Jupiter trip report 09/07/2011

Jupiter Dive Center

Check In: Jerry and Adam

Captain: Mike

Dive Guide: David

Deckhand: "Big" Ben

Dive One: The wrecks of the Zion Train, Miss Jenny, Esso Bonaire

Surface conditions: Oily smooth seas, bright sunlight, air temp high 80’s to low 90’s F

Water conditions: 85 F, stiff current (slight hose shaking if you were stationary and facing into the current), visibility 40 to 80 ft.

Animals of note: Target species – Giant groupers FLMNH Ichthyology Department: Goliath Grouper in their spawning aggregations, saw about 20 total, two of them large porkers well over 400 lbs. (180 kilos).

Dive Two: Wreck of the MG – 111

Same surface and sea conditions as above

Animals of note: Giant groupers 12 + or -. Rainbow runners, bar jacks, almaco jacks and blue runners killing bait right in front of us. A school of approximately 12 snook FLMNH Ichthyology Department: Snook it is unusual for us to observe this species off shore here in Florida. One inquisitive octopus who latched on to the dive guide's hand to give it a gentle, closer inspection. The sole elasmobranch of the day, a nice sized southern stingray.

The giant groupers have finally found an audience. Today the boat was filled with enthusiastic divers wishing to see the annual aggregations of these great fish. Within the next few weeks the clusters of these magnificent animals will grow in size as their spawning hits its peak. This is one of the most spectacular and predictable underwater events any diver is likely to encounter anywhere in the world. Palm Beach County, Florida is becoming the place to see it happening. Several local dive operators are now conducting special trips dedicated to viewing them during the late summer.

I was hoping that we'd go to MG 111 on Sunday, but because of the current and a class of OW students, JDC ended up taking us to Tunnels and High Ledges. During GG spawning season, the MG 111 is great dive.

I did see a fair number of Goliaths on the Esso Bonaire and Zion a few weeks ago. They really are spectacular fish.

thnx for the report

Did the wrecks yesterday on the Blue Tang. Conditions outstanding. Probably 100 Goliaths in front of the Zion. Don't miss that dive if you can get out in the next couple of weeks.