Burnham's Ledge Dive Report and Request for Help

[matt_unique]

Three buddies and I dove Burnham's Ledge last Saturday morning. Unfortunately we arrived at the bottom to see about 40' of net with tons of dead sea life in it. One large seal (with the head eaten off), at least three Spiny Dogfish (one strangled right around the neck), other fish, and several large lobsters were ensnared in this expanse of net. This is also the entanglement nightmare we all think about and 5 minutes into the dive unfortunately one of my buddies was caught (by his fin) in the net. It is amazing how fast this can happen. He was trying to cut a lobster free (to let it go) and the net found it's way around his fin. He lost his first cutting tool in the process and quickly grabbed his second. The entire entanglement happened and was over in perhaps 2 minutes but it was a hell of a safety/procedure reminder for us all. (I'm sure it felt longer than 2 minutes for him). Prior to the end of the dive I spotted what was perhaps a 2.5 lb lobster I mean wrapped in the net and flapping it's tail to get out. I grabbed my EMT shears and started cutting. (EMT shears are without question the best tool for nets). I was cutting for 5 measured minutes and making progress but I could not get this lobster out. It's amazing how the net has a way of creeping up your arms as you're cutting. I stopped after every few cuts to fan the net away from my body/rig. Anyway the lobster was not cooperating as you might imagine and I was avoiding a good size set of claws during this cutting process. My NDL was approaching and unfortunately I had to put the lobster down. I hope it found a way out but I doubt it....

My buddy and I called Cape Ann Divers. Cape Ann Divers brings more people to that sight than any other dive operation and would have the greatest vested (financial) interest. My buddy called yesterday and spoke to a woman. The woman did not express much concern and was not friendly. She basically said it's not their problem. I suspect he was speaking to Mary and his experience matches my experience with her. Having not heard the conversation first hand I called Monday and spoke to someone else. I did not bother ask for a name but the conversation was polite. The gentleman explained that they are in a tough position considering the "tenuous relationship" with their community. As we all know, they oppose divers in Gloucester. He expressed concern that there may be laws surrounding the equipment, even if an abandoned ghost net. He said in one sense the presence of the net is a good advertisement for the destruction caused by netting. He was not sure whom to contact, said possibly the DF/WL. (Personally I think a few pictures and removing the net would do more good than leaving it there to continue to kill sea life and possibly snag a diver).

Bottom line, he said there is nothing they will do. I find this disappointing....

So...I would like to ask other NE Divers to help clean up the site. If you dive the site perhaps you can take your last 5 minutes to help cut the net and ideally wrap it up and bring it to the surface so it does not cause the same damage down current. It's presently wrapped around the mooring and through portions of the canyon so there is no question it's abandoned. I will be working toward the same goal with my buddies. It breaks your heart to see all the sea life dead for nothing in this net. Not to mention the fact that it's a significant entanglement hazard for divers. If you can help, please be extremely cautious, do so at your own risk, etc. I plan to have one person cutting while the other remains away from the net to serve as a safety diver.

As I re-read the post I should explain it is not a giant net per se. It's about 40' long as I recall and about as tall as say a tennis net, maybe a little less.

--Matt

[Dash_Riprock]

Matt,
That netting has been there for weeks. That seal was fresh in the net when I came accross it three weeks ago on Fran M's boat. Right at the base of the mooring. Made me sick. Lots of other dead and dying stuff too. I managed to save a goose fish but I was alone at the time and didn't want to chance getting netted myself so I backed off.

I'd be happy to help cut it loose. I've got time next week if you want to put something together. Let me know.

Al

[ageddiver]

Taking out that net yourselves is admirable, but you can't expect the commercial diving operations to do it. It's not that they don't care. As you pointed out their relationship with the fishing industry in the area is tenuous, and their boat coming in with a load of net in the back is an open invitation for a war of words about whether the net was really abandoned or was just cut down because it was in the way of their divers. Bringing up abandoned lobster pots would also be a good deed for the environment but you'd likely be called thieves no matter what shape they were in. It's just a bad local situation.

