Storm effects: Good visibility returned to deep waters just before Tropical Storm Fay, but wind and torrential rains turned nearshore waters muddy. Wind and seas stayed down this week, and a few divers offshore along Pinellas County were rewarded with clear water from 55 feet and beyond. Hogfish and mangrove snapper were the most abundant bottom fish in all depths deeper than 45 feet. Masses of jellyfish hang in the top 20 feet this time of year. Divers should keep their eyes peeled at the surface for dangerous stinging man-o-war jellyfish sails and their long, nearly invisible tentacles.
Big storms in the gulf can create tremendous surges. They often cause underwater destruction of intact wrecks deeper than 100 feet, such as the 1993 no-name storm that tore open the port side of the Mexican Pride, an ocean barge in 132 feet of water. Underwater visibility is often disturbed for weeks. Many middle-depth wrecks, such as the leaning tugboat Sheridan in 80 feet, were not as affected. Surprisingly the power below seems to dissipate, leaving many shallow wrecks virtually untouched.
Chad Carney teaches diving and spearfishing in the Tampa Bay area. Call (727) 423-7775 or visit his Web site at mobilescuba.com.
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