Follow just the battery project here:  http://onebatteryatatime.wordpress.com/

Q:  How did these batteries get here?

A:  I am not sure, but I believe they are discarded boat batteries, many of which are left over from the old Seacrest Marina.

Q:  How do you recover a battery?

A:  In a milk crate modified with a lifting harness, we use lift bags to escort the batteries up the slope and into the shallow water.   I will post a video on how to make your own battery retrieval crate.

Q:  What about the critters who call the batteries home?

A:  This is why we move the batteries into the intertidal zone for several tide cycles before actual removal.  This encourages the Gunnels and other small vertibrates to pack up and find new home.

Q:  What do you do with the batteries once the critters are evicted?

A:  I pack them up in rubbermaid tubs and take them to a local scrap metal recycling facility.

Q:  Is someone paying you to do this?

A:  No.   I get a small bit for recycling them, which I then use to help offset the cost of lift bags, rope, gas, nitrox, and hot coco for my lift team after the dive.   At this point I am still paying for the privilege to remove batteries from Puget Sound.

Q:  I want to help but I don’t know how to use a lift bag.

A – 1:  If you are a member of a dive club,  I will be sending 10 ‘flags’ to each club (with club name on them) that is interested in participating.   When you find a battery, place a flag  upright in the silt next to it.  Then email me at ljjames@me.com and give me the site name, approximate quadrant it was found and depth.   The flag allows me to utilize scooters to survey the substrate for your battery.    When I recover the battery I will donate a portion of what I get for recycling it to the “Cove 2 maintenance fund” in the name of your dive club.

A – 2: Take an advanced class.  Often your instructor will give you training in use of a lift bag.   If you pick up a battery and move it into the intertidal zone (lay it on its side and point the openings down slope)  and email me ljjames@me.com I will do the dirty work, recovery and again, I will donate a portion of the recycling $ to the “Cove 2 Maintenance  fund”

A – 3:  email me.  I can always use another dive buddy.

Q:  What is the Cove 2 Maintenance fund you’ve mentioned?

A:   Although the Parks department was very supportive in the creation of this dive area, when it comes to maintenance (which costs money – new rope, etc…)  they have not been able to acquire funding for the project from the city.    I’m willing to donate to this cause because I enjoy this dive site.   Contact Marker Buoy dive club for more information on maintenance projects in Cove 2.