This afternoon I joined the Sea Lion with an exciting new tool designed to bring the underwater world closer to our guests, an ROV. ROV means remotely operated vehicle and this enables us to view the underwater habitat at greater depths than what is available to the normal diver. The ROV is operated from the surface and the camera records what you see or you can view it on a monitor.

After meeting the Sea Lion in the delightful community of Santa Rosalia, we quickly assembled a team to go offshore looking for squid. Shortly after sunset we put the ROV down in the water to a depth of 110 feet and we were hoping for Humboldt squid to come by, attracted by the bright lights. After waiting patiently for 20 minutes we were rewarded with a ghost like figure emerging from the snow filter of plankton. It was a soup of zoo- and phytoplankton and at first we just caught glimpses of the squid and then they came closer and closer. It was an amazing experience, even as short-lived as it was. The Sea Lion picked us up after it left port and on it's way north to other adventures.

Humboldt squid can get to lengths of 6 feet and are carnivores, consuming fish and, at times, other squid. They tend to be quite curious and huge congregations can be found in the Sea of Cortez, especially in late spring and early summer. It was a very special occasion to see them in the deep.