The white abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, found between 80 and
200 feet on rocky reefs from Point Conception in California to Punta
Abreojos in Baja California, Mexico. It is list as an endangered
species by the National Marine Fisheries Service. During a survey
conducted by federal and state biologists, fewer than one white
abalone per acre was found, though more have been found in remote
off-shore banks. The USGS Western Ecological Research
Center has captured 9 adult white abalone, and is launching a captive
breeding program. The need to collect 200 abalone for a successful
program.
Recently, a team of university, government, and private biologists
have successfully spawned a few million white abalone on April 23,
2001. The USGS issued a press
release, in addition
to their other information.
blurb@alacosta.org