If you try to take it out yourselves be very careful - those gill nets are the worst entanglement hazard you'll find in the area. If possible, you might want to consider using a grapple to hook it and drag it out with the boat. But if it's around the mooring that may not be possible. What a mess, eh?

[ScubaSarus]

That net is what nightmares are made of. Im glad someone cares and Ide love to help if I can get up there. Whose to say that net wont trap and unsuspecting descending diver. Be careful guys. Maybe you can traverse the perimeter and find its attachment points and cut it loose then haul it up with a line to the boat. bUt it has to be done with all divers aware that at anytime the freed portions of the net can wash into them snagging them. It has to be well coordinated.

Something similar happened a while back and a great diver was lost while getting tangled saving a dolphin or seal I believe.


Just an Idea would be to have a boat anchored to the net keeping constant tension on the net. Use a orange ball bouy anchored to the bottom for an ascent line near the net.

As you cut the net free from the perimeter the boat will pull on the net keeping it taught. All divers will be on the other side of the net (like cutting down a tree) from were the tension force is applied. The net will be pulled away from them if they are not snagged in it. Eventually the net will free up and the boat will cut loose with the net and pull it up. Thats quite adventureous and requires some danger.

But thats why Im single because women want a guy to provide comfort and security and all I have to offer is danger and excitement (Mr Bean Parody).

I still remember when the angry lobster man snagged our flag in his line and I went down to get it (my flag) and he almost pulled me with him.

Divers will ascend the bouy line and wait for the boats to get the net and pick them up.

Just a thought (thinking out loud in text). Ide hate to see it cut away and end up someplace else.

Once again, thanks for caring enough to address this hazard.

[oceancurrent]

Eww. I was on a Cape Ann Divers charter a few weeks back just around the time the net was discovered. When we asked them would they do something about it - they said that the net has not been abandoned and they can't touch it. What a shame!

I'd say, let's go and remove the darn net. All we need is a vessel, a safety diver or two, a net cutter or two, and one photographer/videographer to document the operation. Tension the net with lift bags, cut it, send it to the surface, collect it with the boat, send the picture and story to the media. I am all for it - when are we going? Arrr!

[ScubaSarus]

Lift bags

Even better

If it not abandoned then someone should be accountable for the dead seal but I understand they dont like seals up north as they are in competition for their fish.

[dave4868]

Would it be worthwhile to ask the harbormaster or a DEC agent for advice on what can be done with the net?

Dave C

[ScubaSarus]

Actually Dave its survival of the fittest out there and if it doesnt concer the people asked they'll just shrug it off as its not their problem. The people are not marine divers and dont care too much about the wild life as long as it doesnt affect their wallets.

Thats the opinion Im getting and thats why groups like Greenpeace were formed.

Im assuming the harbor master will look at us and say "your kidding right"?

[dave4868]

Actually Dave its survival of the fittest out there and if it doesnt concer the people asked they'll just shrug it off as its not their problem. The people are not marine divers and dont care too much about the wild life as long as it doesnt affect their wallets.

Thats the opinion Im getting and thats why groups like Greenpeace were formed.

Im assuming the harbor master will look at us and say "your kidding right"?

You may be right, but I know a couple of the harbormasters and they have always been reasonable, helpful folks. Also, it was the DEC that became very active in pursuing the case of a lobsterman cutting divers' flaglines in the recent past. They were even prepared to set up a "sting".

I wouldn't expect them to remove the net, but just to advise about ownership and laws. I wouldn't discount them so quickly. They may be able and willing to do more than you assume.

Dave C

[MSilvia]

You might also contact Ben Cowie-Haskel at the Stellwagen Bank NMS sanctuary headquarters in Scituate. This net isn't in the sanctuary, obviously, but he recently had several teams removing nets from the wrecks out there, and he might have some suggestions as to how to approach the removal.

[TimK]

If I can do anything to help please PM me. That means diving or contacting government agencies. I love Burhnam's and I hate the thought of an abandoned net continuing to kill sealife for no reason.

[oceancurrent]

Good plan.

1. Contact NMS
2. Contact a harbor master
3. Get out and take care of the net once and for all
4. Publicize the operation, the dead sea life, and the careless attitude of the locals

Who's got a worthy boat and is willing to help?

