New Jersey Scuba Diving

Red & Purple Algae

Red & Purple Algae
Red & Purple Algae

Red algae actually vary in color from straw-yellow to deep-purple or black in appearance.

Agardh's Red Weed - Agardhiella subulata is very common and grows in tufts and clumps to about 12" in sunny shallow areas.

Laver or Porphyra ( above ) is similar to Ulva in many ways, although unrelated. It grows interspersed with Ulva in shallow sunny areas, and like Ulva, it is edible.

Red & Purple Algae
A common purple type known as Dasya or Chenille Weed.

Collecting Scallops

Scallops

Scallops are not nearly so easy to get as Mussels but are well worth it. I have never seen a scallop in less than 90 ft of water, most often in 110 ft and below. Sadly, the commercial scallop boats have quite efficiently decimated the scallop population, and they are fairly rare, especially in any kind of useful quantity.

When you do get into a field of scallops though, life is good. Scallops live on the surface of the sand ( rarely on the deck of a wreck ) where each one will excavate a shallow pit. The pits are usually 2-3 ft apart, and a good field of scallops will stretch as far as you can see. Fortunately, good fields like this are usually in the vicinity of wrecks or snags, where the scallop boats will not go with their expensive bottom gear.

More: Collecting Scallops ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

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