Black rockfish, Sebastes melanops
Black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) form their own schools in northern
lattitudes. In contrast, in Monterey, they seem to be found resting on the
bottom or tagging along with blue rockfish schools.
"Hussar Point", Browning Pass, British Columbia
September 6, 2006
Proof that you can still have fun in four foot visibility. Yes, there are
certainly challenges to taking pictures in water that resembles oobleck
(remember your Seuss?), but I'm actually quite fond of the Mountain Dew
background that only the most intense plankton blooms cause. Here, a variety of
rockfish can be seen at various distances into the muck. From front to back: A
copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), a black rockfish (Sebastes
melanops), and a brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus). The latter is
also commonly called a Bolinas after the Marin county town which is presumably
host to a large number of them. Bolinas (the town), of course, is far more
famous for other things. Most of all, this sleepy surfing town is famous for its
dislike of visitors. In an ongoing battle with CalTrans, Bolinas residents are
quick to remove any and all highway signs which might aid in locating the town.
Paradoxicly enough, however, should you pass all the hurdles placed before you
and successfully navigate to Bolinas, some of the local shops will be more than
happy to sell you a T-shirt emblazoned with the likeness of the "Bolinas 2mi"
highway sign which wasn't on the highway to mark the appropriate exit.
"Tanker Reef", Monterey Bay, California
July 30, 2006
