Abalone tagging problem
 

We have this critter on the west coast called abalone. Essentially it's a large marine snail but easily the best thing I have ever tasted. There is no commercial fishery for them in CA any more. 15+ years ago my dad saw abalone "steaks" at the big fish market in Los Angeles. Back then they were $60 per pound with a 5 pound minimum purchase. We can still dive for these in northern California but it is a free diving sport fishery only. No tanks and a "punch card" that limits you to 3 per day and 24 per year. Needless to say there is a robust poaching industry. In an effort to make it harder for poachers, California Dept. of Fish and Game this year requires that each abalone have a numbered tag zip-tied to it. In their infinite wisdom... they issued paper tags. This video was taken by one of the guys from my local fishing forum a few days ago. I sent it on to the head biologist for Cal DF&G with a suggestion for improved tagging material.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhVm3y8dJgU

I don't see any problem.

Here in NC, oysters have to have a tag on the bag they are in stating when and where they were harvested. I've never seen one that you could read cause they have to be tagged before they are transported anywhere so the guys putting them on are covered with muck.