UNITED STATES ASSESSES PUERTO PEÑASCO SHRIMP BOATS

(Vessels come through clear)

Ecology inspectors from the United States recently evaluated 13 shrimp boats from Puerto Peñasco in order to verify the use of fish excluding devices. They found no anomalies during the assessment, which was considered normal by the state authority for the fishing sector. Through this verification, it was fully demonstrated that the shrimp fleet in the state has a program to guarantee the protection of sea turtles and prevent their accidental capture, reported Daniel Hiram Villarreal Guadiana, deputy director of secretary of agriculture, ranching, rural development, fishing and feed for Mexico(SAGARPA).

Villarreal Guadiana stressed the audit of shrimp fishing operation in the northern region of the country has shown there is compliance with regulations.

“These verifications form an important part in strengthening the commercial relationship of the country with the U.S. market, which is one of the countries where sonoran shrimp is exported. “He mentioned”.

The review was done by experts of these devices from the U.S.  State department, in a coordinated manner with staff from Profepa and Conapesca, in which they verified the drag nets of thirteen vessels in Puerto Peñasco and did a maritime inspection tour, with no anomalies registered.

The sub-secretary of fishing for SAGARPA, Prisciliano Meléndez Barrios, remarked that the verification is usual and is done annually.

This is not a condition that is put on the sonoran fishing sector on behalf of the U.S. government, yet it grants certification to the bay as an exporter of this product to the U.S.

Meléndez Barrios explained, “It is totally ordinary practice that goes back many years and objective of which is the ecology and care for marine species. Each year a review is done of the shrimp boats and the excluding devices for sea turtles; this sis nothing new at all, it as been going on for many years to assure that turtles are not captured”

The U.S. inspection consisted in assuring each boat has a duly placed excluding device, so that turtles may escape as necessary.

“Once the review is done and certification obtained, the U.S is able to buy shrimp from Mexico from its distinct bays. This is not condition, but a tpe of certification they do with the objective of assuring responsible ecological awareness,” he added.

The SAGARPA sub-secretary noted that with respect to work of the Mexican inspectors, federal authorities are the ones that review the exclusion device for sea turtles.

Fish Stories: Learn About the Gulf of California

I’ve written before about our friends at CEDO (Centro Intercultural de Estudios de Desiertos y Oceanos, or Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans), a non-profit research station located in the community of Las Conchas in Rocky Point.

CEDO is now doing a lecture series about the Gulf of California. The next talk, about developing sustainable fisheries in the northern Gulf, is this Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at the UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.

Here are the details, per CEDO:

Speakers: Dr. Richard Cudney-Bueno (UA, the Packard Foundation, CEDO), Alison Deming (UA) and Tad Pfister (UA)

From 2002 to 2004 commercial divers worked with Dr. Richard Cudney-Bueno, to increase productivity of their mollusk fisheries. They participated in

subtidal monitoring and observed first-hand the effectiveness of maintaining no fishing areas. By coupling these results with a study of oceanographic currents and larval dispersal offshore of Puerto Peñasco, we have gained important insights into the use of marine reserves to maximize fisheries recruitment. Lessons learned from this work and other research will translate into management plans for about a dozen species and areas of special importance in the Northern Gulf through the PANGAS project.

Tad Pfister, UA coordinator for the PANGAS project, which involves six institutions, including CEDO, will relate how this ecosystem-based approach will help Mexico move toward co-management of sustainable small scale fisheries. UA creative writer Alison Deming will read from her inspirational book “In the Territory of Birds” set on Isla Tiburon, one of the Gulf’s most productive island systems.

SEEKING ORDERLY PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL SPORT FISHING

Activity holds great potential

            Given that recreational sports fishing represents tremendous potential for

Puerto Peñasco, steps are being taken towards promoting this activity which has not yet been fully explored in this area.

A recent forum held in Peñasco, entitled “Local Actions in the area of sport fishing,” included the participation of authorities and sports fishermen who addressed central themes including coordination of the two levels of government in the area of sport fishing and future actions for the management of this activity.

Bernardino Muñoz, director of the Sport Fishing Unit of the National Fishing Commission (Conapesca), led the National Program of Sport Fishing (2006-2012), which discussed the current situation and possible steps to be implemented to guarantee proper development.

