Abalone Biology: Species Found on California Coastline
There are seven different species of abalone whose ranges include portions of the California coastline. These are Pink, Black, Green, Pinto, Red, White, and Flat abalone. The common name of the abalone often comes from a description of their shell. For example, black abalone has a dark blue to black colored shell. Abalone occur from the intertidal zone close to shore to depths of 200 feet for some species.
All species of abalone are herbivores, preferring to snack on a variety of kelps and algae. They use their radula, a tongue like structure, to scrap and pick up the algae off the substrate and bring it up to their mouths where they ingest it.
While the numbers of abalone in California have decreased substantially in the last century, White abalone is currently the only species to be listed as an endangered species. Black abalone is up for consideration to be listed, but has not yet been approved.
Abalone Fishery: Regulations on and Methods of Abalone Fisherman
While there is currently no commercial fishery for abalone in California, an active recreational fishery still persists in parts of the state.
Controlled very tightly by the California Department of Fish and Game, abalone are only allowed to be taken north of a regulation line drawn through the middle of San Francisco Bay in Northern California. Methods of take are restricted to "breath-hold" procedures. For most this means free-diving from the surface to pry abalone off the rocks. Use of scuba systems is strictly prohibited.
A typical abalone season lasts from March through November. During this time abalone fisherman are only allowed to take a total of 6 abalone per season.
Abalone Conservation: Protecting the Existing Populations
While recreational fisherman can enjoy a freshly caught wild abalone, not everyone has access to that resource. To satisfy the demand for abalone meat in the world market, aquaculture has stepped up to fill the role of supplier.
In 2007, the major producers of abalone meat and seed included China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Australia. Currently there are 13 abalone farms on the coast of California.
While abalone farms play a key role in supplying the demand for meat, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are important in providing space for populations of wild abalone to bounce back. MPAs protect populations from fishing, allowing individuals to grow bigger, leading to better reproduction rates and bolstered populations.
Because of the limitation on the area that abalone can be taken from in California, almost the entire coast is one big marine reserve. It's because of this protective measure that once decimated populations are beginning to show signs of recovery.
Esther Eder - Born and raised in Salem, Oregon, Esther graduated from Oregon State University in the spring of 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in ...
