Why are air tanks illegal when diving for abalone?

In California, scuba diving for abalone is strictly prohibited in order to give the abalone any chance of survival. read more

In California, scuba diving for abalone is strictly prohibited in order to give the abalone any chance of survival. They move slowly, they reproduce slowly, and they're delicious, which makes them a perfect candidate for total elimination from the habitat, unless significant steps are taken to prevent it. read more

Concern grew as the red abalone population plummeted through the 1970s and 1980s. California took serious action in the 1990s, banning all commercial operations and declaring that sport diving (unassisted by air tanks, with no reselling allowed) could take place only north of the Golden Gate Bridge. read more