Besides the nice weather, clean air and wonderful people, the main reason why we chose to live in the Semiahmoo Peninsula was to be close to the beach. Unlike most people who only visit the shoreline on nice warm sunny days, I believe that any day can be a beach day, even during stormy or inclement weather. In the winter, when we do get sunshine we head to the beach with a Silvacool tarp that blocks the wind but also reflects the sun's rays plus that shining off the water. It might be hard to believe but today we spent four hours basking in the sunshine with temperatures between 20 and 24 celcius. It's always fun to see the look on people's faces as they walk by wearing parkas, toques and gloves while we are sitting in our lawn chairs getting a pre-holiday tan in January.
As it got close to sunset we packed up our gear and made the way towards Crescent Beach. Walking along the rocks near the high tide mark, I literally stumbled upon a very bizarre looking fish. Nothing about it was normal, in fact it looked like it had possibly been put together with parts of many different sea creatures. It had two very large eyes on the top side of its almost rat shaped head that included a meaty appendage on what would best be described as its forehead. The pectoral fins plus rear fins were extremely large for the size of the body, making me wonder if it was some form of flying fish. Instead of a conventional fish tail, the back end of this beast tapered off almost like what you would see in a ray. This creature did not have scales either but had a brown skin with hues of gold and spots of silver with a bluish hue. Whatever it was, I knew it was strange, something I'd never seen and it looked almost prehistoric. After snapping a few photos, I bagged and tagged my find and took it home for more inspection.
It took a while of internet sleuthing before I discovered that the fish I had found was none other than the spotted ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei). It is from the family of fish named "Chimaeras" for the beast from Greek mythology that is made up from parts of many species. The common name comes from the beautiful spots that run in rows down its sides and the rodent looking head and mouth, with the latin name translating to "water rabbit." This creature is not a bony fish but is instead related to skates, rays and sharks that are cartilaginous fishes. If the spotted ratfish looks prehistoric, there is a good reason for this as scientists have determined rays and sharks separated from other similar species 400 million years ago. To put this in perspective, dinosaurs began to roam the earth some 240 million years ago. The oldest Chimaera fossil specimen is a skull carbon dated to 280 million years ago. The spotted ratfish may look odd but it has stood the test of time and has survived when many other species have long since vanished. While some people may call the ratfish ugly, there is a certain beauty to this prehistoric fish.
The spotted ratfish possesses some rather unique attributes that sets it apart from anything else swimming off the coast of B.C. They have specialized pores in their heads that can detect electrical fields of other creatures, even in low light or reduced visibility. Its massive eyes allow it to see in near darkness with them usually foraging for prey at night. With strong grinding teeth and high jaw strength, ratfish are able to crunch through crabs, sea urchins, snails, clams, shrimp and crustaceans. You would not want to step on one as they have a spine on their dorsal fin connected to a venom gland to ward off predators like Humboldt squid, sharks and seals. Spotted ratfish move through the water using their undulating pectoral fins much like a ray, with their tail providing balance and direction. Female ratfish reproduce by laying single eggs in leathery cases that are known as mermaid's purses, which sink to the ocean floor for a 9-12 month gestation period. The strange fleshy protrusion on the head of the male ratfish is known as a frontal tenaculum and instead of acting as a lure, it is specially designed to attach to a female's dorsal fin during mating.
Having never seen a spotted ratfish I assumed that they were rare or possibly endangered but this is not the case. They range from Alaska in the north down to the Baja California peninsula in Mexico in depths from murky shallows to 1,000 metres deep. Although it is difficult to measure, it's believed that these rat fish live an average of 18 years. There has been commercial fishing of this species targeting it for its high quality liver oil used to lubricate machinery and guns during WW2. It is not currently being commercially targeted but it is often harvested as a bycatch by groundfish trawlers. In B.C. the annual catch of spotted ratfish averages over 500 tonnes, making it the fourth highest accidentally caught species in the trawling fishery. Due to their slow growth, long time till sexual maturity, low reproductive rates and breeding grouping, the spotted ratfish may be vulnerable to high depletion. Unfortunately, with a lack of scientific knowledge on the spotted ratfish's age, growth, reproduction rates and mortality, it is unclear what impact bycatch fishing is having on their overall population.
For more detailed information on the only Chimaera living off the coast of B.C., check out the following websites.
You’re invited to provide feedback on the City of White Rock’s draft 2025 - 2029 Financial Plan. Until January 30, 2025, review and comment on the plan at https://www.talkwhiterock.ca/2025financialplan
The draft 2025 – 2029 Consolidated Financial Plan recommends an average property tax increase of 4.94%. This equates to an average property tax increase of $221 for an average single-family household, and an average increase of $86 for an average multi-family, or strata household.
When combined with utility increases, an average single-family would expect to see an average combined increase of $518, or 7.90%. For an average multi-family, or strata unit, the expected average combined increase is $282, or 11.10%.
The Draft Financial Plan prioritizes community needs, elevates service delivery, and supports Council’s strategic focus across six essential domains:
January 06, 2025
Running The Border
Yesterday morning (Sunday) around 8:45 a.m. an individual driving a pick up truck roared through the Pacific Truck crossing without stopping. Surrey RCMP were alerted and the chase began.
