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Dynamics and distribution of black abalone populations at San Nicolas Island

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Edited by: F.G. Hochberg

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Abstract

Dense populations of black abalones (Haliotis cracherodii Leach) were monitored in permanent intertidal plots at nine sites on San Nicolas Island from 1981 through 1990. Densities were essentially constant at all four sites along the north shore of the island throughout the study period. Densities at five sites along the south shore were more variable, possibly reflecting asynchronous variation in recruitment, mortality resulting from wave disturbance, and removal by people. Temporal variation of abalone densities apparently was not influenced by sea otters or abalone withering syndrome during this study. Abalones were strongly aggregated in space. Highest densities occurred in areas of irregular substrata, apparently as a result of preference for crevices and vertical faces. The locations of dense patches were persistent in time.

Suggested Citation

VanBlaricom, G., 1993, Dynamics and distribution of black abalone populations at San Nicolas Island, in Third California Islands Symposium: Recent Advances in research on the California Islands, p. 323-334.

Study Area

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Dynamics and distribution of black abalone populations at San Nicolas Island
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Publisher location Santa Barbara, California
Contributing office(s) Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Third California Islands Symposium: Recent Advances in research on the California Islands
First page 323
Last page 334
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Nicolas Island
Additional publication details