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.”