Dead abalone litter the beach near Fort Ross after a large die-off event in 2011

Dead abalone litter the beach near Fort Ross after a large die-off event in 2011

If you’re interested in helping to protect California’s north coast abalone resources, here’s a great opportunity to become involved.

Next weekend, May 21-22, ReefCheck is offering a one day abalone study class followed by one day of diving, with the goal of collecting 500 size measurements of red abalone. The data will supplement the abalone density information collected by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.

On the first day, the class will teach participants sizing protocols, identification, and offer pool practice. On the second day, a full day of ocean dives will performed where the data collection will take place. The dives will take place at Van Damme State Park.

For more information, please visit reefcheck.org, or contact Anna Neumann at aneumann@reefcheck.org.

The beautiful and rugged Sonoma coastline, where many abalone divers frequent

The beautiful and rugged Sonoma coastline, where many abalone divers regularly visit