NOTE: A few months ago I met a very wonderful woman here on POF. We communicated very well. I had hoped we might develop a long-term relationship, but my "distance" out here on Catalina proved to be too much for her. It is certainly something that has to be considered by any potential future partner. I do travel to the mainland regularly, but hope you would enjoy coming to Catalina on occasion!

I am a research marine biologist and underwater videographer. My research focuses on the giant kelp forests of southern California and the factors that ensure their health. I produce a local cable TV show on SoCal marine life ("Dive Dry with Dr. Bill"), also seen in certain mainland cable TV markets, and am working on a second show ("Munching and Mating in the Macrocystis (Giant Kelp)"). I also write a weekly column on the subject, also titled "Dive Dry with Dr. Bill."

SCUBA diving is a major part of my lifestyle... and "work." I do as many as 300-350 dives a year both here in SoCal and in far-off places around the globe (hoping to go to South America and Africa next). Diving is one of my passions, and I believe in the words of mythologist Joseph Campbell: "follow your bliss."

I live and work on beautiful Catalina Island off Los Angeles. It has been my home for many years and offers so many things I enjoy: diving, kayaking, hiking, etc.

Although I have entered "the new 40's," my age is most often guessed in the mid 40's. I guess it comes from my energy level, joy of living, and frequent salt water immersion!

As my headline says, I'm really looking for a woman who already loves to SCUBA dive... for whom it is a passion. Otherwise you would be a diving "widow" which is even worse than a football widow (since I may dive all day Sat and Sun). A woman with a strong interest in marine biology could qualify... and one with better business sense than I have... However, I realize mermaids are few and far between (most often seen when one is narc'ed underwater) so a woman with her own independent interests, but who wants to share our mutual passions, would also be a good fit. I'm not totally one dimensional... quite the contrary!

I'm interested in a mature woman. That generally means someone at least 38 years old, but preferably one at least in her 40's. I want to be with someone who has had significant life experiences, and learned from them, and is able to talk on a wide variety of topics largely derived from those experiences. For the young 'uns, I'm old enough to be your daddy, but not rich enough to be your sugar daddy!

If you list "shopping" as one of your main interests, then it is most likely I have little interest in you. Shopping is a means to an end... like getting a great new wetsuit or underwater video camera!

Of course SCUBA diving would be a great first date, but I enjoy a chance to really talk and get to know someone. A quiet (but public) place to talk is much preferred for an initial encounter than loud restaurants, movies and other venues which do not provide a chance to actually hear what the other person is saying. A walk along the beach would be nice, but if you know Avalon, you know our beaches are not suited for LONG walks!