Get Involved

With the state's budgetary constraints, we have stretched the capacity of many of our state employees to do their jobs. This is true for our local game wardens, who are asked to cover enormous territory and tirelessly watch countless individuals fishing our waters. MAW believes that citizens can help quite directly by being a presence on the coast and sending the message that we all need to play by the rules.

MAW volunteers "patrol" in teams of two or three, using one or many vehicles, depending on the circumstances. High visibility is a keystone of the organization. We want divers and the public to immediately see and identify our volunteers and notice what they are doing. This can both reinforce law-abiding behavior and discourage poachers. The actual "nabbing" of law violators we mostly leave to the wardens.

Our "tools of the trade" do not include weapons, mace, or handcuffs. MAW volunteers are "armed" with diplomacy, information/guidance (oral and written), patient and thorough observational skills, as well as binoculars, cameras, walkie-talkies, and first aid kits. We are ambassadors of good will, seeking to foster support for our abalone regulations and a thorough understanding of why those regulations exist.

In almost every case, meeting with the public is an enjoyable and useful experience. People generally like to see us involved in making the rules apply to everybody fairly. Law-abiding divers express their appreciation because they are sensitive to resource depletion and want abalone fishing for their lifetime and that of their children.

There is no professional administrative staff for MAW. Thus, volunteer commitment and follow-through is essential to keep the organization functioning – volunteers who will sign up and show up, without reminders. Volunteers have created an enjoyable network of individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests.

MAW has an email list for contacting members and a centralized activity calendar on the website. Each volunteer receives a Handbook to study and then is accompanied on an initial "patrol" by an experienced volunteer as part of the training program.

MAW presently patrols in two sectors that together span from the Navarro River to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Most volunteers chose to purchase their own jacket and cap but there are supplies for sharing, including binoculars and recording equipment.

Come and help out. YOU will make a difference. And you will enjoy the experience.