This Week on the Central Coast…
CSUMB expanding, sharks sighted in the Monterey Bay, new crab traps could expand the crabbing season, and a unique little pizzeria.
Monterey
New Science and Engineering Facility Being Built at CSUMB
The Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building at CSUMB will be the latest addition to the campus. The building is named after the father of Taylor Farms’ chairman and CEO, Bruce Taylor. Edyward Taylor was a pioneer in the agriculture industry and helped to turn Salinas Valley into what it is today.
The new facility will serve multiple purposes aimed at enhancing learning and research opportunities while strengthening collaboration with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
The Marine Science Program will feature state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative spaces for students and faculty.
The facility will also serve as the home of the new Mechatronics Engineering Program, which will be admitting its first students this fall.
Finally, the new building will house the offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Monterey Bay.
The new facility is expected to open in June 2027.
New Crab Traps Offer Whale-Safe Option
A new kind of crab trap has the potential to expand the crabbing season. The novel products consist of two concentric rings that lay flat on the ocean floor. The pop-up gear submerges the lines and buoys, keeping them out of the way of whales passing by. When fishermen are ready to collect their traps, they use the device to issue a sound signal, which triggers the release of the buoy, lifting the trap and collecting any crabs with it.
Ropeless traps, such as these, are very important to the overall health of our marine ecosystem. Regular traps use long lines to connect the buoy to the traps, allowing fishermen to see where they left them. The new traps are developed by Sub Sea Sonics and Ropeless Systems. The companies have been conducting extensive testing trials in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.
Santa Cruz
Sharks Sighted in Monterey Bay
Wildlife photographer Eric Mailander recorded at least ten white sharks in the Monterey Bay. This type of shark is common in the shallow areas around Seacliff State Beach and Capitola. Mailander spied the sharks, along with groups of bottlenose dolphins, with the help of a drone.
This area is known for its shark activity, especially around this time of year, earning it the nickname of Shark Park. June to September generally sees an increase in sharks due to the warmer weather. Younger sharks return to the area to feed on juvenile sea lions.
Monterey Bay is home to many different sharks, such as sevengill, leopard, and Pacific angel sharks.
Ozzy’s Pizzeria Serving Creative Pies in Watsonville
Ozzy’s Pizzeria, located on East Lake Avenue in Watsonville, is known for using high quality local ingredients to make its pies. Their menu features the usual suspects, like pepperoni and margherita, but also includes more unique creations. The Leah Lynn is a spicy combination of pickled peppers and ricotta while the Walter is a hearty mix of bacon, roasted potatoes, and shaved garlic.
Ozzy’s success is no fluke. Owner Tim Silva started his pizza journey with the legendary Pizza My Heart, eventually becoming part owner. Having his own pizzeria (named after his grandson Osmo) gives him the freedom to experiment with unique flavors and ideas. These imaginative combinations and an insistence to feature local and organic ingredients are what set Ozzy’s apart from the many other pizza options in the area.