Fort Ross, California, April 21, 2007— Wet suit-clad divers hunt for abalone in the turbulent waters off Fort Ross, California. Abalone hunting can be dangerous business, and four divers have drown while pursuing the mollusks this month.

Divers will often rappel down steep cliffs, brave heavy surf, and dive deep with only a snorkel in search of abalone. Seen as a delicacy, particularly in Asian cuisine, the seafood can sometimes fetch up to a hundred U.S. dollars each.

Authorities blame the recent deaths on a change in tides and high winds, which have roiled the surf and made diving conditions treacherous.

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