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Sonoma County Abalone Network
P.O.Box 3801 Santa Rosa, CA 95402 June 11, 2004 Honorable David Nelson Honorable David Nelson: The Sonoma County Abalone Network (S.C.A.N.) was formed in 1995 for the sole purpose of protecting the Abalone resource. During the 90's poaching abalone was rampant on the North Coast, with literally tons of abalone being taken illegally. Public outcry has led to aggressive prosecution, and the court system has handed down tough but just sentences. Large scale poaching has been reduced somewhat, however abalone poaching still remains as a major threat to this unique California resource. During the past several years the department of fish and game has given abalone management high priority. A state mandated Abalone Recovery and Management Plan, (A.R.M.P.) has been drafted and will soon go before the fish and game commission for adoption. A significant investment has been made and continues to be made by CDFG on Abalone management. Poaching is a major negative factor in the management of this resource. The abalone taken by urchin divers Kurt Ward and Joshua Holt were taken at a depth of fifty feet, they were mature animals and at that depth protected from the sport (breath hold) divers. This deep habitat is known as a depth refuge and contains the spawning stocks that replenish the shallow water fishery. The taking of 468 abalone is not a victimless crime, it is a major theft of a unique California resource, and will have a long-term effect on recruitment of the species in the area where the theft occurred. The Sonoma County Abalone Network and law abiding California sport divers urge that these two individuals receive the maximum sentence allowed by law. Sincerely,
cc: Norman Vroman, Mendocino County District Attorney |