Only rain wets these intrepid undersea explorers of Gig Harbor’s waterfront

Fifteen feet deep in bone-cold water, around 40 Gig Harbor children and adults explored all kinds of sea life this Saturday, including tube worms, red rock crabs, leather starfish, and shrimp.

What’s more, they did this all without getting wet. Well, sort of.

It was all happening on a 10-screen, as a scuba diver and an underwater drone relayed a live image of the sea creatures lurking 15 feet under Jerisich Dock.

Harbor Wildwatch hosts Pier into the Night, a free event that takes place the first Saturday of the month.

A light rain fell off and on during the event, but it was the only liquid the crowd had endure.

“We can’t say you always get to stay dry while we do this, but you at least don’t get salty,” said Stena Troyer, the science specialist for Harbor Wildwatch.

Ignoring the patter of rain, watchers were transfixed by the high-definition video screen as the drone probed the water beneath the pier. Every move of the camera brought its own suspense, as no one knew what would next swim into view.

“Woah!” shouted some of the younger viewers as a group of crabs, around 10, were suddenly seen on the live video.

Scuba diver Tom Larson grabbed one of the crabs and held it up to the drone, before gently setting it back down. He then took out his breathing tube from his mouth to playfully stick his tongue out at the camera.

Pier into the Night is one of many winter time programs provided by Harbor Wildwatch, a non-profit organization that reached over 30,000 people within the past year. They are an environmental education organization dedicated to inspiring stewardship for the Puget Sound and greater Salish Sea.

“For a small group of staff we are able to have a pretty big impact in our community,” Troyer said.

This event takes place at 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month, ending in March.

Drone is new

Harbor Wildwatch has held this event for the last five years, although Tom Larson, the scuba diver, said using the underwater drone is a new addition.

Although the drone can explore 15 feet under the dock, having the capability to go 330 feet under water, Larson said the viewers still appreciate a human element to this event.

“People still like to the see the human being down there interacting with the creatures,” Larson said. “Harbor Wildwatch tries to teach about not just the creatures under water, but how us as people can interact with them in a positive way.”

Larson has 45 years of scuba diving experience, has been a volunteer for Harbor Wildwatch the last ten years, and has been a member of the board of directors for the past nine years. He said there is no experience quite like exploring deep within a body of water.

“I love it. It’s completely peaceful,” Larson said. “I know some people have fear of being under water. I have fear of heights, but I have no fear being 130 feet under the water.”

Larson said scuba diving is something people can sometimes see on TV, but getting an close personal look at his gear is a rare opportunity.

“I’ve had people’s in the 90s just as fascinated as the people who are four years old,” Larson said. “It’s just fun.”

The underwater drone, called a Gladius mini, was purchased by Harbor WIldwatch from Chasing, an underwater droneoutfit based in Seattle.

Tony Matesi, the content marketing director for Chasing, said the Gladius mini is only about a foot long, making it very portable.

“It’s remotely operated,” Matesi said. “The user has a remote control and a screen or iPad or phone to see what they are doing. Much like aerial drones, they could navigate up and down, left and right and can move around through the water.”

Matesi said you can put the Gladius mini in any water type, from sea water to fresh water. There is a different buoyancy weight which you swap out depending on which water type the drone will enter.

Better than video games

One teenager who has just as much love for being outdoors as Larson is 13-year-old Key Peninsula middle school student Dylan Shipman. Dylan is a junior naturalist for the Sea Stars and Beyond program, the highest level one can be through this Harbor Wildwatch program.

Dylan said Pier into the Night offers a unique experience every single time, never knowing what you will see on any given day.

“It varies from every different Pier Into The Night and that’s something that’s super unique,” Dylan said. “It’s not pre-set so you never know what you’ll find.”

Through Harbor Wildwatch Dylan has found a love for marine biology and outdoor activities. Although only 13, Dylan is certain he will continue to focus on the educational aspect of the environment.

“I have it all planned out,” said Dylan confidently. “I want to get a doctorate in fisheries biology and want to work at a fish hatchery and possibly do something else with marine biology.”

Many teenagers and children around Dylan’s age would be happy to stay indoors and play video games all day, but Dylan enjoys experiencing the world through a broader scope than a small TV screen.

“If it’s pouring down rain, video games I could give or take, but if I am given the options to play video games or go fishing, swimming, or anything else outside, it’s a no brainer: I’m going outside,” Dylan said.