Franko's California Fish Cards ...
Franko’s Map of Avalon Underwater Park & Fish Identification Card
Franko’s Map of Two Harbors & Fish Identification Card
Franko’s Map of Monterey Peninsula & Fish Identification Card
Franko’s Map of La Jolla Shores & Fish Identification Card
Franko’s HMCS Yukon Deck Plan & Fish Identifier
Franko’s Map of Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary & Fish Identification Card
Franko’s Crystal Cove Underwater Park Map & Kelp Forest Creatures Identification Guide
Franko’s California Kelp Forest Creatures Mini Fish Card
The first seven out of these eight Fish Cards comprises a series of mini-Franko’s maps with fish identification guides on the flip side. They were created out of personal interest in the selected areas. They measure 6" x 9", and are printed on plastic and then laminated so that they are stiff, shiny and nice. There is a hole punched at the top dead center for a lanyard, so the user could actually take it diving. The eighth fish card is a handy little 4" x 6" size and has no map, but features kelp forest creatures from all over the Golden State’s kelp forests, including fishes, sea lions, sea stars, rays, the octopus, the spiny lobster, colorful anemones, urchins, the brilliant Spanish shawl, and even a diving cormorant. Did I mention the California sea otter? How about the monkeyface prickleback? There are over 5 dozen kelp forest creatures clearly shown in a real kelp forest on one little fish card! Actually the fish card idea began in La Jolla Shores, simultaneous with Orange County at Crystal Cove and Point Lobos, just below Monterey, as I made a of mini-map fish cards at the behest of OEX Dive Shop in La Jolla, as well as on behalf of Crystal Cove and Point Lobos State Underwater Parks. However, state budget problems canceled the parks effort. It wasn’t until 32 months later that I actually published the Crystal Cove Underwater Park fish card, with a generous grant from The Cygnet Foundation, and the coordinated efforts of the Crystal Cove Alliance (www.crystalcovealliance.net). This card is actually a fund raiser to help protect these pristine waters. The Point Lobos Fish Card still has not been published, but I did a Monterey Peninsula Fish Card instead. The first two fish cards to actually be published are the two from San Diego: the fascinating wreck of the HMCS Yukon in Wreck Alley (which was the idea of my dive buddy Rich, owner of W.E.T. Scuba in San Diego), and the map of La Jolla Shores (which was the brainstorm of Chris, at O.E.X. Dive Shop in La Jolla). Diving the Yukon with Rich in early 2002 to obtain details and verify information was amazing - amazing that I tolerated the 50 degree water! The very first fish I saw down there was a big lingcod. The other notable find was the advent of mertridium (white plumed) anemones all over the ship. I was only previously familiar with them much further north in Monterey. The next fish card published was the Monterey Peninsula. I had already made the prototype of this fish card right after I made the one for Point Lobos, so this was a very easy project to complete. I needed some help from the local biology experts though, as I was trying to put some kelp forest creatures in the picture that don’t live there! Who knew that there were no lobsters up there? Channel Islands was done next, and it was easy, since I mostly just borrowed from my Channel Islands map to do it. Two Harbor, Catalina Island and Avalon were next. Avalon Underwater Park was an idea from a long time ago, but I finally put in the time and research to complete it. That included the inputs from the local dive shops at Avalon, and a few underwater tours with the fellows who work at Catalina Scuba Luv and Catalina Divers Supply, who know the intricacies of the park like the back of their hand. We dove, took notes, made measurements to finish detailing the map. I did much of the work free diving, because I don’t like to scuba dive without a partner, and I need more time than I could get on compressed air. Two Harbors was done with much help from the local Two Harbors Dive and Recreation shop, which provided knowledge, dive boat trips, kayaks and anything else I could need. I’ve been to the campground at Two Harbors for at least 10 straight years now, and so I had a pretty good head start on knowledge of the area myself. I also borrowed from my Catalina map, of course, which included the digital data for the beautiful shaded relief map. I really love the way this little map and fish card came out. If I could pick a favorite, this may be it.
Franko’s Map of Avalon Underwater Park & Fish Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of Avalon Underwater Park. This wonderful map has a special spirit about it because it is dedicated to the late Aaron Stark, who’s picture appears on the card. Aaron loved Avalon Underwater Park, and spent much time taking divers down amongst the lovely kelp forest and virtual aquarium there. Aaron’s photo is courtesy of his dad, as arranged by Catalina Scuba Luv. The map is shows the park boundaries along The Casino breakwater, with deepening blues indicating increasing depths. The depth data is courtesy of Franko’s own observations, as it has been proven that the government charts are wrong! The breakwater and Casino layout are actually from an aerial photograph, courtesy of the Santa Catalina Island Company. Dive spots within as well as nearby are shown, including the wreck of the Sue -Jac, and the wreck of the Valiant. A second photo inset shows a huge black sea bass along side a diver. This amazing photo is courtesy of Catalina Divers Supply, which has a rental spot right at the underwater park, as well as a dive shop on Avalon’s Green Pleasure Pier. Both of Avalon’s dive shops helped in the research and information to create this map, including buddy diving with me and giving me air. A third inset on the map shows a tiny map of Avalon and Avalon Bay, for reference. Avalon Underwater Park is dived by thousands of divers every year, including a very large number who make this beautiful spot their very first dive.
