Community Fun Dives & PURP Urchin Removal
The Legacy Continues
Join Seals Watersports on our free community dives – where local scuba and freedivers meet to enjoy Sonoma Coast's incredible dive site, Stillwater Cove. These aren't guided charters; they're social, volunteer-led meet-ups focused on fun, exploration, and ocean conservation.
The PURP Origin Story – Started from Our Fun Dives.
PURP (Purple Urchin Removal Project) grew directly out of the Seals Watersports fun dive community. Eric Sedletsky, a dedicated diver on our fun dive list, saw the rapid decline of kelp forests due to overpopulated purple sea urchins and organized targeted removal dives. What started small has become a powerful volunteer movement, and Seals Watersports has been there every step with OG members like owner Zeke Cissell and employee Jennifer Kimberley. Seals Watersports proudly supports PURP by promoting these dives, offering gear rentals for volunteers, and participating regularly. Join the effort to help remove overpopulated urchins, create space for bull kelp regrowth, and support healthier reefs and marine biodiversity.
The PURP Origin Story – Started from Our Fun Dives.
PURP (Purple Urchin Removal Project) grew directly out of the Seals Watersports fun dive community. Eric Sedletsky, a dedicated diver on our fun dive list, saw the rapid decline of kelp forests due to overpopulated purple sea urchins and organized targeted removal dives. What started small has become a powerful volunteer movement, and Seals Watersports has been there every step with OG members like owner Zeke Cissell and employee Jennifer Kimberley. Seals Watersports proudly supports PURP by promoting these dives, offering gear rentals for volunteers, and participating regularly. Join the effort to help remove overpopulated urchins, create space for bull kelp regrowth, and support healthier reefs and marine biodiversity.
Upcoming Dives & How to Join
Check our Calendar and RSVP here. Come to our free monthly dive briefing at the shop first! It's the best way to get oriented, ask questions, meet fellow divers, and prepare for safe, effective participation. Details (date, time, what to bring) are posted on the calendar – no experience required to attend and learn.
What to Expect
Follow @p.u.r.p._707 on Instagram for the latest calls to action and haul updates.
Check our Calendar and RSVP here. Come to our free monthly dive briefing at the shop first! It's the best way to get oriented, ask questions, meet fellow divers, and prepare for safe, effective participation. Details (date, time, what to bring) are posted on the calendar – no experience required to attend and learn.
Special Perk for PURP Volunteers: Thanks to our partners at Seatrees, scuba divers participating in PURP urchin removal dives receive free air fills (redeemed at Seals Watersports) for the tanks used during these conservation efforts. Just present your voucher from the dive – it's our way of saying thank you for helping restore kelp forests!
What to Expect
- Free to join – bring your own gear (rentals available at Seals Watersports).
- Divers handle their own safety and buddy system.
- Sign our release of liability.
- Recommended: Cold-water acclimation dive if new to Northern California conditions.
- Best for competent divers; urchin handling experience helpful but not mandatory.
Follow @p.u.r.p._707 on Instagram for the latest calls to action and haul updates.
Caspar Beach, Mendocino County, California
Help the Kelp
Caspar Cove is open to culling purple urchins.
With some effort from divers the kelp is starting to return to the cove.
Join the effort and participate.
California’s north coast has been devastated by declines in bull kelp, resulting in part from increases in native purple sea urchin populations. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether in-water purple urchin culling by volunteer divers can support kelp regrowth at Caspar Cove. Results will help managers determine whether in-water purple urchin culling is a useful kelp restoration tool more broadly.
Divers should only target purple urchins. If you need help distinguishing between purple and red urchins, please see the field guide below.
Each individual diver should complete one log entry per dive.
Divers must have a valid recreational fishing license (except on July 4 and Labor Day) https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales
Divers should only target purple urchins. If you need help distinguishing between purple and red urchins, please see the field guide below.
Each individual diver should complete one log entry per dive.
Divers must have a valid recreational fishing license (except on July 4 and Labor Day) https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales
Sign Up For Fun Dive Alerts