Why Is It So Difficult to Catch Abalone Poachers?

January 3, 2013

Question: As an avid abalone diver, it is disturbing to see all of the poaching going on. It is also disturbing that when the poachers are caught, they have such large numbers of abalone. Why do the wardens observe individuals poaching tens to hundreds of abalone over limit before making an arrest? We have read so many stories about time periods passing with observation before action is taken. Is it something about the law that requires such blatant damage before an arrest is justified? Is there a promotion incentive for taking down an especially large poaching ring? I dislike even asking a question this way, but along with applauding the department’s efforts, I am often left with this very question. Please do discuss this. For one person who may ask you this out loud, there must be many thinking it. Thank you. (Peter A. Wolf)

Answer: You ask some good questions. One of the greatest challenges of abalone enforcement is the task of separating poachers from the vast majority of honest abalone divers.

According to Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Lt. Patrick Foy, one of the primary ways wardens make a case is to contact divers after they exit the water. Contacting a diver in the water is not generally effective, especially on low tide days where there are hundreds, if not thousands, of abalone divers out. Poachers often try to blend into the mix of honest abalone divers and try to look just like everyone else to avoid unwanted attention. Other times divers use SCUBA to harvest their catch, further reducing the ability of wardens to make contact in the water. Whenever possible, evidence abalone are returned to the water. We use DFW certified divers to accomplish the task, or we work with State Parks rangers and lifeguards.

The question wardens are frequently asked by honest abalone divers is, “What can I do to help?” The best action you can take is to be patient with abalone report cards and fill them out properly. Report cards are an excellent tool to help us differentiate between poachers and divers. Other than that, be aware of divers engaged in suspicious activity such as making multiple trips to their vehicle, stashing bags of abalone or gear along the beach, harvesting abalone for other people and giving it to them, etc. Report suspicious activity and suspect information such as physical descriptions, vehicle descriptions and license plates, etc. to CalTIP at 888-334-2258.