Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Rare 18-Foot Oarfish Found Off of Catalina Island
Catalina Island Marine Institute instructors with the 18-foot oarfish. (Used with permission/CIMI)
()
Never did anyone at the Catalina Island Marine Institute imagine they would find one, but an oarfish fell into their laps, so to speak.
Science instructor Jasmine Santana found the 18-foot carcass on Sunday afternoon while snorkeling in Toyon Bay off Catalina Island. Other instructors saw her struggling with the creature and ultimately 15 colleagues came to her aid to drag the beast onshore according to the Press Telegram.
Mark Johnson, the longest serving CIMI employee, remarked in a statement, "In 32 years here, I have never seen anything like this!"
"These islands never cease to amaze," instructor Connor Gallagher said.
Support for LAist comes from
Many kids who grew up in Southern California know about CIMI thanks to their camps at Toyon Bay, Cherry Cove and Fox Landing. I went to a camp with my sixth grade class in 1991 where we snorkeled, took hikes and learned about sea life and the heavens. The most adventure we had were bison roaming on our hiking trails and choppy waters while snorkeling. But nothing like this.
According to the press release, CIMI sent samples of the oarfish tissue and footage to Dr. Milton Love, a fish expert and author at UC Santa Barbara who will make the final decision on the species.
Also according to the release:
Oarfish are found in all temperate to tropical waters, but are rarely seen, dead or alive. The giant oarfish is the longest bony fish species, topping at around 56 feet. It is believed that oarfish dive over 3000 feet deep, which leaves them largely unstudied and little is known about their behavior or population. They are likely responsible for sea serpent legends throughout history.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist