8/23/11
At Gonzaga I almost graduated with a minor in environmental studies, which means I spent a handsome amount of time studying the intricate delicacies that govern ecosystems. I learned that every system depends on the existence of all it’s parts in order to function as a whole; this means exterminating one specie (no matter how small) will disrupt and potentially destroy the ecosystem that has taken millions of years to form. Now that you know the depths of my knowledge and understanding on the subject, I would like to propose the extermination of two criminal species: Kelp and Jellyfish. Lacking a basic sentience these floaters often get caught in our net and make our job, for lack of a better word, a real bitch. Recently we caught perhaps 12,000 pounds of kelp in our net on the last set of the day, Captain knew there were fish under the kelp so he instructed us to extract the kelp by any means necessary. When he uses the term ‘any means necessary’ this can be translated into ‘I have no idea how but just do it, I’m the captain dammit,’ I like my captain, I hate my kelp. Needless to say jellyfish are just useless zombies of the sea that freefall into the deepest corners of your face. If frustration gets the best of you and it seems like a good idea to rip the incredulous gelatin into pieces, they have just won. They are single celled organisms that multiply when separated. Our net is like introducing the reproductive fervor of rabbits to jellyfucks.
Aside from those two devil-species I sure do love catching fish. After a half hour of plunging the water and piling the gear it is always a mystery to see what you have actually caught. When the net is almost in you get a pretty good idea by the amount of thrashing and frothing in the water, the more the better. Finally the net eeks over the rails onto the deck and fish pour into the hold as if God has just granted you the scaliest jackpot. The sound effect “Ding! Ding! Ding!” is more than appropriate at this time. That moment alone makes the kelp and jellies worth the while.
The other night we were running from one fishing spot to another and seasickness tried to induce an upchuck, luckily I was too crafty for such an occasion and I fell asleep. There are dreams I used to have in the past where I'd wake up at the end of a fall and have the illusion of landing in my bed from some kind of body shudder/intense gasp. When I was sleeping in my bunk (in the bow) the other night I woke several times in midair. The boat was probably at the peak of a big swell and although it should be expected it is surprising to wake up out of bed in such an aerial way. Enough about fish and boats though, this time I'm going to make a special request regarding my upcoming birthday, if any of you find the time I would seriously enjoy an email back from any and/or all of you regarding what's going on in your world! Any news is simply enchanting no matter how everyday it may seem to you...I lust for a landlocked life.
Can't wait to hear from you all,
Mac