The federal official stressed at a national level! Nearly 2 billion dollars are garnered from sport fishing, creating 35,000 direct jobs. This data points to the importance of creating better conditions and regulations in order to properly carryout this fascinating activity

Muñoz explained that of ah those who work in the area of sport fishing, only 10% actually go through the process of getting the respective permits while 90% do not. This, he notes, creates an enormous leak in tax revenue and tremendous difficulties in controlling what is being taken out of the sea.

Bernardino Muñoz urged for the creation of a municipal sport fishing committee, which is fundamental to achieve true promotion of this important activity

He even spoke about the possibility of establishing a sport fishing program for Totoaba in this region of the Upper Gulf of California. Totoaba is a protected species, though with the potential of being sought after for this purpose. He detailed they are working in coordination with Semarnat on these efforts.

The Mayor agreed it is necessary to establish actions and programs that promote orderly recreational sport fishing in this community He noted he was open to working in a coordinated manner with the state and federal governments in order to make sport fishing a more adequate activity, which would be beneficial for tourism.

The City Leader noted his concern because although there is an abundance of species for sport fishing, the way the activity is currently being done may risk diminishing these sources. He therefore praised the joint efforts to assure this important activity is regulated and sustainable.

Alejandro Castillo, Sub director of CEDO, indicated recreational sport fishing represents a grand attraction for visitors to this port and reflects a considerable economic influx for community residents.

However, he added, more care of its implementation is required, along with control of the numbers of marine species, as this may represent a risk for the sustainability of this activity

The intent of the recent forum was to coordinate with the municipal, state, and federal government iii order to establish proposals and future actions for the administration of activities, he underscored.

PEÑASCO HITS HOLE IN ONE

The Mayan Palace recently welcomed the US University Women’s Amateur Women’s Golf Tournament, held out of the US for the first time ever, and which included the participation of 4 young promising Mexican women golfers.

Margarita Ramos, Alejandra Llaneza, Diana Cantú and Liisa Kela are seeking to follow in the footsteps of their countrywoman Lorena Ochoa who today is a Star on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) circuit.

The Sea of Cortéz Peninsula Arizona Wildcat Invitation, held February 21-24, welcomed more than one hundred young golfers representing a variety of. U.S. universities, including Tennessee, Washington, UCLA, Arizona State, Duke, Stanford, Oklahoma, Tulsa, New Mexico, USC, UNLV, and U of A, among others.

Shelly Haywood, U of A golf coach and former professional golfer, stated the decision to play in Puerto Peñasco was made given the generosity and hospitality of the Sonoran community as well as the fact that it offers a first class golf course designed by living legend Jack Nicklaus.

The Director of Mayan Palace Puerto Peñasco, Manuel Alcocer Pérez, stressed the event would be a launching point to further promote Puerto Peñasco as an important destination for tourism.

He believed the port has the potential to be a golf destination, given the courses it already possesses and those to come, emphasizing the importance of promoting events of an international scope such as this.

Epifanio Salido Pavlovich, General Coordinator from the Commission for the Promotion of Tourism, expressed his gratitude for the trust of the American participants, and reiterated: “Sonora is and will continue to be a place with its arms open to tourism; we have worked very hard to make our State a world class destination.”

“It gives us tremendous pleasure that you have been able to see Sonora

from a good perspective; in recent days we’ve also had directors from the American Automobile Association (AAA), who acknowledged a hotel here in Peñasco for its quality of service,” stated Salido.

He continued, “This speaks well of what are doing in the state in the area of safety, but particularly to the fact this is a destination that many from the U.S. consider as their home, the recent golf tournament is an example of this is as oil this occasion it was hosted by the University of Arizona, and held here in Puerto Peñasco, or rather Arizona’s beach.”

The University of Arizona is one of the most prestigious golf programs in the United States and home to Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa, among others, as well as now the promising Mexican golfers Margarita Ramos and Alejandra Llaneza, both originally from Mexico City.

Diana Cantú from Monterrey, Nuevo León and Liisa Kelo from Mexico City also participated in the event representing the University of Tennessee and Arizona State University respectively.

