It has been listed as "Endangered" by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species since 2006.[1]
Taxonomy
Sometimes two subspeciesHaliotis kamtschatkana are recognized, though the World Register of Marine Species treats this species as monotypic:[3]
Haliotis kamtschatkana assimilis Dall, 1878
Haliotis kamtschatkana kamtschatkana Jonas, 1845
Description
The pinto abalone has an adult shell size of approximately 8 cm (3.1 in) but it can rarely grow as large as 15 cm (5.9 in). The rather thin shell is flattened and ear-shaped. The surface is covered with uneven spiral cords, often very indistinct, and strongly elevated undulations or lumps. The columellar shelf is narrow, flattened, and sloping inward. The shell has 3 to 6 elevated respiratory holes. These holes collectively make up what is known as the selenizone which form as the shell grows. The silvery interior of the shell is iridescent. The shell is generally green-brown but can have white or blue coloration and has a somewhat scalloped edge. The epipodium is lacy and green-brown in color. Tentacles surrounding the foot and extending out of the shell sense food and predators.[4]
The distribution of this species also includes Korea.[6]
Status by location
In California, Pinto abalone were never a major component of recreational or commercial catch. There was however a 10-fold decline in abundance in northern California. (156,000 in 1971 to 18,000 in 1999–2001)
In Alaska, peak harvest was between 1978 and 1981 (260,000 lbs); average harvest declined to 50,000 lbs in 1994. The commercial fishery was closed in 1996; recreational free-diving fishery remains.
In Washington State, there was no historical commercial fishing; the recreational fishing closed in 1994 due to declines in abundance. Surveys in the San Juan Islands indicate a decline in density at many sites.[7] Densities at all but one site are below or within the minimum range for successful fertilization. Abalone size has increased between 1996 and 2006 but abundance has not.
In Canada, the fishery began in the early 1970s and the peak fishery was in 1977–1978 (400t). Subsequently, there was a population decline and quotas were instituted. As populations did not recover there were continuing quota reductions through 1989 (47.2t) without population response. The fishery was closed in 1990 to all user groups but since the closure, the population decline has continued.
Habitat
This species lives on rocky shores. These abalones are found intertidally or subtidally near kelp to 30 feet (9 m) depth, but they can be found to 330 feet (100 m) depth. Like all abalones, they are herbivorous.
Reproduction
They broadcast spawn from April to June. Larval dispersal is limited.[7] Lifespan is about 15 years.
This species is now endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, mainly due to uncontrolled harvesting and poaching of the species for food. The state of Washington never permitted commercial harvest and recreation take was outlawed in 1994.[7] Alaska outlawed commercial harvest in 1996.
^ abBieler R, Bouchet P, Gofas S, Marshall B, Rosenberg G, La Perna R, Neubauer TA, Sartori AF, Schneider S, Vos C, ter Poorten JJ, Taylor J, Dijkstra H, Finn J, Bank R, Neubert E, Moretzsohn F, Faber M, Houart R, Picton B, Garcia-Alvarez O (eds.). "Haliotis kamtschatkana Jonas, 1845". MolluscaBase. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
^(in Japanese) Uichida K. & Yamamoto T. (1942). "朝鮮近海に於けるアハビの分布 On the distribution of Haliotis species in the Korean waters". ヴヰナス The Venus11(4): 119–125. abstract
^NMFS. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on Petitions to List the Pinto Abalone as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federal Register; V 78 (December 29, 2014), 77998–78022.
Rosenberg, G. (1992). Encyclopedia of Seashells. Dorset: New York. 224 pp.
Turgeon, D.D., et al. (1998). Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society Special Publication, 26 pp: 57.
Geiger, D.L. & Poppe, G.T. (2000). A Conchological Iconography: The family Haliotidae. Conchbooks, Hackenheim Germany. 135 pp 83 pls.
Geiger, D.L. & Owen, B. (2012). Abalone: Worldwide Haliotidae. Hackenheim: Conchbooks. viii + 361 pp.