SeaKeepers, an ocean conservation nonprofit, is requesting volunteer vessel support in order for scientists to collect data on the endangered white abalone off the coast of California. The efforts support NOAA’s long-term recovery plan and guide conservation strategies to restore populations.
Duration of the Expedition is 1-12 days, with a flexible time frame. The vessel should be able to accommodate 12 researchers, have a licensed captain, and a swim platform or easy access to a tender and a compressor on board for scuba diving.
As noted by SeaKeepers, white abalone is one of the rarest sea snails on Earth and was the first marine invertebrate to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2001. The activities of the SeaKeepers project involve monitoring and collecting data from some of the last known wild white abalone in California. These abalone tend to occur farther offshore (up to 100 miles) at California islands and banks and occur at depths up to 200 feet.
As noted by NOAA Fisheries, white abalone graze on drift kelp and clear patches of rock, allowing multiple kelp and marine species to flourish. Overfishing in the 1970s thinned their numbers causing them to be too far apart to breed. Human captive breeding and outplanting programs are needed for the abalone to survive.
If you are interested in this specific program opportunity and own a yacht that meets the needs of scientists, please reach out to the SeaKeepers team HERE. To learn more about SeaKeepers go to https://www.seakeepers.org/
Header Photo: NOAA Fisheries
Shell Photo: Forbes