[matt_unique]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've also had some PM's and I appreciate that.

I plan to return soon to see if we can make any progress. I was hoping those who were interested could dedicate a few minutes at the end of their dive if they happen to be at Burnham through a charter or such.

Assuming we can cut it free there is also the issue of weight and disposal....the net itself would be no big deal but with say 100lbs of sea life it will be a bit more difficult. I don't see us throwing a net complete with sharks and a seal carcass into a dumpter on shore.....hmmm.

--Matt

[TimK]

I don't see us throwing a net complete with sharks and a seal carcass into a dumpter on shore.....hmmm.

--Matt

Maybe carefully placing it on Main Street so as to not lose a single dead creature so the Gloucester residents can see one of the by products of their fishing industry. Lets see them blame divers for that.:eyebrow:

I know we can't do it but it might get a point across to some...

Maybe the best thing to do might be photograph the net with everything in it and then cut the animals free if possible either as the net is being cut free at depth or as it's being pulled into the boat, and add them back into the ocean food chain and just bring the net to shore for disposal.

[oceancurrent]

I don't think that the charters go to Burnham's these days because of the net. Furthermore, it sounds like they would mind if people work on the net.

[dave4868]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've also had some PM's and I appreciate that.

I plan to return soon to see if we can make any progress. I was hoping those who were interested could dedicate a few minutes at the end of their dive if they happen to be at Burnham through a charter or such.

Assuming we can cut it free there is also the issue of weight and disposal....the net itself would be no big deal but with say 100lbs of sea life it will be a bit more difficult. I don't see us throwing a net complete with sharks and a seal carcass into a dumpter on shore.....hmmm.

--Matt

Knowing how distracted I might get on the project, dedicating some time at the beginning of the dive would be safer for me.... :D

I could see taking a few minutes to cut a section of net, remove the animals, ball up the section and tie the ball off with some nylon cord, eventually bringing the ball of net up.

Dave C

[pdive]

Does the Boston Globe have a science/nature section anymore? Maybe someone there would be interested in the story.

[mello-yellow]

Does the Boston Globe have a science/nature section anymore? Maybe someone there would be interested in the story.

Yes, it still does. On Tuesdays, if I am not mistaken.

[coldsquid]

Wow, I guess relations are tense between the dive community and commercial fisherman in Gloucester. I come from a family of commercial fisherman and can tell you that you don't just carelessly loose a net. That net represents thousands of dollars to a boat, and that is thousands of dollars that will not be available to feed their families. Is there a feeling on this board that the fishing community of Gloucester does not care about the ocean? It's their livelihood.

I would definitely get some legal advice on removing that net before attempting it, and please, be careful if you do try to remove it.

btw, I am not trying to stir anything up, just wanted to present the other side.

[TimK]

There were quite a few threads on the ongoing disputes between divers and primarily lobstermen in Gloucester, covered by a media that seems biased towards the lobstering industry. Don't know if those threads survived the recent server issues and upgrades but will give you some history.

[oceancurrent]

It probably makes sense to remove the net as intact as possible (rather than shredding it into pieces) and surrender it to a harbor master (let him deal with disposing it or returning it to the owner).

So, I am all for this - when are we doing it?

[RIOceanographer]

If you do this just be really careful. As I am sure everyone here realizes, it is really easy to become entangled doing this kind of work, and while I think the goal is admirable, I'd sure hate for someone to get hurt as a result.

If you do this, at a minimum, make sure you carry more than one cutting implement and make sure that one team member hangs back when you are cutting and acts as a spotter to make sure the net doesn't wrap into your blind spots, and well clear of the net so they aren't at risk of entanglement in case you end up needing help. Both of you should not be at the net and cutting at once. Also streamline your gear as much as possible to eliminate anything that might get hung up in the net.