Side 2 is Franko’s Santa Catalina Island Fish Identification Card. Included is an array of over four dozen Santa Catalina Island kelp forest creatures amongst a swirl of blue water and kelp. The variety includes the California State fish, the Garibaldi, and many of the most commonly seen fish and invertebrates in and around Avalon Underwater Park. There is a male and a female sheephead, a sleek blue shark, a beautiful leopard shark, several different rockfish and perch. The fisherman’s favorites including white sea bass and yellowtail are shown. The bat ray , and a beautiful giant sea bass, also known as the black sea bass are both visitors to the Avalon Underwater Park, and thus must be depicted. Invertebrates include ochre seastars, strawberry anemones, a hiding spiny lobster, and the colorful Spanish shawl, which wears its frilly gills on it’s back. There is even a bird - the sleek cormorant descending into the depths, hunting for prey, and out-swimming the fish.
Franko’s Map of Two Harbors & Fish Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of Two Harbors, which is virtually the same map of Two Harbors that also appears on side 2 of Franko’s Map of Santa Catalina Island. Two Harbors has long been a favorite destination for diving and other forms of fun for Franko and family. It has been the site of Franko’s Annual Two Harbors Jugglers Jam, where dozens of juggling friends get together. The area is shown in beautiful green hues of shaded relief, with topo lines for the hikers. Every important place in the Village of Two Harbors is mentioned and located on the map, as is the route to the well-loved Two Harbors Campground. Numerous local dive sites include Bird Rock, Ship Rock, Eagle Reef, Little Geiger, Juicy Reef, Eel Cove, Jake’s Beach, Lion Head, Cherry Cove, 4th of July Cove, Isthmus Cove, Harbor Reef, Big Fisherman’s Cove and the Isthmus High Spot on the Catalina Channel Side of the Island, and Pin Rock, Catalina Harbor and Catalina Head on the seaward side of Santa Catalina Island. The map also indicates that the Two Harbors area is great for kayaking, which of course I can attest to as a fact.
Side 2 is Franko’s Santa Catalina Island Fish Identification Card. Included is an array of over four dozen Santa Catalina Island kelp forest creatures amongst a swirl of blue water and kelp. The variety includes the California State fish, the Garibaldi, and many of the most commonly seen fish and invertebrates in Catalina’s kelp forests. Sheephead, blue shark, leopard shark, rockfish, perch, white sea bass, yellowtail, bat ray, giant sea bass, horn shark, halibut, kelp bass, sculpin, blackeyed goby and many others are there. Invertebrates include the ochre seastar, sunflower star, bat star, strawberry anemones, spiny lobster, Spanish shawl, gorgonian fan, sea cucumber, octopus, and purple urchin. Note that Little Fisherman’s Cove to a small degree, and Big Fisherman’s Cove to a large degree are very noteworthy snorkeling spots for viewing leopard sharks. Near the USC Marine Science Center at Big Fisherman’s Cove there are numerous moray eels in shallow water.
Franko’s Map of Monterey Peninsula & Fish Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of Monterey Peninsula, which consists of information borrowed from Franko’s Map of Monterey, adapted to this fish card use. It shows the major dive sites of the peninsula, including Del Monte Beach, Wharf #2, Coast Guard Wharf, Mertridium Field, Mc Abee Beach, Hopkins Reserve, Lover’s Point, Otter Cove, Chase Reef, Coral Street, Point Pinos, Moss Cove, Point Joe, Cypress Point, Lingcod Reef, East Pescadero Pinnacle, Pescadero Pinnacles, Stillwater Cove, Copper Roof House, Butterfly House, Carmel River, Monastery Beach and Mono-Lobo. The major roads, including 17-Mile Drive and the show the user how to get around everywhere from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Pacific Grove, as well as Carmel, Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Carmel Bay and Cannery Row.
