Tagging Abalone Without Holes

June 21, 2012

Question: I was wondering what to do in this situation. Both a friend and I took
abalone with no holes in the shell; thus, no place to attach the tags. Regulation 29.16(3) specifically states that the tag shall be securely fastened to the shell of the abalone. We were fortunate in that there was enough algae growth on the shells where we could attach our tags, but this method didn’t seem very secure. Did we do this right? What should we have done if there was nothing growing on the shell? (Bill L.)

Answer: This is unusual but we do see it once in awhile. DFG Lt. Dennis McKiver suggests doing whatever it takes to attach the tag,like you did. You could punch a hole in the foot with a knife or scissors and then attach the tag directly to the foot. Since there are no holes in the shell, the game wardens will most likely understand you’re trying your best to tag your abalone.

Thanks Howard for following up with this Ab tagging regulation.