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 (Plan) is to develop a robust, adaptive, climate ready strategy to support the recovery of the red abalone population to sustainable levels.
Call for Applications for Community Working Group
To develop the Plan, CDFW is convening a Community Working Group. The group will be 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 seeks applications for 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).
How to Join
Apply to join the Community Working Group using the form below. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024. Selections will be announced in May. Questions may be directed to Abalone@wildlife.ca.gov.