Side 2 is Franko’s Monterey Peninsula Kelp Forest Creatures. Cooler water means a different species than the fish cards from Southern California, and so this fish card shows the Wolf Eel and Monkeyface Eel, but it does not show the moray eel or the spiny lobster, which only lives further south. Lots of kinds of rockfish are also included. Certain species, such as the sheephead, bat ray, horn shark, ochre seastar, lingcod, spotted scorpionfish, giant kelpfish and others are common to kelp forests up and down the entire California coast. An ascending sea otter is also shown, as he rises to the surface after a hunt. Colorful invertebrates are common in Monterey waters, and a few, including a nudibranch - the Spanish shawl, and a bat star are shown.
Franko’s Map of La Jolla Shores & Fish Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of La Jolla Shores, which accurately charts the coast from La Jolla’s Children’s Pool, up to Black’s Beach just North of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Franko’s source for NOAA charts and tons of oceanic data). This was the first published Franko’s Fish Card, and was the original idea of Chris at OEX Dive Shop in La Jolla Shores. He also provided technical help and information contained on the map. Further information, such as the underwater contours, were provided by the nautical charts contained in the technical library at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The steep and deep La Jolla and Scripps Canyons are seen in darker and darker blue hues as they plunge into the depths. The favorite diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing and kayaking spots of this fabulous, favorite area are shown. An inset shows the line of sea caves that dominate the La Jolla scenery as viewed from La Jolla Shores. This photo was taken from three photos, using an underwater camera while aboard a kayak near the half-mile buoy, with dozens of beautiful leopard sharks swimming about in the clear waters below. All of the main roads are shown to help the viewer get right to the water. Of course, that does not solve the parking problems! A funny side note about the day the La Jolla Cave photos were take: It was a cool Spring Day with almost no one around, except a young Japanese Couple, who were entering the water in a kayak they had rented from OEX Dive Shop. They got into two feet of water, about 50 feet from where I was simultaneously launching, and spotted their first leopard shark. This beautiful little beast, however, scared them right out of the water! In a panic, they ran all the way back to OEX, paddles in hand and life vests still on, and asked for a refund because these waters were shark infested!
Side 2 shows Franko’s La Jolla Kelp Forest Creatures, which is based os personal observation of what one might see in the La Jolla shores area. There always seems to be something big or something spectacular for the diver to witness. Anything from swarming leopard sharks in the Marine Room shallows, to giant sea bass, or endless schools of fish. The upwelling nutrient rich waters that come up from the canyons nourish this area and create such an extraordinary underwater, that making a fish card of it was a must. Some people believe this area represents San Diego’s best diving.
Franko’s HMCS Yukon Deck Plan & Fish Identifier
Side 1 shows Franko’s HMCS Yukon Deck Plan as provided by the Canadian navy, and as modified by Franko, to correctly show the ship as she lies on her port side facing almost due North in 102' of water. This is not just a good dive, it is about 20 good dives. It is no wonder that the Yukon has become a dive destination for thousands of people from everywhere. The 366 feet long ship was prepared for intentional sinking in July 2000, but accidently went down a day early, and unintentionally landed on her port side. Most divers think it is better and more interesting this way. It short order she has become victim of mother nature, in that she now hosts millions of living things, and has thousands of tons of sand and silt in her, via the openings that were originally cut for divers and fish to go in and out of. Although it is unlikely that a diver will encounter one there, a lone gray whale is depicted by the ship to give a perspective of her size. The ship is detailed with the locations of the ins and outs of the ship for divers, as well as the names of many of the compartments, per the Canadian Incident Board drawing.
Side 2 shows Franko’s Yukon Fish Identifier, which is largely based on personal observation of what is there. Sure there are other creatures that come and go, and some of these creatures may not show themselves when you are there, but this will give you an idea of what to look for, and if you take this card along, it may also help you to know where you are. Fish shown include the white sea bass, for which this structure is intended to provide a home and breeding ground. Lots of common big and little fish of the local waters and kelp forests swim in and out of the Yukon. Unlike the divers, they don’t seem to be confused by the ship’s sideways orientation. Scuba diving the Yukon ranks high on the interest meter. Lots of dive classes have used this fish card for it’s naval architectural layout of the ship as they discuss wreck diving. In additional to local sales, I’ve sold them in places such as Texas, Oregon, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Franko’s Mini Map of Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary & Fish Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of Channel Islands National Park is a miniature of the same map on side 1 of Franko’s Map of Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary. It depicts the five islands, San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island, and Santa Barbara Island off the Santa Barbara and Ventura County coast in beautiful shaded relief. The area’s plentiful marine mammals are shown around the islands. These include whales, pinnipeds, and dolphins. A great white shark is also shown lurking beyond the rich pinniped rookeries. Descriptions of each of the islands educate the reader about what the island is like, especially in the underwater realm. The ocean depth contours are shown in fabulous shades of blues. One can envision that this used to be two large islands instead of five smaller ones just as the last great ice age ended, when the sea water levels were 200 to 300 feet lower.
