Abalone

[english dave]

Hi,
I am trying to find out some more information about what caused the collapse of Abalone stocks in Southern California. I know the fairly unregulated commercial fishery was probably the main reason, but I am sure I read somewhere there was a disease component too? Any info on when the main changes in regulation happened, commercial vs recreational take etc would also be really useful
The reason I am asking, is here in Cornwall in the UK we are potentially facing some draconian restrictions on diver take of scallops (pecten maximus, a different species to your rock scallops, ours live on sand and gravel rather than attached to rocks). The justification being used is that "divers were responsible for the collapse of abalone stocks in California" I am sure that is just part of the story, and need as much information as possible

cheers
dave
www.spearo.co.uk

[rojodiablo]

Dave, overharvesting by commercial interest did a real number on our red, pink, green and white abalone. We had a disease known as withering foot disease which is still around in some occurances. It mostly affected our green and black abalone. Black abalone were not heavily targeted as a food source like greens and pinks in Southern California. They are recovering, but progress is slow.

[ocean_314]

Commercial fishermen have a attitude to take everything they can before they are shut down. The devastation that they leave to the oceans is a crime. They almost wiped out the rockfish a few years ago in Northern Ca. Now, thanks to a reactive DFG who waits until the targeted species is almost wiped out before they do anything, we have restricted rockfish seasons. Same story with the S cal abalone.

[Seacidal]

Dave,
I have a rather extensive library on the fishery and its demise, going back to the early 1900s. You're welcome to contact me.
Chip Bissell
Seacidal at yahoo dot com