North Coast Abalone Watch

Abalone was traditionally an important food and cultural resource for First Nations. Our long-term goal is to restore the population to a level that supports sustainable community food fisheries.

Northern abalone have declined by more than 75% along the BC Coast, as shown by regular surveys since the late 1970’s. The main cause of the abalone’s decline was a large commercial fishery and suspected high levels of illegal harvesting. Facing population collapse, the abalone fishery was closed in 1990 to all user groups including First Nations, recreational & commercial harvesters.

In 1999, abalone was listed as a “Threatened” species, and in 2003 it was legally protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) which prohibits taking, buying, selling or trading of abalone. Despite the complete ban on harvest since 1990, regular dive surveys show that the population has continued to decline and shows no sign of recovery.

Abalone is slow-growing, and reproduces by “broadcast spawning”, releasing sperm and eggs into the water. If too many abalone are taken from a patch, fertilization cannot succeed. This is one reason why they have not recovered. Poaching is another important factor. Illegal harvest (fueled by high black-market prices) is believed to be the main reason for the abalone’s decline.

North Coast Abalone Watch was started in 2006 by Metlakatla Fisheries, working with other First Nations and stewardship groups. Abalone patrols are being conducted on the north coast by Metlakatla Fisheries, other First Nations and the Coast Guard, to monitor abalone areas and watch for poaching. Metlakatla and other First Nations are mapping local knowledge of abalone areas, for monitoring and rebuilding. Dive surveys have been taking place since 2008

How You Can Help:

Be a Coast Watcher: keep an eye out for any signs of illegal harvest or sale of abalone. If you see anything suspicious, write down all the details you can and call:

1-800-465-4336
Observe, Record, Report