Posted by Eagle Ray on March 10, 2003 at 16:23:48:
In Reply to: Killing urchins at Catalina's Casino Point posted by Dr. Bill Bushing on March 07, 2003 at 20:08:54:
Dr. Bill said, "While urchins have been a problem elsewhere in our region, they are not in the Dive Park. Perhaps this is because of the high sheephead population in the reserve there."
Hmmm...here's a crazy thought, perhaps its because, as you said, a lot of divers kill and feed them to the fish!
I agree we shouldn't all go out and kill urchins to use as fish food, but considering we slaughter the things that keep the urchins in check, I doubt think the kelp bed would mind a little help from those divers willing to thin out the urchins. No?