The Sea of Cortez Peninsula Arizona Wildcat Invitational took place in the midst of the beautiful facilities of Mayan Palace Puerto Peñasco. The event had no cost for participants and presented some of the most promising up and coming women golfers, as well as a series of clinics put on for children.

During the inauguration, and thanks in part to the globally renowned company NIKE area children were given golf equipment as a manner to help promote golf among younger generations.

El desarrollo acelerado que ha vivido la ciudad y Puerto Peñasco, no hubiese sido posible, sin la actividad pesquera, pues gracias a ella, este lugar fue paulatinamente habitado por pescadores del norte de Sinaloa, Guaymas y Bahía de Kino, fundamentalmente, que durante los recorridos al alto Golfo de California en busca de la especie marina Totoaba, muy apreciada por el mercado oriental, fueron utilizando como punto de descanso, para posteriormente convertirla en una aldea de pescadores.

Posteriormente con las pesquerías del tiburón y camarón, la actividad tomó grandes dimensiones, llegando a nuestros días una diversificación económica que involucra fuertemente a la actividad turística y a la prestación de servicios relacionados con ésta.

Hoy día, la fluctuante situación de la economía mundial ha llevado a los empresarios del ramo a buscar nuevas alternativas que permitan a la actividad mantener su dinámica productiva, así, un grupo de ellos, bajo el liderazgo del Sr. Alejandro Portugal, han consolidado una empresa integradora, que con infraestructura propia y productos con valor agregado están abriendo nuevos mercados en Asia y Europa.

Actualmente la pesca comercial tiene una flota de 127 embarcaciones, según los registros de la Capitanía de Puerto, dedicadas a la captura de camarón respetándose el período de veda donde la especie se reproduce. De estas 50 también se dedican a la captura de especies de escama en cantidad de 30 y 20 al tiburón. Para tal efecto las naves son acondicionadas con instrumentos propios para cada actividad, realizándose en el lapso que corresponde entre los meses de abril y septiembre, con variaciones en días determinados por la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería y Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación.

Pesca comercial

Para que las embarcaciones puedan realizar operaciones de captura de producto, deben contar con un permiso de pesca que permita salvaguardar la vida humana en el mar, denominado Certificado de Seguridad Marítima, donde las autoridades responsables realizan inspecciones desde la segunda semana del mes de julio a los últimos días de Agosto, con el fin de asegurar que los navíos cuenten con las especificaciones reglamentarias.

Los barcos necesariamente deben contar con radio de comunicación, chalecos salvavidas, botiquín de primeros auxilios, luces de bengala, salvavidas anulares con rabiza de un mínimo de 27.5 metros, lanchas, salvavidas para trasladar a la tripulación, pistola de cuetes de señales, entre otras. Dicho certificado deben traerlo a bordo, al igual que su libreta de mar, matrícula visible en la embarcación, y los certificados de competencia expedidos por la Secretaría de Comunicaciones  y Transportes a través de la Dirección General de Marina Mercante, los cuales hacen la veces de una licencia.

Un documento final y también necesario es el Despacho de Salida, el cual es tramitado ante la instancia correspondiente por Agentes Consignatarios Navieros debidamente acreditados para tal afecto, los cuales pueden oscilar entre los treinta y cuarenta y cinco días, que es el tiempo en que la embarcación se maneja con autonomía en el suministro de combustible e insumos para la tripulación, pudiendo trasladarse para iniciar la temporada al Puerto de Yavaros, Topolobampo incluso Mazatlán en el vecino estado de Sinaloa.

Dentro de esta misma actividad comercial, operan 350 embarcaciones menores de pesca ribereña, las cuales deben operar dentro de un rango de 5 millas náuticas de distancia a la playa, es decir, unos nueve kilómetros trescientos setenta y cinco metros, exigiéndoles también medidas de seguridad indispensables.

Pesca Deportiva

La flota que integra este segmento está conformada por 75 embarcaciones entre yates y lanchas, entre los más representativos están Island Explorer que puede navegar con 20 aficionados a este deporte, Santo Niño con capacidad para 15, Caballo del Mar y Knottyjen para diez pescadores y otros de menor tamaño ya capacidad como Blue Moon y la Nora, a estas embarcaciones se les exige adicionalmente un seguro para pasajeros y de responsabilidad civil.