[dbg40]

It's aloose net, it happens. I sincerely doubt that there was any vast consperacy by fishermen to take out divers by entangling them in nets and drowning them. It's a fairly small net and doubt that government agencies will jump not into the limelight to save the marine environment from extinction because of it. I do not suggest the use of any surface vessel keeping tension on the net unless you have com. Good way to tear up a perfectly diver, as the boat has no clue as to what is going on underwater. It's easy enough to just cut it into smaller pieces and remove it. The problem comes when someone wants to be a hero and tries to cut out great big pieces of it just to look good, then gets all snagged. A fiew small chunks, cut the dead creatures out of it and let the ocean have them, and dispose of the net in a trash can, or take it with you for disposal. It's not a huge operation, and won't take long to do. Causing more tension with fishermen is not the answer. Some of them may be jerks, but on an average, thier job is brutally hard, with long hours, and at best, a crap shoot as to wether they make a paying catch or not. Some of them get angry when they see diminished catches, and divers near thier pots. They have NO idea what's going on down there, so they lash out in frustration. Most of us here would do the same thing if someone were threatening our jobs, or way of life, and we percieved it to be at the hands of others. More than once, I have seen pots sitting there empty, and no more than 20" away were dozens of bugs not going there because they had plenty of food. Fishermen don't see that, they see the empty pot, and divers in the water. Don't go showboating, and looking for press and a pat on the back, just slowly remove the net piece at a time, Never start in the middle, start at an end, and just never let the net get behind or over you, keep it in front and gather it up a bit at a time, cut it off, stow it, and go back later for a little more. If other divers do this, it will disappear in no time.

[oceancurrent]

I am all for doing it safely and being nice to the neighbors. The problem is that I don't see anything but aggression from lobstermen. Being Mr Nice Guy with them may be a recipe for inflating their ego and claims even further. Then again, perhaps being nice to them will make them realize that divers are not their enemies and that we can all share the sea ;)

[MSilvia]

This net likely has nothing whatsoever to do with lobstermen.

[SkuaSeptember]

Wow, I guess relations are tense between the dive community and commercial fisherman in Gloucester. I come from a family of commercial fisherman and can tell you that you don't just carelessly loose a net. That net represents thousands of dollars to a boat, and that is thousands of dollars that will not be available to feed their families. Is there a feeling on this board that the fishing community of Gloucester does not care about the ocean? It's their livelihood.

I would definitely get some legal advice on removing that net before attempting it, and please, be careful if you do try to remove it.

btw, I am not trying to stir anything up, just wanted to present the other side.
So how about this- the fishing boat that is missing a net (or any boat that wants another) goes out to the the ledge and pulls it up mooring line and all recovering their investment and divers just replace the mooring line. A whole lot safer that way I would think.

[dbg40]

This net likely has nothing whatsoever to do with lobstermen.




Bingo....

[dbg40]

I am all for doing it safely and being nice to the neighbors. The problem is that I don't see anything but aggression from lobstermen. Being Mr Nice Guy with them may be a recipe for inflating their ego and claims even further. Then again, perhaps being nice to them will make them realize that divers are not their enemies and that we can all share the sea ;)


There is nothing to gain with more agression. This is simply a battle you can't win like that. I doubt they are ego driven, and if they didn't really believe they were being taken advantage of by divers, you can be assured that they have way better ways to spend thier time than to F with divers. They are simply misinformed as a whole. You are battling people that are fighting for thier livelyhood, not a sport, or passtime, like us. They seem to believe that divers are to blame for a drop in catch, and are just angry.

[ScubaSarus]

How many attachment point does the net have. If its just wrapped around the mooring line, then that can be cut away and the whole net taken up.

The boat tension plan was more a thinking out loud idea. Ide hate the net to have a few attachment points and suddenly come loose when one attachment is removed and suddenly the loose net who has lost its tension floats freely over a diver.

[matt_unique]

There are multiple attachment points including the mooring.

--Matt

[edasque]

how deep is BL by the way ? 120ft ?

[akscuba]

120-130'. Might go deeper, but I haven't been past 120', but didn't go to the end of the crack.

[matt_unique]

The mooring delivers you to 80'. You can head down the crack to max out at about 130 at high tide. My deepest depth at the sand at the bottom of the crack was 128'. In the opposite direction it's in the high 50's for depth.

--Matt

[STOGEY]

I don't think that the charters go to Burnham's these days because of the net. Furthermore, it sounds like they would mind if people work on the net.

