I didn't think there was anything above a 5 WOW day, but today was either a 5 and 1/2 or a 6 WOW. The reason for the uncertainty is that for the first time we saw a lionfish at the bridge. It was fascinating to see, but, of course, it is an invasive species capable of doing great damage from what I've been told. With the numbers of lionfish skyrocketing in the Bahamas and their numbers increasing off Florida's east coast, I suppose the growth of the lionfish population is inevitable. I'm not happy about it. On a more positive note, we started the dive by hanging around a manatee that tolerated our presence very patiently. It appeared to be napping or saving its energy; in any case it didn't move except to get a breath every once in a while. BIG animal! We saw the spotted eagle rays again today as did everyone with whom we spoke after the dive. The eagle rays must cruise the whole south side of the bridge and beach areas. The green moray was at the south side of the last bridge support again today. We saw a batfish at the little "upside down" wreck that is close to the channel. With thirty-plus feet of vis I didn't hesitate to go out there with my open water student. A sharptail eel hunted for its breakfast. A bandtail sea robin appeared to be doing likewise. A medium-sized southern stingray flew around us for quite some time. It didn't appear to be hunting; it looked as though it was just enjoying performing for divers. A good-sized helmet conch was in the sand just south of the second set of pilings. A small black grouper hunted between the second and third set of pilings. With a water temperature of seventy-two I was comfortable in my 5mm suit and 3mm hooded vest. My student, in a 3mm suit, was a bit chilly at the end of the dive, but not chilly enough to want to get out of the water after our one hour, twelve minute dive! There was just so much happening! Michele is posting her pictures to accompany this report. Thanks, Michele! Get in the water, Ham
Dive Report 16 January