Existen otros navíos dedicados a recorridos turísticos, especialmente para observar al puerto desde la mar así como a los preciosos atardeceres de esta región del Mar de Cortés, entre ellos se encuentra “Galeón Pirata” que existe en Sonora conducido  por el capitán Sanabria y que le invita a realizar un hermoso recorrido por las mansas aguas de la bahía, igualmente el Intrépid, Lobo del Mar, Lobito, Pura Vida, Tempo, Tigre, entre otros de gran calidad en el servicio, provocando que usted y su familia vuelvan a disfrutar las bellezas que enmarcan a este pujante puerto Sonorense.

The amount of $50,000 pesos was recently presented to local producers, under the conservation and sustainable development program, for the monitoring and study of fishing resources including crab and snail in this area.

         The resources were presented at a ceremony during which emphasis was made that the proposal of said program is to the species while promoting sustainable fishing methods.    

         In this manner they will be able to carry out technical studies, performed by CEDO staff, training, as well as offer productive products in coordination with crab and snail fishermen.

         The Director of the Upper gulf and Rio Colorado Delta Reserve, Jose Rafael Campoy Favela, detailed on this occasion they presented 50 thousand pesos to further studies that to now have shown to have positive results.

         He noted that part of this includes off-season periods for the capture of snail and control of sizes, population desities and recording the sex of crab. This information will serve both to further sustainable fishing as well as benefit fishermen, provided they fully know the reproductive characteristics and seasons of the species in order to assure good results in their capture.

         The official from the National commission of protected areas stated through these studies they have been able to support these same fishermen and cooperatives, who they’ve offered the opportunity to exchange permits to fish shrimp, shark, and flake for productive projects including cabins, tourist vessels, and other types of commerce.

         He stressed all of these measurement are part of the program to protect the sea vaquita, and to date they have presented 35 packages of support of this type.

He indicated that for a second year, permits are $400,000 pesos individually, $500,000 pesos for two and $600,000 pesos for 3.

During this exchange, he detailed, the package of support were presented through permits, fishing tools and boat engines.

Sonora tiene una situación geográfica privilegiada, está rodeado por el mar, el desierto y las montañas. Por ello, el visitante puede realizar variadas actividades turísticas, como buceo, turismo ecológico, pesca en mar y en presas y turismo náutico.
El sector pesquero y acuícola es una de las actividades con mayor importancia dentro del Estado, ubicándolo en un primer plano nacional a nivel productivo; la actividad pesquera en la actualidad depende y se concentra en 6 puertos pesqueros, siendo los más importantes como destinos turísticos Bahía de Kino, San Carlos y  Puerto Peñasco.

Las especies que se pueden pescar según el lugar que se visite son:
Peñasco:

. Garropa
. Sierra
. Pámpano
. Dorado
. Pargo
. Jurel
. Vela
 

Puerto Peñasco es un destino ideal para la práctica de la pesca deportiva y el buceo. Posee 100 kilómetros de playas de fina textura propicias para disfrutar de tranquilas aguas  así como atractivos esteros en los que se pueden realizar paseos en yate. Además, tiene un enorme potencial para el desarrollo de la pesca deportiva, ya que se ubica en uno de los principales golfos con una gran biodiversidad de especies marinas.

Actualmente existe una marina con 14 espacios y una unión de pescadores que brinda el servicio de pesca,  a un costo promedio de 35 dólares, lo cual incluye el servicio de caña, anzuelo, carnada y el fileteado de lo pescado. 
 

Permisos

Sonora no cuenta con un convenio para la distribución de permisos de pesca deportiva, sin embargo existe el consejo Estatal de Pesca y Acuacultura.

Para información referente al tema de legislación pesquera debe referirse a http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/conapesca/  o a la subdelegación de pesca en Sonora:
Tel.- 01 (662)222- 2676 Fax.- 222- 3802 Ave. Aquiles Serdán # 375 Altos, Centro, Guaymas, Sonora, Mx.
 

Las temporadas más viables para la pesca en Puerto Peñasco son en febrero, julio, agosto y septiembre. El cochito y la cabrilla se encuentran todo el año. De octubre a febrero se encuentra baya, pescada, pargo, baqueta, corvina, sierra y pámpano. En abril pez dorado y vela.
Torneos
En Puerto Peñasco, actualmente se celebran 3 importantes torneos uno de ellos  “La cholla bay club” realizado a principios del mes de julio y 2 organizados por Desarrollos Turísticos de Peñasco, el primero durante febrero, marzo y abril y el segundo, conocido como “Anger of the year” celebrado en febrero y octubre.
 