Actually I was there last weekend with the Day Beaker. Maybe we were on the other side, because I didn't even see it. However if and when people do visit the spot. And everybody spends about 5 minutes on the net. Eventually the net will be free.

[STOGEY]

Wow, I guess relations are tense between the dive community and commercial fisherman in Gloucester. I come from a family of commercial fisherman and can tell you that you don't just carelessly loose a net. That net represents thousands of dollars to a boat, and that is thousands of dollars that will not be available to feed their families. Is there a feeling on this board that the fishing community of Gloucester does not care about the ocean? It's their livelihood.

I would definitely get some legal advice on removing that net before attempting it, and please, be careful if you do try to remove it.

btw, I am not trying to stir anything up, just wanted to present the other side.

Actually it's between us divers and the fishing/lobstermen. they think that we are invading their turf. Anyways if that net represents food that isn't goin to some fisherman's table. Well it would behoove that fisherman to take care of his business better. Instead of them worring about what we are doing, they should worry about what they are doing.

[STOGEY]

It's aloose net, it happens. I sincerely doubt that there was any vast consperacy by fishermen to take out divers by entangling them in nets and drowning them. It's a fairly small net and doubt that government agencies will jump not into the limelight to save the marine environment from extinction because of it. I do not suggest the use of any surface vessel keeping tension on the net unless you have com. Good way to tear up a perfectly diver, as the boat has no clue as to what is going on underwater. It's easy enough to just cut it into smaller pieces and remove it. The problem comes when someone wants to be a hero and tries to cut out great big pieces of it just to look good, then gets all snagged. A fiew small chunks, cut the dead creatures out of it and let the ocean have them, and dispose of the net in a trash can, or take it with you for disposal. It's not a huge operation, and won't take long to do. Causing more tension with fishermen is not the answer. Some of them may be jerks, but on an average, thier job is brutally hard, with long hours, and at best, a crap shoot as to wether they make a paying catch or not. Some of them get angry when they see diminished catches, and divers near thier pots. They have NO idea what's going on down there, so they lash out in frustration. Most of us here would do the same thing if someone were threatening our jobs, or way of life, and we percieved it to be at the hands of others. More than once, I have seen pots sitting there empty, and no more than 20" away were dozens of bugs not going there because they had plenty of food. Fishermen don't see that, they see the empty pot, and divers in the water. Don't go showboating, and looking for press and a pat on the back, just slowly remove the net piece at a time, Never start in the middle, start at an end, and just never let the net get behind or over you, keep it in front and gather it up a bit at a time, cut it off, stow it, and go back later for a little more. If other divers do this, it will disappear in no time.

Hey these so called professional fishermen chose that profession. I being a truck driver, does that mean that I should lash out at every four wheeler that I see just because there are some real jerks out there?

[paulthenurse]

It seems that there are some members of this community who take every opportunity to cry loudly about how unfair the world is and 'everyone is out to get me.'

This isn't Roswell. There is no great government conspiracy. George Bush didn't put that net there because he's on the side of the evil commercial fisherman. The lobstermen didn't put it there to try to kill a couple of rougue lobster thieving divers. As someone else pointed out, the net is a valuable piece of gear that some unlucky fisherman lost and had to replace at a high cost. Get a grip.

There is a name for the net. It's called trash. Or litter. Or jetsam. No law enforcement official is going to arrest you for picking up trash! As a society we need to stop wringing our hands and being afraid that someone may sue us. You don't get in trouble for doing the right thing.

What you would do with the net after you freed it from the mooring I couldn't guess. I can't imagine the yard manager at the marina would be too thrilled with a smelly pile of fishnet holding a collection of dead and rotting marine life sitting on top of his dumpster in the noonday sun. But that's a different problem...

If you have the means to free the net by all means please go ahead and do so. Use all due care. It will make the site safer for us and the ocean safer for the marine life who are endangered by the net.

I, for one, thank you.

[paulthenurse]

If anyone with a boat wants to go and attempt to free the hazzard I'll come along to help.
PTN

[johnnyseko]

If anyone with a boat wants to go and attempt to free the hazzard I'll come along to help.
PTN

Yup, what he said. I'd be in if available on a given day.

