Center on Saturday, March 25th. Using vivid images, original uses of the camera both above and below the water, the film follows water from where it falls to the ground somewhere in the mountains, as it travels its gravitational path through natural and man-made habitats to the point where it finally enters the sea. On its journey it collects other substances, natural and un-natural, that really gets one’s attention through its final shocking scene to the problem of plastic debris that pollutes our societies, our watersheds and ultimately our oceans. The film demonstrates serious implications not only for the health of the ocean and the health of the creatures that rely on the ocean for survival, but for humanity itself.
This film together with an 87-page curriculum guide developed by Dr. Marcus Eriksen has been sent out free to over 1,000 junior and senior high schools in California, Nevada, and Oregon so far. Zale Parry, one of the founding members of LAUPS and Ambassador at Large/Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, was so enthusiastic about the program that she took it to the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership in Garibaldi, Oregon where, recognizing the potential importance of the program to Oregon’s watersheds, officials there ordered 150 copies for distribution to state educators. The idea is that if you want to make changes in the way humans treat their natural environment, a good way to start is by educating the children.
Bill finished his presentation by encouraging LAUPS members to contact Bill Brush for helping with the Watershed Expo film festival and attend a special benefit concert held at the Hermosa Beach Community Center on Friday evening March 24 featuring legendary rock musicians Graham Nash and Jim Messina. On Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm., the free all-day community education event called the Watershed Expo will occur at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. At the Expo there will be science exhibits by students, and exhibition on how to build an ocean-going raft out of recycled materials by Dr. Marcus Eriksen, the Ocean Revolution Film Festival featuring the new Bob Talbot film, speakers including Philippe Cousteau, Captain Charles Moore, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols and Dr. Sylvia Earle. Attendees can also tour Captain Moore’s unique hybrid research vessel, the ORV Alguita at King Harbor.
Through his association with Captain Charles Moore, Founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Bill became aware of the escalating problems of marine pollution – especially plastic pollution. With a primary goal to help reduce the amount of plastic debris going into the world’s oceans, Bill is using his filmmaking experience to bring awareness to the problem through video productions such as “Our Synthetic Seas” that recently won a first place award in the Oceans, Water Quality & Watersheds category in the 2004 Earth Vision International Environmental Film Festival.
Those attending the February meeting were among the first to view a new production called “Watershed Wonders”, the creation of two imaginative minds - filmmaker Bill Macdonald and science educator Dr. Marcus Eriksen. The film will have its debut for the general public at the Watershed Expo 2006 to be held at the Hermosa Beach Community Center on Saturday, March 25th. Using vivid images, original uses of the camera both above and below the water, the film follows water from where it falls to the ground somewhere in the mountains, as it travels its gravitational path through natural and man-made habitats to the point where it finally enters the sea. On its journey it collects other substances, natural and un-natural, that really gets one’s attention through its final shocking scene to the problem of plastic debris that pollutes our societies, our watersheds and ultimately our oceans. The film demonstrates serious implications not only for the health of the ocean and the health of the creatures that rely on the ocean for survival, but for humanity itself.
Bill finished his presentation by encouraging LAUPS members to contact Bill Brush for helping with the Watershed Expo film festival and attend a special benefit concert held at the Hermosa Beach Community Center on Friday evening March 24 featuring legendary rock musicians Graham Nash and Jim Messina. On Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm., the free all-day community education event called the Watershed Expo will occur at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. At the Expo there will be science exhibits by students, and exhibition on how to build an ocean-going raft out of recycled materials by Dr. Marcus Eriksen, the Ocean Revolution Film Festival featuring the new Bob Talbot film, speakers including Philippe Cousteau, Captain Charles Moore, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols and Dr. Sylvia Earle. Attendees can also tour Captain Moore’s unique hybrid research vessel, the ORV Alguita at King Harbor.
Mini-Comp Digital Entry Image Resolution
03/08/06
I've forgotten to post this: our new projector has a resolution of 1400x1050. That's the ideal pixel dimensions for your digital entries.
Immediate Need for Divers to contact California Officials BEFORE New Regulations Hurt Monterey Dive Sites
03/08/06
Recreational Scuba Divers in California are in a political struggle to create Marine Protected Areas in an effort to stop dive site marine life
degradation, do to over fishing by commercial and recreational extraction. The project area includes the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Bay,
distinguished as the second most popular dive destination in North America by SCUBA Diving Magazine in its February 2006 issue. This is the first of
a series of project areas which well eventually create statewide networks of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas.
Comments from Dive Industry Needed to Help Preserve Important Dive Areas.
Send emails here: MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov
This five year effort will culminate on March 15, 2006 when a Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) will designate one of six Packages of Maps as the "Preferred Alternative Package" of Marine Protected Areas. After several months of meetings and negotiating with commercial and recreational fishermen, non-consumptive recreational SCUBA divers developed Package #2, providing the greatest protection to the most coveted dive areas in Monterey and Carmel Bays. To link to a description of all the Packages, go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/centralcoast.html#maps
Last week the staff of the BRTF submitted their own eleventh hour Package S (S for staff) which strips most dive sites of State Marine Reserve (SMR) protection. For nearly fifteen years Dive Master and Dive Boat Captain Edward C. Cooper advocated for the creation of a State Marine Reserve in Monterey. This SMR would be between the Coast Guard Pier and Lover's Point, an area with three safe shore access points, and which host over 65,000 dives per year. Also striped of SMR protection is the North Wall of Carmel Bay. Package 2 proposes SMR status from the Outer Pinnacles to Stillwater Cove. Package S does not. In the Monterey and Carmel Bay areas, there is a strong resemblance between Package S, the staff's proposal and Package 1, Fishermen's proposal, which provides the least overall protection. Package 2 would prohibit spear fishing tournaments. Package 1, and Package S would allow them.