Servicios en Pesca Deportiva
Puerto Peñasco
J &J CANTINA
(638) 383-2785
BAHIA LA CHOLLA, LA CHOLLA C.P, 83000

SUN N’ FUN
(638) 383-5450
CAMINO AL PUERTO, EL PUERTO C.P, 83000

SANTIAGO OCEAN SERVICES
(638) 383-5834
MARINA DEL MUELLE, EL MUELLE C.P, 83000
Sonora Turismo

Got boat
Take it to rocky point boating on the sea of cortez

       Most boat enthusiasts from Arizona are unaware how easy it is to travel with a boat to Puerto Peñasco. not by boat, but with  boat….yes, I mean hitchin your favorite floating friend  to your truck or SUV hauling it across the Mexican border to the beautiful sea of Cortez. Crossing the border at Luke-ville/Sonoyta with a boat is not as difficult as one may think. In fact, quiet the opposite is true, it’s a relatively simple task. To show how easy it is to all those gringo’s who imagine they will lose their boat, wreck their boat or encounter foul play if they cross the border, we recently chronicled the journey from phoenix to Rocky Point.

Friday 10:30 AM

Getting ready to leave phoenix-destination Rocky Point, Mexico.

Hit the road Friday morning, no-thing like getting out of dodge a little early to jump star the weekend. Weather: A bit cloudy, which is a bit unusual for a March day in Phoenix, but actually nice to have the cloud cover.                                        On board we have two seventeen year old and two adults ready for a boating adventure.

Before we go: Backed the truck up to the boat, chained the boat, attached the trailer, checked lights and filled the boat gas tank (this is an option as it is heavier to pull and you can by gas at various stops on the way, at the border and in Peñasco) Checked t he lug nuts on the trailer wheels, greased the wheel bearings, put the cover on the boat.

Checklist for the boat to cross the border:

*Current boat registration

*Title to the trailer

*Owners passport or a driver license and a birth certificate.

Friday 12:00 AM

First stop: Arrive in Gila Bend, take rest stop break. Weather: Looks like rain, good thing we have all the luggage in trash bags in the back of the pick-up truck. Trip to Gila Bend is easy and uneventful. Travelers are hungry so we cruise through the Burger King drive-thru… with the boat. No problems, just like driving in the car and you can still have it your way, even with a boat behind you.

Friday 1:15 PM

Second stop: Arrive at the Lukeville border: rain(really just a drizzle)however it finally stopped and the weather in front of us looks like nothing but blue skies.   Fueled up the truck with gas at the border (Mexico gas is much cheaper then the U.S prices). Purchased some more supplies at the border store and took another potty break. (3 females with small bladders in the car) Got the green light at the border. Hoping for red so we could detail any new questions but they just waived us through. Piece of cake. If we would have had the red light we may have been asked to pull the cover off the boat so they could look under, show the boat registration and trailer title. Very simple as long as you have your paperwork, proper ID and are prepared.

Friday 3:35 PM

Last stop: Puerto Peñasco. weather: Blue skies, not a cloud in sight, and wonderful warm temperature… we have arrived in paradise.                               Drove directly to the marina to launch the boat. Safe Marina is where we booked a slip for approximately $30 a day. There are several marinas to dry dock or rent a slip by the day, weekend or year. See below for list.

Friday 5:30 PM

Cocktails and sunset on the water. Weather: deeper blue skies, warm, but with a slight wind. As the sun sets, pink, red and orange streaks fill the sky. Another fabulous Rocky Point sunset.                                                                                  Margaritas on hand good music playing on the IPOD or satellite radio and a beautiful view as we glide across the water. Folks, it just doesn’t get any better then this. The best thing is when you come off the water, park in the slip, jump out and head to your condo. Where can you stay in Arizona where you are only 5 minutes door to door from launching the boat?                                                         

Saturday – all day

A day of boating on the sea of Cortez- magnificent. In my pinion this is much nicer than the crowded lakes in Arizona. Weather: Blue Skies, sunshine and warm temperatures, great tanning weather. Cruised the sea of Cortez all day stopping at Balboa’s for lunch, and JJ’s cantina for snack.

