Hero???
Wow...
Man I never figured this thread was about me, I'm honored. I've seen the title for the past few days and just skipped over it cause I figured thats all the world needs is another hero. I'm truely flattered.
So here's some background info. I worked w/ the Aquarius project for about 10 yrs, 9 of those were down in the Keys. The habitat sits about 5mi offshore in about 60fsw. We have 4 scientist and 2 techs saturate for 7-10 days. While they're down there they study just about everything imaginable. The techs take care of the system and help the scientist if needed. Since we're saturated we get tons of bottom time. Up to 9hrs a day up to 98fsw. My last mission I went out on hooka from the habitat for 6hrs a couple of times. You get to see alot when you're out that long, not to mention 10 days of living U/W. There are two 30" view ports and multiple 12"ers located around the habitat. Always a room w/ a view!
I guess the barracuda thing was born out of boredom and just seeing if I could do it. While doing maintienence on the habitat we have so surface time thats pretty slow. The site attracts alot of barracuda because of the 10m support bouy and the habitat itself. Alot of these get caught by fishermen but since they're not eaten and have a mouth full of teeth they just cut them off w/ the leader hanging. This could be 6" to 6ft. I would imagine this hinders their feeding. I first tried catching them on scuba but this didn't work because of the bubbles and sometimes rapid ascent. Since I was already freediving this became a natural choice. Most of the 'cudas aren't real skittish but don't let you swim up and pet them either. I found that if I got under them picked the one I wanted and swam up REAL slow under and slightly behind them I could sometimes grab the leader. Sometimes it would take a few days to catch them but patience pays. After chaseing them two or three times they catch on and stay away. You have to get a good grip before they realize whats happening because once they feel the pressure they explode. During this time I'm ascending and they're usually going crazy. I have to say I have never been bitten or have had one try. They just want to get away. But the potiental is there, accidents happen! Once on the surface and tired out I grab them by the tail and flip them over, it seems to put them in a catatonic state somewhat. Once the hooks are out I release them.
So for those that think this sport is dangerous and fool hardy already I've just added a new level.
DISCLAIMER: With all this said, this activity has the potiental to be very dangerous. Nuff said.
You can also ck/out the Aquarius web site for more details.
www.uncwil.edu/nurc/aquarius
Feel free to email me if you have any questions, and again thanks for the kind words... even you Anderson
... Safe diving everyone.
Jay
