In Reply to: 11 face abalone poaching charges posted by . on June 29, 2009 at 11:31:00:

I totally support the work of DFG, and glad this information gets out into the dive community. The ONLY reason we can still dive for abs is because of careful management of the fishery, and strictly enforcing the laws we have to maintain the population of abs.

I know they can confiscate not only the diver's gear, but even their boat if they were diving out of it when they were poaching or breaking the rules. I'd love to have this publicized more as well as a deterrent.

And just to be safe, as law-abiding divers, make sure you have everything in order (your license, punch card, measuring gauges, etc) when you get to the beach, before hitting the water. It can be easy to forget one in the car (or worse, at home).

Dive safe.