Here in Westwood (at 6:32PM Sunday evening), it looks like it's going to rain . . .

WEIRD WEEKEND WEATHER - So much for thinking summer is right around the corner. There was rain yesterday morning - most of the morning in fact - in Westwood and then some more drizzle late afternoon. And right now, even though the weather radar doesn't show anything lurking, there are some dark clouds overhead, the wind has picked up a bit, and it just "feels" like there's something coming. Go figure.

WEATHER LOOKS GOOD FOR MAY 7 - That's the date of Chamber Day 2025, in case you were wondering why I'm singling this out. Granted, 10-day forecasts are not always accurate. But it's looking good at the moment. Mid-70s during the day and not much swell for those doing the Chamber Day dives, and mid-60s around 7PM for those coming to Chamber Eve at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Hope to have you join us for one of those events (although the Day boats are all now sold out).

STILL HAVESEATS FOR CHAMBER EVE - The Reef Seekers table is full but other groups have spots available, some with 2 seats, a few with more than that. Plus we have an UNAFFILIATED table that's wide open. Chamber Eve is $175, doors open at 7PM, you get a great meal, have a shot at some raffle prizes, maybe walk home with our Murex Dive Resorts "Passport to Paradise" Grand Prize, and (best of all) know that your generosity keeps our Chamber open and available 24/7/365. Sign up at www.chamberday.org.

MINKE WHALE CAUSE OF DEATH - You may recall a few weeks ago, there was a lot of excitement in the Long Beach area as a Minke whale, smallest of the baleen whales, had wandered into the harbor and made his/her way all the way to the basin of the Catalina Express. Unfortunately, it was eventually found dead. NOAA scientists did a necropsy and discovered lethal levels of domoic acid in the cetacean, which is what led to the disorientation and death. Domoic acid is caused by a toxic algal bloom which is seasonal and is occurring now along our coast, and which affects many marine creatures but mostly seals, sea lions, and dolphins. But a juvy Gray whale that washed up in Huntington Beach also died from domoic acid poisoning. Although the algae that produces this toxin is naturally-occurring, the algae bloom started earlier than usual this year and seems more widespread than in previous years. You can read more about this and see a map of the affected areas here: DOMOIC ACID MAP AND EXPLANATION.

THAILAND PHOTO RESTRICTION - As someone who's been shooting underwater for decades, I can attest that photographers don't always pay as much attention as they should to their surroundings and can inadvertently cause some reef damage when trying to get a shot. With the advent of simple but decent and inexpensive point-and-shoot cams, not to mention GoPros and other "action" video cams, it seems that almost everyone has a cam in their hands nowadays. And many people finish their basic certification class and want to start taking photos right away. But these folks usually don't have the finer points of diving - like buoyancy - under control and that can cause some major reef problems. The government of Thailand last week announced some steps to minimize that. From now on (this is not a belated April Fools joke), divers with less than 40 logged dives under their belts are not permitted to take cameras in the water with them. (There's a similar snorkeler restriction as well.) It sounds like the Thai government will rely on dive operators to enforce the rule, with hefty fines levied if they don't. The notice I saw was dated April 24 and says it takes effect immediately. Personally, I think the move is a bit drastic but I agree with the underling reasons that have prompted it. And maybe it will raise reef awareness in both experienced and inexperienced diver photogs. You can read more about this here: THAILAND PHOTOGRPAHER RESTRICTIONS.

SPEAKING OF GREAT PHOTO ENCOUNTERS . . . - Definitely no reefs harmed here. But whale watchers off of Newport Beach last week were treated to a fabulous site as a Humpback whale basically "adopted" their boat and was showing flukes and even spy-hopping. Not sure if you need to be on FaceBook to view this but here's a video link taken from the boat showing some of the interaction, plus the ooohs and ahhs of the passengers being treated to this fabulous sight: UP CLOSE WITH A HUMPBACK.

And that'll do it for now. Have a great week and let's go diving soon!!!

- Ken