Nice quote, btw Paul....'the bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean'...:drunks: *johnny now going through GD collection for a sweet version...Dicks Picks Vol5*

[paulthenurse]

Bobby and Ratdog are playing in Lowell tonight, some sort of Jack Kerouac tribute. And like the good old days, it's GA. See you there. Just finished downloading the show from July 10the at the Pavillion. Sweet, check it out.

[STOGEY]

If anyone with a boat wants to go and attempt to free the hazzard I'll come along to help.
PTN

I'd like to do that as well. I think it's a worth while cause and fun at the same time.

[pdive]

What you would do with the net after you freed it from the mooring I couldn't guess. I can't imagine the yard manager at the marina would be too thrilled with a smelly pile of fishnet holding a collection of dead and rotting marine life sitting on top of his dumpster in the noonday sun.

just throw it in the woods

[STOGEY]

just throw it in the woods

By the way I think the woman that helps to run Cape Anns dive shop is quite hot.

[akscuba]

By the way I think the woman that helps to run Cape Anns dive shop is quite hot.

umm... think before you post...

[STOGEY]

umm... think before you post...

Complementing someone isn't a bad thing.

[oceancurrent]

By the way I think the woman that helps to run Cape Anns dive shop is quite hot.

Who? Mary?


B.w. what happened with the net removal op planning?

[Dash_Riprock]

Just an update. I was out with Fran M the other night and he said he plans to go out this week with a fish-boat friend of his and haul the net up.

Al

[dbg40]

Hey these so called professional fishermen chose that profession. I being a truck driver, does that mean that I should lash out at every four wheeler that I see just because there are some real jerks out there?


I drove tractor for a haz. and dangerous waste co. for 15 years, and 10 years hauling building materials before that. I learnd to turn off the radio because of the constant stream of mouth about the &*%!!@#$% 4 wheelers from truck drivers. Point is, there are the fringe lunatic in every walk of life. It's no buisness of yours or mine if they chose that life. They just did. And i'm willing to bet that not every Fisherman is a flaming a hole, the loudmouths are the ones that get noticed. They work hard, and just don't want to f'd with, just like every one of us. Bi---ing about fishermen makes divers a better class of people.....how??

[dbg40]

Just an update. I was out with Fran M the other night and he said he plans to go out this week with a fish-boat friend of his and haul the net up.

Al


Funny how it only takes one person with a tidy mind to just go and do it. Anyone here ever hear of Rube Goldberg??:)

[johnnyseko]

Bobby and Ratdog are playing in Lowell tonight, some sort of Jack Kerouac tribute. And like the good old days, it's GA. See you there. Just finished downloading the show from July 10the at the Pavillion. Sweet, check it out.



I wish. Hope your havin' a blast. Downloading July10th off etree.org now.:)

Yeah, this is totally off topic.:D

[matt_unique]

Complementing someone isn't a bad thing.

I think his reference was to the fact that she is not attractive...particularly considering her personality.

Huge Kudos to Fran for doing this. For those who don't know, he owns a dive charter boat.

--Matt

[RIOceanographer]

Anyone here ever hear of Rube Goldberg??:)

The geat cartoonist/mechanical engineer!!! :D

[STOGEY]

I think his reference was to the fact that she is not attractive...particularly considering her personality.

Huge Kudos to Fran for doing this. For those who don't know, he owns a dive charter boat.

--Matt
Besides he goes to that spot quite often. So he benefits from having that area safe.

[matt_unique]

Besides he goes to that spot quite often. So he benefits from having that area safe.

I thought the same about CAD, they go there more than any other charter operation. I'm pleased Fran will take care of it for all of us who enjoy it.

--Matt

[MSilvia]

Yet another of the countless reasons I'll always look at Fran's schedule before considering CAD for any Gloucester charters.

[STOGEY]

I thought the same about CAD, they go there more than any other charter operation. I'm pleased Fran will take care of it for all of us who enjoy it.

--Matt

The next time you dive with him, maybe you can ask him about his Titanic adventure.

[STOGEY]

I think his reference was to the fact that she is not attractive...particularly considering her personality.

Huge Kudos to Fran for doing this. For those who don't know, he owns a dive charter boat.

