Lonely abalone? SeaDoc-supported study finds them fewer and far between


November 25, 2011 · 11:06 AM

SeaDoc-supported research about Northern Abalone was recently published in the journal, "Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

Study authors L. Rogers-Bennett and collaborators did dive surveys in 2005 to determine the best habitats for restoration of Northern Abalone. They found that the best habitat was kelp beds with abundant encrusting coralline algae.

SeaDoc says on its website that in 1979 a similar study was undertaken in San Juan Channel. On those dives, researchers found 224 abalone, compared to just 17 found in 2005 - and they found the abalone in less time.

"In 1979 it took an average of two minutes and eight seconds to find each abalone," the website explains. "In 2005, it was 40 minutes and 49 seconds per abalone."

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.