Concerned biologists have asked the state Fish and Game Commission to limit abalone harvesting to
two

year. Yesterday´s proposal is the latest effort to boost the abalone population. The number of abalone has continued to decrease despite
restrictions on sport diving and a ban on commercial harvesting. The current limit allows divers to take four mollusks per day and 100 a year. Critics of the
proposal say the biologists´ recommendation is extreme and not entirely justified.

The Fish and Game Commission will hold public hearings on the
matter in San Diego and in Redding. A final decision will be made in December at the commission´s meeting in Long Beach.