2006:

Under the leadership of Janna Nichols, WSA and REEF volunteer divers began a year-long survey of Hood Canal to gather data for the Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program and any other government agency or researcher that would benefit from the data. Eight different sites (4 shore, 4 boat) are being surveyed at least 6 times per year. The divers check for species and abundance, depth ranges, health of animals, overall conditions, and presence of invasive tunicates. Pacific Adventure Charters (Don and Diane Coleman, capts.) is providing the boat transportation, and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is funding the fuel costs for the boat.

A special team was formed to monitor, report and remove invasive tunicates from Puget Sound and Hood Canal waters. WDFW granted a special permit to board member Janna Nichols and 14 other WSA/REEF divers allowing them to legally remove the tunicates. The team coordinates with WDFW, Puget Sound Action Team and UW Tunicate expert Gretchen Lambert on the project. These volunteer divers gathered at Sund Rock in October 2006 to do a first pass at removing the invasive tunicate Ciona savignyi that is growing rapidly in numbers there.

2007:

WSA, in conjunction with REEF, has created a special powerpoint presentation for Pacific NW Dive Clubs about the three invasive tunicates that Washington is currently dealing with. Focusing on identification and how to report a sighting, this presentation will serve to educate divers. We'd like for all dive clubs to view it at some point during 2007. WSA Board member Janna Nichols created the presentation.

Dive Clubs around the Pacific NW (Olympia's Kelp Krawlers and Aloha Oregon's Pacific Dive Club) are helping with continued volunteer tunicate removal and monitoring at Sund Rock. We hope to see more dive clubs step forward to help with these type of projects.