Santa Cruz Port District
Newsletter - October 2021
HARBOR NEWS
New Maintenance Workboat
The Port District's Facilities Department recently acquired a new workboat, which has been appropriately dubbed Big Red. This new workboat will replace the District's 1964 Boston Whaler, which has been in service at the harbor since 2006.

In preparation for splashing the new workboat, maintenance crews completed painting the hull, installing the motor, and outfitting the boat with other necessary equipment.

Big Red will help crews facilitate necessary maintenance and repairs of the District's waterside infrastructure for years to come!
Pictured above, Interim Port Director MacLaurie performing the christening ceremony prior to Big Red being splashed for the first time on September 23, 2021.
Catamaran Storage
ATTENTION!
Catamaran storage renters, please remove your catamaran from beach storage starting October 8, 2021, and by no later than October 24, 2021.

Launch ramp storage is available from October to March 2022, at the same rate, read more.
Tuna Season
Santa Cruz-based anglers have been enjoying historical Bluefin Tuna fishing as of late, which is keeping the launch ramp full and fish cleaning tables busy. The fish typically enter local waters in the summer and fall months, but this current season is being considered one of the best in nearly 20 years. Most fish being landed are in the 70 pound range, although some skilled anglers have landed larger fish in the 150-200 pound range. Anglers are hopeful that these tuna stay in the area for the next few weeks!
Water Conservation
To help reduce water use around the harbor, please:

  • Minimize the use of fresh water at all times
  • Scrub boats with a brush and sea water first
  • Limit rinsing of boats to once weekly and only if necessary
  • Shut-off spray nozzles are required on all hoses
  • Use fish scaling tools, not water, to remove scales from fish
  • Report all leaks to the harbor office

Please help us conserve water. Thank you!
OCEAN SAFETY
A MESSAGE FROM CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS AND CALFIRE
Last month, Harbor Patrol and other first responders were dispatched to three fatal incidents along a 3-mile stretch of beach near Davenport in Santa Cruz County. CalFire and California State Parks Lifeguards have shared the following safety tips and public service announcement:
Read more on the California Department of State Parks and Recreation Ocean Safety webpage.
⚠️ Not all beaches are recommended for swimming or wading. There is limited lifeguard service along portions of the coast. Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.

⚠️ Rip Currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves or where there is a stream or outflow into the surfline. The majority of ocean rescues made by lifeguards are due to victims struggling in rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

⚠️ “Rogue Waves” or “Sleeper Waves” are unpredictable and are present even on days when the surf looks small. These large waves catch victims by surprise, washing them into the water. Most victims are caught by surprise when climbing on rocks and cliffs, playing near or in the surf, or shore fishing.

⚠️ Conditions may change quickly along the coastline. When in doubt—don’t go out!
Attention!
New Sport Crab Regulations
Please review this informational flyer summarizing regulation changes for the recreational crab fishery. These regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission in late 2020, and will be effective for the upcoming recreational Dungeness crab season, which is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

Please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.
2021-22 Dredging Operations
Entrance Channel Dredging
Crews are preparing to move Twin Lakes from her off-season mooring in the north harbor to the entrance channel in the coming weeks. In accordance with regulatory permits, entrance channel dredging is scheduled to commence on November 1. Stay tuned for more information and schedule updates.

North Harbor Dredging
Crews made significant progress deepening the north harbor turning basin and restoring depths in the X/J fairway and berthing areas during the 2020-21 dredge season. Therefore, north harbor dredging is not planned for the 2021-22 season.
Haunted Harbor
POSTPONED
In an effort to limit large gatherings and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Port District will be postponing the Haunted Harbor event until 2022.
Marine Safety Training
FISHING DRILL CONDUCTOR CLASS
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association "AMSEA" is conducting a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor class in Moss Landing on October 18, 2021, register online here.