This past January, SB463, also known as the Abalone Bill, went into effect. The bill (Thompson, St. Helena) was signed into law by Governor Pete Wilson in October of 1997. 

  The new law closed both the recreational and commercial harvesting of all species of abalone from state waters south of San Francisco. That moratorium will remain in effect for an indefinite period of time.  It may only be lifted by the Fish and Game Commission following completion and acceptance of a detailed Abalone Recovery and Management Plan prepared by the Department of Fish and Game. The Fish and Game Commission may consider reopening some or all of the fishery south of San Francisco only if the Abalone Recovery and Management Plan includes specific scientific criteria for lifting the moratorium. The Department is currently working on an Abalone Recovery and Management Plan; commercial harvesting of abalone north of San Francisco currently remains closed by statute. 

  Recreational harvesters north of San Francisco are required by the new law to purchase a $12 Abalone Stamp in addition to their regular fishing license. Money generated by the sales of Abalone Stamps will combine with 1/2 of all fines levied for recreational abalone citations and deposited in the Abalone Restoration and Preservation Account. Funds from this account are  used only for the Recreational Abalone Management Program. Organizations of the recreational dive community that supported the passage of SB463 are particularly pleased with the Abalone Stamp. For the first time, dedicated  funding will be available to support critical research and law enforcement activities focused on a highly valued recreational resource.  Additionally, sales of the Abalone Stamp will establish exactly how many are utilizing this resource. 

  The recreational abalone harvesting community will oversee the funds generated by the Abalone Stamp through the Recreational Abalone Advisory Committee (RAAC). Comprised of six active participants in the recreational fishery, (two from  northern California, two from central California and two from southern California), two marine scientists, and a game warden, the RAAC will meet at least once each year to review use of the Abalone Stamp funds and to make recommendations to the Director of Fish and Game. Appointees to the committee, as well as interested individuals, will use the committee process to keep track of how Abalone Stamp monies are used. Presuming good faith decisions by all involved, the future promises some exciting changes in the way California will manage one of its more valuable marine resources.