Added to the Redondo Beach Artificial Reef in 1974, the barge is one of those sites that we return to often. Octopus nests in the surrounding sand, nudibranchs not found on many of the local reefs and several species of shrimp hide under every brick and flaking piece of rust on the barge.

Simnia arcuata can be found among the polyps of the red gorgonian. Small sponges and tunicates cover the sides of the barge. Look for patches of nudibranch egg coils and you may find a tiny nudibranch nearby. Many found here are nearly microscopic.

When conditions are just right, Mola Molas appear over the barge to be cleaned by the Halfmoon and Senoritas. Sea lions often follow to harass and bite the Mola Molas.

Bricks in the sand at eighty feet are home to Octopus rubescens. The top of the barge is sixty-five feet deep, but the action can occur anywhere from the sand to the water above the barge when jellies appear. Merry has spent many dives here without actually seeing the barge, hovering instead in the jelly zone.

The barge has been deteriorating lately, with new holes opened as the walls fall aside. I don't know how much longer the barge will be intact, but for now, it is a go-to spot close to King Harbor.

33°50.300N 118°24.627W

• Re: Redondo Beach Dive Site; The Barge Kevlar 14:33:52 01/09/19 (0)