Black Abalone habitat assessment

The black abalone Haliotis cracherodii was once an abundant intertidal species that was commonly found in the rocky intertidal zones throughout California. Due to overfishing and a fatal disease called Withering Syndrome, the black abalone is currently federally listed as endangered and considered locally extinct through southern California. In order to recover black abalone populations in southern California, intervention and restoration must be conducted to facilitate the base population of this species. Habitat quantity and quality, food availability, and natural and anthropogenic threats are important characteristics to consider in order to successfully recover black abalone population. However, current habitat assessment protocols primarily take into account the geomorphology of black abalone habitat. Here we provide a habitat assessment that considers habitat quantity and quality, food availability, and natural and anthropogenic threats for select rocky intertidal areas in Orange County, California. This assessment was then used to recommend potential black abalone restoration locations in Orange County. Shaw’s Cove and Moss Cove contained the most positive habitat characteristics required for black abalone restoration. Our habitat assessment can be used to determine locations in southern California that have the highest potential to sustain black abalone populations such that when restoration occurs in the future, individuals are outplanted to areas that provide essential habitat characteristics needed for successful black abalone recovery.