The diving community wishes Package 2 to be designated selected the "Preferred Alternative". However, Package S has a high probability of being selected by the BRTF as the "Preferred Alternative" unless they hear from the diving community. If they do not select Package 2, please recommend to the BRTF that modifications be made to Package S in the South Monterey Bay Area, and in the North Carmel Bay Area. We are recommending to the BRTF that the Captain Edward C. Cooper State Marine Reserve be established between the Breakwater and Lover's Point to a depth of 60 feet. We are also requesting that a SMR be established from the Outer Pinnacles eastwardly, past Pescadero Point, to include Dali's Reef, the second most popular dive site next to the Pinnacles, in North Carmel Bay. Help stop Package S, by writing to the BRTF with these recommendations.
Please send an email supporting Package 2 and opposing Package S to:
MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov
degradation, do to over fishing by commercial and recreational extraction. The project area includes the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Bay,
distinguished as the second most popular dive destination in North America by SCUBA Diving Magazine in its February 2006 issue. This is the first of
a series of project areas which well eventually create statewide networks of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas.
Comments from Dive Industry Needed to Help Preserve Important Dive Areas.
Send emails here: MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov
This five year effort will culminate on March 15, 2006 when a Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) will designate one of six Packages of Maps as the "Preferred Alternative Package" of Marine Protected Areas. After several months of meetings and negotiating with commercial and recreational fishermen, non-consumptive recreational SCUBA divers developed Package #2, providing the greatest protection to the most coveted dive areas in Monterey and Carmel Bays. To link to a description of all the Packages, go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/centralcoast.html#maps
Last week the staff of the BRTF submitted their own eleventh hour Package S (S for staff) which strips most dive sites of State Marine Reserve (SMR) protection. For nearly fifteen years Dive Master and Dive Boat Captain Edward C. Cooper advocated for the creation of a State Marine Reserve in Monterey. This SMR would be between the Coast Guard Pier and Lover's Point, an area with three safe shore access points, and which host over 65,000 dives per year. Also striped of SMR protection is the North Wall of Carmel Bay. Package 2 proposes SMR status from the Outer Pinnacles to Stillwater Cove. Package S does not. In the Monterey and Carmel Bay areas, there is a strong resemblance between Package S, the staff's proposal and Package 1, Fishermen's proposal, which provides the least overall protection. Package 2 would prohibit spear fishing tournaments. Package 1, and Package S would allow them.
The diving community wishes Package 2 to be designated selected the "Preferred Alternative". However, Package S has a high probability of being selected by the BRTF as the "Preferred Alternative" unless they hear from the diving community. If they do not select Package 2, please recommend to the BRTF that modifications be made to Package S in the South Monterey Bay Area, and in the North Carmel Bay Area. We are recommending to the BRTF that the Captain Edward C. Cooper State Marine Reserve be established between the Breakwater and Lover's Point to a depth of 60 feet. We are also requesting that a SMR be established from the Outer Pinnacles eastwardly, past Pescadero Point, to include Dali's Reef, the second most popular dive site next to the Pinnacles, in North Carmel Bay. Help stop Package S, by writing to the BRTF with these recommendations.
Please send an email supporting Package 2 and opposing Package S to:
MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov
March meeting and Mini-Comps!
03/06/06
The March meeting speaker will be the incredible Mark Strickland. Mark Strickland's life-long interest in the sea has included over 10,000 dives and careers as a lifeguard, boat captain and scuba instructor. His passion for underwater photography has led him to many top dive destinations, including Thailand, where he spent 17 years as Cruise Director / Photo-Pro on a series of live-aboard vessels, including the state-of-the-art Ocean Rover. While he still dives whenever possible, Mark now spends most of his time with his wife and son in California. An avid marine naturalist, Mark has discovered several nudibranch species, including one that is named for his wife Suzanne, Reticulidia suzanneae, and his own namesake, Halgerda stricklandi.
The March meeting will have two mini-comps, to make up for the one we didn't have at the February meeting. Themes will be shrimp and sand creatures.
Please name your digital entries like this:
for the sand creature mini-comp:
0602_open-or-novice_title_your-name.jpeg
for the shrimp mini-comp:
0603_open-or-novice_title_your-name.jpeg
Please bring your entries with you or email them to Kelly ahead of the meeting, I can't make the meeting.
The March meeting will have two mini-comps, to make up for the one we didn't have at the February meeting. Themes will be shrimp and sand creatures.
Please name your digital entries like this:
for the sand creature mini-comp:
0602_open-or-novice_title_your-name.jpeg
for the shrimp mini-comp:
0603_open-or-novice_title_your-name.jpeg
Please bring your entries with you or email them to Kelly ahead of the meeting, I can't make the meeting.
Howard Hall IMAX 3D Film Released
03/06/06
Howard Hall's latest IMAX film, Deep Sea 3D, has been released in theaters. Read the release notes at Howard's site. Locally, it's playing at the California Science Museum, the Bridge, and the Irvine Spectrum.