Invertebrates of Interest: Abalone

California's coastal waters are home to a multitude of invertebrates (species lacking a bony skeleton). A small fraction of these, including abalone, are actually targeted by California's recreational fisheries. In the following links, visitors can learn more about abalone species identification, biology, habitat, geographic range, fishing methods, and more.

• Abalone Identification Guide
  A guide to identifying California's abalone species
• Abalone Informational Brochure: You Hold Their Future in Your Hands
  Brochure that describes picking methods, regulations, and biology
• Abalone Resources
  A collection of information regarding abalone
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report
  An in-depth status report on the five major species of abalone found in California's ocean waters, with historic landings data
  • Abalone (2001)
  • Abalones (2003)
  • Culture of Abalone (2008)
• Fishery Status Update: Northern California Red Abalone
• Life History Information for Selected California Marine Invertebrates and Plants
• Red Abalone Frequently Asked Questions
• Status Report - Northern California Red Abalone Fishery (2010)
• Tagged Abalone (Van Damme State Park)
• Top 15 Red Abalone Taken in California
• Magazine and Newsletter Articles
  • Abalone and Red Sea Urchins Die During Red Tide in Northern California
    Marine Management News, October 2011
  • Surveying for Abalone: Fish and Game Divers Survey the Ocean Floor for the Diminishing Species
    Outdoor California, May/June 2009
    Feature article about the Invertebrate Management Team's abalone dive surveys
  • 2008's Largest Red Abalone
    Marine Management News, January 2009
  • Abapalooza: The 2006 San Miguel Island Abalone Survey
    Marine Management News, May 2007
  • Withering Syndrome and the Recovery of Southern California Abalones
    Marine Management News, December 2004