Re: [Paddlewise] sea lice?

Bob Denton wrote:
> 
> Sea Lice are the microscopic larvae possibly of thimble Jellyfish or maybe
> fire coral, or maybe both or neither. They ride up the Gulf Stream between
> Mother's Day and Father's Day and come close to shore via eddies or winds
> and local currents. Some people, especially tourists, are immune while
> others, locals, dive instructors and lifeguards, tend to become sensitive.
> You can't feel them when you are hit and the bumps come up in 12 to 48
> hours. The larvae have nematocysts (stinging cells) that are triggered by
> pressure (getting trapped between a bathing suit, PFD or skirt and your skin
> or by rinsing with fresh water. They can also dry on your gear and then
> magically nail you the next time you get wet.

Could be some confusion over usage of the words "sea lice."

Same term, but a *different* critter on this coast (upper left of North
America).  "Sea lice" are little buggers found on steelhead fresh from the
saltchuck.  Not harmful -- I've pulled 'em off half a dozen ironheads here in
Oregon.

I won't touch any on the other coast (lower left of North America).

Thanks for the heads-up, Bob.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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