Effects of Depth, Microhabitat Exposure, and Marine Protection on Abalone Size and Abundance in Mendocino County, California

Presentation Year

2026

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

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.

Does your project align with any of the following?

Permission to Publish Work

Yes

Presentation File Upload

wildlife-flores-jovanni-199262-3x4.pdf (1.27 KB)

Primary Contact: First Name

Jovanni

Primary Contact: Last Name

Flores

Primary Contact: Email

jf290@humboldt.edu

Primary Contact: I am a

Undergraduate Student

Primary Contact: Phone Number

2094710944

Indicate File Dimensions

4'x3'