Sunday – all day                                                                                                                                          Another spectacular day of boating on the sea of Cortez. Weather: Repeat of Saturday but even more beautiful if you can image.                                          Inflated the sea doo inner tube raft and pulled the girls around from the harbor to Cholla Bay. Wind picked up a little in the afternoon so we headed back to the narina. Pulled the boat out and it was loaded onto the trailer by the marina employees, for the ride home. They will flush the boat out for $5 and wash the boat for $5. pay the $5 to flush the salt water out. Well worth it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Monday – (early morning) – going home

Weather: is incredible, definitely do not want to leave the blue skies and warm temperatures. No wind. Hate to leave. Crossing the border to re-enter into the USA was very simple. A few questions from the US border, such as: Who owns the boat? How long have you owned the boat? Did you sleep on the boat?  That’s it… the whole 3 hour tour…and before you know it you find yourself back in the United States after a great weekend of boating on the ocean. The beautiful ocean which is less than 4 hours from Phoenix with plenty of room for everyone.           In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better or easier than that.

Fishermen approve vaquita protection program 

Request for proper enforcement 

Fishermen have always, and will always, respect actions to protect the endangered vaquita sea species, affirmed Mateo Lopez Leon, President of the National Chamber of the Fishing Industry (Canainpes). With this in mind, a group of fishermen made their way to Mexicali for the North American Launching of the program to conserve this important species. 

Lopez Leon pointed out that this program, as many others, is very attractive, but requires proper enforcement by environmental authorities. He noted this is something that has not happened up to now as there have been differing statements from various offices. 

He explained that for years, fishermen from this region have collaborated with environmental aspects, even though it is scientifically proven that drag nets do not affect the vaquita in anyway. 

He added that while in mexicali, they took advantage of the presence of the head of the National Commission on Fishing and Aquaculture, Ramon Corral Avila, to demand that he intervene on order to assure fulfillment of the agreements already existing between the environmental and fishing authorities. 

Lopez Leon indicated that during the meeting concerning the Upper Gulf of California they expect Conapesca representation in order to achieve a balance and properly define fishing areas and refuge areas the sea vaquita. 

The leader of the shipowners insisted on the necessity to open up dialog in order to prevent conflicts, provide effective communication and apply adequate criteria under the regulations in effect. 

Therefore, he reiterated, the existing negotiation group has to concretely define how they are going to work, where they are going to work, and then all parties will be pleased.

