What types of abalone found in the Channel Islands?

There are six species of abalone found in the Channel Islands:

* Red Abalone (_Haliotis rufescens_)

* Green Abalone (_Haliotis fulgens_)

* Pink Abalone (_Haliotis corrugata_)

* Black Abalone (_Haliotis cracherodii_)

* White Abalone (_Haliotis sorenseni_)

* Flat Abalone (_Haliotis walallensis_)

Black Abalone

As noted, the black abalone (_Haliotis cracherodii_) is the most vulnerable abalone species in the region, and is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. Once once an abundant species in southern California and the Channel Islands, it has experienced population declines of over 99 percent throughout its range. Historically, the black abalone has been harvested for its meat and its colorful shell. Since the late 1980s, withering syndrome, a disease that kills abalone, has affected the black abalone population. Efforts to restore the black abalone populations are underway, including:

* Captive breeding and release

* Creating artificial reef habitats

* Reintroducing black abalone to certain areas

* Reducing threats such as poaching

Red Abalone

Fishing for the commercially important red abalone (_Haliotis rufescens_) is strictly regulated, and it can only be taken by divers using compressed air. Red abalone are commonly found on rocky reefs between the intertidal zone and a depth of 18 meters (59 feet), and they can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length and weigh up to 5 pounds (2.3 kg). The shell of the red abalone is typically reddish-brown, with green, yellow, and blue highlights and the inside of the shell is iridescent.

Green Abalone

Green abalone (_Haliotis fulgens_), one of the most widespread abalone species in the Channel Islands, can be found in rocky intertidal zones and just offshore in kelp forests. Green abalone typically have a dark green or olive green shell with yellow, orange, and purple highlights, and they can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and weigh up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg).

Pink Abalone

Pink abalone (_Haliotis corrugata_) are more common in the Channel Islands than the mainland coast of California, and they are typically found on rocky reefs at a depth of 5 to 25 meters (16 to 82 feet). Pink abalone shells come in a variety of shades, from light pink to dark purple, with red and orange highlights, and they can grow to a length of 10 inches (25 cm).

White Abalone

White abalone (_Haliotis sorenseni_) are the rarest of the Channel Islands abalone species, and they are only found in deep water (deeper than 45 meters (148 feet)). White abalone are characterized by their white or cream-colored shells with faint gray or brown markings, and they can grow to a length of 8 inches (20 cm).

Flat Abalone

Flat abalone (_Haliotis walallensis_) are found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal areas of the Channel Islands. They are characterized by their flat, oval-shaped shells, which can be various colors, including green, brown, red, and yellow. Flat abalone typically grow to a length of 4 inches (10 cm).