Fierce wind and huge breakers pounded Morro Beach, which may account for the vis we had under the North T-Pier. But sunny skies, extra-friendly residents, and the charm of the city made for another enjoyable trip with Kevin Lee.

This was the first time we saw the colony of ~12 otters that live in the bay. They're accustomed to visits by the glass-bottomed boat.

While otter-watching, Kevin tried to entice a ground squirrel into the frame.

At slack tide, diving under the pier is particularly serene, and the quantity and variety of invertebrate life is phenomenal. Ken Bondy and Gary Powell have spent nearly 30 years documenting marine life there, and I'll bet they're still surprised by something new.

A few photos from the pilings; vis 4' and 46 degrees.

Adalaria jannae

Sitting among pink-mouth hydroids, this Catriona columbiana was so small that Phil couldn't see it.

"Pods" reign supreme on the pilings. Next to Flabellina trilineata laying eggs, 2 copepods were working the hydroids. When focus lights hit the pilings, microcrustaceans and tiny shrimp scatter. A macro-lovers dream.

Perhaps a munnid isopod.

A robust Janolus barbarensis.

• As usual you folks are providing beautiful pics (-) seahunt 09:01:13 02/21/12 (0)