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
Abalone tagging problem
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