Diving deeper

Today's dives were conducted in a rocky reef just offshore from Monterey. We dove in about 120 feet of water and what was really striking to me was the contrast between this habitat and the kelp forest habitat that we’ve been looking at for the past few days. At this dive site there was not much algae, as we’re below the depth at which most of these marine plants are able to photosynthesize. We also encountered huge schools of rockfish, colorful nudibranchs, large white Metridium anemones, and even gorgonian corals. It’s amazing how diverse this community truly is. And how different it is from the other habitats in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Personally, this was a great opportunity for me, working with Immersion Presents and NOAA. I’ve never been a part of a live television production and this was quite a special introduction to how many different components must work together to create a polished final production. I have to thank the whole crew for being so generous with their wisdom and helpful tips – Thanks! Also thanks to ROV pilot Eric Martin for teaching me and allowing me to pilot the ROV Hylas - thanks Eric! That was a great experience. I look forward to the day when the technology allows students out there watching to fly the ROV remotely.

Lonny Lundsten