January 27th, 2007:
Two northwest dive clubs recently combined forces to help clean up the ever-spreading invasive tunicate, Ciona savignyi at a popular dive site in Hood Canal, Sund Rock. The Kelp Krawlers of Olympia WA - under the direction of president Amy Kurtenbach, organized the event, and the Pacific Dive Club of Aloha OR - with dive coordinator Dennis Lynn, were able to join in by supplying more diver-power. There were about 35 people involved with the cleanup effort on Saturday, Jan 27th, 2007.

With chilling air temperatures in the mid-30’s, the dedicated divers geared up and waded into the cold 45 degree waters of Hood Canal to seek and remove the invasive tunicate Ciona savignyi. The pest has been plaguing South Hood Canal for the past year and spreads rapidly, taking over underwater ‘real estate’ and crowding out native species.

Divers removed the tunicate with varying methods: kitchen tongs, spatulas, hand removal and even homemade devices. All tunicates were collected in mesh bags and brought to the surface and put into a common bucket for counting. About 1500 individual animals were removed from the site.

The two dive clubs spent an hour in training learning about invasive tunicates prior to the event. Janna Nichols, Washington Scuba Alliance Board Member and REEF Advanced Assessment Team has created a training presentation for dive clubs interested in learning about the invasive tunicates. A special collection permit from WDFW made the removal efforts possible.

About 25 divers put in 33 hours underwater collectively over two dives. While divers worked underwater, others worked on record-keeping and cooking chili for the crowd. Altogether both clubs put in over 200 man-hours on the project. Thanks to Hood Sport ‘n Dive for donating free access to Sund Rock for this event.