About
Red abalone.
CDFW photo by Derek Stein.
In November 2022, the California Fish and Game Commission directed the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to transition from developing a fishery management plan for red abalone to a species recovery plan. This change was made in response to the rapid decline of the red abalone population and subsequent closure of the recreational fishery. The goal of the Red Abalone Recovery Plan is to develop a robust, adaptive, climate-ready strategy to support the recovery of the red abalone population to sustainable levels.
Red Abalone Recovery Plan Community Working Group
To develop the plan, CDFW convened a Community Working Group. The group is an informal advisory body that seeks to provide Tribes, stakeholders, and interested members of the public with the opportunity to inform the development of the plan by providing feedback on drafts and sharing community perspectives, priorities, and concerns.
CDFW sought representatives to serve on the Red Abalone Recovery Plan Community Working Group who represent the following sectors:
- California tribes
- Former recreational abalone fishers
- Former commercial abalone fishers
- Abalone conservation
- Aquaculture
- Non-governmental organizations
- Others with interest in red abalone restoration
More information is available in the Red Abalone Recovery Plan Call for Applications (PDF)(opens in new tab). Applications were accepted through April 5, 2024. Questions may be directed to Abalone@wildlife.ca.gov.