Tyler Rock

Description

Tyler Rock reveived it's fame for it's six gill shark population that would frequent the rock in the July months. Starting around the mid to late July, anywhere from 0 to a half dozen large six gill sharks would come up from the deeps and spend their summers lazingly hanging out at the rock. Of course, this made for a perfect place for divers to enjoy these wonderful sharks! As we found out on this particular trip to Tyler Rock, apparently the Canadian Dept. of Fisheries decided to do a tagging study on these sharks a couple of years ago. To date, the sharks have not returned to Tyler Rock. It is feared that the tagging study probably ended up killing the sharks.

If you manage to dive Tyler Rock, you will find large flat cobbly areas in approx 80 feet of water that are just *perfect* had six gills actually been there. While diving this particular site, expect to see lingcod, cabezon, dogfish, ratfish, wolfeels, octopus and maybe, just maybe a six gill!

The picture of the diver with the six gill is being used without permission from the original author, Ron Akeson and Adventure's Down Under in Bellingham, WA. I have asked them for permission to use this picture, but as of today, I have not actually recieved confirmation. At the slightest hint that I'm making somebody angry, or have not cited enough credits for the picture, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Location

Directions from Seattle donated by Jeff Rosenfeld (jeffrose@cks.ssd.k12.wa.us)

Basically, you take I-5 to the border. I-5 then turns into Canadian Highway 1. You take it for about 10-15 miles, excuse me 20km (you're in Canada now...) and get off at the exit for the Tsawassen Ferry. I think it's exit 20, but just follow the signs to the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal. Check out their page at http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/index.html for schedules, rates, and other info.

You'll want to take the Ferry to Namaimo (Duke Point Ferry Terminal). It's a 2 hour crossing. You'll want to arrive at least 30-45 minutes early.

Once you are off the Tswwassen to Duke Ferry, follow the signage that takes you to Campbell River. Highway 19. Do not turn into Parksville....stay on the highway. There will be a sign that says "Port Alberni". This will take you on an off ramp and you will soon be on a two lane highway only. Follow the road past Cameron Lake, MacMillan's Catherdral Grove and up and over the mountain and in to Port Alberni. Follow the sign that says "Port Alberni and Bamfield".

Comments

The entire goal of this recent trip to Barkley Sound was to see the elusive six gill shark. It was very disappointing to hear that the many sharks that once frequented this rock have never been seen again. Even though no six gills were spotted, I did manage to play with a wolf eel, and see a plethora of fish. In all, it's a nice dive, but would be a lot better with some large six gill sharks! This site get's a one Thumb Up on the Diving the Northwest Barkley Sound Scale.