Tales from the deep: Area 24

As a dive instructor, I frequent the same dive site often. Sweet Bottom Dive Center's home reef is Cane Bay, on the north shore of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Cane Bay is both a wall and reef. The difference – a wall slopes downward into the abyss, in this case, over 13,000 ft. Recreational dive limits with deep specialty are 130 ft. In spots the wall is a gentle slope, others a vertical mountain of coral. The top of the wall is reef, which has a hard-bottom depth between 20-40 ft, depending on your location.

In the past year I have accumulated over 85 dives at this location alone. Let’s just say I know it well. As such, I have my natural navigation points and usually take varying paths along the wall, through sand chutes, and over the coral. However, I usually end up passing through a city of yellow headed jawfish that I like to think I have befriended.

Yellow headed jawfish are white ribbon-looking fish about 4-5 inches long and have a yellow head the size of a fingernail. They dance in the current above their home, which is a hole in the rubble on the bottom, between areas of reef. When approaching, they duck down into their home for cover. With every weather system that passes through, the bottom changes, causing the fish to rebuild, or relocate to a new area.

A few months ago – as the result of hurricanes far north of us – we had pounding waves that removed the sand from our shallower areas, leaving exposed rock. After that, the previous colonies of yellow headed jawfish were no long present so I began a search for their new location, finally stumbling upon Area 24.

Area 24 is in 24 feet of water near our training area at Cane Bay. It has multiple smaller coral heads surrounding it, and some dead reef rubble to help protect it. Sid and Nancy were the first inhabitants of this new city. Shy at first, they used to duck down when I came within 10 feet of them. Now, they let me hover 2 feet away, while I wave and talk to them for a minute or two. I also introduce them to my divers. This must be a popular spot, as Chrissy, Janet, and Jack moved in a few weeks ago. Chrissy was outgoing from the start, but Janet and Jack are still warming up to my unannounced visits. Slowly, they are becoming more trusting. In addition to Area 24, I’ve been introduced to Fonzie, who moved to the suburbs. He’s a bit of a loner, but happy to say “aaaaaaaa” when I stop by for a quick visit.

Cane Bay Beach

Two points this time. (1) Although fish are instinctual, they seem to have personalities and can become accustom to outsiders who have never given them a reason to feel unsafe. I’ve had fish in tanks that seemed to recognize me; it seems reasonable that “wild fish” recognize people repeatedly diving in their tank. (Alternate possibility: I like to think they recognize me as it gives me a creative story to play out in my head during a dive). (2) Mother nature is a powerful and awesome force. It amazes me how much our dive sites and beach areas change with each storm, and how resilient our reefs, and the life living within the reef system, are.

I have the best job in the world!