Three Men have been arrested following a three week investigation of what state Fish and Game agents called a Marin-based abalone poaching ring.

Agents said they watched as the trio made daily trips to Reef Terrace north of Jenner in Sonoma County, plucking at least four abalone each - the legal limit - then selling the shellfish for the black market price of $50.00 each.

While it is legal to harvest four abalone for personal concumption, selling sport-caught abalone is illegal.

Vu Truoung, 34, Bich Tran, 29, and Tung Duong, 24, all of San Rafael, were arrested Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to harvest abalone for commercial sale, and possession of abalone taken in violation of the law.

Agent Kathy Ponting said violators face fines of up to $40,000 nd a year in jail. She estimated more than 250,000 abalone are taken illegally each year. The case will be tried in Marin County.