SoCal Endangered Steelhead and Abalone

Pictured: Endangered Southern California Steelhead in its stream habitat. Photo: USFWS

The remnants of endangered Southern steelhead trout, white abalone and black abalone populations have dwindled from overharvesting and habitat degradation. They're so rare that they have become forgotten coastal treasures. NOAA helps recovery of these species by working with partners to restore their important habitats.

Abalone and steelhead live within southern California. Their critical habitats span from headwaters in the coastal mountains to the ocean and its kelp forests. These once iconic species also live alongside 22 million people, including the native Chumash people who have lived in Southern California for more than 7,000 years.

Abalone are iconic part of California coastal history, but populations have declined so steeply that multiple species have been listed as endangered and current generation of Californian’s have forgotten about this coastal treasure.

The three species have significant historical importance to native Chumash. Aside from historically harvesting abalone for its sweet and nutritious meat, the Chumash used the shells as currency. Today, they still use them for bowls, jewelry, in healing ceremonies, and carve them into hooks for fishing.

Steelhead were a critical food source and still an important symbol to the Chumash people—recognized for their simplistic beauty. A long heritage of fishing and harvesting of these species extends to southern Californians in modern times prior to the species decline. A generation ago anglers fished for steelhead themselves—or remember their parents doing so—but they no longer have that opportunity because the fishery is closed.

Southern California Steelhead: A Forgotten Treasure

Once abundant enough to support a recreational fishery, southern California steelhead are now listed as endangered due to habitat loss with many southern California residents forgetting they share the landscape with this coastal treasure.

Abalone are critical to the area because they are key indicators of ecosystem health. Black abalone live in the intertidal zone, while white abalone live in deeper kelp forests. If their populations are healthy, that generally means water quality is good, and food webs are intact. White abalone, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight, are among the most at risk of extinction in the near future. NOAA Fisheries developed five-year action plans outlining opportunities to stabilize the species populations and prevent their extinction. NOAA also collaborates with partners like the Aquarium of the Pacific and The Bay Foundation to support abalone monitoring and outplanting—including innovative pilots to help with success.

Endangered white abalone in its California habitat.

Steelhead use Southern California rivers and estuaries for their homes. These waterways are heavily impacted and often blocked by dams or covered in concrete, no longer accessible as habitat. But, Southern California rivers and streams are critical because they’re the only homes the species have. NOAA and partners’ Southern Steelhead Recovery Plan identifies opportunities for removing barriers to fish migration, conserving water to help return flow to streams, and restoring estuaries vital to juvenile steelhead survival.

Like any fish or wildlife in decline, learning about Southern California’s forgotten treasures is one way to ensure these species are never forgotten. If you live or visit there, stop by the local nature center or aquarium to learn what we all can do to help protect and restore the sensitive habitats abalone and steelhead call home.