OCTOBER: Great month for free Diving and free Dive spear Fishing
 

The month of October is my favorite month of the year, not only because it is my birthday, also because the weather is perfect in Rocky Point, RCPM has the Circus Mexicus Concert, sunsets are fabulous, water temperature is still warm and there are a plenty of days with clear waters perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing and also free diving and spear fishing.  One very interesting man I met in Rocky Point and now I am fortunate to call my friend is Carlo Bonacci.  We met kite surfing at the beach and have been friends since.  If we go out on a boat I snorkel and he goes spear fishing for lunch.  I had the pleasure to interview him:
R: Hello Carlo, tell us a bit about yourself:
C: I am a Geriatric Neurophysiologist, so I work with the elderly who have mental problems and memory disorders and I spend most of my free time doing water sports like free diving and kite surfing.  I have lived in Washington D.C., Italy, New Jersey and California where I got free diving.  I now live in Phoenix.  I started diving for abalone in Northern California which now that I look back on was insane; it is freezing cold water, terrible visibility, high currents and high shark attack rates.
R: So you like Extreme sports:
C: Yes bit I didn’t know it was an extreme sport initially.  I really got into it because of tranquility of diving, I love to swim around in the ocean and look around in the ocean and look around at the sea life down there, follow the stingrays, and other sea animals.  There is calming effect of diving into the deep, straight down, it is different when you go into a reef and the things you can look at than when you are diving into the open blue and just feel yourself getting deeper and deeper feeling the pleasure of the water heavier and heavier on you, you are floating in there and you stop swimming but you continue to sink, once you reach certain point you reach what is called negative buoyancy which is like a freedom, like flying underwater.  When you train a little bit free diving you get really comfortable and after some 45 seconds of diving you feel pretty free, when I got to that point I started fishing for abalone and then free dive spear fishing.
R: What is it that you like about free diving in Rocky Point?
C: One of the things I like is the proximity.  Since I live in Arizona, Rocky Point is the closest beach to us, so we typically dive in San Diego and the Sea of Cortez.  Rocky Point is my choice because it is much less crowed and more convenient than the other choices I have.  I also like its easy-going ambiance and character, and for me it has become a very comfortable setting.  I feel very safe there, just taking the precautions I would take anywhere else.  It is especially nice because it is a small community and I like the familiarity of it.
R: What would you say about the water temperature compared to San Diego?
C: The water is much warmer in Rocky Point and that is of the big plusses, water temperature, you can dive probably May through October with just shorts.  If anything you can use a 1 mil long sleeve top, but nothing more.  In San Diego you need a full 6 mil suit or you would be very cold.
R: What would you say about the cost of going Rocky Point?
C: Rocky Point is just a much more convenient spot.  It is much easier to get around, find a place to stay that is reasonable and I can afford, than it would be in San Diego.  You have so many more obstacles there, even just parking in San Diego at dive spot is a bit of a challenge.  Rocky Point you can drive right to the point we want to dive off and Kayak all around.  It is very convenient.
R: What is your favorite sport in Rocky Point for Diving?
C: The spot out in front of the Reef Restaurant on Sandy Beach, there is some really good structure there, enormous rocks and visibility is better because it is not so affected with the sand of Cholla bay.  For just snorkeling, there is place called Don’s Ponds which is a little preserve with a lot of Marine life like halibut, octopus, a lot of star fish, stingray, all kinds of shells and little fish, and once in a while we get to see good size fish in there because they are well preserved since no one is supposed to be fishing in that area for a while.  Unfortunately, I have seen some net scraps in that area recently which means that rule may not be respect as it should.  Bird island is also great.  You need a boat to get there, but there is also a lot of underwater structure there and you can dive anywhere from 2 feet to 80 feet and see all kinds of stuff.  There is a sloping pinnacle and visibility is great, I like it especially in the summer months when the water is warm, there is also more interesting fish including yellowtail.  You may even get to see a blue shark, and also you can swim with the sea lions which are very playful and fun to watch.  Just stay away from the males who will bark at you.  It is females who are very curios  and they will be twice your size and swim right next to you.  There are very graceful under water.
 

Agreements established to reactivate fishing in the upper gulf
Bringing an end to nearly decade long conflict
 

Nearly a decade of conflict, tension and uncertainty in the fishing area came to a close through the establishment of agreements and the reactivation of shrimp capture in the Upper Gulf of California for large vessels.
Mayor Heriberto Renteria Sanchez reported that following a four hour meeting at the state capitol with federal authorities, they were able to address the situation and reach a satisfactory agreement for all involved.
He detailed that during the session, they heard and dealt with positions from fishermen, employers, and ship builders as well as the state and municipal government, and were able to resolve the problem without resorting to the need for producers to turn to measures of social pressure, as had been warned.
The Mayor explained that among the agreements reached was that to let ships from Puerto Peñasco enter shrimp areas in the Upper Gulf beginning Wednesday, Oct. 15^th, while respecting established guidelines and the fishing exclusion polygon for the protection of the vaquita marina.
He added that they also agreed that beginning on October 21^st, they would establish a permanent negotiation board here in Puerto Peñasco to work on steps and procedures for fishing in the Upper Gulf of Californiafor the long term.
“ We saw the willingness and openness of the federal authorities, as well as of those from the fishing sector, which made it possible to come to a documented agreement with which all those involved plan to follow,” he explained.
The Mayor appeared satisfied with the results of the proceedings he had headed up, as they were able to establish conditions to achieve solutions for the short and long term to benefit fishermen as well as ecology in the Reserve o fthe Upper Gulf of California.
He reiterated that by reaching agreements, they are taking necessary steps to assure we don´t relive the situation from over the past seven years, which included demonstrations and social pressure.
The City Leader stated that they willingness of everyone was key, stating they must now must assure follow up with the agreements.