Side 2 shows Franko’s Channel Islands Kelp Forest Creatures. The sun shines through the thick kelp forest canopy to illuminate over 50 different fish and invertebrates which inhabit the waters around these beautiful islands. The fish include everything from the tiny anchovy to the giant black sea bass. Sleek barracuda, bat rays that fly through the water, stunningly colorful sheephead and bright Garibaldi, hidden halibut, sneaky moray eels, darting blue banded and black-eye gobies, all kinds of rockfish and perch, chameleon-like giant kelpfish, great sculpin, and many more are artistically placed in and around the giant kelp. The Channel Islands represent just about every climate zone of California’s kelp forests in one National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.
Franko’s Map of Crystal Cove Underwater Park & Kelp Forest Creatures Identification Card
Side 1 shows Franko’s Map of Crystal Cove Underwater Park, is a part of Crystal Cove State Park, and lies right between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. It is Orange County’s only remaining pristine piece of coastline. Special thanks to The Cygnet Foundation and the sponsorship of the Crystal Cove Alliance for funding this fish card, which serves as a fund-raiser for the Crystal Cove Underwater Park environmental protection. Three miles of coastal bluffs, sand and tide pools comprise the underwater parks land boundary, and kelp forests, rocky reefs and sandy flats at a depth of 120 feet make the seaward boundary. Crystal Cove Underwater Park extends rom Fameo Shores by the Pelican Hill Golf Course on the north end to Abalone Point on the south end. The map shows Crystal Coves abundant recreational spots, including: Surfing spots (Elevators, Scotchman’s Cove, Sammy’s, the Historic District, Pelican Point, and Treasure Cove); Scuba diving spots (Corsair wreck, Reef Point & Scotchman’s Cove, Rocky Bight & Crystal Cove, and Pelican Point & Treasure Cove); Snorkeling spots (Aquariums at El Moro Beach, Two Historic Anchors from the 1850's, Scotchmans Cove, Pelican Point and Treasure Cove); Kayak Launching (El Moro Beach, Crystal Cove, and Treasure Cove); Best Swimming areas (Treasure Cove, Historic District, 3.5 Cove, Muddy Creek, and El Moro Beach); and Best Tide Pools (North end of Treasure Cove, Pelican Point, Rocky Bight, and Reef Point). Crystal Cove State Park basic rules and information is also shown. Franko’s Crystal Cove Underwater Park fish card was a project which began in late 2001 as the very first of Franko’s fish cards, which include La Jolla Shores and The Yukon. However, it was not finally published until early 2004. It is so good, it was worth the wait.
Side 2 shows Crystal Cove Underwater Park Kelp Forest Creatures in a real kelp forest with a sandy bottom. Over 5 dozen species include fishes, anemones, rays, sharks, seals, sea stars, a spiny lobster and much more. The list includes: sardines, blacksmith, topsmelt, halfmoon, zebra perch, Garibaldi, opaleye, kelp greenling, rainbow surfperch, harbor seal, cormorant, California sea lion, sargo, treefish, bocaccio, pile surfperch, black surfperch, leopard shark sheephead, kelp bass, senorita, yellowtail, rubberlip surfperch, walleye surfperch, blue rockfish, starry rockfish, bat ray, rock wrasse, barracuda, white sea bass, giant kelpfish, blackeyed goby, copper rockfish, lingcod, giant sea bass, barred sand bass, great sculpin, Spanish shawl, spotted scorpionfish, cabezon, olive rockfish, octopus, horn shark, blue shark, blue-banded goby, spiny kelp crap, white plumed anemone, bat star, thornback ray, sea cucumber, shovelnose guitarfish, purple urchin, spiny lobster, strawberry anemone, gorgonian sea fan, moray eel, California Halibut, C-O turbot, sunflower star, ochre seastar, crowned urchin, eel grass, and giant kelp. This is the most complete fish repertoire of any of the kelp forest fish cards to date.
Franko’s California Kelp Forest Creatures Mini Fish Card
Features kelp forest creatures from all over the Golden State’s kelp forests, including fishes, sea lions, sea stars, rays, the octopus, the spiny lobster, colorful anemones, urchins, the brilliant Spanish shawl, and even a diving cormorant. Did I mention the California sea otter? How about the monkeyface prickleback, giant sea bass, white seabass and the California blue shark? This handy little fish card is just 4”x6”, so it fits in your pocket, yet it clearly shows all of the kelp forest creatures that appear on the 6”x9” fish cards. There are over 5 dozen kelp forest creatures shown in a real kelp forest on one little fish card! Make sure to buy several so you can give them to friends too.
