My name is Marc Lloyd, I am an abalone diver, and have been for the past fifteen years. Every time I read an article in the Press Democrat, I feel I have to write, and voice my opinion. Once again I am reading that one of the reasons you feel the abalone population is declining is because of "abalone poachers". Yet you are going after the "sport diver". Will this solve the problem? The only thing that this will do will leave more abalone for the poacher. Sport divers buy their fishing lisence, buy their abalone tag, and do everything legal, and these are the guys that will be affected. Like I said, I have been diving for fifteen years, and have never taken an illegal abalone, and your'e coming after me. The problem will not be solved this way. I have not been checked for three years, and I dive a lot. I walked right by a ranger in June with all my gear, and I don't even think he notced me. The article in the press this week stated, "Authorities blame both disease and poaching for the diminishing number of red abalone". No where did it mention sport diving for the decline. An article a couple months ago said that the population at thirty plus feet is decling. I don't know any free diver that has ever gotten an abalone at thirty feet. Could it be poachers with scuba gear? And the issue of "diseased abalone". Weren't those diseased abalone released from a lab? Who's fault is that? I am as concerned with the decline as much as anyone, and if I felt cutting the limit in half with solve the problem, I would be behind it 100%. Bit it will not solve the problem. The fact that I have seen no difference in the number of times I have been checked since the legal diver has been forced to buy an abalone tag is disturbing enough. In fact I have seen no difference in anything since then, exceot for a bunch of brand new Ranger trucks. I would not mind one bit about the tag, or the punch card if I knew where that money is going. As I stated, I would not be against the limit being cut, if it would help. This will only help the poacher. He will be able to get his 100 abalone faster, and make a quicker get away. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion. I would love to voice mine. Is there a way that I can be notified of upcoming public hearings, and, or meetings. Maybe I could read my letter, so I could feel that I have been heard. Thank you so much for your time. Reagards, Marc MARCLLOYD@msn.com