Originally constructed in the early 1960s to draw fish to our nearshore waters, the Hermosa Beach Artificial hardly lived up to its expectations. Occasional large halibut and lobster catches are made but for the most part, the area is home to small sand bass, sheephead, and calicos. There are two other residents that make diving here worthwhile. Several Giant Sea Bass, Stereolepis gigas are found here year round. We have documented several of them over many years near the same concrete blocks. A small school of California Broomtail grouper, Mycteroperca xenarcha live inside King Harbor and often venture out to the Hermosa Reef. Both are protected species in California.

The reef is a collection of scattered piles of concrete with pier pilings and the remains of streetcars added over the years. One area is made of quarry rock and is sometimes covered with a healthy kelp forest. Others are home to sponges, bryozoans, and hydroids. The thrill of diving here comes when you settle on the sand and wait. Giant Sea Bass will approach and often settle in the sand near you. The groupers are still skittish. You are lucky if you encounter one that will stop long enough for a photo opportunity.

Depths range from fifty-five to sixty feet. The center of the reef is located at 33° 51.221N 118° 24.833W but there are many areas to explore by metering the area before getting in the water.

Photo by Merry Passage

Photo by Merry Passage