The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is seeking applicants for an advisory group to help design a potential limited abalone fishery at San Miguel Island. The San Miguel Island Abalone Fishery Advisory Group will assist resource managers in considering a limited abalone fishery, which would be the first in Southern California since 1997. A total of 10 advisory group members will be selected by the Fish and Game Commission and will work on a voluntary basis until July 2007.

The Abalone Recovery and Management Plan (ARMP) adopted by the Fish and Game Commission in December 2005 calls for the state to consider opening limited recreational and commercial abalone fisheries in waters now closed to fishing, beginning with San Miguel Island.

The role of the Abalone Advisory Group will be to provide fishery recommendations to DFG resource managers for consideration and to develop a reasonable range of alternatives that achieve the management goals of the ARMP.

Currently, abalone fishing in California is only legal for sport take in waters north of San Francisco. California has banned all abalone harvest south of San Francisco since 1997.

Applications must be submitted by the final filing date of April 28, 2006. Information on the advisory group's role, the criteria for selection, and how to apply for a position can be found on the Web at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/abaloneadvisorygroup.html.

Submit applications to:

Patrick Coulston, ?ĮCalifornia Dept. of Fish and Game?Į20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite No. 100?ĮMonterey, CA 93940?Į831-649-7193?Į831-649-2894 (fax)?ĮPCoulston@dfg.ca.gov