--Matt

I know that I may seem a bit shallow here, but at least I'm honest. However when I'm checking out a woman I'm checking out her physical attributes, not her personality. But I've used their store several times, and I think she's pretty nice.

[matt_unique]

The next time you dive with him, maybe you can ask him about his Titanic adventure.

Will do. He gave Tom Huff a large Dunkin Donuts coffee cup that was on the outside of the submersible during the dive. It was the size of a tiny shot glass upon return. A cool $19,000 for the trip as I recall. Tom had the spot but did not go and offered it to Fran as I recall. (Fran paid for his ride of course!) My friend Chad captained Day Breaker while Fran was doing the dive.

--Matt

[matt_unique]

Yet another of the countless reasons I'll always look at Fran's schedule before considering CAD for any Gloucester charters.

I'm in the process of selling my boat (to upgrade to next larger boat). If I sell it before the end of the season I would definitely check Fran's schedule before CAD.

--Matt

[oceancurrent]

How do you get on Fran's schedule? He is kind of hard to get hold of - you either leave voice mail or send an e-mail. So far, every time I've asked, he has been booked up...

[TimK]

Let me do my plug for Fran as well. He and Matt go above and beyond by helping to carry gear to / from the boat and are always close by when donning and doffing gear before and after a dive to help out in any way possible. In the colder months after a long SI, Fran has hot water for the gloves and to pour down your wetsuit before the next dive (I'm sure he'd pour some down a dry-suit as well if you asked nicely...). None of the other operations that I have been on offer this level of service. With the exception of two dives this year, all the others have been with Fran. I forgot to ask him about the net yesterday while diving with him but it's nice to know he's thinking about getting it out of the way. We'll all have to thank him if/ when he's able to get the net removed.

[TimK]

How do you get on Fran's schedule? He is kind of hard to get hold of - you either leave voice mail or send an e-mail. So far, every time I've asked, he has been booked up...

Send him an e-mail at franm@aol.com and ask to get put on his mailing list. Here is one of his latest e-mailings with openings from 8/8/07.

Hi Everyone
Here is what is available the next few weeks. August 10th pm recreational dive one spot, August 13th pm Poling/divers choice 4 spots,August 14th am 3 tank hunting dive (at least one will be scallops),August 17th am Pinthis/Pinthis pick up in Scituate 3 spots, August 17th pm Mars/Pinthis 2 spots, August 18th pm Poling/divers choice one spot, August 19th am completely available, August 19th pm lobster diving 3 spots, August 21st am Isle of Shoals with pick up in Rye Harbor NH 5 spots, August 21st pm Isle of Shoals one spot, August 24th am completely available, August 24th pm Scallop dive 6 spots, August 25th pm completely available, August 26th pm lobster diving 4 spots, August 27th & 28th available, August 30th I have interest in a 3 tank lobster/scallop hunting dive 4 spots, August 31st pm 3 tank wreck dive,Sept 1st completely available. Let me know if any of this interests you 508-335-6339 thank you franm

[Rainer]

Fran's pretty easy to get ahold of. Either pick up a phone (oh, the horror!) or just shoot him an e-mail. He'll almost always get back to you by the next day.

[oceancurrent]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?p=3025314#post3025314

Do you have a problem with e-mail? :letsparty:

Of course, I've talked to Fran before as well as left messages. It just so happened that all these times he wasn't available for the days I needed. Just my luck.

Definitely looking forward to traying him some time - everyone says he is the best out there.

[johnnyseko]

Popular guy. I know I had to booked my trip with Fran over a month in advance. Well worth it.

Get on his email list so you know where space is available. Just request it in an email to him if you haven't already.;)

(edit - oh, someone already said that haha)

[johnnyseko]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?p=3025314#post3025314

Do you have a problem with e-mail? :letsparty:



:lol: :rofl2:

[matt_unique]

:letsparty:



That is an awesome smiley....ha ha ha!

[RIOceanographer]

Of course, I've talked to Fran before as well as left messages. It just so happened that all these times he wasn't available for the days I needed. Just my luck.



