Briefing on the amazing research occurring at our UC Davis Bodega Bay Marine Research Lab. Federal funding enables and supports much of this critical work. Programs like the white abalone endangered species restoration would not be possible without #NOAA and federal support.
Basic needs of the white abalone recovery program are met through NOAA Fisheries Section 6 funds of $3.2 million over 3 years to California Department of Fish & Wildlife and University of California, Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory. Additional funding for abalone aguaculture innovation comes through the NOAA SBIR r2rogram to The Cultured Abalone Farm.
US abalone aquaculture is valued at $70 million/yr and is poised for growth, as demand continues to exceed supply, but is threatened by changing ocean conditions. Shellfish aquaculture is also necessary for improving US food security. Recreational wild abalone harvest was valued at $44 million/yr, but due to threats posed by environmental fluctuations, closed completely in 2018. White abalone work is foundational for restoring the recreational fishery of this related species.
