Publication Date
2026
College
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Department
Wildlife
Document Type
Poster
Description
Abalone populations in Northern California have declined due to overharvesting and environmental stressors. This study examines how marine protection, depth, and microhabitat exposure influence abalone size and abundance. Using scuba-based transect surveys, we compare populations inside a Marine Conservation Area and a nearby unprotected site. We predict larger and more abundant abalone in protected areas and in sheltered microhabitats. This research helps evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas in supporting recovery of this ecologically and economically important species.
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