He's sort of the New England diving equivalent of trying to get Red Sox tickets. :D

Like Johnnyseko said, he's popular and he has a pretty well established group of regular customers so he books up pretty early. I've only ever done mid-week charters with him and even those were always fully booked. He usually has most of his summer trip schedule planned around May, and most of the prime dates fill up quickly so it is just a question of getting in early enough.

If you aren't on his email list, he does send out pretty regular notices when he has seats open up and he'll send you his summer trip schedule in the spring as soon as he puts it together. Definitely worth having him add you to it.


Definitely looking forward to traying him some time - everyone says he is the best out there.

He definitely has the friendliest best charter operation I have ever gone out with. You can tell he enjoys what he does and really cares about doing a good job and making sure everyone has a good time and that makes all the difference.

[dbg40]

The geat cartoonist/mechanical engineer!!! :D



HA HA HA! I might have known you would get it. Then you know what I was getting at!

[Rainer]

Net is gone. Was at Burnham's today (Gauntlet) and all that remains is a dead seal. I heard Fran cleared it up last week (with a local fisherman). Vis today was in excess of 35' (we could see the rock when we dropped off the line at 50').

[MurkyRockDiver]

You all may be surprised that the fishermem may be thankful and want the net back, they do cost money and a ghost net that get entangled in their gear also costs them money. Ask them and give them a chance to help or not.

[MASS-Diver]

You all may be surprised that the fishermem may be thankful and want the net back, they do cost money and a ghost net that get entangled in their gear also costs them money. Ask them and give them a chance to help or not.

Should they get the dead seal back too.......:shakehead:

Two of my buddies used to be gill net fisherman, they would catch dolphins, seals, even turtles. Pretty disgusting way to fish IMHO. I would never do anything to help gill netters out, not they would want a damaged net back anyways.

[MurkyRockDiver]

I was just trying to say if they needed help the fishermen might help if asked. I didn't see they had already salvaged the net, and with the help of a fishermen.

[matt_unique]

That is great to hear the net is cleared up! I look forward to returning to the site.

One of my crew members used to be a commercial fisherman, and he refers to Gill Netters as "Kill Netters" because of the bycatch and damage....ugh. I'm glad it's cleared up.

--Matt

[STOGEY]

You all may be surprised that the fishermem may be thankful and want the net back, they do cost money and a ghost net that get entangled in their gear also costs them money. Ask them and give them a chance to help or not.

If they are so thankful, why didn't they get the net untangled themselves?

[STOGEY]

That is great to hear the net is cleared up! I look forward to returning to the site.

One of my crew members used to be a commercial fisherman, and he refers to Gill Netters as "Kill Netters" because of the bycatch and damage....ugh. I'm glad it's cleared up.

--Matt

Maybe gillnets could be outlawd.

[Rick L]

Net is gone. Was at Burnham's today (Gauntlet) and all that remains is a dead seal. I heard Fran cleared it up last week (with a local fisherman). Vis today was in excess of 35' (we could see the rock when we dropped off the line at 50').
Did you dive the poling too?
When we went out the gauntlet was there.
I was on the yellow boat that tied off too the other mooring.
RicK L

[Rainer]

Did you dive the poling too?
When we went out the gauntlet was there.
I was on the yellow boat that tied off too the other mooring.
RicK L

Yup. You guys have good dives? Vis on the Poling was decent, but no where near what we had at Burnham's.

[Rick L]

Yup. You guys have good dives? Vis on the Poling was decent, but no where near what we had at Burnham's.
I was doing the safety diver thing (one diver was on first wreck dive)
So I kind of just following him and watching his actions.
But was still a nice dive!
We did anouther at great egg rock real bad there vis about 6 feet.
Lots of divers on the gauntlet!
Rick L

[ScubaSarus]

I was readin in Acadia the FEDS are making a new net laws to protect whales. Something about neutral and negatively bouyants nets after a certain date that lobstermen are protesting.

[mello-yellow]

I was readin in Acadia the FEDS are making a new net laws to protect whales. Something about neutral and negatively bouyants nets after a certain date that lobstermen are protesting.
Do you mean fishermen? Why would lobstermen care about net bouyancy?

[ScubaSarus]

Yea I meant fishermen