“Dive with PURPose” (Purple Urchin Removal Project) in Sonoma County, which is working to clear Jenner’s Stillwater Cove, restore the kelp forests, and create a kelp sanctuary.
MSC members got a primer in the art of removing the overpopulation of purple sea urchins by Eric.
He said it’s addictive, “Like a cross between picking weeds and popping bubble wrap.” Realizing he couldn’t do it alone, dozens of volunteers have removed 44,000 lbs. of urchins over three years. About 12-15 volunteers usually show up for dives.
PURP Group Dives Every Sunday, Weather Permitting
PURP has some loaner gear for new divers to collect urchins; experienced divers need to bring their own gear, their removal gear, and purchase a California fishing license.
NOTE: Stillwater Cove is a collection site only; crushing is not allowed by law.
Seals Watersports in Santa Rosa offers free air fills.
Divers need three sets of volunteers:
- Scuba divers who need a BCD with lots of stainless steel D-rings. You’ll also need to bring two cutting devices, a few game bags, a lift bag, a rake, and Kevlar gloves.
- Free divers to grab urchins.
- Shore support all day to time the divers, schlep the bags of urchins to shore, weigh the bags, BBQ the food, sort and separate abalone, crabs, and nudibranchs from urchins, fishing lines, and trash.
Meet The “Urchinator”
Eric even hand-crafted an urchin-sucking tool that is actually pretty cool. He demonstrated it for us at the meeting –– but without The Color Purple.
Starting a Mentor Program
Finally, Eric is starting a mentor program and would love for MSC members to volunteer on an upcoming Sunday. Download the PURP Release of Liability Form and Application Form.