The truck eventually was seen in the area of the King George Highway and 64th avenue. The vehicle was being driven at a high rate of speed and very erratically. The vehicle was stopped and the male driver was taken into custody without. It was later discovered the vehicle was stole in Blaine.
January 04, 2025
Houston..Do We Have A Problem?
A visitor to White Rock decided to take advantage of the accessibility mat the city recently installed on Canada's Longest Pier.
His experience was less than perfect. The city is looking into the matter. Local accessibility advocate SUSAN BAINS who was instrumental in the installation of the mat, will work with the city to resolve the matter.
A House Divided
(Councillors l-r Chesney/Trevelyan/Klassen)
ALEX BROWNE the reporter for the Peace Arch News is one of the most senior reporters at a community newspaper in the Lower Mainland. He has seen it all.
His years of watching and reporting on council meetings has no comparison. In his year end review BROWNE who has watched more White Rock council meetings other than in most cases the council themselves, has clearly identified there is a split occurring at White Rock council.
The next two years will bring a number of issues that will continue to clearly indicate where councillors stand on issues like future densification development, a new city hall and whether of not BILL 47 will apply to White Rock.
Hundreds of hardy souls took the plunge into Semiahmoo Bay to shake off 2024 and to herald the start of a new year/2025
Master of Ceremonies SCOTT HAROLD hosted a fun prize giveaway for swimmers that celebrated the day in full costume. SCOTT also welcomed 86 year old local resident DIANE LYNCH who added another dip to her record swim.
Over 2,00 swimmers took part in the White Rock swim, the Vancouver English Bay swim in it's 105 year tallied over 20,000 swimmers.
A Different Perspective
Taken from my kayak by me:
Limor Friedman - PIKA member ( pacific international kayak association)
January 02, 2025
Bright Walk in White Rock Lights Up the Waterfront
From now until January 12, 2025, Memorial Park along White Rock’s beautiful waterfront will be transformed into a dazzling display of holiday lights, offering a magical evening for all ages.
This free, light-filled event invites you to take a festive stroll by the sea, with stunning displays that include a majestic 20-foot Christmas tree and over 50,000 twinkling lights illuminating the promenade. The iconic White Rock Pier will be aglow with holiday colours each night, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for the season.
Bright Walk in White Rock continues through January 12, 2025, giving you plenty of time to visit and soak in the holiday ambiance. Complete your holiday experience with a hot chocolate from one of White Rock’s cozy coffee shops before strolling down to the waterfront. Many local restaurants offer heated, covered patios, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the lights and the scenic Semiahmoo Bay and historic pier.
The lights will sparkle from dusk till dawn on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays.
January 01, 2024
Boxing on Boxing Day
The White Rock RCMP is still looking for a suspect related to an assault at a warming shelter on Boxing Day after a wrongly-suspected man was arrested near Centennial Park.
Mounties say an assault at a local warming shelter was reported on Thursday, Dec. 26. Shortly after, officers reportedly approached a man in the area who matched the suspect’s description and “presented a five-foot metal bar in a threatening manner” when confronted.
“Members conducted a high risk arrest on the male and he was taken into custody without further incident,” police said.
But the RCMP’s investigation revealed that the man was not involved in the reported assault, and he was released with out charge pending further investigation.
The assault victim reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated by paramedics.
“Both investigations are currently ongoing,” Mounties said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the White Rock RCMP.
What a year it is shaping up to be, talk about starting with a BANG.
First our Prime Minister resigns and then the President of the United States ponders annexing Canada and making us the 51st state in America.
Is it possible things could get any worse?
One only has to digest the recent article written by reporter ALEX BROWNE on the machinations of the current city council here in White Rock. The lines have been drawn but to date Mayor Knights unofficial coalition of council members have thought they were hiding in the shadows. Far from ALEX BROWNE to be the only one that noticed there clearly are two factions that make up White Rock council.
A policeman knocked on my door this morning, but I just locked it and sat there in complete silence.
After 20 seconds he knocked again, but I just continued to ignore it.
The knocks got louder and more frequent but I was determined not to move in the hope that he would just go away.
Then he decided to look through the window. He shouted, "Do you think I'm stupid? I can see you in there, sir. Open the door." I said, "You're not coming in mate!"
He said, "I don't want to come in, I just want you to step out of the car."
Thought For The Day
Community Events
In The Community
Ashberry and Logan flowers is now hosting a White Rock Pantry collection box for people to drop off non perishable food and toiletries for the Pantry project here in White Rock
The White Rock Pantry is free for individuals and families with food insecurities.
The box is at Ashberry and Logan Flowers located at 1375 Johnston Road in White Rock. All items collected will be transferred to the Pantry Project location at Johnston and Russell
Thank you to Ernie for hosting the box and thank you in advance to all for contributing to the Pantry Project.
White Rock residents parking decals can be purchased in person at White Rock City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or online at https://tinyurl.com/yppn6bcw.
You will need to provide a valid British Columbia driver's licence and current owner's certificate of insurance and vehicle licence. Both documents must show your current White Rock address.
